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When it comes to technology there is always the question of deciding between a range of options. Some people, for example, like Android phones and some prefer iPhones. It's the same argument between Macs and PCs – no one view is necessarily right but you can guarantee there will always be plenty of opinions.

And so it is with the best television types so let's look at some of the possible options.

What are the differences?

With any choice, when it comes to devices you need to understand what you're comparing and why. Rooms are different sizes and shapes and the sheer amount of possibilities to choose from can be mind boggling, even if you're reasonably well informed about tech.

So, how big do you want your screen size to be? Do you want an LCD or an LED TV – and do you know what the difference is? What about the colour? Choices can be tricky so take the time to source your best option.

LCD and Direct LED

Liquid Crystal Display was the main technology to backlight televisions but though it is still standard for cheaper models, it is ageing technology, and in models that are more expensive has now been superseded by the LED method. LEDs – light emitting diodes – backlight the displays directly behind the television screen. It means you can use localised dimming so the immediately adjacent areas of darkness and brightness can be displayed more effectively.

Contrast is significantly improved and the sets are more power efficient. Direct LED is costly in terms of mounting the arrays so Edge LED has moved into the arena successfully.

Edge LED

With this as the backlight, LEDs are mounted around the panel's edges. They are a lot cheaper than Direct LEDs but they don't have quite the same picture quality. You'll find the majority of LED TVs now use this technology.

OLED TV

It's new and expensive, but the organic light emitting diode gives you higher contrast and much better colours, and also allows screens to be very thin and flexible. You may need to look around for a full size model – they were released in 2014 – but don't expect them to be cheap.

Plasma TV

You may not find plasma screen TVs around now as many manufacturers have dropped them. You need a screen of more than 42 inches for it to be viable. The plasma display panel has glass panels that contain millions of minute cells and are filled with a mix of inert gases. Electricity stimulates these gases making the pixels on the screen illuminated.

Resolution and size

HD – high definition – is the norm now. Your screen resolution will be of exceptional quality and it would probably be unwise to go for a TV that was less than full HD, although sets that are HD-ready are available but these will have a lower resolution. 

In terms of size, it's really what is going to fit your living room or other space. No point in going overboard for a small room, but if you do have the space, then splash out on your choice!

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