Introduction
What Is Television?
Television is an electronic system made up of three basic components: the camera, transmitter, and receiver. The camera captures images and converts them into digital signals, and then the transmitter broadcasts these signals to receivers. These receivers are the devices present in most households and are typically referred to as TV sets.
With the large number of programs being broadcasted to TVs, these machines serve as essential instruments for mass communication.
A Brief History of Television
The invention of television is not credited to a single person because it is a combination of several technologies created by different people from the 1800s to the 1920s. However, television images were first publicly demonstrated by John Logie Baird in 1925. Several other scientists continued to improve the technology in the 30s and 40s.
At the end of World War II, television sets started to gain popularity as common household appliances, and by 1954, color TVs became commercially available. In the 70s and 80s, television gradually grew as the primary medium for information, advertising, and entertainment.
Why Is Television Important?
Television has made a considerable impact on our society. It gives us an avenue to learn more about the world and helps us gain a better understanding of other cultures and global issues.
Through television programming, we also have a way to escape our reality and enjoy narratives that previously, we could only experience in our imaginations. These films and shows create communities around them, bringing people together through shared interests.
What Are the Different Types of Televisions?
Whether you’re buying a television set for the first time or upgrading your current home entertainment system, it is important to do your research before making a purchase. As overwhelming as it can be to see the different options on the market, reading through the features and advantages of each product will help you make an informed decision.
Below is a list of some of the most common types of TVs you can buy in the Philippines.
Basic LED Televisions
LED TVs are essentially the same as LCD TVs since they both have screens with liquid crystal technology. The main difference between the two is the backlight used behind the display. Conventional LCD TVs are fitted with cold-cathode fluorescent lights, while LED TVs use light-emitting diodes.
With LED backlighting, televisions are typically thinner and brighter. Most LED TVs also have RGB-colored lights, which allows them to produce sharper images with more realistic colors. Additionally, these products last longer and consume less power than LCD TVs, making them much more energy efficient.
Given the number of added features in an LED TV, they usually cost more than a traditional LCD television.
Smart Televisions
The main feature that makes a smart TV unique is its ability to connect to the Internet. Smart TVs function a lot like computers or smartphones with built-in operating systems and apps. These applications give users easy access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Individuals can even download additional apps on their smart TVs so they can browse through social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Smart TVs are perfect for people who want to integrate all the smart devices in their homes. Some models will have built-in dashboards or voice assistants that allow users to control everything—from smart lights to smart locks. Many smart TVs without these features are still compatible with smart speakers, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, so users can still achieve the same level of device integration.
Android Televisions
An Android TV is basically a kind of smart TV that utilizes Google’s Android operating system. This allows users to access the Google Play Store, which has hundreds of apps optimized for bigger screens. While conventional smart TVs also have app stores, the selection of applications available is usually limited to popular streaming and social media services.
With an Android TV, you can take advantage of the built-in Google Assistant feature. This program allows you to use voice commands for other integrated smart devices or search for movies and shows that you want to watch. Android TVs will show you all related results in Google Play, Netflix, and other apps you have installed.
Another great feature of some Android TVs is the built-in Chromecast. This allows you to cast videos or share your screen from compatible Android devices.
What Factors Should You Consider Before Buying a Television?
Choosing the right TV is not limited to researching about the different options available. Even when you’ve narrowed down your choices to a basic LED or smart TV, there are still a lot of factors to consider before you go through with your purchase. It is important to remember that televisions are big purchases, and investing in a product that suits your specific needs could help you save money in the long run.
General
Price
The first thing to consider when purchasing any electronic device is your budget. Determining the amount of money you want to spend can help you significantly narrow down your choices. Setting a price range can also give you a better idea of the different screen sizes, displays, and features you can get with the amount of money you’re willing to shell out.
Space
In order to choose the right TV size, you must also consider the size of the room you want to put it in. You should position your TV at an appropriate distance from your sofa because placing it too near or far could strain your eyes and give you an unpleasant viewing experience.
If you don’t have a lot of floor space, you could consider mounting your TV on the wall. However, you must ensure that it is at an appropriate height so as not to strain your neck while you watch.
Use
Think about what you plan to use your television for. If you only casually watch shows at night, a basic model might be best for you. However, if you want a high-tech entertainment system for watching movies or playing games, you should consider TVs with several inputs and smart capabilities.
Energy Efficiency
Some television models consume a lot of energy because of the features they include. However, more energy-efficient options are available for eco-conscious consumers and people who want to save on their electricity bills. These energy-saving products could also benefit individuals who keep their screens on all day.
Warranty
If you’re planning to buy a higher-end TV, you might want to consider protecting your investment by getting a product that comes with a warranty. Most manufacturers offer one-year warranty policies that cover the costs of parts and service. These policies can help you save on possible repairs and replacements that could otherwise cost a lot of money.
