TV testing at CHOICE is well underway for 2025, and while new models were announced in February, they only started arriving on retail shelves in late April. Some aren't even due to arrive until June and even July.
We've now entered the glorious run-out period. It's the annual clearance of last year's models where great savings on big-screen TVs can be had – provided you know what to look for.
TV technology and features don't tend to change as much as they used to from year to year, so you're unlikely to miss out on much by buying a slightly older model at a discount.
Understanding TV model numbers and codes, and which companies keep their releases till later in the year, will help you walk into the store with confidence that you'll know what to buy, especially if you're looking to negotiate a better price.
On this page:
When are new model TVs on sale?
Most of the latest 2025 Samsung and LG TVs were released in late April and early May. The number of TV types, sizes and models available will vary, with LG and Samsung selling the biggest range.
Sony is releasing fewer models this year, and a little later than LG and Samsung. Some of the 2024 range will continue to be available throughout 2025.
Hisense and TCL have a number of LED, mini-LED and QLED models in stores as of May as well. There's a good selection available if you're looking for more affordable options.
We still get asked about which Panasonic TV to buy and our answer is – none of them! The only place you should be seeing a Panasonic TV for sale is on Gumtree, as the company stopped selling TVs in Australia just before COVID broke out in early 2020.
New Zealand still has the latest Panasonic TVs available for Kiwi consumers and many of them are very good (we carry out testing for our sibling consumer organisation Consumer NZ).
How to get the best deal on a TV
It might be easier to convince someone on the shop floor that you won't be tricked into buying last year's TV without some serious discounting, but there's also the opportunity to drive a bargain with a local online retailer through the 'chat' feature commonly available on retail sites.
Knowing which are this year's TVs and which are run-outs will help you bargain from a position of strength.
Some retailers are offering useful filters to help you find older models that may be cheaper.
Make sure the salesperson knows that the TV they're selling you may be the greatest, but it's not the latest.
When shopping online or visiting a store, arm yourself with the right information on model numbers, so you can quickly recognise the difference between a great buy and a good price for ageing stock.
The trick is to know which TVs are 2025 releases and which are from 2024 or earlier.
Using CHOICE reviews
In addition to new releases, our TV reviews also feature older models that are listed as discontinued. Models from 2024 or even 2023 may suddenly reappear in the EOFY sales at a drastically reduced price, and disappear just as quickly.
We keep discontinued models in our test for this very reason. You can see the results for older models by ticking the discontinued checkbox in the 'related products' tab on the left-hand side of the TVs review.
When shopping for a TV online, make sure your searches include the exact model name that's in our review as well as the size so you can determine the online retailer with the best price.
Also, avoid simply clicking on a retailer on the first page of the search results, as shops that appear in the first few results often pay for the privilege of being at the top.
Using a TV's product code
How do you find out the true release date of a TV? The secret is in the product code. Not only does it tell you the size and specifications of the TV, it also contains information on the year of release – if you know how to read it.
Major retailers will be promoting very good deals from May through to August, with the next big event being the Black Friday sales in November. But most of the bargain TVs will be 2024 models, with some very specific markdowns on 2025 TVs (mainly the most expensive models).
You may also find good deals for TVs that were released early in April that haven't been selling too well. Keep an eye out for 8K resolution models – though they normally have a large RRP (recommended retail price), they often drop to 'bargain' prices soon after release as consumers remain unmoved by 8K over 4K.
New models can also be discounted, with this 2025 LG 65QNED86A EVO on sale for $200 less than the recommended retail price even though it's only just been released..
Brand-by-brand guide to TV product codes
LG has nearly 30 TV models to choose from in its 2025 range, but really only three options: OLED, QNED and the value-priced NanoCell NANO80ASA series.
All LG TVs offer 4K (UHD) picture resolution, with the increase in price based on the quality of the screen, the size of the display, and the power of the processor. There was a push for 8K TVs in 2023 but there seems to be little support for this resolution among filmmakers, streaming services or consumers.
