With HDTVs costing anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, one may wonder if the cost is proportional to the durability.
Some say yes, but the truth is, it depends. Many factors contribute to an HDTV’s durability, including usage, environment, and maintenance. Start by checking our guide to how long big TVs last.
So, how long do HDTVs last?
Here’s What You Need to Know about the Lifespan of HDTVs.
HDTV lifespans depend on the quality of the TV and the handling of the user. Even the cheapest TVs can last 5 to 7 years when not in use all day long. HDTVs can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years when you get a TV from one of the most reliable brands such as Samsung, Panasonic, and Sony.
What’s the Average Lifespan of an HDTV?
HDTVs have an average lifespan of 45,000 hours, which translates to around five years of continuous usage.
However, that’s with continuous use—if you use your HDTV for less than six hours a day, you can get a longer lifespan.
And you can get even more mileage when you properly care for your HDTV, which includes refraining from using it for long hours.
What’s the First Thing that Breaks on HDTVs?
The first thing that breaks on HDTVs is the backlights.
People sometimes think that the brighter the screen is, the better the image quality gets. But that is not always the case.
If the room you are in is dim, it is best to turn down the brightness and avoid needlessly running through your backlight’s lifespan.
Do HDTVs Last Longer than Average TVs?
HDTVs are more durable than older TVs, given the advancements in technology.
The durability of HDTVs, when pitted against each other, depends a lot on the quality of the build per manufacturer.
For more information on different TV type’s longevity, check out these articles: How Long Do LED TVs Last? and How Long Do QLED TVs Last?.
How Long Do New Smart TVs Typically Last?
You can get up to seven years of usage with newer smart TVs when set to the highest settings, including brightness, or ten years with average usage.
Remember that higher settings mean the TV uses more power. And the more power it uses, the more the TV becomes overworked.
See our article Are Smart TVs Reliable? (Explained For Beginners) for more information on the durability of smart TVs.
How Long is the Warranty on HDTVs?
HDTVs usually have a one-year warranty, and the coverage of these warranties varies depending on your location and where you buy from.
Some locations offer warranties that cover parts and labor, while others only cover the actual repair process.
Are HDTVs Better than Standard Definition TVs?
HDTVs are better than standard-definition TVs as HD broadcasting is now the standard for TV content.
HDTVs are ready to use out of the box when compared to their standard definition counterparts. They don’t need any converters and are compatible with most of today’s media.
Can Video Games Destroy HDTVs?
You won’t have any issues using HDTVs for video games, as they are designed to handle console games.
With features such as Automatic Low Latency Mode, HDTVs are more equipped to handle the gameplay on video games.
Also, the newer video games are designed to be played with at least HD resolutions.
What Are the Most Popular HDTV Models?
As HDTVs dominate the market now, it’s worth looking into the best TVs available so you can weigh your options.
Here are some of the best HDTVs available now.
LG CX
The LG CX is probably one of the best, if not the top, HDTV on the market today.
- It comes with a 4k and OLED display, which gives it wider viewing angles, more vibrant colors, and sharp blacks.
- For gamers, the CX has a low input lag and a Variable Refresh Rate with FreeSync and G-Sync for smoother gaming experiences. You also get a fast response time with the CX and Auto Low Latency Mode. Check out our article Are LG TVs Good For Gaming? for more info.
- The CX also performs remarkably well with low input lags even on HDR mode.
- The CX uses LG’s WebOS platform, which gives you access to a wide selection of apps.
- The weakness of the CX lies in its risk of burn-in, which is common for TVs loaded with OLED screens.
Check out our article Are LG TVs Reliable? for more information on LG TVs.
Samsung Q80T
If the risk of burn-in turns you off, then consider getting the Samsung Q80T.
- The Q80T is a 4k TV that comes with a QLED display, Samsung’s trademark display, which offers brighter and more vibrant colors.
- When it comes to lighting conditions, the Q80T handles brightness and dimly lit rooms without any problems. You can use this TV at any time of the day with good results.
- For the gamers, the Q80T has a low response time and excellent motion handling. It can render fast-paced scenes without tearing, which results in smoother movement and transitions.
- The input lag is low and there’s also a Black Frame Insertion feature. The Q80T also supports Variable Refresh Rates and comes with HDMI 2.1.
- When it comes to HDR, the color quality is impressive and there’s a wide color gamut on-board.
- The Q80T uses Samsung’s Tizen OS, which has a good app selection.
For more information on Samsung TVs, you can click on our article Are Samsung TVs Reliable?.
Sony A8H
If you’re a Sony fan, one of the best TVs you can get your hands on from the brand is the A8H.
- The Sony A8H features a 4k OLED display for more vivid images and wider angles. It can handle different lighting conditions, so glare and reflections are mitigated.
