How Long Do Big Screen TVs Last? (We Checked)

Planning on getting a big screen TV? Before you swipe that credit card, you ought to know a few things about their longevity. It correlates a LOT with the price point – cheap TVs don’t last long.

How long do big-screen TVs last? 

Here’s What You Need to Know about the Lifespan of Big Screen TVs.

The lifespan of big-screen TVs depends on the quality of components used. The better the quality, the fewer chances of it breaking. Generally, though, you can expect it to last 7-10 years, with care and maintenance. For TVs that are on most of the time the lifespan will be closer to 4-5 years.

 

Check also: How long do HDTVs last?

What’s the Average Lifespan of a Big Screen TV?

You can expect a big screen TV to last you around seven years with heavy usage, set at the highest settings.

However, heavy usage means near-constant usage set to the highest settings.

If you use lower settings like brightness and moderate your usage, you can get more mileage and possibly extend the lifespan to ten years.

Note, that TV screen sizes are mostly limited to certain inch sizes.

What’s the First Thing that Breaks on Big Screen TVs?

There are two critical components in a big-screen TV that you should look out for: the actual screen and the backlights or LED panel.

In cases where wall mounting is not feasible due to the massive size of the TV, the screen of the TV becomes more vulnerable to damage, such as getting knocked over or being hit.

• Be sure to keep your TV safe, preferably with a stable wall mount, to avoid these kinds of accidents.

Meanwhile, the backlights or LED panels are prone to breakage, as these components burn out with use, like how light bulbs degrade over time.

• That is why you need to set the backlights to a level that’s enough to remove glare and reflections.

Do Big Screen TVs Last Longer than Average TVs?

Big-screen TVs have the same lifespan when compared to other TVs in the market.

But the quality of the components used in each particular TV spells a big difference in the lifespan.

You can expect big-screen TVs from high-end brands to have better chances of reaching an average of seven years, compared to more budget-friendly models.

Although, with the proper maintenance, even a cheap big screen TV has a good chance of meeting the longevity of their more expensive competitors.

How Long Do New Smart TVs Typically Last?

New smart TVs should last you up to seven years, on average.

But if you put in extra care and maintenance, your smart TV can last more than ten years.

For more information on this subject, check out our article Are Smart TVs Reliable? (Explained For Beginners).

How Long is the Warranty on Big Screen TVs?

The warranty of big-screen TVs depends on the manufacturer of the TV.

For example, Sony offers a one-year warranty for its TVs, with the option of home service for owners of TVs measuring at least 30 inches.

Meanwhile, TCL offers a two-year warranty for TVs that are bought in-person from retailers. However, it depends – check here how long Haier TVs last which is important when looking at how long the warranty lasts.

What Are the Most Popular Big Screen TV Models?

The best big-screen TVs available on the market now are those that have QLED displays.

These displays have better color accuracy for the most part and work well in different lighting conditions.

Here are some recommendations for QLED TVs with Big Screens.

Samsung Q80T

The Samsung Q80T is one of the most popular LED TVs you can get on the market today.

• With screen sizes reaching up to 85 inches, you can get the big screen of your dreams.
• It features a simple and sturdy design and comes with Samsung’s Ultra Viewing Angle, which helps in rendering consistent images regardless of where you are seated.
• The Q80T can handle different lighting conditions exceptionally. That means you can tame those backlights so you can extend the lifespan of your TV!
• Reflections and glare aren’t an issue, either.
• If you are into games, the Q80T also performs with a fast response time and low input lag.
• The Q80T also has good color accuracy out of the box. It also has a wide color gamut, which helps make highlights pop when watching HDR content.

For more information on Samsungs, check out our article Are Samsung TVs Reliable?.

Sony X950H

As Sony embraces OLED technology, it still produces top-notch LED TVs, such as the X950H.

• With a maximum size of 85 inches, you’ll have plenty of screen real estate to keep you entertained!
• You’ll be impressed with the X950H’s out-of-the-box color accuracy.
• The X950H also comes with full-array local dimming, which enhances colors in dim environments, as well as exceptional management of glare and reflections.
• The color gamut is wide, which makes it ideal for watching HDR content.
• The contrast might be on the average side for the X950H, but it makes up for it with its viewing angles.
• This smart TV, despite being a product of one of the top gaming console manufacturers, does not perform as well as you would want. Check out our article Are Sony TVs Good For Gaming? for more info.

You can also read our article Are Sony TVs Reliable? for more general information on Sony.

Hisense H8G

If you are on a budget, the Hisense H8G is a reliable option to consider, although it does not have a screen size that matches Sony or Samsung.

