Televisions Buying Guide

KEY FEATURES AND CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS

Convenience features, inputs and even the sound system are all factors to consider in your next TV purchase. Many TV makers differentiate their basic models from more expensive versions by including all kinds of add-ons, so check our list to help determine whether that swanky set you're considering really has the features that matter.

Picture-in-picture (PIP) | Universal remote control | TV sound | Tuner extras | Inputs and outputs

Picture-in-picture (PIP)

What it is: Found primarily on more expensive televisions, PIP lets you watch a second programme in a little window. More-elaborate versions can resize the window, move it around the screen, create still or multiple still images, or simply divide the screen into two same-size pictures, often called 'picture-outside-picture' (POP).

What it isn't: PIP has a dirty little secret, though: if you use an external tuner such as a Freeview box or a satellite receiver, you can watch only one programme at once.

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Universal remote control

What it is: Plenty of TVs now come with universal remotes that can control other A/V gear. Usually, they work with a cable or satellite box, and many can also command DVD players, VCRs or even A/V receivers. If you like watching movies in the dark, you should look for a remote with backlit or glowing buttons.

What it isn't: Not every universal remote can control everything. Some, known as 'unibrand remotes', can control only the same brand of equipment as the TV itself. Most are preprogrammed with a set list of codes and if the codes don't match your older or off-brand gear, you're out of luck. A few are learning models that can accept the IR codes from your other remotes and, thus, control any kind of gear.

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