By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow on Facebook & X.
Former Sony employee. Author of TV Dot Com.

With the holiday season underway, many Americans are looking to buy a new 4K TV or perhaps their first 4K TV. Below are nine things you should look for when buying a 4K TV.

What’s Important When Buying a 4K TV?

1. Screen Size
The first and most crucial consideration is the screen size. The ideal size for your 4K TV largely depends on the size of your room and your viewing distance. A larger screen can provide a more immersive experience, but it should be balanced with the viewing distance to avoid discomfort. As a general rule of thumb, for a 4K TV, multiply the diagonal screen size (in inches) by 1.5 to 2.5 to determine the optimal viewing distance. As another rule of thumb, I always advocate getting the biggest screen possible, particularly when buying a 4K TV. Due to the technology’s greater resolution, the bigger the screen, the more you will see the details that a 4K TV can deliver.

2. Display Technology
There are several display technologies to choose from when purchasing a 4K TV, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

LED-LCD: LED-LCD TVs are the most common and affordable option. They offer excellent brightness and energy efficiency. Look for models with local dimming for better contrast.
OLED: OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs offer stunning contrast, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. They are thinner and lighter than LED-LCDs but can be more expensive.
QLED: QLED TVs use Quantum Dot technology to enhance color accuracy and brightness. They provide excellent picture quality and are often competitively priced.

If you have the money, the OLED TV is our pick for best display technology.

3. High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDR is a technology that enhances the contrast and color range of your TV, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike images. When shopping for a 4K TV, ensure it supports popular HDR formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. These formats can significantly impact your viewing experience, especially when watching compatible content.

4. Refresh Rate
The refresh rate measures how many frames per second a TV can display. For smooth motion and reduced motion blur, look for a 4K TV with a high refresh rate, preferably 120Hz or higher. Gamers should also consider low input lag for a more responsive gaming experience.

5. Smart Features
Most modern 4K TVs come with built-in smart features, allowing you to stream content from popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Check the smart platform offered by the TV, as well as the availability of apps and user-friendliness of the interface. Compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant can also be a plus. But don’t worry too much if your chosen TV has relatively few apps; you can always connect a Roku or Fire TV to it to expand the lineup. 

6. Connectivity
Consider the number and types of ports available on the TV. Ensure it has enough HDMI ports to connect your devices, such as gaming consoles, soundbars, and streaming devices. Additionally, look for HDMI 2.1 ports if you plan on using your TV for gaming, as they support features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

7. Audio Quality
While the picture quality is essential, don’t overlook the audio quality. Some 4K TVs come with built-in Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support for immersive sound. But, again, don’t worry if your set of choice doesn’t have the latest audio technology. You can always invest in a soundbar or a Home Theater system for a more robust audio experience.

8. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Research the brand’s reputation and read reviews from both experts at sites such as CNET and Consumer Reports, and actual users on social media sites. This can provide valuable insights into the TV’s performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

9. Price and Budget
Finally, establish a budget before you start shopping. 4K TV prices can vary significantly based on size, brand, and features. While it’s tempting to go for the latest and greatest, make sure your choice aligns with your budget and needs.

Have a question about new TV technologies? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com Please include your first name and hometown in your message.

The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.