- Since it’s an OLED, you can expect sharp blacks, with the ability to turn off individual LEDs.
- When it comes to HDR content, the A8H performs well. You get a wide color gamut, and the color accuracy is excellent out of the box.
- If you are into games, the A8H has a fast response time and low input lag. There’s also Black Frame Insertion to improve clarity during fast motion, and it can interpolate low frame content up to 120 fps.
- The A8H uses Android TV for its operating platform, which gives you access to thousands of apps on the Google Play Store.
- For its weaknesses, the A8H, like other OLED TVs, suffers from burn-in risk. It also lacks HDMI 2.1 ports, which are a standard now. The A8H also cannot handle 4k resolutions with a 120 Hz refresh rate and does not have a Variable Refresh Rate.
If you’re interested in more information on Sony, check out our article Are Sony TVs Reliable?.
Vizio OLED
If you are on a budget but would like to try OLED TVs, Vizio offers its own affordable OLED TV.
- The Vizio OLED is the brand’s entry into the OLED TV market.
- Like other OLED TVs, you can expect 4k resolutions, wide angles, and deep blacks with the Vizio OLED.
- The Vizio OLED has a near-instant response time, with movement rendered smoothly with minimal blur, if any.
- The Vizio OLED has decent reflection handling, and HDR content is remarkable. It has a wide color gamut, although the highlights don’t pop as expected. It’s also not as bright as you may hope for.
- The gamers will love the 120 Hz Refresh Rate and the inclusion of HDMI 2.1. It does fall short on its buggy Variable Refresh Rate, which could use an update.
- The input lag is low for the Vizio OLED but could be improved.
- The Vizio OLED uses the SmartCast platform, a cloud-based smart TV operating system.
- Like other OLED TVs, the Vizio OLED also suffers the risk of burn-in, which can be fixed by regularly rotating content on the screen.
If you’re looking for more information on Vizio, check out our article Are Vizio TVs Reliable?.
Hisense H8G
Another budget option for HDTVs is the Hisense H8G.
- It features a slick design with its thin bezels, which gives it a high-end feel.
- The H8G is an entry-level smart TV and may lack some features found in higher-end models. But this TV does the job when it comes to movies and TV shows.
- It has an exceptional native contrast ratio and local dimming that can enhance picture quality. When used in brighter rooms, it can handle glare and reflection handling to maintain image quality.
- For gamers, the H8G has a good response time, Black Frame Insertion to reduce motion blur, and low input lag when set to game mode.
- The Refresh Rate is limited to 60 Hz and does not have Variable Refresh Rate.
- HDR gaming performs okay but can lack some highlights, despite a pretty decent color gamut.
- The downside of the H8G is that it does not have powerful features compared to other TVs in the line-up. This is expected since the TV is a budget offering. But, regardless, it is still a powerful HDTV for its price.
What Can I Do to Prolong the Lifespan of My TV?
While HDTVs are more affordable now, you still want to take good care of your TV to prolong its lifespan.
Here are some tips to care for your HDTV.
Turn off the TV when not in use
You only degrade a TV’s components when you leave it on for an extended period.
Remember that the first thing that breaks in a TV is generally its backlight, and having it on heats it up, which reduces its lifespan.
Take advantage of timers that turn your TV off if you forget.
Keep the TV in a safe place
Make sure your TV is in a secure place where it’s away from harmful elements, such as the rain or bright sunlight, which can damage your TV.
Consider using a wall mount
Using a wall mount provides your TV a secure location and helps it gets enough ventilation as well.
Leave space to let air circulate
You should allow at least two inches of space between the back of the TV and the wall, and four inches of space on each side.
If you plan to use a console cabinet, make sure it is well ventilated. You may add cooling fans inside to help air circulate.
Dust off the TV
Dust can damage your TV’s screen and even block the vents and prevent circulation.
Regularly wiping your TV with a dry microfiber cloth will help you maintain your TV’s lifespan.
Don’t use any cleaning agent, as these can cause damage to the TV.
Don’t set the TV too bright
HDTVs have backlights that easily burn out when set too bright.
Maintaining a high level of brightness can overheat the backlights, which can cause them to burn out faster.
Use an Automatic Voltage Regulator
Power surges can damage your TV. Using an AVR can help reduce the risk of damage brought about by sudden jolts of power.
Final Thoughts
HDTVs are reliable, but the level of reliability still depends on the brand.
Knowing the proper maintenance can also improve the longevity of an HDTV in the long run.
With the proper care, even the cheapest TV can last longer than expected, while the most expensive HDTV will break easily when not cared for.
Sources:
Best TV 2021: the smart TVs worth buying this year
Do Smart TVs Break Easily? (Solved & Explained!)

