Kastoo
A TV or a TV box is one of the most-used presents, but also one of the easiest to get wrong. Before you look at the screen size or the price, check these eight things: they decide whether the device will last and whether it will work well.
If you are giving a TV
- Years of updates. In 2024 Samsung promised seven years of system updates for that year’s TVs, and LG is bringing webOS 26 to models as old as 2022. Always ask how many years of updates it will get.
- 4K yes; 8K, better not. There is hardly any 8K content. A good 4K TV is a better buy. We explain it in why your 4K TV hardly ever shows 4K.
- HDMI 2.1 if there is a console. Gaming at 4K and 120 Hz needs an HDMI 2.1 port and an Ultra High Speed cable. More in which HDMI cable to buy.
- Network connection. Ideally it should have a wired network port; if it connects over Wi-Fi, make sure it has 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
If you are giving a TV box
- Google-certified. Avoid unbranded TV boxes: some come with malware from the factory or with a fake Android version. How to check, in TV boxes with a fake Android.
- Watch out for Fire TV devices with Vega OS. Some new models do not let you install apps from outside Amazon’s store. We go into detail in Fire TV with Vega OS.
- The Chromecast is no longer made. Google replaced it with the Google TV Streamer, which costs €119 in Spain ($99.99 in the US). If there is already a Chromecast at home, it keeps working.
And when you first set it up
- Five minutes of settings: turn off ACR (how to do it), switch from Vivid mode to Filmmaker or Cinema, turn off motion smoothing (picture settings) and turn on HDMI-CEC so you can use a single remote.
Buying it on Black Friday? First check how to tell whether the deal is real.
Frequently asked questions
Which makes a better present, a smart TV or a TV box?
If the TV at home already has a good picture, a certified TV box gives it a new lease of life for much less money. If the screen is poor, go for the TV.
How much memory should a TV box have?
The more, the better, especially with large lists. Be wary of very high figures on very cheap devices.
How do I know whether a TV will get updates?
Check the manufacturer’s website or ask in the shop about the update policy for that specific model.
Sources
- Samsung commits to supporting its TVs with seven years of software updates · What Hi-Fi? (August 2024)
- Google TV Streamer (4K): se acabó el Chromecast · Xataka, in Spanish
Free for 15 days with all features, no card needed. One licence covers 3 devices.
Kastoo is just a player: it does not sell, host or include lists, channels, movies or subscriptions. The screenshots use a demo list with openly licensed content.