Which Ultra HD TV is best for watching the Super Bowl?
Ultra HD TVs give you significantly more pixels on the screen than HD TVs, resulting in better image quality. (A pixel is one tiny dot on the screen; the image you see consists of millions of these dots.) In fact, the Ultra HD TV has nearly four times more pixels than an HD TV, creating a noticeable difference.
To clear up one point of potential confusion, Ultra HD and 4K TVs are the same. Manufacturers and salespeople will use the terms Ultra HD and 4K interchangeably. Watching the big game this weekend? Catch all the best moments of the Super Bowl with these top Ultra HD TVs.
What to know before you buy an Ultra HD TV
One of the most important technologies to have in an Ultra HD TV is HDR (short for high dynamic range). HDR technology delivers a bigger number of specific colors on the screen versus non-HDR TVs. You’ll have an image on the screen that looks brighter with more contrast with HDR technology.
Not all Ultra HD TVs have HDR technology, and not all Ultra HD programming is shot with HDR enabled. But, where available, this technology makes a big difference in the quality of the images on the screen. So always search for HDR technology in the TV and in the programming wherever possible. At this point, unfortunately, HDR programming is not common, but it will be in a few years.
The type of technology used to light the screen may differ among 4K TVs too. LED backlighting is the most common type of TV backlighting. It carries an affordable price point and delivers fast performance levels. However, because LED backlights never quite go fully dark, you don’t receive the highest level of contrast on the screen with LED.
An OLED Ultra HD TV gives you true black, delivering a high level of contrast that makes a difference in image quality. If you love watching movies, the contrast advantage in OLED will be noticeable. OLED TV prices are significantly higher than LED TVs, though.
Don’t confuse OLED and LED with some other acronyms TV manufacturers use. For example, Samsung says its TVs have QLED technology. This refers to the style of the screen, rather than the type of backlighting.
Another differentiator with Ultra HD TVs is the number of input ports they offer. If you have a lot of external devices, look for a television with multiple HDMI ports. With enough inputs, you simultaneously can connect things like a set-top box, gaming console, and Ultra HD Blu-ray player.
What to look for in a quality Ultra HD TV
You may be hoping to save a bit of money on your TV by going with an HD TV instead of an Ultra HD TV. However, this really isn’t much of a bargain anymore.
Ultra HD/4K TVs cost several thousand dollars five to seven years ago. This was quite a price premium to HD TVs at the time. In today’s market, though, 4K TVs and HD TVs are nearly identical in price. In fact, TVs limited to an HD resolution are difficult to find, especially in any screen size larger than 40 inches.
The biggest price differences among Ultra HD TVs involve screen size. Larger screens will cost more. You’ll find 50-inch and smaller 4K TVs for $700 and less. For a 65-inch Ultra HD TV, you may pay $1,000-$1,200.
Ultra HD TVs that have HDR technology built into them will cost roughly 5% to 15% more than those without HDR.
How to find Ultra HD shows
Finding Ultra HD programming can be a little frustrating, as most current TV shows are shot in HD resolution, not Ultra HD. But you do have some options to find Ultra HD/4K resolution programming.
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Subscription service: Cable and satellite TV providers have 4K packages you can order. These packages may run an extra $5 to $20 per month. At this point, you’ll be limited to certain channels that are available in 4K, usually showing sports or movies. You also might need a new set-top box. Understand, though, that 4K programming is very limited from these services currently.
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Streaming service: Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime have some 4K programming. Often, movies and original series from the streaming services will be in 4K. You usually don’t have to pay extra for 4K resolution programming with a streaming service. You will need really fast internet service to stream Ultra HD programming at a smooth level, though.
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Ultra HD Blu-ray player: An Ultra HD/4K Blu-ray Disc already uses Ultra HD/4K resolution. So, if you have an Ultra HD Blu-ray player, it’s perfectly matched with your Ultra HD TV.
Ultra HD/4K resolution programming is steadily becoming more prevalent. So, even if you don’t like your options now, keep checking. You may find a really good deal on 4K programming a few months from now.
Ultra HD TVs FAQ
I don’t notice much of a difference in Ultra HD TV image quality. Why?
A. You may not notice a huge difference if you’re watching 4K/Ultra HD resolution programming. To take full advantage of the Ultra HD TV, it needs to show Ultra HD resolution programming. What you’re likely watching is a technology called upscaling. The Ultra HD TV will use upscaling when showing HD-resolution programming. Upscaling creates extra pixels to fit the Ultra HD TV, making HD programming look a little better.
Is Ultra HD the last major change we’ll receive for TV quality?
A. Don’t count on it. It’s doubtful we’ll ever experience again the huge jump in quality we saw when going from SD to HD TVs. But Ultra HD/4K does give an improvement over HD in terms of image clarity. And manufacturers are already working on an 8K TV technology. So, as with all kinds of technology, expect Ultra HD to be obsolete at some point in the future too.
What Ultra HD TVs are best to buy?
Top Ultra HD TV
SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD DU8000 Series HDR Smart TV
What you need to know: This thin TV contains all the bells and whistles you expect for a 4K TV at this price point. The picture quality is extremely impressive, even when compared to other Ultra HD TVs.
What you’ll love: It has 3D object-tracking sound, where the sound follows the direction of the objects on the screen. It has dynamic crystal color with one billion colors to make the picture look closer to real life.
What you should consider: Some people thought the remote control was a bit basic and thought the smart TV interface was a bit confusing.
Top Ultra HD TV for the money
Hisense 65-Inch Ultra HD Smart TV with Roku
What you need to know: It’s available at a desirable price point for an Ultra HD resolution television. It doesn’t excel in any particular area, but its features are more than adequate for a low-priced UHD TV.
What you’ll love: The color and image quality are really nice. It includes built-in Roku software to provide smart TV functionality, simplifying its use.
What you should consider: The viewing angle isn’t as wide as we’d like.
Worth checking out
Sony 65 Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV BRAVIA 3, Google TV with Google Assistant
What you need to know: It offers a lot of advanced features, including a voice command remote control. The sound quality is so strong that you probably won’t need extra speakers or a soundbar.
What you’ll love: It has a huge screen with HDR technology to provide colors that pop off the screen. It has good screen responsiveness for gaming, with exclusive features for the PS5.
What you should consider: The smart TV software has some bugs.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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