Why do I personally buy a smart TV online

Key Takeaways

• Test the TV in person to appreciate the size, design, and installation locations.
• Witness screen brightness, contrast, accuracy, and overall image quality manually.
• Navigate the interface and experience the OS and remote control to ensure they match your preferences.

For all the convenience that online shopping offers, some products still need to be experienced in person before purchase. That's the case with smart TVs, a great capital investment that can serve as a home entertainment center for years to come. Smart TVs are packed with features and functions that are better seen in person than reading about them online. And with so many different companies vying to be your gateway to home entertainment, it's important to know everything you can before you buy.

Even if you don't actually pay for the TV yourself, you still have to buy it away from your computer, visiting stores where you can look at the TV in person. Here is the reason.

1 Design is important

Know the look and feel

A TV isn't just a way to access entertainment — it's also an important electronic device that can take up a lot of space in your home and become the focal point of any room. Therefore, it is important that you like the way it looks. Granted, there aren't a ton of different styles or designs available when it comes to TVs, but there are a few features that should still be checked out firsthand before bringing a TV home.

It can go a long way to help you create a simple setup at home.

Up close, you can notice specifications that may be difficult to understand or visualize when reading the numbers online. That includes the thickness of the bezels and the overall size of the TV. It may help to be aware of the depth and if you are thinking of mounting the TV on the wall, or how the base is designed and placed if you are going to place it on the TV stand.

It may also be useful to note where the input is located on the back of the TV and where the power cable is located. This information may not be the deciding factor in whether you buy a TV or not, but it can go a long way in helping you create the right setup at home, considering in advance where the connected devices may be arranged and which electrical outlet. you may have to use. Lifestyle TVs like The Frame are designed to look good when turned off and should be seen in person first before buying, as they are built with attractive features in mind.

2 Look at the picture

Witness the screen manually

Undoubtedly, the most important part of a TV is its ability to present an image that is faithful to the source material and satisfies your personal needs. For all the jargon, proprietary features, and specifications listed on the Internet about TV, the best way to understand what it has to offer is to just see it up close and personal with your own eyes.

If you're watching in person, you can check key settings like contrast and brightness. The former is especially important to consider when considering a QLED TV or any other type that uses backlighting, as their ability to detect quality differences varies greatly depending on several factors. For those looking for an OLED TV, light sensitivity will be helpful, as this is an area where these models may struggle.

It also helps to ensure that what you are looking at looks good on you. Settings like motion smoothness can be more distracting to some than others, and while TVs in stores will be upgraded to look their best, it's important that the look is something you can handle at home.

3 Check the OS

Get a feel for the controls

An increasingly important feature of smart TVs are their operating systems. With so many apps to use, so many titles to track, and an ever-increasing number of features built into TVs, it's important to get comfortable with the interface as you'll be using it the most.

The best way to test the OS and navigation system is to go to a physical store and test it. See how everything is laid out, which parts can be customized, changed, or removed, and jump around the apps to see how intuitive and easy everything is. While there are systems like LG's WebOS and Samsung's Tizen that are simple and straightforward, there are others like Roku TV or Google TV that may come with more personalized features, as well as more sponsored content and suggestions. Finding an OS that suits your tastes and viewing habits is important.

It's also worth checking out the remote control yourself and understanding any and all ways you can control the TV. Some remote controls may be small and compact, while others, like LG's Magic Remote, are large and a bit cumbersome. While the quality of the remote control may not be a deal breaker for some, it will be something you will likely use again and again. See how it feels in your hand and notice where the important buttons are placed. If you don't like the remote control, be aware of the ways a virtual assistant can help you when using your voice.

4 Deals may be available

I'm telling you, there is a chance

Online deals are common throughout the year when shopping for TVs, but there may be better options available in person. Some stores may offer in-store only deals, while others may have discounted prices for open box, in-store display, or refurbished models that may not be advertised online. In some cases, in-store prices may simply be different than what you see online.

I don't know if it happens a lot, but it also doesn't hurt to ask the person at the store what they can do to encourage shopping. Maybe you don't get a discount on the TV, but maybe you can get a deal if you include something else, like a sound bar, with your purchase. In general, shopping at your location both in person and online rewards customers.

Protect your TV and enjoy

If you are buying online, and not buying directly from the manufacturer, there may be an element of risk involved. This is especially true on sites like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart, where you may be buying not directly from the company, but rather from a second seller or partner. There may be information about the TV that is not readily apparent: It may come from a different country, incur additional shipping costs, or arrive in the coming weeks. Return policies and warranties can be difficult to explain or simply inappropriate.

Buying in person allows you to get the TV right away and start setting it up when you get home. Online shopping can be next day, but big purchases like TVs often take longer, and it can be weeks before you get to enjoy your new content. Ordering online means that you or someone will have to be at home to receive the delivery.

It pays to take your time when investing in a TV, and that includes visiting a store to check it out for yourself. Your diligence will pay off.