We have done quite a number of TV reviews or detailed overviews this year, so I thought it would be good to look back at all that investigation and identify what I think are the best TVs this year. If you are shopping for a new TV it is a hard decision to make because there are so many brands and models to choose from. Here are my top picks for 2014, and each for different reasons.
Best Picture
Since 4K technology has 4 times the resolution of high-definition you would expect the 2014 TV with the best picture to be a 4K set, but it is not! Instead it is the 55” LG Curved OLED Smart TV (EC9300). This speaks to just how good OLED technology is! It provides exceptional contrast, richness of colour, and clarity without all the extra pixel resolution that you find in 4K sets. LG’s OLED EC9300 has been run through a full gamut of tests by CNET and other TV critics and has come out on top in terms of picture quality, so don’t just take my word on it. In addition, it is full of other features like 3D, Smart TV with a magic remote, and more. For more detail on this TV have a look at my recent post on it.
Best Value 4K Ultra HD TV
If you are intent to get a new 4K UHD TV, you will still get an excellent picture that is superior to the High Definition TVs that you are probably used to. Prices have come down substantially from when they first came out and there are some good value 4K sets out there. The best value one that I saw in 2014 was the LG 4K UHD 240Hz IPS 3D Smart TV (65UB9500). 4K resolution is so good that you should get the biggest set you can and this LG set is nice and big at 65.” I think it is great value not only because it is big, but it is an IPS panel with a higher refresh rate so the picture is exceptional, and it is loaded with excellent features like 2D to 3D up-conversion and dual play gaming. For more details look at my post earlier this year on the best value 4K and OLED TVs.
Best Value HDTV
This is a harder one to call but the Vizio M-Series edges out the Sharp Quattron+. Vizio is a newcomer to Canada this year but has been a top seller in the US because they offer solid TVs with lots of great features at an excellent price. Vizio purposely prices their products very aggressively compared to their competitors, for similarly featured sets. Vizio M-Series technology has full array backlighting, which creates an excellent picture. I particularly like their Smart platform because it is very easy to use and has lots of available content. For more detail, have a look at this earlier post.
Most Innovative Design
Although this year was the first year where curved TVs came into the market in a big way, Sony takes the prize this year for innovative design with their wedge TV. While everyone else is making skinnier flat screens or skinnier curved screens, Sony came out with a wedge design that is not only very attractive but also serves some additional functions. The wedge design is more stable so its’ stand has a smaller footprint and the wedge allows for multiple bigger speakers, which delivers much better sound. To read more have a look at this post earlier this year.
TVs keep getting better and 2014 has been no different, as it has been the first year that 4K and OLED screens came into the market in a big way. Bigger screens, curved and wedge TVs, and improved Smart platforms makes this a great year for upgrading your technology. Enjoy!
