The Lowdown on Full HD TV
With TV technology improving almost daily, it pays off to know what you’re looking for when it comes to buying a new screen, and with every update arriving with new add-ons, it can all suddenly become very confusing.
Full High Definition, or FHD, refers to the screen resolution, measured in pixels – in this case, 1920 x 1080 pixels, displayed horizontally and vertically across the screen. Although that may not seem like a lot, the total is a whopping 2,073,600 tiny dots of color – which is essentially what pixels are, making up each picture. Referred to as 1080p, the ‘p’ stands for progressive scanning. This is the number of times the entire picture is refreshed per second. This is usually 60 or 120 times, which is indicated by 60Hz or 120 Hz. Progressive scanning produces a realistically smooth, flicker-free display, and is especially noticeable in fast action scenes.
In terms of color, FHD TVs are capable of supporting millions of colors, resulting in impressive detail and clarity with rich deep blacks and vibrant images. The majority of TVs purchased around the world today are FHD screens.
Here are the top 3 best selling models.
1) Samsung 1080p Smart LED TV
8 used from $174.74
Featuring an edge-lit LED, micro dimming supported screen, alongside a 60Hz refresh rate, and smart capabilities, this Samsung FHD TV offers great value for money.
The style is typical of a high-end flat screen – slim bezels that present as slightly textured, with a minimalistic, curved but sturdy stand. Complete with VESA fittings to enable wall mounting, the build quality, like the majority of Samsung TVs, is very good.
The images displayed are color enriched via Samsung’s Wide Color Enhancer, which allows for greater depth, texture, and contrast, while offering the full gamut, even with older, non-HD content. With the innovative Eco Sensor technology, the TV reacts to the environment’s light intensity, by constantly adapting the screen brightness. Still providing a crystal clear picture, this saves both energy and dollars.
The viewing angle is decently wide, and should satisfy people with a large living room who require multiple seating positions, and the screen is coated with a light-diffusing, semi-gloss surface to minimize those annoying reflections.
The audio experience, although it could be louder, is of a decent quality. With no detectable distortion, even at the louder levels, the bass is round, whilst the top notes allow for easily audible whispering, realistic footsteps and so on.
Allowing connection to other devices, the multi-port options provide access to a good variety of download or streaming services, with an almost imperceptible lag, and the Tizen smart platform offers an easy-to-navigate interface, with a well-stocked app store, as well as the preinstalled apps, such as Netflix or Amazon Video.
All in all, this is a decent FHD TV, offering blur-free fast-action sports or movies, good smart features, and a realistic color range, all at a hard-to-resist price.
2) Sceptre 32″ Smart 1080p LED TV
This offering from Sceptre is slightly chunkier than some models on the market. However, it’s nicely designed and of good build quality. Sturdy twin feet are included, but the screen is easily wall mounted if you prefer.
Offering a choice of ports, including 3 HDMI inputs, coaxial and VGA connections, it has the added ability to be used as a competent computer monitor, and although internet connectivity isn’t required, the USB port allows photos and videos to be enjoyed via a flash drive. Sceptre’s Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) can stream content from smart devices, such as tablets or smartphones straight to the screen.
For such an affordable price, the image quality is surprisingly good, and the effective backlighting exceeded expectations. The detail and color depth from the over 2 million pixels, coupled with sharp contrasts, and realistically crisp images demonstrate quality can be delivered by manufacturers other than the big names.
At 60Hz, Sceptre’s Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation (MEMC) 120, provides smooth flowing sequences, and a lag time of only 29 milliseconds, allowing action-packed scenes and fast-moving sports to be judder-free and fully immersive.
Despite the lack of a subwoofer, the audio is full-bodied, and even without the throbbing richness of the sub bassline, the existing audio produces a bass that’s plenty round enough to fully embrace the visual experience.
This Sceptre is one of those deceptively priced bargains that raise a smug knowing smile from any purchaser. Deceptive due to the high-end quality at a mid-range price, smug because … well, why not!
3) LG Electronics 43LJ5500 LED TV
If you’re looking for a second TV for those relaxing mornings in bed, to keep the kids occupied or for the kitchen, this FHD model from LG is well worth considering.
With a compact and sturdy build, the bezels are designed specifically not to detract from the screen itself, while the stand complements the stylish appearance. The screen has fittings for mounting on a wall if required.
The High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) offers incredible video and audio quality via the multi-port input connecting to a high definition source, such as Blu-ray, next-gen games or your PC.
Offering amazing clarity and brightness, the screen is backlit with energy-efficient LED technology. In-Plane Switching (IPS) works alongside this, improving color reproduction, shortening response times and widening the screen viewing angle, and LG’s Triple XD Engine produces precision imaging, meaning an even more realistic picture.
LG have incorporated a lot of features into this diminutive TV, but all together these make what could have been an all-round budget TV to one that is budget in price only.
Full HD TV FAQs
What's the difference between HD and LED TVs?
LED, or light emitting diode, screens deliver sharp, accurate visuals, while UHD, or Ultra High Definition, refers to the image resolution. UHD delivers a super clear picture across 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.
Does HD work on a regular TV?
For HD to work on your non HD TV depends on the manufacturer and whether your TV is HD-ready.
What is a HD TV?
An HD, or high definition TV, has 3,840 x 2,160 pixels delivering a highly detailed, clear resolution image to your screen.
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