Latest news with #HDMI
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I review mini PCs for a living and this Mac mini M4 deal is an absolute steal at $100 off
There's never been a better time to ditch your laptop or downsize from a big bulky desktop and pick up one of the best mini PCs instead. While there are plenty of great mini PCs that run Windows, there's only one that runs macOS though and after using it for the past six months, I have to admit the Mac mini M4 is almost perfect. Thanks to Apple's powerful M4 chips and the fact that the base model now comes with 16GB of RAM as standard, the Mac mini M4 is a powerful mini PC that's perfect if you don't want to shell out extra cash for one of the best MacBooks. Right now you can get the Mac mini M4 for just $499 at Amazon, $100 off its normal price. Need even more power? The Mac mini M4 Pro is also $100 off and comes with 24GB of memory and even more storage. The base model Mac mini M4 is a big step up from its predecessor and likely enough for most people without any expensive upgrades. It comes with Apple's powerful M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. You also get plenty of ports in a tiny package with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, HDMI and Ethernet. This pro model of the smallest Mac yet takes things up a notch with even more power and extra storage. It comes with Apple's M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Likewise, instead of Thunderbolt 4, this upgraded model comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 ports. Compared to its predecessor, the Mac mini M4 is a big step up. Not only does it feature Apple's M4 chips but the case has been redesigned from the ground up to be smaller and more compact at just 5 x 5 x 2 inches. Likewise, you now get two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front, which means you don't have to reach around back to plug in a pair of wired headphones or to connect accessories to your Mac mini M4. Around back, you now get three Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port and a gigabit Ethernet port. It's worth noting that while the standard Mac mini M4 has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, the pro version features even faster Thunderbolt 5 ports instead. One of my favorite things about the Mac mini M4 when compared to other mini PCs I reviewed is that it features an internal power supply. This makes cable management just as easy as bringing this PC with you on a trip since you don't have to lug around a bulky power adapter with you. It also uses a standard power cord, so it's easy to replace or get a longer one if you need Mac mini M4 is an excellent all-around mini PC that's great for both work and play. It's also very easy to set up and use which makes it a fantastic choice for older users as well as younger ones. At $100 off its normal price, this is a deal you won't want to miss, especially if you're looking for a new Mac. Check out my article on reasons to buy or skip the Mac mini M4 if you're still on the fence!
Mint
3 days ago
- Mint
Bought a new TV? 6 mistakes you may be doing
You've finally brought home your dream TV. Unboxed it, peeled off that oh-so-satisfying screen protector and now it's ready to take centre stage in your living room. The excitement is real and you can't wait for movie marathons or match days in glorious 4K. But once it's all plugged in and powered on, something feels off. The picture doesn't pop like it did in the showroom. The colours seem dull. The sound appears underwhelming. Before you start questioning your purchase, hear us out: it's probably not the TV. It's the way it's been set up. So before you dive into binge mode, make sure you're not making these 6 rookie mistakes while installing it. Mistake 1: Leaving the picture settings on default Most TVs come with settings that are meant to make them look good under store lighting, not in your home. Switch out of Eco Mode (which dims the screen to save power but also dulls colours) and avoid Dynamic or Vivid modes too. They often oversaturate colours and make everything look unnatural. Instead, try presets like Filmmaker, Cinema, or Movie. These offer a more balanced, true-to-source picture that's easier on the eyes. Mistake 2: Ignoring the software update prompt You just turned your new TV on and it's already asking for an update? But it's a new TV! So you hit 'Skip' and move on. Here's why you shouldn't. That software update isn't just about adding new apps or fancy features! It's about fixing bugs, boosting performance and tightening security, especially if your TV's connected to Wi-Fi. Be it an Android TV, Tizen, webOS or Google TV, you need to head to Settings > System > Software Update and check manually. Mistake 3: Using