If you’re on the hunt for a new television, you’ve probably stumbled upon the buzz surrounding OLED TVs.
Fancy phrases like “perfect blacks,” “pixel dimming,” and “organic light-emitting diodes” are often thrown around in an effort to tempt consumers to part with their cash.
But are these just marketing buzzwords? What does all this tech talk really mean? And is it worth investing your hard-earned money in an OLED TV?
In this post, we’ll cut through the jargon, breaking down the science behind OLED TVs in plain English, helping you to make an informed decision regarding your purchase.
What Are OLED TVs?
OLED TV stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode Television. Which is a bit of a mouthful, hence the acronym!
But what does it actually mean?
Well, the picture you see on your screen is displayed using millions of tiny dots, called pixels.
Traditional televisions rely on a backlight to illuminate the screen. OLED TVs, on the other hand, have self lighting pixels. This means that each of the millions of pixels can light up or switch off independently.
OLED TVs have such incredibly sharp and vibrant images, as well as true blacks that enhance contrast. Whatever you’re watching on an OLED TV will look much more lifelike, so you feel like you’re right there in the heart of the action.
So, in a nutshell, that’s what all the hype around this fantastic TV technology is about.
Pros and Cons of OLED TVs
When choosing a new TV, you’ll need to consider several factors. These include what you’ll primarily be using your television for, the lighting conditions in the room, style preferences, and budget.
Whilst a friend may rave about their great TV that has fantastic picture quality for watching movies, it might not be the best choice if gaming features are your priority when it comes to your viewing experience.
Let’s break down some of the pros and cons of OLED TVs compared to other types of smart TV:
Advantages of OLED TVs
Deep Blacks
OLED TVs can turn each of their individual self lighting pixels off completely, achieving deep blacks that provide excellent contrast and overall picture quality.
Vibrant Colors
The ability of OLED TVs to control each pixel’s brightness independently results in stunning, lifelike colours.
Wide Viewing Angles
Whether you choose a 42 inch OLED TV or something a little larger, their screens maintain excellent picture quality even when viewed from different angles, unlike some other TV technologies.
Thin and Stylish Design
OLED TVs are often remarkably thin and aesthetically pleasing. This makes them an attractive addition to any modern home entertainment setup.
Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision is an advanced high dynamic range (HDR) technology, designed to enhance your viewing experience of all video content, whether you’re enjoying your favourite movie or binging Netflix.
Most premium OLED TVs on the market offer Dolby Vision as a feature. Put simply, the technology gives you excellent picture quality with a wider range of colors, increased brightness levels, and improved contrast.
Dolby Vision Gaming Features
Dolby Vision Gaming is an extension of Dolby Vision that’s tailored specifically for gaming.
It is optimised to enhance your gaming experience, giving you images with more detail when using compatible games consoles. The technology improves your gaming graphics and also makes something called dynamic metadata adjustments.
This technical term basically means that the brightness, contrast, and colors can change and adapt in real-time for each scene, frame, or even smaller moments within the game. Dolby Vision Gaming is like having a personal lighting and colour controller for your video games.
Most premium OLED Tvs also offer Dolby Vision Gaming features.
More HDMI Ports
Unlike older television models, which tend to have only one or two HDMI ports, the best OLED TVs usually come with around four HDMIs.
Having more HDMI ports means you can connect more devices to your smart TV without needing to unplug and switch cables all the time. OLED TVs make it easier to enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and Xbox and Playstation games without any hassle.
Cons of OLED TVs
Potential Burn-in
OLED TVs can be susceptible to image retention or burn-in if static images are displayed for extended periods, though this is less of a concern with newer OLED TV models.
Brightness in Well-Lit Rooms
Whilst OLED TVs offer amazing picture quality, they may not be as bright as some other types of television. This means that an OLED TV might not be the best option for well-lit rooms.
The higher level of brightness provided by LED TVs, including those featuring QD OLED technology (QLED) helps to combat glare and maintain picture quality in the brightest environments.
Cost of OLED TVs
OLED TVs tend to be in the higher price range, so may not be the best budget option when compared to cheaper alternatives like LED TVs.
There are budget OLED TV models on the market, so shop around for the best prices. Also, check the individual specifications of several OLED TVs across the price range to be sure you’re getting great value for your money.
Best OLED TV for Your Needs
When deciding on which television to purchase, OLED TVs are not your only option. Other types include QLED, LED, and mini LED TVs, each with their own advantages and drawbacks.
Before parting with your cash, consider factors such as your viewing environment, budget, and personal preferences.
Ultimately, the ‘best’ TV is the one that aligns most closely with your specific needs and priorities.
Check Out The Best OLED TVs on the Market
When purchasing a new smart TV, it’s vital to go to a reputable retailer who can offer expert advice and good value for money.
Established since 1969, Martin Dawes have the expertise to help you find the best OLED TV for your needs and at a price to suit your budget. Take a look at their wide range of OLED TVs, which features models from LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony, with full write ups for each television enabling you to make an informed decision.
If you have any questions about any of their OLED TVs, or need help in selecting the best OLED TV for your specific requirements, don’t hesitate to give their friendly and knowledgeable team a call on 01925 938999.