What do I need to know about TVs?

[ForeverAutumn]

Hubby and I have decided that it's time for a new TV. Our last TV purchase was an LCD about 10 years ago (give or take a year).

I'm sure that the technology has changed in the last 10 years, and I know that Smart TVs are now available.

What should I be aware of as I begin the search? I haven't set a budget yet, but I'm looking for around 46".

[Mr Peabody]

I'm not the expert, but, if I were looking for a new TV I'd get 4k, the discs are right around the corner and I know at least Sony & Samsung were providing small amounts 4k content with purchase. Netflix is supposed to begin streaming 4k. 4k streaming will depend a lot on your internet bandwidth.

I'd get an LED, which is really still LCD with LED backlighting. Get a "full array" lit display opposed to edge lit if can still be found. I'm sure edge lit has improved but it's as it says only the screen is lit around the edges which could be uneven as going into the center. A full array has the LED's covering the entire back screen more evenly. I paraphrase but this can easily be found with a search.

There are Smart TV's but that just means, mostly, internet connectivity. This can also be done via Blu-ray players and a host of external devices such as Apple TV, Roku or Fire TV. Either way you go much of the content is subscription or purchase viewing.

3D push has slowed but I haven't heard of anyone throwing in the towel and still see new releases in 3D, so maybe it will still be a nitch.

Some Smart TV's and external devices have a "speak it" feature so you can just talk to the remote. Another cool thing about the Smart feature, Apple TV or Fire TV, they will allow you to control your TV with a tablet or smart phone. You can even have the TV mirror what's on the tablet/phone as well as stream from it.

If you really want to get crazy you can rip all your discs to a media server, control it with a remote, tablet or phone, view it on any TV in the house. Look at QNAP NAS storage.

If your hubby still works at JVC I'm sure a brand suggestion is unnecessary. But, if not, JVC, it would be Samsung for me, really not even another contender, unless, possibly, LG.

[Smokey]

Mr Peabody gave good advice and here are couple of add ons

Sharp LC-48LE551U 48 inch non smart TV that got excellent review for $500
Sharp AQUOS 48" Class 4758" Diag. LED 1080p 60Hz HDTV LC-48LE551U - Best Buy

And here is review for it:
Sharp LC-48LE551U Review & Rating | PCMag.com

Also check out Sony 48 inch smart TV (KDL 48W600B) which sell for $580.
Sony BRAVIA 48" Class 4758" Diag. LED 1080p 60Hz Smart HDTV KDL48W600B - Best Buy

Sony also got excellent review (little brother but same model number):
Sony KDL-40W600B LED TV Review - Reviewed.com Televisions

[blackraven]

Great advice all around. TV is at a crossroads with 4K here and now and OLED around the corner. Prices have come way down on 4K sets and they will come down even further. There are 2 paths you can take. You can go cheap, $1K or less for a 1080P TV and there a some good ones at these prices and then upgrade in 3-4 years when technology is better and prices are lower on 4K sets.

Or you can buy the best 4K set you can afford now and realize that better will be available in a couple of years.

If you don't care about 4K then there are some excellent Samsung, Sony and LG 1080p sets for excellent prices.

If you have not seen a good 4K picture on a 4K TV you have got to go see one. The pictures are fantastic and unsettling because of the extreme detail and realism.

Be aware that they all have crappy sound and will need a receiver and speakers. I run my Samsung 55" through a cheap pioneer avr and a pair of Def Tech Promonitor 1000's and a sub with no center channel. It sounds great. I am too lazy to hook up my HT system.

[Mr Peabody]

Most TV companies have given up on OLED, I think LG and maybe one other no brand is the only ones still in the game. The big boys quit because they didn't see any way to bring the price down in the near future from what I've read. At the 5 digit price for most OLED today and possibly no future I'd scratch that idea.

[ForeverAutumn]

Thanks for the advice. I haven't seen a 4k picture. We haven't started looking yet, but will do so in the next week or two. My plan is to decide what we want now, and then wait for the Boxing Week sales after Christmas. Unless we can find a good deal now, then we won't bother waiting.

Hubby has not worked at JVC for two years now. I'm not even sure that JVC still sells TVs in Canada. They are now part of Kenwood and sell mostly cameras and car audio.

We have Apple TV and use it to stream Netflix and iTunes through our stereo system. I can connect my computer to the TV through Apple TV, but when I try to stream sports it's very choppy and there is a sound delay. Will that be smoother with a good smart TV since it would allow me to connect directly to the TV without the Apple TV in the middle?