the wrong HDMI cables You need the right kind of HDMI cables for your TV. Modern TVs with HDMI 2.1 ports support features like 4K at 120Hz, eARC, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), especially handy for gamers. But old HDMI 2.0 cables won't help here. So, to be on the safe side, look for Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables with support for 48Gbps bandwidth to use your TV's full potential. Mistake 4: Picking the wrong spot for your TV Avoid positioning your TV right opposite windows, balconies or strong light sources because the glare can completely wash out the screen. Check the viewing distance. For a 65-inch screen, sitting about 6 to 7 feet away hits the sweet spot. And don't mount it too high or too low, your neck shouldn't have to do the heavy lifting. Comfort over aesthetics, always. Mistake 5: Skipping help during installation DIY is a good thing, but only up to an extent. Mounting a TV or even placing it on a stand isn't a one-person job, especially if it's 55 inches or bigger. TV panels are more fragile than they look, and tilting or lifting them incorrectly can cause serious damage. At the very least, grab one more person to help. For 75-inch or 85-inch TVs, you might even need a third pair of hands to lift and guide it safely into position. Mistake 6: Tossing the box too soon Don't be in a rush to toss the packaging until you're absolutely sure that the TV is staying put. What if you really need to return it? Besides, if you ever need to move homes, send the TV in for service or even sell it a few years down the line, having the original box makes the process safer.
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Buzz Feed
21 Must-Have Amazon Deals You Shouldn't Miss
The newest Amazon Fire Stick for 43% off — this *treasure* turns any old (dumb) TV into a smart TV by plugging it into the HDMI port and connecting to the Wi-Fi. Thanks to this spiffy "clicker," you can stream Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and other media apps in ultra high-def! Also, it uses voice control. Because, of course, it does. Siiigh, I love living in the future. Promising review: "I am very happy that I purchased this product. Now I can control streaming and TV with my Echo Dot. The installation from my Alexa app was very seamless. I can use Alexa to search for my movies and play my music on my TV or other devices. Buffering is good, and it boots rapidly, without any glitches. The device is easy to transfer from one TV to the next." —HoracePrice: $19.99 (originally $34.99) A full HD Dash Cam for 30% off (matching their best price ever) to give you some peace of mind when on the open road. This tiny device has a whopping 32GB storage card, built-in Wi-Fi, GPS (because hi, we can't travel without GPS), a wide-angle, and quality night vision. The resolution is designed to help you best read road signs and license darn hit and run is going to wish they'd seen you coming! Because with this, you're sure to see them. Promising review: "We purchased this camera about 18 months ago and it has now paid for itself 100x over when it provided evidence to the police and insurance that my wife was not the one at fault in an accident that totaled her vehicle, and the other party lied to the police. It was easy to install and had clear instructions. Great suction cup with integrated GPS antenna, which made installation a breeze. The camera will slide off the mount if you want to hide it while parked without removing the entire mount. Crystal clear video, front at 4k and back at 2k, produces high resolution video where you can read license plates and even identify who was driving another vehicle." —Prime RiskPrice: $89.99 (typically $129.99) A Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner for 32% off that'll be the most beloved cleaning tool in every A-type's home. This powerhouse has dual tanks (one that stores the clean water and one for used water, making removal and refill a cinch) and five counter-rotating scrub brushes that'll truly pull away stains that have been living inside your floors far too long. It also boasts a HeatForce drying system that's far speedier than traditional carpet cleaners. The complete set includes three nozzle heads, a heavy-duty extender tube, sample solution, and a hanging storage review: "Okay, so I'm a NEAT freak who enjoys cleaning. I've got two dogs and a cat. Over the years, my older pup has mistaken the rug as a pee pad, and we've done our best to upkeep and maintain stains and smell. I recently got hit with the strongest dog smell, urine, cat litter, and animal house smell. I gagged. From the runner to my guest room, it all smelled. I couldn't take it anymore. I did my research, and Hoover came in at number one. Started cleaning rug