LG OLED TVs (Premium range)
How do you tell which LG OLED is a 2025 TV?
The big sell for LG OLED TVs for 2025 continues to be brighter screens, bringing them closer to the brightness levels of the latest QLED and Mini LED LCD TVs as well as the brightest Samsung and Sony models. There's also a push for AI that can automatically optimise image quality and recommend content based on your video streaming history.
The premium OLED TVs come in a few iterations and several sizes from the 55-inch OLED55B5 up to $10,000 for the 83-inch OLED83G5. The most important thing to look for to find the right LG OLED TV for your budget is a combination of the number 5 and letters G, C, or B.
The number following OLED in the model code indicates the display size, and the letter indicates its position in the range. For example, the 65-inch OLED65G5 is more expensive than the OLED65C5, which is more expensive than the OLED65B5. If you like gaming then you may want to consider the C or G series, but if your demands are more for basic video quality for watching movies and streaming then the B series offer very good value.
All OLED-series TVs offer a 55-inch and 65-inch display option with the the C and G series providing a 77-inch and 83-inch display, and the C series also providing models at smaller sizes (48-inch and 42-inch displays). The B series has display options of 65, 55 and 48-inches. Even though they have only recently been released, you should be able to find discounts for the C- and B-series OLED models even before and after the EOFY sales.
LG OLED TVs from previous years (2024, 2023, 2022 or 2021)
The naming and numbering convention follows the same path as above, so you can quickly determine if the OLED TV is from 2024 or 2023.
For 2024, the C series is the mid range and the B is the most affordable OLED LG TV range, and the number to look out for is 4. For example, the OLED65C4PSA and OLED65B4PSA are both 65-inch OLED TVs released in in 2024. The most expensive OLED option is the OLED EVO TV, which will be shown as the OLEDG4PSA.
For 2023, the C series is the mid range and the B is the most affordable OLED LG TV range, and the number to look out for is 3. For example, the OLED65C3PSA and OLED65 B3PSA are both 65-inch OLED TVs released in in 2023.
For 2022, the C series is the mid range and the A is the most affordable OLED LG TV range, and the number to look out for is 2. For example, the OLED65C2PSA and OLED65A2PSA are both 65-inch OLED TVs released in 2022.
If it has a 1 in the model code, it's a 2021 OLED model (e.g. OLED65C1).
QNED LG TVs (Mid range)
How do you tell which LG QNED is a 2025 TV?
The mid to high range QNED series starts with the 43-inch 43QNED81ASA at around $1000, and goes up to $4999 for the 85-inch 85QNED93ASA. There is also a 100-inch monster TV (100QNED86ASA) if you have the budget of $9K – and the space.
The QNED series probably delivers the best performance in terms of screen size and features for the price. Models in this range cover sizes from 43 inches up to 86 inches with an entry level range (QNED86) and premium range (QNED93).
However, working out the release year for an LG QNED isn't as easy as for an OLED, as some of the series numbers are the same as last year. Instead, look for things like QNED EVO or AI in the title. The lower end of the scale for QNED LG TVs are the QNED81ASA range and, priced just above the cheapest 4K TV options, the 80NANOASA range (more below).
QNED models from previous years (2024, 2023, 2022 or 2021)
If the number following the model code QNED is 91, then it's a 2024 QNED TV – maybe. If the number following the model code QNED is 75, 81 or 86, then it may also be a 2024 QNED TV. The best bet is to look for QNED EVO or AI in the model (which would indicate a 2025 TV) – if it doesn't have this in the model name then it will most likely be a 2024 QNED TV.
If the number following the model code QNED is 80 (e.g 55QNED80) it's a 2022 model, with the other models to look out for being QNED85, QNED95 and QNED99. QNED TVs for 2021 will also include either QNED96 or QNED91 in the product code.
