Peter Griffin: Buying a TV in 2023 – what you need to know
LG’s C3 OLED TV ($4299) is great for mixed use, a solid all-rounder with a bright picture and intuitive interface. Photo / Supplied
The prospect of seeing the FIFA World Cup finalists square off again compelled me to venture down to the Cake Tin in Wellington to watch the Netherlands vs USA football match last Thursday.
The atmosphere in the stadium was incredible. But I did think a few times that I’d rather be parked up on the couch in front of my TV, watching the action from every angle in all its high-definition glory.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been trialling LG’s new OLED TV, the 55-inch C3 Evo ($4299). It is a good example of the versatility of today’s mid-range OLEDs, which deliver fantastic viewing for TV watching, gaming, and movies alike.
Big sports events are often the trigger to upgrade the family TV, and we’ve not only got the rest of the FIFA games, but also the Rugby World Cup looming large. It’s also said that TVs and cars are the things Kiwis continue to buy in tight economic times.
If you are in the market for a TV, the good news is that there are plenty of compelling options, packing in more tech than we could have dreamt of a decade ago – and a range of price points to suit your budget.
Here’s the Listener’s top 10 things to consider when setting foot in a TV showroom with the intention of walking out with a shiny new flatscreen TV.
1. Budget: Set a budget range before shopping to narrow down your options and find the best TV that meets your requirements without overspending. Resist the upsell from shop staff who are thinking only of their commission. If your budget is $1000 or less, you’ll miss the luxury of OLED technology, but all of the key TV makers have respectable UHD (ultra-high definition) offerings at that price point.
If money was no object, I’d be opting for the LG G3 55 inch ($5998) over the C3, but the most I’m willing to spend on a TV is about $3500, and that’s enough to deliver pretty much everything I want.
2. Screen Size: I always wince when I walk into someone’s house and see a pokey 42-inch TV nestled in a corner of the lounge. I live in a small apartment, but I’ve designed my lounge around my 55-inch Panasonic OLED. Hey, I’m a movie buff with subscriptions to three streaming platforms, so it works for me.
If you do have the space, opt for a 55-inch display or larger. You’ll appreciate it when the family gather around to watch a movie together. But the distance you sit from your TV screen is very important. As a rule of thumb, you should sit about 2.3m away from a 55-inch, high-resolution screen to enjoy the best viewing experience. TVs get more expensive as they increase in size - a 65-inch TV might add $1500 to the price tag, so consider carefully whether you really need to go large. Smaller TVs may be more suitable for bedrooms, offices, or second lounges.