Buying a new TV is an exciting process, but with so many options out there, finding the perfect one for your space can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Your TV is an investment and an integral part of your room, so it’s not a purchase you want to take lightly. Our TV buying guide is a great tool to help you learn everything you need to know about the latest technology out there.
But it’s equally important to know what not to do. We spoke with Best Buy Home Expert Rodney George to learn about some of the most common mistakes people make when buying a new TV.
1) Going too small
The latest TVs have much smaller bezels — that’s the frame around the screen — so you can probably upgrade to a larger size without taking up more space in your room. In fact, it might look too small in the space if you don’t.
“One of the main reasons TVs are returned is because of the size,” said Rodney. “When it comes to TVs, bigger is usually better, and once a TV is set up, many people realize they should’ve gone bigger.”
One tip Rodney has is to use painters’ tape on the wall to map out where you want the TV to be and get a feel for whether that size will work for you. Or we’ve got a handy AR Viewer on the Best Buy app that lets you see how a TV will look in your home.
If you’re struggling to decide what size TV is the best for your living space, you can set up a free consultation, either virtually or in your home, with a Best Buy Home Expert like Rodney. They’ll be able to help you measure and answer any questions you might have.
2) Putting your TV in the wrong spot
Location is everything when it comes to choosing the right TV. It’s important to think about where you want your TV to go to ensure you buy one that is not only functional in your space but complements it as well.
The first thing to consider is how much light the room gets. That will help you decide what technology is best for your space. (For example, if your room is really bright, you may want to consider an LED TV instead of an OLED one.)
Also, it’s important to think about where your room’s outlets and Wi-Fi sources are located.
“People will buy a TV for a wall, then realize there’s nowhere to plug it in,” Rodney said. “Or they’ll want to use cable and find out there’s no cable connection anywhere.”
Finally, consider your room’s seating arrangement to make sure you’ll be able to enjoy your TV from anywhere you’ll be watching. Nothing’s worse than settling in to watch your favorite show only to realize you’re viewing it at an awkward or uncomfortable angle.
“Figuring out where the most people are going to be in your home is crucial to the placement of your TV,” Rodney said. “For open floor plans, people tend to congregate where the food is, so you want to make sure the TV can be seen from the kitchen or dining room if need be.”
3) Skimping on sound
While newer TVs boast better, clearer picture quality than older models, the opposite is true for sound. Today’s TVs are thinner, which is great because they’re lighter and look sleeker, but the built-in speakers are smaller and less powerful.
Sound can be as important to your viewing experience as the picture, so it’s important to upgrade your audio when you get a new TV. Soundbars are the easiest fix, but there are so many surround-sound and speaker systems that can help you achieve the high-quality sound your home theater deserves.
4) Not accessorizing
Just like accessories can make or break an outfit, the same goes for your new TV. There are several other add-ons, beyond audio, that are essential for completing your home theater setup.
First off, be sure to upgrade your cables. The ones from your old TV might not be compatible with your new one, especially if you’re upgrading to 4K.
If you want to mount your TV, knowing how you want to position your TV is crucial to ensure you buy the correct wall mount. Thankfully, Best Buy Home Experts can help you choose the right one and get it set it up for you.
Many people want to mount their TVs flat against the wall, but Rodney notes that you can’t do that without the proper outlet.
“You need to have an electrician add a recessed power outlet, because otherwise, as much as you try, the plug will stick out too far for your TV to lay flat on the wall,” he said
Finally, this might be a good time to add a new streaming device or upgrade your Wi-Fi. A new router, mesh network or Wi-Fi extender will increase your signal strength and speed to make sure its strong enough to enjoy all your favorite shows, movies and sports without any buffering.
5) Getting stuck with your old TV
Once you buy your new TV, you might not know what to do with your old one. You don’t want to get stuck storing it or contribute to the 50 million tons of e-waste that get thrown out each year.
Thankfully, Best Buy is the nation’s largest retail recycler of used electronics and appliances. Check out BestBuy.com to learn more about how to recycle your old TV and other electronics.
Need more tips for how to pick the perfect TV for you? Check out the TV Buying Guide at BestBuy.com.