UHD (4K) NANO80ASA (Value range)
How do you tell which LG UHD (4K) is a 2025 TV?
The value NanoCell NANO80ASA series is sure to be the LG TV in most Australian homes, ranging from just $749 for the 43-inch model up to a relatively cheap $2899 for the 86-inch 86NANO80ASA.
If anything can be described as the cheap and cheerful range, then the LG NANO80ASA range is it. Available in sizes from the 43-inch 43NANO80ASA (under $800) up to an 86-inch monster 86NANO80ASA priced at just $2899 – which may well be showing up on the EOFY sales list at under $2500.
UHD (4K) models from previous years (2024, 2023, 2022 or 2021)
If the model name has NANO in the product code, it could be a 2020, 2021 or 2022 LG TV. This range was removed in 2023 but confusingly reappeared at the end of 2024, so if you see a TV with the product code of 65NANO81TSA you are looking at an entry-priced 2024 TV. The UT8050 series, also from 2024, is available in six display sizes (43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 86 inches).
The code for the 2023 LG entry-level TV range is simpler to follow than previous years. If it has UR8050 in the model code, it's a 2023 TV. The second letter in the product code indicates the release date. So for the LG 55UP8000, P indicates a 2021 model.
Avoid codes with the letters N, M, K, J, H, F or G (unless the TVs are being given away) as these are from 2020 or older.
CHOICE tip: Expect to see some bargains on 75-inch LG displays among the 2024 range, as 2025 demand for 65-inch displays may create some oversupply of 75-inch TVs, which may already be considered the best value size currently available.
The Samsung range for 2025 has exploded with a dizzying array of new models, sizes and choices, with almost 60 new models on offer. This means an even more confusing level of detail to work out which model will suit your taste and budget.
Thankfully, the Samsung website provides a good model rundown showing the 2025 (marked as NEW) and 2024 models on offer, making it a bit easier to create your bargain-hunting shopping list.
Samsung continues to push the Neo QLED TV range (which is the company's premium TV option) in 2025, as well as its picture frame or lifestyle TVs that hang on the wall like a work of art when you've finished watching a movie.
Neo QLED 4K and 8K series (Premium range)
How do you tell which Neo QLED is a 2025 TV?
The Neo QLED 8K range sits at the top of the Samsung TV tree, just above the most expensive Samsung OLED models and well above the Samsung QLED models.
The 8K models for Samsung in 2025 are the Q900F series, and the letter to keep an eye out for is the F. It's available in three sizes (65, 75 and 85 inches).
Samsung has introduced some significant price reductions compared to the previous year's Neo QLED range, with the 65-inch QA65QN900FWXXY model almost $2000 less than the 2024 version. The 85-inch QA85QN900FWXXY is $2500 less than the 2024 model when it was first released.
But there are plenty of 2025 Neo QLED TVs on offer with 4K resolution. Like last year, there's the QNF90 series in three display sizes (65, 75, 85 inches) while the QN85F series has 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch displays with prices ranging from $2199 for the QA55QN85FAWXXY and up to $5999 for the QA85QN90FAWXXY. There's also a giant 98-inch model available for around $10,000.
The value end of the Neo QLED series is the QN70F, with 55, 65, 75 and 85-inch models ranging in price from $1799 (QA55QN70FAWXXY) up to $3999 for the 85-inch (QA85QN70FAWXXY).
But there's also a range of even cheaper QLED models called the QN1EF range, just to add to the confusion. They seem very similar to the QN70F range of TVs priced at release from $999 for the 55-inch model (QA55QN1EFAWXXY) up to $2499 for the 85-inch model (QA85QN1EFAWXXY).
Neo QLED from previous years (2024, 2023, 2022 or 2021)
The 8K models for Samsung in 2024 are the Q900D series, available in three sizes (65, 75 and 85 inches).
The 8K models for Samsung in 2023 were the Q900C series, available in three sizes (65, 75 and 85 inches).