• With a maximum screen size of 75 inches, the H8G comes with deep blacks and full-array local dimming, making it perfect for viewing in dim environments.
• Well-lit environments are not a problem for the H8G, as it can handle glare and reflections quite well.
• For a budget device, the H8G can handle HDR content remarkably well, despite its limited peak brightness.
• Upscaling content from lower resolutions won’t be much of a problem for the H8G.
• Gamers will love the H8G for its low input lag and excellent response time. Check out our article Are Hisense TVs Good For Gaming? for more information.
• Viewing angles can be a problem, which is not a surprise, considering the H8G uses a VA panel.

Can Video Games Destroy Big Screen TVs?

You won’t have to worry about the durability of big screen TVs when using video games. 

Modern TVs don’t have any of the challenges that older TVs had in displaying video games.

You might be challenged, however, as big-screen TVs need a wider peripheral range of vision. That’s why big screen TVs work better in larger rooms, as you can position yourself to see everything at a distance.

What Can I Do to Prolong the Lifespan?

Big-screen TVs can be a big investment, so you should put in the extra effort to make sure it lasts as long as possible.

With the proper care, your TV will last longer and save you money.

Here are some tips for caring for your TV.

Turn off the TV when not in use.

Leaving the TV on when not in use speeds up the degradation of components, especially for the backlights that illuminate the screen.

• Like the traditional lightbulb, these backlights burn over time and are usually the first thing to break in a TV.
• That is why you need to turn off the TV when not in use. While you won’t be able to stop deterioration entirely, you can slow it down.
• Not only do you stretch your TV’s lifespan, but you also save on electricity costs!
• TVs also have timers that turn off the TV after a set period. Take advantage of them—they can turn off the TV when you forget to!
• You can even hook up your TV to a smart home system and set a synchronized schedule for the shut down of appliances at home.

Make sure the TV is in a secured place.

You need to find a spot where your TV will be safe from possible accidents or harmful elements.

• That means keeping it away from windows to prevent sun or even rain from damaging your TV.
• It needs to have sufficient ventilation as well. Set at least two inches of space from behind and four inches on the side so that air can circulate.
• When possible, consider mounting your TV to the wall to avoid knocking it over by accident.

Adjust Backlight levels accordingly.

One of the weakest points of a modern TV is its backlight.

It’s often the first thing that breaks and needs to be replaced. And with backlights being the most sensitive component, it would be good to tame its use.

• You need not use high backlight settings when watching in a dimly lit room.
• You should only crank up the brightness when the room gets too bright.
• Check if your TV has backlight presets.
  You can use this to match the lighting condition of your room.

Lower Contrast levels

The higher the contrast level of your TV, the more power it uses, which can degrade the lifespan of the backlights.

Make it a point to adjust the levels of contrast until you get the right picture quality.

Use an Automatic Voltage Regulator

Power surges can happen anytime and can destroy your TV.

• Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR) can reduce the impact of sudden jolts that can damage your TV.
• It’s a small investment that goes a long way for TVs, whether brand-new or refurbished.
• You can also go for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which you can use to turn off your TV properly when the power goes out.

Dust off the TV whenever possible

Dust is a menace to any TV.

• Dust can clog ventilation slots and may also penetrate the TV through the crevices on the bezels, which can damage the screen.
• Make it a point to dust off your TV to prevent potential damage.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth, and avoid cleaning chemicals that may damage your TV.
• Always turn off your TV and let it cool down before cleaning. This will also reduce the risk of damages to the TV.

Here’s a guide on what you can use to clean TV screens.

Are Big Screen TVs Worth it?

Big-screen TVs are worth it if you have the means to handle their upkeep and the space for it.

• Remember that the bigger the screen size of a TV, the farther you have to sit to appreciate the image quality. Be sure you have the space for this setup.
• To give you an idea of how far you need to be to fully appreciate a TV screen, a 65-inch TV is best enjoyed from a distance of around nine feet.
• Sitting too close means having to move your head around excessively to see the whole picture and may lead to neck strain.

Another thing to consider with bigger screens is the cost.

• The bigger the screen is, the higher the cost.
• The same may be said for repairs, which is why you should consider getting extended warranties when available during purchase.

Final Thoughts

The durability of big-screen TVs relies upon how you care for them and the quality of the TV you buy. 

Since these TVs are bigger, expect a higher repair cost to go with it. Knowing how to care for them goes a long way and saves you from trips to the repair center.

So, if you plan to buy a big-screen TV, be prepared to go the extra mile for its maintenance!

 

Sources:

Rtings.com

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