Kastoo
There are plenty of myths about TVs that make people spend more than they need to or get a worse picture than they could. Here are six of the most widespread, and what the facts say.
1. “An expensive HDMI cable gives a better picture”
False. The signal is digital: it either arrives intact or it fails. What matters is the type of cable (Premium High Speed for 4K at 60 Hz, Ultra High Speed for 4K at 120 Hz) and the official label with a QR code. We explain it in which HDMI cable to buy.
2. “A 4K TV always shows 4K”
False. Almost everything arrives in HD or Full HD and the TV upscales it. For real 4K you need 4K content, a stable connection of about 25 Mbps and a compatible device. More in why your 4K TV hardly ever shows 4K.
3. “You need to buy an 8K TV”
There is hardly any 8K content. On top of that, since March 2023 EU efficiency rules have capped how much power TVs can use, and many 8K models are sold with an energy-saving mode switched on at the factory to comply. For most people, a good 4K TV is a better buy.
4. “OLEDs burn in straight away”
It can happen with static images left on for hours, day after day, but today’s OLEDs protect themselves: they shift the picture by a few pixels and dim static logos. With normal use, most people will never see it.
5. “You need 1 Gb fibre to watch TV over the internet”
False. A stable 10 Mbps or so gives you Full HD, and 25 Mbps gives you 4K. What usually lets you down is the Wi-Fi to the TV. We cover it in what internet speed you need for IPTV.
6. “Vivid mode is the best”
It catches the eye in the shop, but it oversaturates the colours. Use Filmmaker Mode or Cinema mode and turn off motion smoothing. We explain it in the picture settings you should change.
Frequently asked questions
Do gold-plated connectors improve the picture?
No. They just resist corrosion better.
Is an OLED worth it?
For watching films in a dark room, they are among the best-looking TVs. For a very bright living room, a good LED TV with plenty of brightness is also a great option.
Is HDMI 2.1 a type of cable?
No: it is the version of the TV’s port. The cable is chosen by its type (High Speed, Premium High Speed or Ultra High Speed).
Sources
- EU 8K TV ban goes into effect — here’s how Samsung got around it · Tom’s Guide (March 2023)
- For OLED TVs, burn-in fears are overblown · Tom’s Guide
- Cómo elegir un cable HDMI · OCU, in Spanish
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