Buying a TV? Don’t Make the Same Mistake I Made!

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow me on X.

TV Answer Man, I’m thinking of buying a new TV. Any tips and suggestions on what I should look for? What do you look for when you buy a new TV? — Heidi, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Heidi, I have a handful of TVs in my house filling the different needs of each resident (me, wife and teen). But your question reminds me to share a big mistake I made in buying one of my sets, a 55-inch LG OLED 4K TV.

Don’t get me wrong. I love LG’s OLED TVs. I have frequently written here on how it offers a picture without equal in the industry. But I have regretted the purchase every single day since I bought it.

Why?

It’s a 55-inch model. And as good as the picture is, particularly when displaying a well-produced 4K Blu-ray disc or 4K stream, I have to sit thisclose to truly appreciate it. This is not unique with OLEDs, of course. The 4K picture’s added resolution is not detectable unless you sit closer to the screen compared to a high-def set. But it’s particularly frustrating with my 55-inch OLED because when I sit about three feet away (yes, that close), I am blown away by the display. The detail is extraordinary, so life like. But if I sit even six feet away, the impact is diminished.

You might say, well, Swanni, sit three away then. Well, I do when I watch it, but that’s not always convenient or comfortable. You have to move furniture around and make other adjustments. Plus, even with a great 4K TV, sitting three feet in front of it for any length of time can be tough on your eyes.

I bought the 55-inch model because I was trying to reduce costs — the OLED is arguably the most expensive TV on the market — but I truly wish I had purchased a 65-inch OLED or even the 77-inch edition. Yes, it would have set me back twice the money, but it would have paid itself back by now in increased enjoyment.

So my suggestion in buying a TV is go big. As long as you have the right room, you will be happier with a bigger TV. It might cost more money, but if the set lasts several years, as most do, you won’t have to buy another one anytime soon. I also always encourage readers to avoid the warranty, expensive cables and buying the latest model (last year’s model is usually cheaper and just as good.). But the biggest advice is…go big, Heidi.

Hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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.