When exploring the TV market in the UK in 2024, there are numerous options to consider, spanning a range of features and budgets.
As technology continues to evolve, buyers have to weigh factors like display types, sound quality, and gaming features when making a purchase.
Top TV Brands in the UK
Some of the most popular TV brands in the UK include Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, and Philips. Each brand offers distinct advantages in terms of picture quality, features, and value.
Samsung: Known for their innovations in display technology, Samsung offers a variety of models, including QLED and OLED. Their QD-OLED models, like the Samsung S95D, provide excellent picture quality with vibrant colours and deep blacks, ideal for both movie enthusiasts and gamers. The S95D also features Object Tracking Sound+, which provides immersive sound for a truly cinematic experience.
LG: Leading the market in OLED technology, LG is highly praised for their deep black levels and impressive contrast. Models like the LG C4 are recognized for their versatility, providing excellent brightness and gaming performance.
TCL: For those on a budget, TCL delivers high-end features at affordable prices. The TCL C845 is a top choice under £1,000, offering a Mini LED QLED display and strong HDR performance, making it an excellent choice for value-conscious buyers.
Philips: Philips TVs stand out with their Ambilight technology, which enhances the viewing experience by projecting light that matches on-screen colours. The Philips OLED808 is particularly popular for its immersive display and solid gaming features.
Key Features to Consider
Display Type
When purchasing a TV, display type is one of the most critical factors. The primary technologies available include:
OLED: These panels provide the best contrast and black levels, making them ideal for dark room viewing. They excel in displaying true blacks by switching off individual pixels, which is a key advantage over traditional LED and LCD displays.
QLED: Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology offers improved brightness and colour accuracy. QLEDs can often reach higher brightness levels than OLED, which is beneficial in well-lit rooms.
Mini LED: A relatively new innovation, Mini LED combines the best of LED and QLED technologies, offering better contrast and brighter colours. TCL is a leader in this area, providing budget-friendly options with premium features.
Smart Features
Most modern TVs come equipped with smart features, enabling access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
The operating system also matters. Samsung’s Tizen, LG’s WebOS, and Google TV are among the most common systems, each offering different levels of customization, app support, and ease of use.
Sound Quality
TV sound systems have also evolved, with many premium models incorporating Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience. For example, the Samsung S95D offers impressive 4.2.2 channel audio, bringing cinema-quality sound into the home. However, for the best experience, pairing the TV with a soundbar or home theatre system is recommended.
Gaming Capabilities
With the rise of next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, TVs with gaming-friendly features are in high demand. Features like HDMI 2.1, low input lag, and 120Hz refresh rates are essential for a smooth gaming experience. TVs like the LG C4 and Samsung S95D are excellent choices for gamers, offering all the necessary features for modern gaming.
Budget Considerations
The TV market in the UK caters to all budgets. If you’re looking for a high-quality TV without breaking the bank, the TCL C845 offers superb value with 4K resolution, HDR10+, and a Mini LED backlight, all priced under £1,000.
For those with more flexible budgets, premium options like the LG C4 or Samsung S95D offer superior picture quality and additional features like Dolby Vision and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for a more immersive viewing and gaming experience.
Upcoming TV Trends in 2024
TV manufacturers are continuously innovating, with new models incorporating AI-powered upscaling, enhanced smart home integration, and even 8K resolution displays. While 8K content is still limited, brands like Samsung are leading the charge with their 8K QLED TVs. If you’re looking to future-proof your TV setup, it may be worth investing in 8K.
For most users, however, 4K OLED or QLED models will remain the sweet spot in terms of price-to-performance, providing excellent picture quality for both streaming and gaming.
FAQs
Q: What are the most popular television brands in the UK?
A: Some of the most popular television brands in the UK include Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Philips, and Hisense.
Q: What is the best television brand for gaming in the UK?
A: For gaming, brands known for low input lag and high refresh rates are often preferred. LG and Samsung are popular choices for gamers due to their advanced gaming features.
Q: What is the best television brand for watching movies in the UK?
A: For movie watching, brands that offer high picture quality, deep blacks, and accurate colors are ideal. Sony and Panasonic are often recommended for their cinematic experiences.
Q: What is the best television brand for budget-conscious buyers in the UK?
A: Hisense and TCL offer affordable televisions with decent performance. However, the quality and features may vary depending on the specific model.
Q: What is the difference between OLED and QLED televisions?
A: Both OLED and QLED are advanced display technologies. OLED offers deeper blacks, wider viewing angles, and faster response times, while QLED provides brighter images, better color accuracy, and potentially longer lifespan.
Q: What is 4K resolution?
A: 4K resolution is a higher resolution than 1080p, offering more detail and clarity. It’s a popular choice for large TVs and those who appreciate high-quality visuals.
Q: What is HDR?
A: HDR (High Dynamic Range) improves the contrast and color range of images, resulting in more vibrant and realistic visuals. It’s often paired with 4K resolution for the best viewing experience.
Q: What is smart TV?
A: A smart TV is equipped with an operating system that allows you to access internet content, apps, and streaming services directly on your TV.
Conclusion
When choosing a TV in the UK, it’s essential to balance your priorities—whether it’s a display for vibrant colour reproduction, a smart interface for seamless streaming, or top-notch gaming features.
Brands like Samsung, LG, TCL, and Philips cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets, making it easier than ever to find the perfect model for your home.
The Samsung S95D, LG C4, and TCL C845 are among the standout options for 2024, each offering distinct strengths depending on your viewing needs.
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