6 Things You Need to Know About TV in 2020

Are TVs outdated? In all honesty, it depends on your living style. For some people, the last time they’ve used a TV was back in the 2010s right before their own PCs, laptops, and smartphones took over. For others, the TV remains one of the household essentials that they can’t live without. In all cases, whether you’re looking to upgrade your TV or looking to purchase a new one for your new place, there are 6 things you should know about TVs in 2020 - and here’s where you can get started.

First and foremost, you should be aware that, just like any other buying season, TVs have their own schedule. New models get introduced at the beginning of every year, and that’s when they’re the most expensive. If you’re a tech geek and you can’t stand not getting state-of-art TVs as soon as they hit the market, then this is the time you’ll want to buy a new, modern, TV. Again, keep in mind that’s when it will be most expensive for your wallet. 

On the other hand, the price of TVs keeps dropping throughout the year until they hit rock-bottom in November and Black Fridays. If you don’t mind getting the latest technology a little bit later than tech enthusiasts, then that’s when you’ll want to buy your TV. Generally speaking, many last-year models will be put on sale during the spring, so that’s another time you can get affordable yet decent TVs. 

Let’s make one thing clear: most of the spec sheet jargon is just that - jargon. You won’t really be able to make out the quality of the picture or understand the full specs of the TV from reading the spec sheets. If you want the best value-for-money option, it’s better to seek the specific features you’re looking for and comparing different models based on these features. As for the pages-long spec sheets, it’s just another marketing strategy to confuse you into buying the most expensive model out there, even if lacks the features you’ll actually need. 

Perhaps size doesn’t matter in many things, but a TV is not one of them. A big TV will do wonders in accentuating your decor, giving you a clear picture regardless of the distance, and making you feel satisfied with your choice. 

A good place to start is a TV of 43’ in the bedroom, but a living room would do better with a 55’. Needless to say, 65’ and larger will be even better. Regardless of the size you choose, you’ll have to make sure there’s at least a free inch around the TV to make room for ventilation. If your current entertainment center is a little too small for the new TV, then it’s probably time you consider upgrading your furniture. 

Cutting the cables is trending in 2020, and that’s for a good reason. One look at the cable bills will also have you running to cut your cables - but what’s the alternative? Glad you asked. Instead of cables, indoor TV antennas allow you to get reception and stream some channels, usually limited to local broadcasts. In his review comparing the 10 best outdoor tv antennas, Greg from Long Range Signal explains that outdoor antennas provide a bigger range of coverage than indoor ones. If you have to choose between capabilities, size, and weight, an outdoor antenna will save you from the pinch and cover all the features that your situation needs. 

If you’re trying to find that best picture quality, then it’s the display you should be comparing and not the spec sheets. Here’s a brief guide:

Along with the display, your choice of TV should be based on the features you desire. For instance, most TVs nowadays have standard HDMI and USB inputs. You’ll have to look for specific options if you have older gadgets to connect or modern gadgets with more wires to connect. You’ll also want to decide if you want a smart TV that connects with voice assistants, a TV that’s designed for gamers, and what kind of sound would satisfy you. 

To answer the question we’ve started with - no, TVs are far from being outdated. In fact, there are a plethora of technological upgrades that may confuse you on your tour. To avoid any hassles, it’s better to set your budget, list the features you want, and know-how to judge a TV for what it really offers.