When buying a TV, consider the screen size, resolution, display technology, features and brand. The best choice depends on the size of your room, how far you sit from the screen and whether you mainly watch films, sport, television or play games.
Browse the full range of TVs at Kean’s Claremorris to compare options for different rooms, needs and budgets.
1. What Size TV Should You Buy?
TV sizes are measured diagonally across the screen, from one corner to the opposite corner. For example, a 55-inch TV does not mean the television is 55 inches wide; it means the screen measures 55 inches diagonally.
As a simple guide, the distance between the TV and your seating position can be around twice the diagonal size of the screen.
For example:
| TV size | Approximate viewing distance |
| 43-inch TV | 2 metres |
| 50-inch TV | 2.3 metres |
| 55-inch TV | 2.5 metres |
| 65-inch TV | 3 metres |
| 75-inch TV | 3.5 metres |
If your sofa is around 2.5 metres from the TV, a 50-inch or 55-inch model may be a good starting point. If you sit around 3 metres away, a 65-inch TV may be more suitable.
These are general guidelines rather than strict rules. A larger 4K TV can still look clear from a shorter distance because of its higher resolution.
Before buying, measure the distance from your sofa to the TV position and check that the television will fit on your unit or wall. Remember to check the full width of the TV, not only the advertised screen size.
2. Which TV Resolution Do You Need?
Resolution refers to the number of pixels used to create the picture. A higher resolution generally provides a sharper and more detailed image.
HD: Common on smaller and more affordable televisions. It is suitable for basic everyday viewing but offers less detail than newer resolutions.
Full HD: Provides a clearer picture than HD and can still be a practical option for smaller televisions or secondary rooms.
4K Ultra HD: The best choice for most modern households. It provides sharp picture quality for streaming, films, sport and gaming, with four times as many pixels as Full HD.
8K: Offers a higher resolution than 4K but is mainly available on larger premium televisions. Native 8K content is still limited, so most buyers will find that a 4K TV offers the best balance of picture quality and value.
3. Which TV Screen Technology Is Best?
The main screen technologies include LED, QLED, OLED, Mini LED and QNED.
LED TVs are generally affordable and suitable for everyday television and streaming.
QLED TVs offer bright, colourful pictures and can work particularly well in bright living rooms.
OLED TVs provide deep blacks, excellent contrast and strong picture quality, making them a popular choice for films and gaming.
Mini LED TVs use smaller backlights to provide high brightness and more precise contrast control. They are particularly suitable for bright rooms, sport and premium everyday viewing.
QNED TVs combine Quantum Dot and NanoCell colour technology to create bright, vibrant pictures. They are a good all-round choice for films, sport and family viewing, particularly in brighter rooms.
4. Think About How You Will Use Your TV
Your viewing habits can help you decide which features matter most.
For films and streaming, prioritise picture quality, contrast and support for your preferred apps.
For sport, look for good motion handling and a higher refresh rate to help fast movement appear smoother.
For gaming, check for low input lag, HDMI 2.1, Variable Refresh Rate and 120Hz support where available.
For everyday family viewing, ease of use, app availability, screen size and overall value may be more important than advanced features.
5. Which TV Brands Should You Consider?
Keans Claremorris stocks televisions from leading brands, including LG TVs and Samsung TVs, alongside other recognised TV manufacturers.
Rather than choosing by brand name alone, look for the model that provides the right screen size, picture technology and features for your home and budget.
6. Check Connections, Sound and Installation
Consider everything you plan to connect to the television, including games consoles, soundbars, streaming devices and television boxes.
Before buying, check:
- The number of HDMI and USB ports
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Soundbar compatibility
- The width of the TV stand
- Wall-mount compatibility
If you plan to mount the TV, choose one of our TV wall brackets that supports the size, weight and VESA measurements of your television.
7. What Should You Avoid When Buying a TV?
Avoid choosing a TV based only on screen size or price. A large screen may not suit a small room, while a lower-priced model may not include the apps, ports or picture quality you need.
You should also avoid:
- Ignoring the viewing distance
- Paying for features you will not use
- Forgetting to check HDMI ports
- Assuming every smart TV supports every app
- Buying a wall bracket without checking compatibility
- Judging picture quality only from bright shop display settings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a smart TV?
A smart TV connects to the internet and provides access to streaming apps, online services and other connected features without requiring a separate streaming device.
What is the difference between Mini LED and OLED?
Mini LED TVs are very bright and work well in bright rooms, making them a strong choice for sport, everyday viewing and daytime use. OLED TVs offer deeper blacks and richer contrast, which makes them particularly good for films, gaming and evening viewing.
What is the difference between Mini LED and QLED?
QLED TVs use Quantum Dot technology to produce bright, colourful pictures. Mini LED TVs use much smaller backlights, which gives them more precise control over brightness and contrast. In simple terms, Mini LED is often the more premium option, while QLED can offer excellent picture quality at a wider range of prices.
What is a 4K TV?
A 4K TV has a resolution of 3840 × 2160 pixels. It provides four times the pixel detail of Full HD and is the standard choice for most modern televisions.
Find the Right TV for Your Home at Keans
The best television is not necessarily the largest or most expensive option. Choose a TV that suits your viewing distance, room size, preferred content and budget.
Shop TVs at Keans Claremorris, including LG, Samsung, OLED and Mini LED models, and find an option that works for your home.