The 8K models for Samsung in 2022 were the Q900B and Q800B series, while the Neo QLED series was introduced in 2021 so logically use the model code A.
QLED 4K series (Mid range)
How do you tell which QLED is a 2025 TV?
Samsung has again offered a single series for the QLED range for 2025 – sort of. There's a QF7 4K range with display sizes from 55-inches to 85-inches, and a QEF1 range with the same display size options. The difference between the two QLED series? One has a black casing while the other has a grey case.
QLED TVs from previous years (2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021)
The 2024 range of Q60D QLED TVs has four display options ranging from the 55-inch up to 85-inches. Don't be surprised if you suddenly see the 75-inch model (QA75Q60DAWXXY) appear at the EOFY sales and maybe even the Black Friday sales, but don't consider it unless you can find it for under $1500.
Samsung consolidated its range in 2023 with just the single Q60C series available in four display sizes ranging from the 55-inch QA55Q60CAWXXY up to the 85-inch QA85Q60CAWXXY.
There are a few series to choose from among the 2022 range. Each QLED series (Q60B, Q70B and Q80B) is available in 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch models. For example, look out for the letter B in the mid range 65-inch QA65Q70BAWXXY.
As with last year's models, the product code for Samsung QLED TVs should show a QA followed by the display size of the TV, then two numbers indicating their position within the range, followed by a C to indicate a 2023 QLED model (compared to a B for the 2022 model or an A for a 2021 model).
OLED 4K series (Premium range)
How do you tell which OLED is a 2025 TV?
Samsung has released its fourth series of OLED TVs in 2025 but continues to offer this technology as its second-tier option and continues to push its Neo QLED 8K TVs as the premium offering.
Three series are available for 2025, with the S95F (high end) and S85F (most affordable OLED) series available in a 55, 65, 77 and 83-inch display. The S90F series is seen as the mid-range OLED option and adds a 42- and 48-inch display option so you have every room in the house covered.
Prices range from $1799 for the smallest OLED (QA42S90FAEXXY) all the way up to $9999 for the QA83S95FAWXXY.
OLED TVs from previous years (2024, 2023 and 2022)
Samsung only started selling OLED TVs in 2022 with one series (S95B) available in 55- and 65-inch display options. The 2023 series included a range of display options as well as a 'value' OLED S90C (55- and 67-inch display options) and a premium S95C range adding a 77-inch display to the mix. The 2024 continued the value and premium OLED option with the S90D and S95D.
Crystal UHD U8000F/U8500F series (Value range)
How do you tell which Crystal UHD is a 2025TV?
The volume-selling LCD display TV for Samsung is the Crystal UHD series, and the range for 2025 looks like there is more variety but as with the cheapest QLED models, the only choice is colour – you can have it with a black stand (U8500F series) or a grey stand (U8000 series). Both series are available in the widest range of sizes for Samsung (43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85-inches) starting at 43-inches (UA43U8500FWXXY) at $749 up to a keenly priced $2499 for the 85-inch (UA85U8500FWXXY).
Crystal UHD TVs from previous years (2024, 2023, 2022 or 2021)
The 2024 models that may show up in the EOFY sales use the code D U7700 and have 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch display sizes available. The range starts with the UA43DU7700WXXY, which you can find for around $599, and goes up to around $2000 for the 85-inch version (UA85DU7700WXXY).
The 2023 value series Crystal CU8000 offers 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch display sizes with the UA43CU8000WXXY, up to the 85-inch version (UA85CU8000WXXY).
The 2022 models use the code BU8000 and are available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch display sizes. The 2021 standard Samsung LCD range is shown as the AU8000 series, while the 2020 LCD range is shown as the TU8000 series. 2019 models generally have an R after the display size indication (e.g. Samsung UA65RU8000WXXY), while 2018 models generally have an N after the display size number (e.g. Samsung UA55NU7000).
