Television and TV device – what needs to be considered?

Televisions and TV devices – What should I know before buying?

Before buying a new television, one often faces the crucial question: What do all the abbreviations mean, such as LCD, OLED, HDMI, screen diagonal in inches, or what does "optimal viewing distance" actually mean, and which TV device is the right one for me? What should be considered? We provide a brief overview of current technologies and explain terms such as screen diagonal, LCD, OLED, HD, UHD, 4K, 8K, and offer tips for the optimal viewing distance and the ideal size of the TV display. As a display protection manufacturer, we can provide the appropriate solution for retroactively anti-reflecting glossy televisions.

Display sizes in inches and their conversion

The size of a television screen is usually measured in inches, with one inch being approximately 2.54 centimeters. Here are some common display sizes and their conversions to centimeters:
32 inches = 81.28 cm
43 inches = 109.2 cm
50 inches = 127.0 cm
55 inches = 139.7 cm
65 inches = 165.1 cm
75 inches = 190.5 cm

Why 55 inches are not always 55 inches – or are they?

Just now we dealt with the conversion from inches to centimeters, and now inches are not supposed to be the same as inches? It is indeed correct that 55 inches correspond to 139.7 cm. The specification of screen size in the form of the display diagonal of televisions and TV devices (and actually for all displays of electronic devices) is usually given in inches. However, almost all TV devices have differing display shapes, even if only minimally. The following graphic illustrates this relationship. The drawn circle has a radius of 55 inches (just for illustration; in reality, the radius is, of course, only a few centimeters). Every connection from the center of the circle to the circle line has the same length. School geometry.

Thus, the red, blue, green, and the orange arrows have exactly the same length.

Looking at the red rectangle, with an aspect ratio of approximately 16:9 ("wide screen"), and comparing it with the blue rectangle, with an aspect ratio more like 16:10, one immediately notices that the two rectangles have completely different dimensions in width and height. However, the red and blue arrows are exactly the same length (in our example, fictitiously 55 inches = 139.7 cm). Thus, the two rectangles, red and blue, symbolically representing displays in our example, have identical display diagonals with different measurements for width and height!

Infinite aspect ratios of width to height with identical screen diagonal

Analogously, this applies to the green and orange rectangle, or screen: all colored arrows represent the respective screen diagonal and have the same length, thus representing an identical screen diagonal, even though the aspect ratios of width to height are completely different each time. Mathematically speaking, there are infinitely many different aspect ratios for screens and displays with absolutely identical display diagonals. All possible rectangles, or displays, only need to meet the condition of having an identical display diagonal, meaning they point from the center of the circle to the circle line.

Conclusion: Display diagonal 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 inches or even larger

If two televisions have identical screen diagonals, this does not necessarily mean that the two devices are the same size. The aspect ratio of width to height can be different. In this case, the available space and natural personal preferences determine the choice of screen size.

But how do you decide which display size is the right one? We provide some guidance and tips..

Screen size of a television and the ideal viewing distance

The relationship between the screen size of a television and the ideal viewing distance is crucial for an optimal viewing experience. An incorrect viewing distance can lead to visual discomfort, such as eye strain, distorted images, and reduced picture quality. Here is a detailed explanation on this topic:

Display size and viewing distance

As explained at the beginning of the article, the display size of a television is usually measured and specified in inches. The diagonal of the screen is used as the measurement. Larger televisions offer an impressive viewing experience and are well-suited for movies, sporting events, and games. However, an appropriate viewing distance is crucial for optimal picture quality.

Calculation of the ideal viewing distance

The ideal viewing distance depends on the size of the screen and the resolution of the TV. A general rule of thumb is that the optimal viewing distance is about 1.5 to 2.5 times the screen diagonal. For a 55-inch TV with HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels), the ideal viewing distance would be approximately 1.5 to 2.5 meters. However, modern TVs often have 4K resolutions. 8K resolutions are still relatively rare. With 4K and 8K TVs, the viewing distance can be shortened. The optimal viewing distance can be estimated well using the following table, although personal preferences naturally also play a significant role.

Recommended viewing distance depending on the screen size and resolution of televisions

Visual aspects

A viewing distance that is too short can cause the image to appear too large and overwhelming, while a viewing distance that is too great can result in a loss of detail. An appropriate viewing distance allows you to perceive the entire image well without straining your eyes.

