Ask The Expert: What Is The Classic Mistake To Avoid When Buying A TV?

I might be a little biased, but is there any household purchase more exciting than a new TV?

Choosing that dream screen can be a tricky wicket nowadays though, I’m the first to admit. So many models; so much heavy-duty tech talk! Are you team OLED or QLED? Will that 85-inch TV show stopper be a stretch too far for your new lounge? What is the difference between 4K and 8K?

There’s nothing I hate more than the thought of a customer feeling disappointed once that shiny new set comes out of the box. Or worse still, a family investing their hard-earned money on a big-ticket television that just isn’t a great fit for their space – or their future needs.

So, to guarantee that your TV upgrade is everything you hope for (and much more!), let me share the biggest mistake people make when shopping for a new television, along with some other common traps… and how to dodge them!

Mistake #1: Not Thinking Of The Future

Choosing a TV that dates quickly. Hands down, it’s the number one TV-buying blunder – and it’s easy to avoid. Here’s what I always tell my customers: “Don’t buy a TV for now, buy it for the future, so you’ll have a set to serve you well for years to come.” To future-proof your new TV purchase, add these specifications to your checklist:

• An image refresh rate of 120Hz – or even better, 144Hz – for smoother motion in fast-paced movies and games, and during your favourite live sports.

• The best HDMI standard, HDMI 2.1, to take advantage of the latest gaming consoles and streaming devices (and all that incredible 8K content that’s just around the corner).

• The power to pair wirelessly with the latest devices, such as soundbars, smart speakers or laptops, for future smart home connectivity.

Shop Future-Fit TVs

LG 55" B3 4K OLED UHD Smart TV 23TCL 65" C727 4K QLED Android TVSamsung 65" LS03B 4K The Frame QLED Smart TV 22 >

“I always say to go for the largest screen that your budget and your space allow. And if you’re still unsure, our expert team is here to help you choose the best size TV for your home.”

Shop Future-Fit TVs

LG 55" B3 4K OLED UHD Smart TV 23TCL 65" C727 4K QLED Android TVSamsung 65" LS03B 4K The Frame QLED Smart TV 22 >

Mistake #2: Not Upsizing When You Can

The vast majority of customers are now looking to upgrade to a larger TV. Even so, many TV hunters out there simply don’t realise that thanks to huge leaps in image display quality and set design, they no longer need a ginormous room to enjoy big-screen magic. Think of it this way: a modern 75-inch TV is roughly the same size as a 65-inch from six years ago because the bezels – the frame around the screen – have gotten so much slimmer and lighter. That’s why 75-inch screens (and larger) have now become the new normal. My final piece of advice on size? When it comes to today’s UHD TVs, you really should be maximising your screen size for maximum viewing enjoyment, so I always say to go for the largest screen that your budget and your space allow.

And if you’re still unsure, our expert team is here to help you choose the best size TV for your home.

Shop Big-Screen TVs

Linsar 85" 4K UHD Smart Tizen TV 2022LG 86" UR8050 4K UHD LED Smart TV 23Sony 85" Bravia XR Full Array 4K Google TV 2022 >

Mistake #3: Not Adding A Soundbar

Sure, outstanding picture quality is a no-brainer, but audio is every bit as important for your home-viewing satisfaction. Built-in TV speakers have come a long way and will continue to do so, thanks to Object Tracking Sound tech, now seen in TVs from the likes of Samsung and TCL. But in my opinion, no TV is complete without a soundbar. A soundbar keeps dialogue clear and makes the latest music videos, games or action-packed series richer and more engaging.

Shop ‘Right There’ Soundbars

Sonos Arc WhiteHisense 3.1ch 300W Dolby Atmos SoundbarLG 2.1Ch 400W Soundbar >

Mistake #4: Not Knowing Your TV Lingo

Not fluent in TV speak? You’re not alone! But to ensure you’re getting the best purchase for your needs and budget, it really does pay to do some basic homework around the most commonly searched questions (such as QLED vs. OLED or 4K vs. 8K) before you hit the shops.

If nothing else, get to grips with today’s leading display tech – OLED, mini LED and LED – and secondary enhancing tech like QLED, so you understand how each one will translate to your own living-room experience, your specific lighting conditions, and your favourite content. Whether that’s sports, gaming marathons or the latest Netflix blockbuster.

Mistake #5: Not Asking For The Best Price!

Seen one of our TVs cheaper elsewhere? At The Good Guys, we negotiate so you Pay Less Every day! Head in-store or call us on 1300 942 765 to discuss your pre-purchase price match. And don’t forget about our StoreCash program. You can earn store currency on qualifying purchases to help you snap up that blockbuster screen sooner than you think!

Planning a TV upgrade? Visit us in-store or online so we can help you find the right model to match your budget and needs for the biggest, best and brightest home-viewing experience.

About The Author

John Milonas is the TV and Accessories Buyer at The Good Guys. He is a product specialist with 20 years of experience in home appliances.