Hisense continues to compete with Sony for a minor placing against the two frontrunners – Samsung and LG. Several of its 2025 releases are already in stores so expect to see 2024 models available at a significant discount.
Hisense is very careful to highlight that AU at the end of the model code indicates an Australian model and has made it clear that overseas Hisense models from the same series will have different specifications and features. So if you find a Hisense TV with no AU at the end of the product code, it most likely arrived from another market and may not function correctly in Australia.
Value range (A4QAU and Q6QAU)
Basically, every TV in the 2025 range will end in QAU, with Q being the series and AU being the Australian model. The range begins with the A4QAU series, available in a 32- and 40-inch display for around $400.
The Q6QAU series is the value QLED TV with six display sizes, starting at around $695 for the 43-inch model and up to $2195 for the monster-sized 85-inch display.
Mid range Mini-LED (U6QAU Pro, U7QAU and U8QAU)
The next series is the Mini-LED UQAU range, with the only difference being a slightly higher refresh rate on the U8QUA series and one or two less HDMI ports on the cheapest U6QAU series. All offer 75- and 85-inch display options with the U7QAU adding 55- and 65-inch models and the U6QAU Pro a 50-inch model.
Big, big screen models (QLED and Mini LED)
If you have the room then Hisense has the TV for you, with three 100-inch monsters starting with the 100Q7QAU for around $6000, the 100U6QAU for $7000 and the 100U7QAU for $8000.
The most important thing to consider when shopping for a Hisense TV in 2025 is that generally the quality increases with the number (from 4 to 8) and Q being in any of the product model names.
Hisense models from previous years (2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021)
If the model has NAU at the end of the model name, it's a 2024 Hisense TV, except if it's one of their premium models, which will end in XAU. If the model has HAU at the end of the model name, it's a 2022 Hisense TV. 2023 models have replaced the H with a K, so any model that ends with KAU is an Australian Hisense TV released in 2023.
If it has a G at the end of the model (e.g. 75U90GAU), it's a 2021 TV, and if it's older than that, the code will end in either a Q8AU for the premium models or S8AU for the mid range TVs.
Sony is late to the party as far as releasing its TV range for the year. There will likely be very few 2025 models available in time for the EOFY sales.
The confusing thing for working out models for Sony 2024 and 2025 is that some of last year's models will simply continue into 2025. This can be a good thing as it means that the models have (hopefully) had any bugs fixed throughout the previous 12 months, and it should also allow Sony to offer these models at a relatively good value price.
Please note none of the Sony TVs for 2025, 2024, 2023 or 2022 can record live TV to an external USB hard drive. If you want to record shows, you'll need a PVR. However, with the popularity of streaming video (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime etc.) this may not be an issue.
With almost all of the 2024 Sony TVs that will still be available in 2025 and the couple of new models, you'll see the letter K at the beginning of the product code.
Sony Bravia 9 (Premium range) – Introduced in 2024 and ongoing for 2025
The big thing about Sony's top-level Bravia 9 is that it's big and bright. Offered in just two display choices, the 75-inch K-75XR90 ($6995) and 85-inch K-85XR90 ($7995), these flagship Sony TVs arrived late in 2024 and will be ongoing throughout 2025.
These models may be subject to some price drops during the EOFY and Black Friday sales, saving you some serious cash. The display technology is Mini LED with a brighter screen and the ability to use the TV speakers when paired with a Sony soundbar.
Bravia 8 OLED series (Premium range) – Introduced in 2024 and ongoing for 2025
The Bravia 8 is Sony's premium range OLED TV, with Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ turning the display into one large speaker with positional audio replicating the sound of an object within the scene.
The range starts with the 55-inch K-55XR5580 ($2696) up to $4995 for the 77-inch K-77XR80. A 65-inch K-65XR80 ($3495) model is also available.
