How to Choose the Right TV for Your Home

Why Choosing the Right TV Matters

A television is one of the most used screens in your home. Whether you're watching sport, streaming series, gaming, or catching up on the news, the right TV makes every viewing experience more enjoyable. With screen sizes ranging from compact to cinema-scale, and picture technologies evolving rapidly, it's worth understanding what's available before you buy.

This guide covers screen size, resolution, picture panel technologies, smart features, and what to expect at different price points, so you can choose with confidence.

Getting Screen Size Right

Screen size is measured diagonally in inches and is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Too small and the picture feels underwhelming from your viewing distance; too large and fine detail can look soft if the resolution doesn't match the screen size.

As a general guide for typical viewing distances:

• 32 to 43 inches: Suited to bedrooms, kitchens, or smaller living rooms where the viewing distance is around 1.5 to 2.5 metres.
• 50 to 65 inches: The sweet spot for most living rooms, with a viewing distance of around 2 to 3.5 metres.
• 75 inches and above: Ideal for larger living rooms, dedicated home theatre setups, or anyone who wants a truly cinematic experience at home.

When in doubt, go slightly larger. Most people find they wish they'd sized up rather than down once the TV is on the wall.

Browse our full TV range to compare sizes and models side by side.

Resolution: HD, Full HD, and 4K Explained

HD and Full HD

HD (720p) and Full HD (1080p) TVs are still available at smaller screen sizes and lower price points. Full HD delivers a sharp, clear picture on screens up to around 43 inches at normal viewing distances. For larger screens, 4K resolution is a noticeably better choice.

4K Ultra HD

4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) has become the standard for mid-range and premium TVs. It delivers four times the pixel count of Full HD, which means finer detail, smoother edges, and a more lifelike picture, particularly on larger screens. Most streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and Stan now offer 4K content, and 4K upscaling technology improves the appearance of lower-resolution content on 4K screens.

For any TV 50 inches or larger, 4K is the recommended minimum resolution.

Picture Panel Technologies

LED TVs

LED TVs use a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel backlit by LED lights. They're the most common and affordable type of TV, offering reliable picture quality, good brightness, and wide availability across all screen sizes. Picture quality varies significantly between models depending on the backlighting method and panel quality.

Browse our LED TV range for reliable, accessible options across all screen sizes.

QLED TVs

QLED (Quantum Light Emitting Diode) TVs use quantum dot technology to enhance the colour and brightness of a standard LED panel. The result is a wider colour gamut, higher peak brightness, and more vivid, accurate colours compared to standard LED models. QLED TVs perform particularly well in bright rooms where reflections and ambient light can wash out a standard LED picture.

Explore our QLED TV range for vibrant colour and excellent brightness performance.

ULED TVs

ULED is Hisense's proprietary picture enhancement technology, combining quantum dot colour, full array local dimming, and advanced processing to deliver premium picture quality. ULED TVs offer deep blacks, high peak brightness, and excellent contrast, making them a strong performer for both bright daytime viewing and dark room cinematic content.

See our ULED TV range for premium picture performance at a competitive price point.

Mini-LED TVs

Mini-LED TVs use thousands of tiny LED backlights arranged in precise zones behind the panel. This allows for much more accurate local dimming, where bright and dark areas of the picture are controlled independently. The result is deeper blacks, higher contrast, and reduced blooming (the halo effect around bright objects on dark backgrounds) compared to standard LED backlighting. Mini-LED technology is available across QLED and ULED ranges at the premium end of the market.

Smart TV Features

Almost all modern TVs are smart TVs, meaning they connect to the internet and give you access to streaming apps, catch-up TV, and online content directly from the TV without needing a separate streaming device.

Operating System

The smart TV operating system determines how easy the interface is to use and which apps are available. Most major brands use their own proprietary systems. Look for a system with a clean, responsive interface, access to the streaming apps you use most (Netflix, Disney+, Stan, YouTube, ABC iview, and so on), and regular software updates.

Voice Control

Many smart TVs include built-in voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, allowing you to search for content, adjust settings, and control compatible smart home devices using your voice. This is a convenient feature if you're already invested in a smart home ecosystem.

