Tell me about Televisions

[Quiet Stranger]

If you know about televisions then I need your help.


I'm looking to upgrade to a better TV but I'm so confused as to what brands I should buy and what refresh rate I should get.

My current TV is a 3 or 4 year old Sony Bravia 720P 60HZ LCD TV and it has been good to me but I want to upgrade. I've been told that there is actually no such thing as LED TVs and that LED tvs are just LCD tvs with LED backlighting, is this true? If I get a 1080P TV should I go for 120HZ or does it matter? What would I need 120HZ for? Also should I get a 1080P TV with 120 HZ if I plan on using my TV for computer gaming? Also is it a good idea to use a TV as a computer monitor?

I DID buy a Philips brand 1080P 60hz (It says on the box 120hz) 40" smart TV today but I'm having my doubts (also I'm trying to save money) The model number is 40PFL4609, is this a good TV? Should I take it back and save up money and get a better brand? I don't care that it is a smart TV, it was just the cheapest option at the store.

Can anyone help me?

 

[SnowyGamester]

I've been told that there is actually no such thing as LED TVs and that LED tvs are just LCD tvs with LED backlighting, is this true?

Yes, and while the picture quality is based primarily on the panel used rather than the backlighting, it can make a significant impact. More info [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED-backlit_LCD_display].

If I get a 1080P TV should I go for 120HZ or does it matter? What would I need 120HZ for? Also should I get a 1080P TV with 120 HZ if I plan on using my TV for computer gaming?

It's very rare for you to have games running at more than 60FPS (many console games aim for 30) or media running at more than 48FPS (double the standard 24 rate which is still more common). Most devices only support a 60Hz signal max for both input and output. The only real exception is a PC configured to do so paired with a monitor that supports it. Some people can't even tell the difference between 30 and 60...most probably won't notice it beyond that point. True 120Hz is more of an enthusiast thing.

Also is it a good idea to use a TV as a computer monitor?

It can work fine but I wouldn't recommend it. TVs tend to have a higher latency than most monitors and sometimes have issues with overscan/underscan when displaying from a computer which can be a pain in the ass to work around. A proper monitor is the better choice and I wouldn't recommend otherwise unless you want something super big or plan to actually use it to watch television without a set-top box or tuner card.

I DID buy a Philips brand 1080P 60hz (It says on the box 120hz) 40" smart TV today but I'm having my doubts (also I'm trying to save money) The model number is 40PFL4609, is this a good TV?

Apparently that TV is 120 PMR which means 60Hz and some shit between frames to make it look a bit smoother. It doesn't actually support a 120Hz video signal. Whether or not it's a good TV is hard to judge without first hand experience. If there isn't noticeable input lag or scanning issues and it looks half decent then it's at least passable.