Bravia 8 II OLED series (Premium range) – Introduced in 2025
The 2025 update to the Bravia 8 premium OLED basically delivers a brighter OLED image with an updated processor and slightly more powerful speaker system. There are two models in the Bravia 8 II lineup: the 55-inch K-55XR80M2 ($4195) and the 65-inch K-65XR80M2 ($5295).
There is a significant price difference between the latest series and the Bravia 8 OLED TVs so it would be no surprise if there were some adjustment of pricing at the EOFY sales or even throughout the year. Don't rush out to pay over $5000 for a 65-inch OLED just yet.
Bravia 7 QLED Mini LED series (Mid range) – Introduced in 2024 and ongoing for 2025
The Bravia 7 series offer a good balance of detail and brightness and sits below the Bravia 9 Mini LED and Bravia 8 OLED TV series with display sizes of 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches. Prices start at $2995 for the 55-inch K-55XR70 and go up to around $5495 for the 85-inch K-85XR70.
Bravia 5 Mini LED TVs (Mid range) – Introduced 2025
Sony introduced the Bravia 5 series to fill a significant gap in price and quality between the Bravia 7 and Bravia 3 series. The range include 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches, starting with the 55-inch K-55XR50 at $2295, and up to the 85-inch K-85XR50 at $4495. There was also an announcement of a 98-inch model that will arrive sometime during 2025.
Bravia 3 LED TVs (Value range) – Introduced in 2024 and ongoing for 2025
As with most TV brands, the most affordable range also offers the largest choice in display size. The value range starts with S30, and includes display sizes 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches. The cheapest Sony TV for 2024 is the 43-inch K43S30 at $995, and the most expensive in this range is the 85-inch K85S30 at $3495.
Sony OLED TVs from previous years (2023, 2022, 2021)
OLED models from 2023 include the A80L and A95L series. OLED models from 2022 include the A80K, A90K and A95K series. Two options for 2021 OLED TVs include the A80J and A90J series.
Sony Full Array LED TVs from previous years (2023 and 2022)
The 2023 range and the one you'll most likely see in the EOFY sales starts at $2995 for the 55-inch XR55X90L model, which has several of the upscaling and processing features that are on offer in the top-end OLED TVs. Expect to pay around $3500 or less for the 85-inch XR8590L in the EOFY sales, which is a good bargain for a strong-performing, monster-sized TV.
The 2022 releases include the X90K and X95K series with size choices of 65-, 75- and 85-inch displays. For the price premium you get an upgraded processor, better LED backlighting, and several of the upscaling and processing features that are on offer in the top-end OLED TVs.
Models before 2023
- The 2022 models use a code ending with K (e.g. Sony KD-55X90K or X90K).
- The 2021 models use a code ending with J (e.g.Sony KD-55X80J or X80J).
- The 2020 models use a code ending with H (e.g. Sony KD-55X80H or X80H).
- The 2019 models use a code ending with G (e.g. Sony KD-65X9500G).
- If the code ends with an F (e.g. Sony KD-65X9000F) then it's the latest model for 2018.
- If the code ends with a D (e.g. Sony KD-55X8500D) it's technically an early 2017 model and you should avoid it altogether.
There are no new Panasonic TVs for 2025 and there have been none since 2019.
The following information on product codes is to identify any older models you may see on eBay or Gumtree. Panasonic is not a new TV option.
Panasonic indicates the release year by the first letter after the display size, with G being a 2019 model (e.g. Panasonic TH-65GX850A), F being a 2018 model, and E indicating a 2017 model (e.g. Panasonic TH-65EX780A).
- The numbers in the series indicate the increase in quality and price, from the lowest 32-inch TH32F400A through to the FS500A series, FX600A series and so on, up to the top-of-the-line 4K FX800 series with all the bells and whistles.
- Panasonic also has a few OLED models that were still around both online and in some stores towards the end of 2020, like the GZ1000U, 55 or 65-inch, as well as two premium priced 65-inch OLED models (TH-65GZ2000 and TH-65GZ1500U). If you can find one of these models for under $1000 as a runout, it may be worth a gamble as they were good TVs – but it's a gamble that will likely be without a warranty or support from Panasonic locally.
