Televisions and video equipment: how to choose and buy at a good price
Pick the screen for the room, not the other way round
The size of a TV depends on how far you sit from it. As a rule, the farther away you sit, the larger the screen you can enjoy, but in a small room a TV that is too big tires the eyes. Measure the distance to the screen and the space on the wall or unit, and check that the box will fit through the door and the lift.
The second question is what kind of picture you want. For films in the dark, contrast and deep black matter. For a bright room, brightness and an anti-glare screen matter. For game consoles, low lag and 120 Hz matter.
What to choose: subcategories
- Televisions. For TVs, compare the panel type (LED, OLED, QLED), resolution, refresh rate, Smart platform and HDR support. Check which apps and languages the interface supports.
- Home cinema. Projectors: brightness in lumens, resolution, throw distance, fan noise and the life of the lamp or laser.
- Smart features. Media players and TV boxes turn an old TV into a Smart one: ask about 4K support, Wi-Fi and the apps you need.
- Television service. Satellite TV: the kit, set-top box, dish, the channels you want and installation.
- Extras. Accessories: wall mounts, HDMI cables, remotes.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write a request with no phoning around shops: the size, what it's for, what you already have at home, your city. Add a photo of the place for the TV or the wall if you need a mount. The request is checked, and you get hints about what to add.
Sellers reply in the chat with specific models, prices, timing and delivery terms. BlaBlaPrice shows the best offer by value first, with reviews beside it. Because sellers see their place among the others, they may improve their terms. All the details are on the “How it works” page.
What to look at when comparing
The same series name does not mean the same TV: different screen sizes may have different panels and refresh rates. So check the exact model and specs, not just the advertised name. Check what's in the box: stand, mount, remote, and whether there is an official local warranty. Keep the bill and the box for the first few weeks: they make it easier to exchange the TV if you find a screen defect.
Ask about delivery and unpacking: it is best to check a large TV on receipt, so you don't discover a damaged screen later. If you are buying a wall bracket, confirm the VESA standard and the load rating.
Common mistakes
Chasing advertised “motion rate” figures without looking at the real panel refresh rate. Buying a 4K TV and then watching it over weak internet or an old signal source. Choosing a projector without thinking about the lighting in the room.
Sound, connections and price
The speakers in thin TVs are often weak, so many people add a soundbar. If you plan to connect one, check that the TV has an HDMI ARC output or an optical one. For consoles and PCs, HDMI 2.1 ports matter.
The price depends on the screen size, panel type, refresh rate, Smart platform and brand. Last year's models are often cheaper than new ones with almost the same specs. If you are looking for a projector, also count the cost of a screen and a ceiling mount.
