Smart Entertainment Picks for to Trick Out Your Home
The folks at Walmart challenged our engineers to create the ultimate teched-out entertainment guide, from TVs to speakers and more! These connected products will make watching the game or just binge-watching Netflix a whole lot easier.
Go for a 4K UHD (ultra-high-definition) set. With four times the image resolution of a regular HD model, it'll make you feel as if the action is right in your living room. Think of resolution in terms of rows and columns. A 1080p HD set offers images with 1,920 by 1,080 pixels; a 4K set has twice that in each direction, or 3,840 by 2,160. Premium UHD TVs offer better contrast between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks on screen — meaning greater clarity and detail. Right now, 4K UHD content is limited — one downside of being ahead of the curve — but more content is on the way from sources like Sony, Netflix, Hulu and YouTube.
This Samsung set is one of the sleekest we've tested. Our engineers were impressed by the TV's primo picture quality. It also gives you access to a full web browser, just like what you're used to on your computer, and it's compatible withSamsung's SmartThings connected home hub.
BUY IT: $1,800, walmart.com
Vizio's 65" screen wowed our engineers with stellar color and contrast. You can even use the Vizio SmartCast app to turn your smartphone or tablet into a remote or second screen. With built-in Google Cast, streaming content from your mobile device right to the TV is a breeze.
BUY IT: $778, walmart.com
For all the benefits of an ultra-high-def set minus the sticker shock, our pros like TCL's Roku-enabled 4K TV. It performed well in Lab tests (especially for the price!), offering crisp picture quality and a sleek design. Even better, its built-in functionality means a user-friendly interface with tons of available apps.
BUY IT: $428, walmart.com
Solution: Mount a wireless sound bar on the bottom or top of your set or nearby. These compact speaker systems instantly deliver cinema-like audio at home. Choose one made for your TV size. Connecting is a breeze; location is less important than with five or seven-channel systems.
Samsung's sound bar and subwoofer deliver quality sound and rich bass. The system is a cinch to set up and looks good, too.
BUY IT: $500, walmart.com
With a subwoofer and satellite speakers, Vizio's sound bar puts you in the middle of the excitement.
BUY IT: $250, walmart.com
If a smart TV isn't in the cards, add a media player to the TV you already own — it will let you watch the whole season of House of Cards on a bigger screen. Media players offer a simple, affordable solution. Think about what matters most to you, like device compatibility (Apple or Android) or apps, to decide on one of our picks.
Roku tops our pros' list thanks to its huge selection of content — over 3,500 channels! And its search tools impressed our engineers; finding what you need is easy. In Lab tests, it had great responsiveness and features. If you want a 4K, look for Roku 4 Premier, Premier+ and Ultra (from $80).
BUY IT: $80, walmart.com
For the price, Google's Chromecast is hard to beat. It lets you wirelessly transfer (a.k.a. "cast") shows from your phone, tablet or laptop to the TV. Stream 4K with the newest model, Chromecast Ultra. There's no remote, so you'll have to hit Play and Pause on the original device.
BUY IT: $35, walmart.com
Apple TV makes it easy to access your iTunes movies and TV content and Apple Music on your TV. Our engineers were especially impressed with its voice search using the Siri remote. Watch for Apple's Home app, which will let you use your TV as a hub for all your smart home devices.
BUY IT: $149, walmart.com
Smart Entertainment Picks for to Trick Out Your Home
The folks at Walmart challenged our engineers to create the ultimate teched-out entertainment guide, from TVs to speakers and more! These connected products will make watching the game or just binge-watching Netflix a whole lot easier.
Upgrade your TV — and movie nights — with our Institute's must-know tips and top product picks.
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