How to Choose a QLED TV: Advice from Experts

Korean manufacturer Samsung is revolutionizing the world of 4K UHD LED TVs with its patented QLED technology. Its vibrant colours and increased brightness make it a serious contender in the 4K UHD TV market.

QLED TVs: Quantum Dot technology improved

Samsung’s series of QLED TVs is actually a new generation of their Quantum Dot process, which they have used in their SUHD models in previous years.

A standard LED TV uses white backlighting. Each pixel contains three sub-pixels in the primary colours, which are varied in brightness to create the colour necessary to display the image. Unfortunately, this technology isn’t sophisticated enough to faithfully recreate every shade of colour visible to the human eye.

QLED TVs have a layer of quantum dots between a blue LED backlight and the TV screen. Cadmium selenide nanocrystals are stimulated by the blue light and emit different wavelengths to create colour. Colours that are difficult to render faithfully on a standard LED TV, such as greens and reds, are overexposed to increase their vibrancy.

Example of a QLED TV: the Samsung QN85Q80AAF series

The quantum dot layer in QLED TVs makes the backlight more efficient, greatly increasing the screen’s overall brightness. These high-contrast TVs are able to display almost the entire range of colours visible to the human eye and 100% of the DCI-P3 colour range used for digital filming and post-production.

New coatings developed for QLED screens mitigate reflections and glare, giving them a wider viewing angle than traditional LED TVs. QLED TVs provide richer colours and fewer constraints on the viewer’s position.

What about Neo QLED?

Neo QLED screens are a further improvement on regular QLED TVs. The main difference between the two is that regular QLED screens use traditional LED backlighting, while Neo QLED displays use mini-LED backlights.

Example of a Neo QLED TV: the Samsung QN85QN900AF series

As their name suggests, mini-LEDs are much smaller than traditional LEDs. That means that more of them can be used in the backlight, increasing the number of local dimming zones.

With more lights and dimming zones, Neo QLED TVs have more precise control of light and colour, resulting in a better contrast ratio and reducing the halo effect around bright objects against a dark background.

Choose between 4K and 8K UHD QLED TVs

Most of the QLED TVs currently available on the market are equipped with 4K UHD technology. With 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution, the picture on 4K UHD TVs is four times more precise than 1080p HD displays.

For more information about the advantages of 4K UHD technology, sources of 4K content and connectivity options, check out our guide to choosing a 4K television.

If you want to be ahead of the curve, you may want to look into Samsung’s 8K options. Some of Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs are capable of displaying images in 8K resolution. Furthermore, with the Neo Quantum processor 8K and AI upscaling, 4K and 1080p content can be digitally processed to resemble 8K.

Samsung QLED TVs are HDR certified

Samsung QLED TVs are HDR (High Dynamic Range) certified, which means that they can display a much richer range of colours and more precise details in the brightest parts of the image.

This creates a sense of realism that is unheard of with LED TVs, which provide a more saturated image in scenes with a lot of brightness. QLED TV models can also display deep, dense blacks thanks to their superior contrast capabilities.

360 degree design and One Connect

Samsung has gone to significant lengths to make its QLED series TVs aesthetically pleasing. In addition to their slim design and narrow frame, the backs of QLED TVs have been simplified and streamlined. The usual mass of tangled cables has been eliminated in accordance with the principles of 360 degree design.

To make extensive connectivity feasible despite this streamlined look, Samsung has created the One Connect Box. A single, discreet cable connects the TV to the box, which can be placed wherever is most convenient and connected to all other devices (Blu-Ray player, cable box, video game consoles, etc.). Gone are the days when you had to remove the TV from the wall just to connect a new device!

How to set up a QLED TV

Flat-screen TVs can be placed on a stand using the feet included in the box. This option is easy to set up and ideal for situations where the TV can’t be wall-mounted.

Otherwise, you can install your QLED TV on the wall by using a wall mount, which must be purchased separately. There are a wide variety of wall mounts available in stores. Thin fixed mounts are best for a stylish, discreet aesthetic. Some models can also be tilted downwards, which is useful for TVs that are placed high on the wall. Finally, there are wall mounts with one or two articulated arms that allow you to move the TV away from the wall and turn it left and right.

Some high-end models made from stronger, thinner materials offer weight control to keep the TV perfectly level, covers to hide the cables, and tilting options. Regardless of the type of wall mount you want, make sure to get a size that is compatible with your TV.

Choosing the right QLED TV size

QLED TV FAQ

How long is the cable that comes with the One Connect Box?

The cable that comes with QLED TVs is 15 feet. If that length isn’t sufficient for the set up you want, you can find longer cables (up to 50 feet).

Will my HD content be compatible with a 4K QLED TV?

Yes, 4K UHD OLED TVs can display all HD and standard content. However, it’s important to note that some 4K models only offer HDMI ports. That means that analog sources such as VHS and DVD players and old video game consoles will not be able to connect.

In order to choose the right flat-screen for your needs, always take the time to make sure that your other electronic equipment can connect to it without too much difficulty.

Can I connect a pair of headphones to my TV?

Few models will have a headphone jack for wired headphones, but all TVs are equipped with an optical digital audio output you can use to connect a wireless TV headset.

Example of a wireless TV headset: Sennheiser RS 175

Are all QLED models smart TVs?

Like most of the TVs currently being produced, the OLED TVs available on the market are “smart”, meaning that they can connect to the internet to provide access to a wide range of content and apps.

Take a look at our article about smart TVs to find out more!

Do you install QLED TVs?

Yes, Fillion has teams of experts who can install your devices and help bring your projects to life. We offer personalized services to meet your needs. Contact us to find out more about our flexible schedules and rates.

Need more help choosing a QLED TV?

In order to choose the right QLED TV, it’s important to know what your needs are and what features these types of devices have to offer.

Feel free to contact us if you want help choosing a QLED TV, or come see us in store for the best personalized advice on electronic equipment. Our experts will be happy to listen to your needs and recommend the audio and video equipment that best suits your situation.