one and my gawd! It's so gross but so so so satisfying to see the amount of gunk that this thing sucks out. After finishing my five rugs, my house looks entirely different. There's a really big rug in my bedroom that's never been cleaned. The amount of crap this Hoover baby got out was amazing! It's the best thing I've ever invested in and just the most satisfying chore. I can't believe I didn't invest in this sooner. I already have friends asking to borrow it. Moral of the story is — BUY IT! It's not just hot girl summer but clean girl summer baby." —azreal4lifePrice: $149.99 (originally $219.99) An Ego Power self-propelled lawn mower for 40% off (the best price it's been since March of 2024, folks!) — this ridiculously powerful mowing kit is sure to turn yard work into *ahem, forgive me* yard play. When unboxing this summertime treat, you're gonna find a mulching blade, high lift bagging blade, extended runtime blade, upper blade, grass bag and frame, side discharge chute, and mulching plug. I live in a studio apartment in NYC, but I totally know that all of those things listed above are super great, no matter what grass you're dealing with. Which is very important. And I would know, "Mower" is literally my last name. Also, lots of reviewers say so. Promising review: "This has more than met my expectations! Since I got this mower, it saves me time and energy. This is the best electric mower I've ever used. The battery is enough to finish my 9,000 square feet yard without a re-charge. It's quiet. The self-propelled feature is very smooth and easy to control the speed. The most impressive part is the dual-blade. You better try this." —TakaPrice: $599.99 (originally $998) A Ring Floodlight Camera for 28% off (the lowest price it's ever been!) that is an Amazon customer favorite for a reason! This nifty camera is wired with a bird's eye view and includes 3D motion detection. It also has two-way audio, motion-activated floodlights, and a security siren. Oh, you wanna keep your home safe? Well, if you like it, then you a Ring on it! My apologies for the nightmare fuel that is this second review photo. But you better believe I'll be picturing this when I go to sleep at night, and I don't want to be afraid all review: "This is hardwired and does not need a battery, which is great. It connects well to the Wi-Fi, and it's pretty clear, even at night (pictured above, right). The motion detection works well, so I can keep an eye on my puppy and things even when not home if she's out." —RobertPrice: $179.99 (originally $249.99; available in two colors) A dark gray nine-in-one Cosori air fryer for 25% off — this countertop tool heats up to 450 degrees and can roast, bake, reheat, and broil (from frozen), and do something called "TurboBlaze" which sounds equal parts made up and Want the super detailed features? I've got you. This has temperature control, an automatic shut-off feature, a five-level fan speed, and four turbo modes. PLUS, it includes a little envelope with a recipe book. Which is good if you're trying to take a TikTok break, but you only ever cook food on impulse after scrolling and seeing some good dessert on your FYP. Whoops, am I just talking to myself at this point? Moral of the story: use the recipe book! Promising review: "This was my first time using an air fryer, and I couldn't be happier! Highly recommend, easy to clean, plenty of settings while cooking hamburgers, buffalo, and whole wings, fries to name a few items. Very user-friendly and looks nice in my kitchen." —BigBennPrice: $89.96+ (originally $119.99; available in two colors and with several add-ons) A luxe cold press juicer for 27% off (this is the best price it's ever been listed at!) capable of juicing whole fruits and vegetables without the need to chop ahead of time. With this, you can spend the summer sippin' your way through the produce aisle at your grocery store, making the other customers envious of your fruit and veggie-packed cart. They *wish* they were getting in as many vitamins as you! This is designed with double-layer filters and a 7-stage spiral auger to help avoid heat generation and oxidation. Promising review: "Game changer! Super quick to use as there's no need to peel or dice everything. Super quick to clean – just a few parts! I juiced a pineapple and three apples in under five minutes. Can't beat that!" —Jordan HillPrice: $138.49 (originally $189.99; available in two colors) A Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat in Maven for 25% off (another best price pick), this seat grows with your kiddo, so you can use it for 10 YEARS. Get ready to feel emotionally attached to a car seat, because after all that time, this thing just might start feeling like part of the family. Here's what BuzzFeeder Heather Braga has