Connectivity

Check the number and type of HDMI ports before purchasing. HDMI 2.1 ports support higher bandwidth for 4K at 120Hz, which is important for gaming on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Look for at least three HDMI ports to accommodate a soundbar, gaming console, and streaming device simultaneously. USB ports for media playback and an optical audio output for connecting older audio equipment are also worth checking.

Refresh Rate and Gaming Performance

Refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz) and indicates how many times per second the screen updates the image. A 60Hz panel is adequate for most TV viewing. A 120Hz panel delivers smoother motion for sport, action sequences, and gaming. If you plan to use your TV for gaming, look for a model with a 120Hz panel, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, and a low input lag rating for the most responsive gaming experience.

HDR: What It Means and Why It Matters

HDR (High Dynamic Range) expands the range of brightness and colour a TV can display, making highlights brighter and shadows deeper for a more realistic, three-dimensional picture. The main HDR formats are HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. Most streaming services and Blu-ray discs now include HDR content. Look for a TV that supports multiple HDR formats for the broadest compatibility.

Sound: What to Expect and When to Upgrade

Built-in TV speakers have improved in recent years, but the slim profiles of modern TVs limit how much bass and volume they can produce. For a more immersive audio experience, pairing your TV with a soundbar or home theatre system makes a significant difference. Browse our soundbar range and home theatre speakers to find the right audio upgrade for your setup.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $600)

Entry-level TVs in this range offer Full HD or 4K resolution, standard LED panels, basic smart TV functionality, and adequate picture quality for everyday viewing. They're a practical choice for bedrooms, kitchens, or secondary rooms.

Mid-Range ($600 to $1,500)

Mid-range TVs deliver a noticeable step up in picture quality, with QLED or ULED panels, better local dimming, improved HDR performance, and more responsive smart TV systems. Most living room setups are well served by a model in this range.

Premium ($1,500 and Above)

Premium TVs offer the best available picture quality, with Mini-LED backlighting, advanced local dimming, high peak brightness, wide colour gamut, and top-tier processing. Large screen sizes of 75 inches and above also sit in this range. They're a worthwhile investment for dedicated home theatre setups or anyone who wants the best viewing experience available.

Matching the TV to Your Room and Viewing Habits

• Bright living room: Prioritise a QLED or ULED model with high peak brightness to combat reflections and ambient light.
• Dark home theatre room: A model with strong local dimming and deep black levels delivers the most cinematic experience.
• Gaming: Look for a 120Hz panel, HDMI 2.1 ports, and low input lag.
• Bedroom or kitchen: A 32 to 43 inch Full HD or 4K model is practical and space-appropriate.
• Large living room: A 75 inch or larger 4K model with Mini-LED backlighting delivers a genuinely cinematic experience.
• Family with mixed viewing habits: A mid-range 55 to 65 inch 4K QLED or ULED model covers sport, streaming, and gaming well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a 4K TV?

For any screen 50 inches or larger, yes. At that size and above, the difference between Full HD and 4K is clearly visible at normal viewing distances. For smaller screens in bedrooms or kitchens, Full HD is still a practical and cost-effective choice.

What's the difference between QLED and ULED?

Both use quantum dot technology to enhance colour and brightness over standard LED panels. QLED is a term used by several manufacturers, while ULED is Hisense's proprietary branding for their premium picture enhancement suite. Both deliver excellent picture quality; the best way to compare is to look at the specific model's specifications and reviews rather than the branding alone.

How high should I mount my TV on the wall?

The centre of the screen should be roughly at eye level when you're seated, which is typically around 100 to 110 cm from the floor for most seating arrangements. Mounting a TV too high causes neck strain over extended viewing sessions.

Do I need a soundbar with my TV?

Built-in TV speakers are adequate for casual viewing, but a soundbar significantly improves dialogue clarity, bass response, and overall immersion. If you watch a lot of films, sport, or gaming content, a soundbar is a worthwhile addition. See our soundbar range for options to suit every budget.

What accessories do I need for my new TV?

Beyond a soundbar, consider an HDMI cable if your existing ones don't support the bandwidth of your new TV, a wall mount bracket if you're mounting the TV, and any streaming devices or gaming consoles you want to connect. Browse our AV accessories range for cables, mounts, and more.

Ready to Find Your Perfect TV?

Browse our complete TV range, including QLED, ULED, and LED models, to find the right screen for your home. Whether you're after a compact bedroom TV or a large-screen living room centrepiece, we have options to suit every room and budget.