If you're new to the world of Smart TVs or haven't purchased a television in several years, the landscape can seem overwhelming. Terms like OLED, QLED, HDR, 4K, HDMI 2.1, and refresh rates get thrown around constantly, and it's easy to feel lost when trying to make an informed purchase decision.
This comprehensive beginner's guide will explain everything you need to know about Smart TVs in plain, jargon-free language. By the end, you'll understand what makes modern televisions "smart," which features actually matter, and how to choose the right TV for your needs and budget. Let's start with the fundamentals.
What Makes a TV "Smart"?
A Smart TV is simply a television with built-in internet connectivity and a computer processor that runs apps. Think of it as a regular TV combined with a basic computer or tablet. This allows you to stream content from services like Netflix and Stan, browse the web, install apps, and connect to other devices without needing external equipment.
Nearly all televisions sold today in Australia are Smart TVs. The "smart" functionality has become so standard that it's actually difficult to find a new TV without these features. Even budget-friendly options include smart capabilities.
A Smart TV connects to your WiFi and lets you stream content, use apps, and access online features directly on the television without needing additional devices like a Chromecast or Apple TV.
Understanding Screen Size
TV screens are measured diagonally in inches, from one corner to the opposite corner. Common sizes available in Australia include 43", 50", 55", 65", 75", and 85" - with some models even larger. But bigger isn't always better - the right size depends on your room and seating distance.
Finding the Right Size for Your Room
As a general rule, your viewing distance should be approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size for comfortable viewing. Here's a quick guide:
- 43-50 inch: Suitable for 1.5-2.5m viewing distance (bedrooms, small living rooms)
- 55-65 inch: Ideal for 2-3m viewing distance (most Australian living rooms)
- 75-85 inch: Best for 3-4m+ viewing distance (large living rooms, dedicated home theatres)
Don't buy a TV that's too small for your room - the most common regret among TV buyers is wishing they'd gone larger. With modern 4K resolution, you can sit closer to the screen than with older HD TVs without seeing individual pixels.
Resolution: What Do 4K, HD, and 8K Mean?
Resolution refers to the number of pixels (tiny dots) that make up the image on your screen. More pixels generally means a sharper, more detailed picture. Here are the common resolutions you'll encounter:
Full HD (1080p)
1,920 x 1,080 pixels. This was the standard for many years and still looks good on smaller screens (43" or less). Most free-to-air TV broadcasts in Australia are in HD.
4K Ultra HD (2160p)
3,840 x 2,160 pixels - four times the detail of Full HD. This is the current standard for most new TVs and the sweet spot for picture quality versus price. Netflix, Stan, Disney+, and other streaming services offer extensive 4K content libraries.
8K (4320p)
7,680 x 4,320 pixels - four times 4K resolution. Currently overkill for most users as there's very limited 8K content available, and the TVs command significant premium prices. We recommend most buyers stick with 4K for now.
For most Australian buyers, a 4K TV is the ideal choice. There's abundant content available, prices are reasonable, and the picture quality is excellent even on larger screens. Skip 8K unless you're buying an 85" or larger TV and have money to spare.
Display Technologies Explained
The type of display panel in your TV significantly affects picture quality. Here are the main technologies available today:
LED/LCD
The most affordable option. Uses an LED backlight behind an LCD panel. Good brightness and value, but contrast (the difference between bright and dark areas) isn't as impressive as more expensive technologies. Perfect for budget-conscious buyers or rooms with lots of ambient light.
QLED
Primarily used by Samsung and TCL, QLED adds a layer of quantum dots to enhance colour and brightness on an LED/LCD base. Brighter than standard LED with more vivid colours. Great for bright rooms and content with lots of vibrant colours.
OLED
Premium technology where each pixel produces its own light and can turn off completely. Results in perfect black levels and incredible contrast. Best for dark rooms and movie watching, but more expensive than LED or QLED options.
Mini-LED
Uses thousands of tiny LED lights for more precise backlighting control. Offers improved contrast over standard LED, approaching (but not quite matching) OLED performance. A good middle ground between LED and OLED in terms of price and performance.
What is HDR?
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. In simple terms, HDR allows a TV to display a wider range of brightness levels and colours than standard content. The result is more lifelike images with brighter highlights, deeper shadows, and more nuanced colours.