to say about this car seat: "We use this car seat for my son, and it's been spectacular. It was very easy to install (a huge bonus), and he's really gotten a kick out of having his own space to keep a snack and a drink when we're in the car. The harness doesn't fight me when I load my son into the car, and the seat feels very cushy. This car seat is actually designed to last your child for 10 years – which is fantastic! It has a machine washable cover, which I was *very* glad to have after my kid jumped in a muddy puddle and promptly wiped his feet all over it... all the stains came right out!"Promising review: "I bought this as my son was growing out of his infant car seat and needed more room. He can sit comfortably. I love that it has cup holders for his sippy and snack cups. He can easily reach both when he's strapped. I love how it can adjust to any car and the recline options. And cleanup is so easy! I love how easily it is to take off the covering and put it back on once clean!" —Nicole CameronPrice: $223.99 (originally $299.99; available in several colors, not all on sale) A FlexBreeze Pro Mist Fan from Shark for 20% off (the first time it's ever been on sale!) — this indoor/outdoor fan is sure to be beloved by folks who are tired of ~sweating it~ during the summer. It has an impressive 70 ft. reach while being ultra quiet. The attached water tank makes this misting fan portable *and* it can even be adjusted to be used as a table fan. Bless that breeze. Promising review: "We have been using this in muggy Houston. We put this under the pergola, and it puts out so much air that we actually enjoy sitting outside. We use it both with and without the mister. The mister has various levels, so a little mist to a lot. It really blows the air quite a distance. It's very sturdy and has a remote control. Very quiet and we feel like it is worth every penny!" —AudreyPrice: $199.99 (originally $249.99; available in four styles) A reviewer-loved pleated tennis skort for 29% off with a zippered back pocket large enough to fit your phone and a hidden waistband pocket perfect for ChapStick or your house key. Whether you're looking for fashion-forward workout wear or simply want a cute staple this summer, may we introduce you to your new favorite skirt? Promising review: "This is my all-time favorite skort. I own four colors and will probably buy more. They are perfect for Disney!!!" —Evan's WifePrice: $19.99 (originally $27.99; available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and in 24 colors) A gorgeous brushed nickel mirror for 50% off to give your space a timeless decorative accent. The extended edge on the frame can give your walls depth, while the mirror makes your room look bigger all on its own. Get this, and you'll have bought yourself a visibly bigger room with only one piece of decor. Promising review: "I placed this mirror in my dining room over the bar buffet area (pictured above, right) and it has become a true centerpiece of admiration. Its elegant design and impeccable craftsmanship never fail to catch the eye of guests, who consistently compliment its beauty. The mirror's size and placement enhance the ambiance of the room, reflecting light and creating a sense of spaciousness. It effortlessly blends with the decor, adding a touch of sophistication and completing the dining room's aesthetic perfectly. I couldn't be happier with this stunning addition to my home — it's both functional and a statement piece that elevates the entire space. Highly recommended for anyone looking to add a touch of glamour and style to their dining area!" —Vicky RPrice: $54.98 (originally $109.99; available in several styles) A pack of 32 travel electrolyte powders for 22% off, so you can stay safe and hydrated while spending your days out in the sun all summer long. Don't let heatstroke get the better of you! Promising review: "I work in construction, often under the sun for 10+ hours a day, and staying hydrated is non-negotiable. DripDrop has been a total game-changer. It keeps me going when water alone just doesn't cut it. I used to feel drained halfway through the day—now I just mix a packet with my water and feel refreshed and alert within flavors are solid (not too sweet), it mixes easily, and I can feel the difference in my energy and focus. No more headaches, muscle cramps, or dragging through the afternoon. Every guy on my crew who's tried it ends up getting their own stash. If you work hard and sweat a lot, do yourself a favor and grab some DripDrop. Seriously—it works." —Noah $27.99 (originally $35.99) A six-pack of stainless steel shower shelves for up to 28% off that'll completely change the game if you've got a Polly Pocket-sized bathroom and need all the storage you can get. I added these to my cart FIRST. You