As spring approaches, you may be tempted to improve your home viewing setup. Maybe you want to embrace spring cleaning by digitally decluttering your TV to boost performance. Or perhaps you’re keen to get an upgrade, ready to watch the Oscars—and all the nominated films, of course. 

This guide will help you reach you achieve the ideal setup no matter your viewing style: whether you’re on a budget, stream movies with the family, play the latest games, or have a smart home.

If you’re on a budget

There are plenty of ways to improve your viewing experience, even if you’re on a budget. If you’re not ready to part with your current TV, there are ways to enhance its performance without spending a penny. Many people never adjust their TV out of its default mode, even though switching to a more accurate picture preset, such as Cinema or Movie mode, can drastically improve colour accuracy and reduce overly harsh brightness. Sound is equally important, and exploring your TV’s audio modes can deliver clearer speech and fuller audio. 

If you’re keen to upgrade your TV whilst on a budget, it can be hard to know where to begin. You should prioritise the features most valuable to you rather than an expensive abundance of extras. It may be reassuring to know that even entry-level TVs now offer advanced features, such as HDR, for improved picture quality. It’s also worth considering screen size; bigger doesn’t always mean better, and if you’re looking to save money, opting for a smaller screen is a solid choice.


If you’re watching with the family

Upgrading the family TV is an exciting change, but there’s a lot to factor in. You should consider the size of your household and the space for your setup when choosing a TV size. A large screen size will improve the shared viewing experience and provide greater visibility across the room, but you’ll want to make sure it fits! If you’re a fan of family movie nights, consider an OLED model for deep contrasts that create a cinematic experience. 


If you have little ones in the household, it’s important to consider the safety features of TV models. Many smart TVs offer parental controls, including filtered content, app restrictions and protections against any unintended purchases. This means the kids will benefit from safe, age-appropriate viewing, whilst you’ll gain valuable peace of mind. 

If you’re a gamer

No matter your console of choice, you’ll want to enjoy your gaming experience with stunning visuals. But TV specs differ from the gaming specs you know and love, so it can be hard to know where to begin when hunting for the ideal gaming TV. 

If you’re seeking a TV for gaming, there are key features to consider for an optimal experience, including refresh rates of 120Hz or higher for smooth motion during action-packed gameplay. You should also look for devices that offer Auto Low Latency Mode or Game Modes, which will detect your console and optimise settings to give you the ideal gameplay experience.

If you’re a smart tech lover

In an era of ever-growing convenience, it’s understandable to expect a seamless viewing experience from your TV. The current Smart TV market prioritises effortless ease of access. The built-in Wi-Fi functionality and app support mean you’ll have immediate access to streaming platforms, whilst many Smart TVs now also offer voice controls—so you won’t have to worry about finding the remote. Many Smart TVs also now offer smart assistant integration, so you can ask Alexa, Google Assistant, Bixby, or equivalent, whatever’s on your mind. 


If you’re seeking something a little different

If a traditional TV isn’t what you’re looking for, there’s a growing world of alternative viewing options. Projectors offer a cinematic scale and flexible placement that goes far beyond the constraints of a screen, as well as a nostalgic, atmospheric feel. 

Alternatively, if you don’t want to be constrained by a setup, you could opt for a portable TV. These screens are perfect for watching whilst on the go, ideal for seamless background viewing whilst completing errands across different areas of the home. 


The credits

As the excitement of awards season builds and spring refreshes the TV landscape with new releases, now is an excellent time to revisit your viewing setup. Ultimately, it’s all about tailoring your viewing experience around what works for you and your loved ones.