With so many great shows and technological advancements in entertainment today it’s no wonder that the little box we call a television plays a vital role in our everyday lives. Who doesn’t love coming home after a long day to enjoy their favorite movie or show? With a limitless range of TV options today it’s no wonder you can get lost trying to pick the best one. However, have no fear. We’re here to help ease your confusion.

We won’t talk about Smart TVs as a feature because models like the Samsung Tizen Smart TV and others are becoming standard. Here are the top features to consider when buying a television:

1. Resolution

Resolution is the relationship between horizontal and vertical columns of pixels that form the picture being displayed. The higher the resolution, the more pixels, the TV has thus better the details. This translates to a sharper, clearer, and more life-like image. Once upon a time, a 1920 x 1080 screen resolution was considered the best. Now Ultra HD or 4K models (3840 X 2160) are quickly becoming King. TVs like the Vizio M8-Series Quantum are popular because of their exceptional 4K detail. Furthermore, streaming services like Netflix, YouTube and others have started streaming 4K content.

2. HDR

This is 4K Ultra HD latest features and it stands for High Dynamic Range. HDR-compatible TVs come with an extensive range of vibrant colors, increased brightness, and more contrast levels. HDR shows you a more realistic image and color than before. The outstanding colors can immerse you deeper into your favorite movies and television shows. Keep your eye open for “HDR10” or “Ultra HD Premium” listed on the set.

3. Contrast Ratio

Contrast ratio is the difference in brightness between the whitest whites and the blackest blacks the TV can produce. You want a TV with a high contrast ratio, so the blacks won’t appear to have a washed-out gray look, but instead a rich black. You’ll see contrast ratios like 2,000:1 or 5,000:1 the bigger the ratio the better. The LG OLED B8P model is a great example, it has excellent picture quality with a remarkable contrast ratio that delivers the blackest blacks. Look out for similar models.

4. Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is measured in Hertz and is the number of times the image on the screen is refreshed per second. Usually, the manufactures will produce TVs with 60Hz, 120Hz, or even 144Hz. If you want a seamless, smoother flow between images, a higher refresh rate is desirable. A television with a higher refresh rate is better.

5. Ports

With all the devices on the market; Chromecast, Roku, Sound Bar, Xbox you want to make sure your TV has plenty of ports or HDMI inputs. There’s nothing like being anxious to connect a device to only have to disconnect another one. The television should have at least 3 to 4 HDMI inputs. If you’re an old school head, make sure analog composite inputs for those old VCRs and DVD players are present.