Image quality and immersion

Immersion beschreibt das visuelle und optische Eintauchen in die Filmwelt (wie hautnah wird das Filmerlebnis erlebt?). Der ideale Sehabstand trägt enorm zur Bildqualität und Immersion bei. Ein angemessener Abstand ermöglicht es, die Details und die Farben des Bildes optimal zu erkennen und die immersive Wirkung des Seherlebnisses zu verstärken. Ein zu großer Abstand kann dazu führen, dass Feinheiten des Bildes verloren gehen und die Immersion beeinträchtigt wird. Der Film läuft dann „irgendwie an einem vorbei“. Sportereignisse werden nicht so intensiv wahrgenommen, wie es eigentlich erwünscht wäre.

Technological factors

The resolution of the television also plays a crucial role in the ideal viewing distance. With higher resolutions like UHD 4K or 8K, viewers can sit closer to the television without experiencing a pixelated image. See our table for recommended viewing distances depending on screen size and resolution. These technologies make it possible to obtain a crystal-clear image with fine details even from a shorter distance.

Ergonomics and comfort

An appropriate viewing distance also promotes an ergonomic sitting position and comfort while watching TV. By considering the ideal viewing distance, neck and eye strain can be reduced, leading to an overall more pleasant viewing experience. The chill and relax factor increases significantly when you make the effort to adjust the appropriate viewing distance.

Conclusion Viewing Distance for Television and TV Devices

The ideal viewing distance in relation to the screen size of a television plays an important role in picture quality, the TV experience, and comfort while watching. By considering the recommended viewing distance, the viewing experience can be optimized and visual discomfort avoided. It is advisable to determine the ideal viewing distance based on the screen size, resolution, and personal preferences to get the most out of the TV, whether it's HD, UHD, or even 8K.

Different screen technologies

The most commonly encountered display technologies in televisions are listed below, and we explain in detail what lies behind them.

Display technologies used in televisions

• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) – LCD displays use liquid crystals that are illuminated by a backlight. They offer good image quality and are cost-effective.
• QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) – QLED uses quantum dot technology to achieve a wider color range and better brightness. They offer brilliant colors and are energy efficient.
• OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) – OLED displays emit their own light and offer perfect blacks and incredible contrasts. However, they are more expensive and have a limited lifespan.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

LCD displays consist of a backlight that shines through liquid crystals to create the image. Each pixel on an LCD display is made up of three subpixels (red, green, blue) that are combined to display the desired colors. An important component is the backlight, which can be implemented using either LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) or CCFLs (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps). LCDs are cost-effective to manufacture and offer good image quality with high brightness and contrast. However, LCD displays have limited viewing angles and may exhibit weaknesses in black reproduction in dark scenes.

QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode)

QLED displays use quantum dot technology, where nanocrystals are used for light emission. These crystals can emit precise light wavelengths, thereby creating a broader color spectrum. The quantum dots can filter the backlight to improve color accuracy and brightness. QLED TVs offer enhanced brightness, vibrant colors, and high contrast. They are more energy-efficient than traditional LCD displays and provide an improved viewing experience, especially in bright environments.

QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode)

OLED displays consist of organic light-emitting diodes that generate their own light and do not require a backlight. Each pixel of an OLED display can be individually turned on and off, allowing for perfect black and infinite contrast. OLED screens offer vibrant colors, fast response times, and wide viewing angles. They are particularly well-suited for dark rooms as they provide excellent contrast ratios and deep blacks. However, OLED displays are generally more expensive and have a limited lifespan, as organic materials can fade over time.

Current display resolutions for TV sets

• HD (High Definition): HD offers a resolution from 720p to 1080p and delivers a sharp image.
• UHD 4K (Ultra High Definition): UHD 4K offers a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and delivers impressive image quality with fine details.
• 8K: 8K is the latest technology with a resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels and offers incredibly clear images with even more details.

HD (High Definition)

HD refers to high-resolution screen formats, typically 720p (1280×720 pixels) or 1080p (1920×1080 pixels). HD provides sharper and more detailed image quality compared to standard resolution. HD content is widely available and offers an enhanced viewing experience, especially for sports broadcasts, movies, and games.

UHD 4K (Ultra High Definition)

UHD 4K is an even higher image resolution than HD, with a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels. 4K offers four times the number of pixels as Full HD and delivers razor-sharp images with fine details. UHD 4K enables an immersive viewing experience and is particularly suitable for large screens to provide a clear and detailed picture.

8K resolution

8K is the latest technology in the field of image resolution with a resolution of 7680×4320 pixels. 8K offers four times the resolution of UHD 4K and delivers incredibly clear images with even more detail and depth. Although 8K content is currently still limited in availability, this technology will become increasingly important in the future due to its impressive image quality and precision.

