How we test TVs at ZDNET in 2024

Nowadays, TV is not just something you use to watch movies and TV shows. The latest smart TVs can turn your living room into a true entertainment hub, allowing you to stream music, content and shows from thousands of apps, view photos and videos from your mobile device, browse web and even remotely access your desktop or desktop computer. make video calls for work.

Also: Best TVs: Tested by experts

But this doesn’t mean the fundamentals that make a TV great versus “just okay” have changed. And at ZDNET, we put each TV we review through a series of real-world tests and lab benchmarks to help you find the TV that best suits your space, entertainment needs, and needs. your budget. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly we’re looking for before recommending a TV to you, here’s a thorough breakdown of how we rate TVs on everything from TV news updates cable and stream the latest movies to console gaming content and screen sharing from mobile devices.

How we test TVs in 2024

Almost all of the TVs we tested for our ZDNET review or included in our best list were made available by manufacturers shortly before or after their release to the public. This means that sometimes, the TV we receive is embargoed and cannot be discussed in any way until after a certain date and time. While this may seem like a hindrance, the embargo period gives ZDNET reviewers time to familiarize themselves with the TV and ask questions without being influenced by outside reviews or customer sentiment. .

Testing times for each TV will vary as we negotiate with manufacturers both short-term and long-term testing to resolve any bugs or other issues that may arise. But typically our TV testing takes one to two weeks. It’s rare for a ZDNET writer to review a TV they purchased themselves.

During this time frame, ZDNET writers and experts not only go through the TV’s menus and put it through its paces, but also interview brand representatives and product engineers to better understand the TV being offered. Who it’s made for, what new features (if any) have been added compared to older models, and any sustainability measures taken during production. Whether a TV is purchased by a ZDNET reviewer or sent by a brand for testing and writing, ZDNET is committed to editorial integrity. This means that brands cannot and do not influence our testing and final reviews by providing test units or interviews, and all brand contributions Brands are clearly shown in reviews to ensure complete transparency for readers.

What makes ZDNET TV recommended?

Just because a brand sends us a TV to test and review doesn’t mean it’s automatically included in reviews and best-of lists. If we at ZDNET feel that a model does not meet our standards then we will not write about it.

When we do real-world testing, whether at home or in the test room, we look at four main categories to determine whether a TV is worth recommending to readers: Picture and sound quality , connectivity and smart features, ease of use, and privacy and security. While each category is important in its own right, we tend to weigh picture/sound quality and connectivity/smart features during testing because these are the what readers are often most concerned about when trying to make a purchasing decision.

To be included in a buying guide or review, a TV must perform exceptionally well in every way, as there are many average, affordable and decent models on the market. We also review verified customer reviews from retailers to identify any common issues like firmware errors or faulty features. While many of the negative reviews have nothing to do with the product itself (customer service, shipping delays, damage during shipping, etc.), the reviews do focus on product issues. product can be a valuable resource for known issues with firmware, application updates. support, and even dead units on arrival. We also compare the new models with previous models to see if any meaningful upgrades have been made, such as improved LED/OLED panels, enhanced processors, security better, etc

Picture and sound quality

When you buy one TCL S5 series TV 98 inchesRegardless of the price, you expect it to have good picture and sound; There’s nothing worse than unboxing and ordering a new, very expensive TV only to turn it on and discover that the picture quality doesn’t look like the advertised pictures or that the built-in speakers sound like they shouldn’t. tin cans.

At ZDNET, we have a number of TV test reviews. ZDNET TV reviewer Artie Beaty tests TVs with a combination of streaming and physical media to try out different picture and sound settings and find the perfect balance. He also favors screens with matte or anti-glare surfaces to help reduce reflections and glare from sunlight and overhead lights. Beaty also suggests that if you live in a noisy area or have kids and pets, the built-in speakers may not be enough for everyone to hear what you’re watching, so you may have to invest in one. loudspeaker. sound bar to help enhance dialogue and music.

When ZDNET editor Kyle Kucharski tests TVs, he says he focuses on the price-to-features ratio a TV should have to determine if a model is right for our readers. Are not. “The barrier to entry is very low, but the level of expertise is extremely high,” he said when asked about the experimental approach. A basic understanding of what makes a solid TV for your home (refresh rate, resolution, smart features, etc.) can go a long way in helping you narrow down the options. your options to consider only the best option for your budget.

ZDNET senior reviews editor Kerry Wan runs one Test YouTube videos on every TV he reviews to test for color bleed and smearing, “dirty screen” effects, and burn-in on sensitive OLED panels. This test helps you determine what changes you need to make to your picture settings to get the best possible picture on your new TV, or identify problems that may require a return or exchange of the TV.

As for myself, as ZDNET’s veteran TV reviewer, I do a lot of testing on each TV from the means of sharing screens from multiple devices, tinkering with gaming modes to push refresh rates to the limit, find app support, upscale older media to 4K, and compare audio between models that support Dolby and models that use basic audio processing than. I also prioritize accessibility features like high-contrast picture modes, screen readers/text-to-speech, and audio descriptions for deaf/hard of hearing and blind/visually impaired users. I even look at special, easy-to-have features like video calling and remote PC access for work-from-home professionals who might not want to be tied to a desk all day to do job.

Connectivity and smart features

These days, a TV wouldn’t be of much use if it couldn’t connect to the Internet, or at least connect to something that has an Internet connection. ZDNET readers and customers in general have come to expect certain standard features on their TVs, like preloaded popular streaming apps, voice control, and screen sharing.

Although it’s increasingly rare to find a “dumb” TV these days, you can still buy one if you’re not careful about double-checking the smart features. Every TV we test at ZDNET must have basic smart features like web connectivity and music and video streaming to be considered for a buying guide or product review. We also consider how many physical devices you can connect to the TV at any given time.

Models with multiple HDMI inputs are a must for anyone wanting to set up a custom home audio configuration, hook up a game console, or set up a cable box or Roku box. Some HDMI connections support a native 120Hz refresh rate as well as variable refresh rate technology like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering when playing games or watching movies and shows. Fast-paced program. We also check out RF and composite connections for retro game collectors who don’t want to hunt down old CRT TVs for their older consoles.

Easy to use

A new TV won’t be good for you if you don’t know how to use it. Confusing menus and hidden settings can expose even the most stunning things OLED TV useless hunks of plastic and electronics. At ZDNET, we ensure that every TV we test is easy to navigate with the included remote or voice control through your favorite virtual assistant or smart speaker. We favor TVs with a simplified center menu that lets you customize your home screen to keep your most-used apps right where you need them for quick access to your favorite shows, movies, and music. your.

We also look for accessibility features for customers with disabilities to help them find the service that best fits their needs. Some models feature a screen reader and high contrast mode, while others allow voice-to-text input. It even lets you set up a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for easier home screen navigation, which is key for anyone who has problems with fine motor control and can’t use the remote. traditional.

Privacy and security

With so many of our devices, including TVs, connected to the Internet, keeping your personal data and Internet activity safe from prying eyes is a top priority. We look for TV support VPN for safe, anonymous browsing as well as automatic firmware updates for the latest security patches. Samsung’s latest TV line It even integrates a Knox security chip for end-to-end encryption of your online activities to help prevent digital networks from obtaining your credit card information, passwords and Internet history.