Hardware
Type of TV
Determine the functionalities you want your TV to have. For example, if Internet connectivity is not a priority for you, focus your search on basic LED TVs. On the other hand, if you plan to cancel your cable subscription and watch exclusively through streaming services, you should look at television sets with smart capabilities.
Screen Size
The size of your TV could make or break your viewing experience, which is why it is one of the most important factors you have to consider when buying a set. If you often have viewing parties with large groups of people, you should think about getting a bigger screen to ensure that everyone can comfortably watch the show or film from any angle around the TV.
However, you must also factor in the size of your room. If you plan to put the TV in a small area, it could dominate the space and make the room less inviting.
Connectivity Options
Based on what you plan to use your TV for, you should determine the inputs you need. If you’re planning to use your TV for gaming and streaming, you could benefit from getting a set with multiple HDMI ports. You could also look for a television with USB or SD card slots if you’re the type of person to share photos on the big screen or watch your personal collection of movies. If you want to plug your TV into a separate sound system, look out for audio jacks and Bluetooth capabilities.
Other Features
TV buying guides won’t be able to cover every aspect of the shopping experience, so you must think about the features that are important to you. If the design of a television is something you’re very particular about, you can research the bezel thicknesses of your options. You could also consider the weight of each product if you think there might be logistical challenges in bringing your device home.
Display
Resolution
Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up images on a television. So, TV sets with higher resolutions have sharper and more detailed pictures. A lot of UHD models also have high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities that deliver images with better color, contrast, and brightness.
To maximize these features, you must also have UHD or HDR content. However, you can take advantage of upconverting features that display lower resolution videos in 4K.
If you want a decent viewing experience that doesn’t break the bank, you can consider full HD TVs with 1080p resolutions. Even though these models are a little bit older, they still have decent picture quality that is perfect for smaller rooms.
Refresh Rate
A television’s refresh rate refers to the number of times the screen is refreshed in one second. TV sets with higher refresh rates produce better picture quality. While the standard refresh rate of most TVs is 60Hz, fast-moving content, such as live sports or video games, will often look blurry on screen. If you want smoother images, look for models with refresh rates of 120Hz or higher.
Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio describes the range of brightness a TV can display, giving you an idea of how dark or bright an image will look. Televisions with low contrast ratios typically show dark gray colors even when the image should be black. On the other hand, TVs with high contrast ratios produce clearer and more detailed pictures.
Keep in mind that there is no industry standard for this specification, so different manufacturers will have various ways of measuring the contrast ratios of their products. The best way to determine if a TV has a good contrast ratio is by seeing it in action.
Additional Accessories
Sound Bars and Speakers
When it comes to televisions, sound quality is just as important as picture quality. A TV with good speakers can make movies or games feel more immersive and give you a better overall experience.
If you have a bigger budget, you might want to consider investing in a high-quality sound system. External speakers and soundbars can significantly enhance your viewing experience by producing fuller and richer sounds. These added accessories will help you make the most out of your television.
Remotes
All television sets come with basic remote controls that allow you to navigate through different channels or menus. These devices are typically easy to use and don’t require much of a learning curve. However, if you want more control over your home entertainment system, you can opt for a remote with added features.
Some high-end remotes come with touchpads and voice control features that make navigation much easier than standard clickers. If you’re setting up an elaborate home theater, you could consider getting a universal remote that allows you to control everything—from the brightness of your screen to the bass settings of your external speakers.
Where to Buy Televisions in the Philippines
If you’re looking for a high-quality television set, turn to none other than Western Appliances. We carry an extensive selection of products from some of the most trusted brands in the world, including:
• Devant
• Haier
• Hisense
• Konka
• LG
• Prestiz
• Samsung
• Sharp
• Sony
• TCL
Whether you want to buy an LED, smart, or Android TV, you can rely on us to provide you with the best products for your home entertainment system. We also offer a wide range of accessories, such as speakers, soundbars, digital receivers, amplifiers, micro component systems, and karaoke sets.
When you purchase products from us, you can trust that every item you receive is 100% new and original. We also ensure the safety of all your transactions by utilizing highly secure payment methods.
Western Appliances even offers several promotions throughout the year, so you can take advantage of great deals and discounts!
How Do I Order Televisions From Western Appliances?
To purchase a television from our online store, you must first create an account and log in. Next, browse through our selection and add the products you want to your cart. Once you have finished shopping, you can check out and choose your preferred payment method. You will then receive an email confirmation of your payment. The status of your order can also be viewed on your Account page.
Please take note that we only deliver to customers within Metro Manila as well as selected areas in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Rizal.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a movie buff or an avid gamer, there is a television that suits your lifestyle. Once you get past all the overwhelming technical terms and narrow down your search, all you have left to do is determine the perfect product. No matter what you’re looking for, you can rely on Western Appliances to provide you with a television that meets your specific needs.
For more information about how we can help you, feel free to get in touch with us today. We will be more than happy to address any of your questions or concerns. We look forward to serving you!