can go review: "I can't believe these in-shower shelves actually work. I use super-sized shampoo, body wash, etc., and didn't think this would hold the weight of them, but they really do! I like the design of this one specifically because I can hang my bath scrunchie and detangling comb right off the hoops on the sides and nothing drips onto them. If you need shelving in your shower, give these a try. This is a game changer for me." —RachelPrice: $17.99+ (typically $24.99+; available in five colors – not all included in sale) A pair of Beats Solo 4 headphones for nearly 50% off (P.S. this is the best price they are *ever* listed at!!) for anyone who woke up today and thought, "Gee I could use some new headphones." This surprise sale may be your own personal gift from the universe. These wireless Bluetooth headphones are Apple and Android compatible, have up to 50 hours of battery life and boast clearer acoustics and a more balanced base than the previous generation. Promising review: 'Impressive sound, stylish and sophisticated headphones. I personally like how it's not complete noise cancelation since I like to be aware of the environment around me. So this headphone is amazing for the right reasons. Quality, style, sound, and safety. Not to mention how sleek it is. Finally headphones that are not bulky or heavy. I appreciate the smooth texture feel and the cushioned headband part. It's also easy to pair with my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The blue slate color is classy, too! Excellent product!' —Diane Price: $99.95+ (typically $193.98; available in four colors – discount varies per color) A 15-piece set of airtight food containers for 34% off, because seeing is believing when it comes to what's in your pantry. These transparent wonders keep your food fresh and your shelves organized, allowing you to easily spot what you need while making sure everything from grains to snacks stays in pristine, ready-to-eat condition. Promising review: "I ordered this set to continue on the road to an organized pantry. There are enough containers and a variety of sizes to make me happy. I have stored pasta and noodles, dried beans, rice, sugar, instant mashed potatoes, crackers, etc. When I open a box of something, I put whatever is unused into one of the containers and feel very secure that the contents will be fresh and protected from any possible insect problems." —R MPrice: $25.99 (originally $39.21; available in three different lid colors) A Levoit air purifier for 20% off to collect all the pollen, dust, and whatever mystery particles have been floating around. It has a three-stage HEPA filtration system that quietly sucks up allergens, odors, and airborne nasties, leaving your space feeling as fresh as a crisp morning. Promising review: "Put it in my bedroom, it works great. It not only keeps my air cleaner. It also cools my room down a couple of degrees, and I appreciate that for sleeping, especially. It is super super quiet, and well worth the money I spent. The fact that I can clean it usually 3 to 4 times during the summer months and more during winter months makes it convenient, and it is an expensive and well worth the money." —Crystal BaldwinPrice: $39.97 (originally $49.99) A 230-piece Craftsman tool set for 50% off (which is the *best* price it's ever listed at!) that'll make you look wildly competent, even if you just need to tighten a wobbly chair. It comes in a stackable, locking case with every socket, wrench, and speciality bit you could dream of, plus a low-profile ratchet that fits into the kind of spaces your hand definitely doesn't. Promising review: "I love the quality and strength of these tools. It has been a major upgrade from what I had before. I love that it doesn't weigh much; I can throw it on the back of the truck and go. It has slip resistance so it won't slide around, and you can lock the drawers so they won't pop out either. The design stores the three different drive sizes, which is super convenient. It's also modular, so you can add it to your tool case, which is very functional in my case." —David Price: $99 (originally $199.99) A compact travel umbrella for up to 40% off designed to withstand winds up to 70 mph (that's almost hurricane-level, folks) thanks to its nine ultra-flex fiberglass ribs that bend without breaking. Plus, they have cool artwork on the inside so you can look up at flowers, galaxies, and more instead of plain, boring fabric. It's the kind of thing you'd gladly pay full price for — but it's even better when it's tied for the lowest price it's been. Promising review: "The best umbrella I've owned to date. The first one I bought had a defect, but I reached out to their customer service, and they replied and sent a replacement very quickly. Very