Problematic reflective televisions

Reflective TV displays are often a source of unwanted reflections that can impair the viewing experience. These reflections can be caused by light sources such as windows or lamps and can disrupt the image on the screen. The viewing distance to the TV is optimally set, the new OLED 4K technology is in the living room, but the TV display reflects so much that you can see your own face on the screen, as well as the furniture in the living room and even the trees and shrubs from the garden perfectly reflected on the screen.

A very common annoyance that not only spoils the TV enjoyment but often simply becomes a knockout criterion. Completely darkening the room is not a long-term solution either. Placing or hanging the TV in a different location is often not an alternative afterwards. There is only one solution: By means of retrofitting anti-glare on TV sets, the surface of the display is treated to reduce reflections and produce a clearer picture. How do you retrofit anti-glare on TV displays?

High-quality anti-glare film from Neoxum

The anti-glare film from Neoxum plays a crucial role here. It is designed not only to effectively reduce glare on reflective TV screens but also to provide additional protection against damage. The film acts as a barrier between the display and external influences, thus protecting the display from scratches, dust, and fingerprints. This helps extend the lifespan of the TV and maintain image quality over a longer period.
The subsequent reduction of reflections and glare on the TV screen by a precisely fitting anti-glare film from Neoxum significantly improves the viewing experience, especially in bright environments. By reducing disturbing light reflections, the image is displayed more clearly and with higher contrast, leading to a more pleasant and uninterrupted TV experience. This enhancement of image quality makes the TV experience more realistic and immersive. These external influences can impair image quality and damage the display. By applying the anti-glare film, the display is additionally effectively protected, which not only preserves the visual quality but also extends the lifespan of the TV.

Buy anti-glare films for televisions online

Through our partner, the company docda, you can purchase the appropriate anti-glare film (sometimes referred to as anti-reflective film or anti-blend film) online. Display dimensions are already available for many well-known brands and models. The perfectly fitting anti-glare film for TVs can be easily found using the manufacturer and model filter on the docda website. If your TV is not listed or you cannot find your television, please contact us. As the manufacturer of the anti-glare films, we also produce according to specifications for your TV, so you can efficiently minimize annoying reflections on your device, whether it is brand new or quite old. We have also considered the installation of the sometimes very large films. Applying the adhesive-free display films is very easy with the help of our installation set for TVs.

Summary of retroactive antireflection of televisions

In addition to anti-reflection and protection against damage, Neoxum's custom-fit anti-reflection films offer a variety of benefits for every screen size. The anti-reflective protective film improves display visibility, reduces glare, and supports a more comfortable viewing experience. The film effectively reduces reflections and glare, especially in bright environments or when light comes from the side through windows. However, even indoors, lamps can be unfavorably placed, causing glare. These unwanted reflections are effectively reduced. Neoxum's anti-reflection film is not only designed to reduce glare on reflective TV screens but also provides additional protection against damage. Furthermore, it protects the display from scratches, dust, and fingerprints, which extends the lifespan of the television.

Connections, smart TV features, and mounting options

Modern televisions come with a variety of connections such as HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, allowing for the connection of external devices. Smart TV features provide access to apps, streaming services, and internet browsers, making the viewing experience more interactive. Regarding mounting, there are various options for installing a television, whether on the wall with a wall mount or on a stand. Overall, televisions and TV devices today offer a wide range of features and technologies that enhance and personalize the viewing experience. From different display technologies to protective films and smart TV integration, there is a suitable device for every taste and need.

Image and sound quality

The picture and sound quality are crucial factors when choosing a television. HDR (High Dynamic Range) allows for a greater contrast range and more vibrant colors, while Dolby Atmos provides an immersive sound experience. The right combination of picture and sound quality can elevate the TV experience to a new level.

User-friendliness and ease of use

The user interface of a television plays an important role in user-friendliness. Easy navigation, clear menus, and intuitive controls help users access their favorite content quickly and effortlessly. The integration of voice control and smart home features makes operation even more convenient.

Design and Aesthetics

The design of a television can have a significant impact on the atmosphere of a room. Slim frames, elegant stands, and minimalist designs help the television blend harmoniously into the decor. The selection of colors and materials allows the television to be customized to one's personal style.

Warranty and Customer Service

A comprehensive warranty and reliable customer service are important criteria when purchasing a television. The option of an extended warranty or a quick repair service can strengthen confidence in the product and ensure a swift resolution in case of problems. By considering these aspects, consumers can make informed decisions and find the perfect television for their needs. The variety of features and technologies makes it possible for every user to find the right TV device on the market.

Energy efficiency and environmental friendliness

Modern televisions are generally more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than older models. Certifications like Energy Star indicate that a device consumes little energy and thus has less impact on the environment. The use of materials such as recycled plastic can also help reduce environmental impact.