What do you do on a lazy weekend when you want to watch your favorite TV show or movie or start the Xbox/PS4 and find out either you have a small television which does not give you the satisfaction nor is equipped for the sound effect the content demands. Here are a few tips to help you out.
Disclaimer: This is just my opinion. I have not extensively tested the brands or the products. Please do your own research before buying them. It is your responsibility what you choose for your entertainment. Prices shown are indicative. It may not match with the real product.
You can get those expensive 4K TVs if you can afford them. They'll without doubt give you the best viewing experience. Sizes from 49 inch and above fall into this category.
If you are on a tight budget, you can go for the Full HD TV options from LG, Phillips, Panasonic, Sony and Samsung. Ensure the TV has at least 32 inch and has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Avoid HD Ready TVs.
Although I would discourage you from buying any unknown brands and the new ones because of their lack of Support and quality control, some of the new companies like TCL, Sanyo, Vu and Micromax do provide good deals in terms of specs. be sure to check for the service center around you before buying from the newer brands.
Price: Approx - ₹21K - 150K ($180 - $1500)
Ensure your TV has these items -
- 2 HDMI ports
- 2 USB ports
2. Google Chrome-cast
Chrome-cast is perhaps the best alternatives to Smart TVs. Unlike most of the so called smart tvs, Chrome-cast supports a wide range of apps. Integration with chrome browser essentially means that you can cast anything that is available on the Web.
You can find more information on the Chrome-cast here.If you are going with a USB PC, please ignore this option.
Price: Approx ₹4K ($60)
3. Xbox/PS4
This is optional and get it Only if you are a gamer. Consoles are cheaper gaming option compared to PC where the gaming requirement changes every month.
If you are confused which one to choose, simply decide based on the platform you primarily play. If you are using a PC, it makes sense to buy an Xbox as that seamlessly integrate in the Windows 10 Xbox App. I personally like the Xbox controller more than a PS4 controller. It is easier to play and more stylish.
Having said that, what console your friends have plays a key role in the decision. Also the exclusives may be of interest to you to decide the same.
Both the systems are similarly priced. Try to buy with a game which will ensure you have something to play with on day 1.
Price: Approx ₹25K ($250)
If you are not serious about high resolution gaming, you can go for nVidia Shield or Nintendo
4. Wireless Headphones
Wires play spoilsport when you are playing or enjoying a nice music or movie. The best way is to go wireless. The simple fact that you can move around and enjoy the music provides a better feeling than the headphone with wires.
On the lower end, you'll find Motorola, Phillips, Scull candy, JBL provide quality headphone options.
On the high end - Bose, Sony, Beats, Sennheiser and Audio-Technica are the most popular options.
There are other cheap headphone options available from multiple companies. But I strongly advice you see their review first before buying them.
Price: Approx - ₹ 2K - 30K ($30 - $500)
5. Wireless Transmitter
If you are buying a TV without Bluetooth or want more than 1 wireless headphones to get connected to the TV, you need to buy a wireless receiver and transmitter which will transmit the sounds from TV to your headphone.
Avantree products are considered the standard here. However cheaper options are also available.
Price: Approx - ₹3K ($45)
6. 20 Mbps+ internet connection
I know. We all have been there. But if you really want to have uninterrupted stream of your favorite shows, I suggest you get this connection with at least 50-60 GB data cap (100GB if you are planning to buy a console).
While this should not be a problem for Western countries and in the advanced economies, for developing economies, this might come as a challenge. However, there is a very little workaround. If you have lower bandwidth and usage, you may have interrupts in data streaming.
Price: Approx - ₹ 600 - 5K ($10 - $80)
7. Stabilizer
If you are living in areas with frequent power surge, you should get a stabilizer for your appliances which includes the Television. Without this you LED can go kaput without prior notice (Trust me, I have first hand experience). Please do your research before buying your stabilizer.
Stabilizers are appliance specific and a stabilizer meant for one specific appliance will not protect the other. I personally use V-Guard stabilizers. However cheaper options are available.
Price: Approx - ₹ 2K - 5K ($30 - $80)
8. USB PC
A USB PCs are very helpful when you are only using it for entertainment. In this case, you don't need google chrome-cast and can directly link your PC to TV. Please keep in mind, USB plug and play PCs have very low configurations and are ONLY suitable for pure entertainment purpose.
Intel and Dell make good USB PCs.
Price: Approx - ₹ 9K - 10K ($150- $165)
9. Wireless Keyboard/Mouse
A wireless keyboard and mouse is always a welcome addition. Logitech and Microsoft are two good options for a Wireless set if you have a PC. Although there are multiple options available.
Price: Approx - ₹2K - 6K ($30- $90)
10. Home theater system.
A good home theater is always required for a soothing experience. If you are using your headphone always, you can ignore it. But having it is always a great addition.
There are many player in the market. You should look for Phillips/Sony in the initial segment and Bose for upscale models.
Price: Approx - ₹5K - 50K ($80- $800)
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