- If the Panasonic TV you're looking at has an E after the display size number, tell the salesperson you know it's a 2017 model. They should basically pay you to take it.
- If it has a D after the the display size, it's a 2016 model and must have gotten lost at the back of a storage room.
Tips for your new TV
TVs are getting smarter
One of the biggest changes we're seeing is an improvement not only to smart functionality, but also the ability to add new features to your TV through software updates. However, the improvements over the last couple of years have been minor, so don't avoid a bargain TV from 2024 as it should be just as smart as this year's TV.
Most TVs, for example, can interact with other smart devices on your home network, and with tech like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. They can answer queries about the weather, turn on your air conditioner, talk to your fridge and order more milk, and turn off the lights when you go to bed.
But ask yourself do you want and need smart TV features before you splash the cash.
TVs are getting brighter
There is a push to get the nit levels (screen brightness) up on TVs. Some argue that the less than ideal TV watching environment in many homes means more brightness is required to see all the content on a TV screen in a brightly lit room.
When looking at a TV in a retail store, keep in mind how bright the room is and whether this is in any way comparable to your lounge room at home. Don't be swayed by the salesman highlighting the brightness of the TV – look at the picture and decide whether you can see all the detail in the bright and dark areas of the scene, as that's the main aspect to consider.
Streaming costs are increasing
Keep track of your streaming subscriptions as most have steadily increased monthly fees over the last few years. Signing up to try Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ and Binge for a short window may sound great, but you could easily end up spending over $100 a month if you forget to cancel them.
High-definition is (almost) dead
4K and UHD (ultra-high definition) is the most common resolution in new TVs. In fact, high-definition TVs are more or less extinct, save for a handful of budget, small-screen models (around 32- to 42-inches). 4K resolution uses 3440 x 2160 pixels. By contrast, a full HD TV has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
But while 4K screens are the new norm, there's still plenty of standard definition (SD) and HD content available. Many older TV shows and movies haven't received the HD or 4K treatment and probably never will, for a variety of reasons.
What do all these numbers and letters mean?
- Standard definition (SD) is the format you're watching when catching old reruns of 90s sitcoms like Friends. Most free to air stations broadcast in SD as well.
- High definition (HD) is high-definition broadcast TV (TV shows made in the past few years) and Blu-ray movies on disc. Most networks have at least one high-definition channel.
- 4K/UHD (Ultra High Definition) is the format used for the latest blockbuster movies streamed on Netflix or a 4K Blu-ray disc, which look great on a 65-inch or 85-inch display TV. Smaller TVs don't show the higher detail clearly.
The arrival of 8K TVs (four times resolution of 4K) hasn't had the same impact as HD and 4K. While it's true that an 8K TV can deliver even more detail, there's very little content that takes advantage of it. Most streaming services don't support it and 8K Blu-ray discs don't exist in the consumer space.
After the initial fanfare with TV companies hoping to convince you that you absolutely must have an 8K TV, things have calmed down, with only one or two of the highest priced TVs in each brand offering an 8K model.
Is your lounge room big enough for your big TV?
It's not just a question of will it fit. You should also consider the optimum viewing distance. Sitting too close to a big screen can be quite uncomfortable, while sitting to far from a small TV can ruin the viewing experience.
The ideal viewing distance for a 65-inch 4K TV – the most popular size in Australia – is 1.25 to 2.5 metres. If your room size forces you to sit closer, or if you really want a larger TV, then a 4K TV may be a good option to avoid that pixelation. Although remember, you'll need to be watching 4K video for the best quality picture – and for now, most content is still in HD or even SD.
High-definition allows a bit more flexibility. You can sit up to 2.4 metres away if you're watching HD video, even on a 4K TV. Check out our guide on how to measure and choose the right TV size for a detailed breakdown of matching the screen to your room.
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