You'll encounter several HDR formats:
- HDR10: The basic standard, supported by all HDR TVs and content
- HDR10+: Samsung's enhanced version with dynamic adjustments per scene
- Dolby Vision: Premium format with scene-by-scene optimisation, used by Netflix and Disney+
- HLG: Used for broadcast HDR in Australia
Any modern 4K TV will support at least HDR10. For the best experience with streaming services, look for Dolby Vision support.
Smart TV Operating Systems
Just like phones have iOS or Android, Smart TVs run on different operating systems. Each has its own interface, app store, and features:
Samsung Tizen
Samsung's own platform. Clean interface, fast performance, and good app selection. All major Australian streaming services are available. Voice control via Bixby or works with external Alexa/Google devices.
LG webOS
Known for its user-friendly interface with a horizontal app launcher at the bottom of the screen. Smooth navigation and excellent streaming app support. Includes the "Magic Remote" with pointer control on many models.
Google TV / Android TV
Used by Sony, TCL, and others. The most extensive app library since it can access the Google Play Store. Deep Google Assistant integration and easy syncing with other Google services. Best for users already in the Google ecosystem.
VIDAA (Hisense)
Hisense's proprietary system. Simple and straightforward with all major streaming apps. Generally easy to use but with fewer apps than other platforms.
All major platforms support Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Kayo Sports, Binge, and the free catch-up apps (7plus, 9Now, 10 Play, ABC iview, SBS On Demand). The differences are mainly in interface and secondary apps.
Connections: HDMI, USB, and More
Modern TVs include various ports for connecting external devices:
HDMI
The standard connection for game consoles, streaming devices, soundbars, and Blu-ray players. Most TVs have 3-4 HDMI ports. For PS5 or Xbox Series X gaming, look for at least one HDMI 2.1 port, which supports 4K at 120Hz.
USB
Used for viewing photos and videos from USB drives, or powering small streaming sticks. Most TVs include 1-2 USB ports.
Optical/TOSLINK
Digital audio output for connecting older soundbars or audio systems that don't support HDMI.
Ethernet
Wired internet connection for more reliable streaming than WiFi. Useful if your TV is near your router.
Antenna Input
For connecting your TV antenna to receive free-to-air channels.
Refresh Rate: 60Hz vs 120Hz
Refresh rate measures how many times per second the screen updates its image. A 60Hz TV refreshes 60 times per second, while 120Hz refreshes twice as often.
For most viewing - movies, TV shows, and streaming - 60Hz is perfectly adequate. Films are shot at 24 frames per second, and most TV content is 50 or 60 fps in Australia.
120Hz becomes beneficial for gaming (especially with PS5 or Xbox Series X) and can make sports appear smoother. If gaming is a priority, consider a TV with native 120Hz capability and HDMI 2.1 support.
Setting a Budget
Smart TV prices in Australia vary dramatically based on size, technology, and brand. Here's a general guide:
- Budget (Under $1,000): 55-65" LED/QLED TVs from TCL, Hisense, or entry-level Samsung/LG. Good picture quality for everyday viewing.
- Mid-Range ($1,000-$2,500): 65-75" quality QLED or Mini-LED TVs with better picture processing and more features.
- Premium ($2,500-$4,000): 55-65" OLED TVs or large high-end QLED/Mini-LED models with top-tier picture quality.
- Luxury ($4,000+): Large OLED TVs (77"+), flagship models with the best possible picture quality.
Last year's models often represent excellent value. When new TVs release (usually around April-May), previous year models get significant discounts. A 2025 model in 2026 is essentially the same TV at a lower price.
Buying Tips for Beginners
- Measure your space first: Know the maximum TV size that fits your room and entertainment unit.
- Prioritise picture quality over smart features: You can always add a streaming device, but you can't upgrade the panel.
- Check connection requirements: Make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports for your devices.
- Read reviews from Australian sources: Features and channel availability can differ from US or European markets.
- Consider viewing conditions: Bright room? Lean toward QLED. Dark home theatre? OLED excels.
Conclusion
Choosing a Smart TV doesn't have to be complicated. Focus on the fundamentals: get the right size for your room, choose 4K resolution, pick a display technology that suits your budget and viewing environment, and ensure it has the connections and apps you need. With this knowledge, you're well-equipped to find a television that will serve you well for years to come.