durable against the winds, it's small and fits in my backpack's side pocket. The large strap that wrapped around the umbrella keeps it looking neat when closed. The button for opening and closing the umbrella is easy to use as well." —SJPrice: $17.99+ (originally $29.99; available in 25 colors and packs of two) The TikTok-famous Mixsoon Bean Essence for 44% off — a seriously sexy discount for this K-beauty exfoliating rinse-off treatment that won't leave you feeling dry and irritated afterward. The secret is the combination of fermented pomegranate (which acts as a natural chemical exfoliant to help get rid of flaky, dead skin) and fermented barley (which helps to hydrate and brighten). You can't beat this price for such wow-worthy results! Promising reviews: "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores; it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and were left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this well on everyone on the first try, and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff. 🩷" —Losa"I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." —MissKayMaePrice: $13.95+ (typically $21.18+; available in two sizes) A 3-in-1 wireless charger for 31% off for cutting the cable clutter and juicing up your phone, watch, and earbuds all in one go. It's foldable, fast-charging, and nightstand-friendly. Promising review: "I've been using this wireless charging station for a few weeks now, and I couldn't be happier. It charges my iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at the same time—no messy cables, no overheating, and no guesswork about placement. Just drop the device on the pad and it starts charging instantly. What really impressed me is how fast and consistent the charging is. My phone goes from 20% to 80% noticeably quicker than with other chargers I've tried, and it never disconnects or stalls. The build quality feels solid, and the design looks great on my nightstand—clean, modern, and minimal." —Akiena K Price: $17.99+ (originally $25.99; available in two colors – discount varies by color) A Traeger wood pellet grill for $200 off, for anyone who thinks grilling should taste like actual fire instead of disappointment. With 884 square inches of cooking space and six functions in one, it can grill, smoke, roast, bake, braise, and BBQ like it's running a backyard restaurant, no propane tanks or charcoal bags in sight. Promising review: "Absolutely perfect! My husband and I have been wanting a smoker for so long, and when this came on sale, we had to have it. It's so easy to use and we put it together in less than an hour. It holds the heat well and is the perfect size for what we like to do to. We love to entertain and it can hold so much food. Definitely recommend the purchase." —Sylvia S. Price: $499 (typically $699.99)
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
7 tips to pick the best 4K TV based on display, sound, features and more
A 4K TV can completely transform your home entertainment setup. The visuals appear sharper, colours look more lifelike, and even the smaller details stand out beautifully. Technology keeps evolving, and there are now countless models offering different features, picture quality, and smart functions. A bigger screen might seem tempting, but the best TV for you depends on much more than size. Things like display type, refresh rate, HDR support, and port options can make a big difference. To help you make a smart and confident choice, here are seven simple things to check before you bring that brand-new 4K TV home. There are different types of 4K TV displays. LED is the most common and budget-friendly. QLED gives brighter colours, and OLED offers deeper blacks and better contrast. If you watch movies in dark rooms, OLED may give you the best experience. Pick a screen size based on your room. If your room is small, a 43-inch TV is enough. For larger spaces, 50 or 55 inches will be better. Also, sit at a distance where you can see the screen comfortably. This tells you how smooth the motion on the screen will be. A 60Hz refresh rate is fine for normal use. But if you like sports or gaming, go for a higher refresh rate like 120Hz for smoother viewing. Many slim TVs do not have powerful speakers. Check if the TV has good sound output. If not, think about getting a soundbar to enjoy better audio while watching movies or shows. Most 4K TVs come with smart features. Make sure the TV supports your favourite apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video. The user interface should be simple and easy to navigate. Look for at least three HDMI ports. You will need them for connecting set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. USB ports are useful too if you want to play videos from a pen drive. HDR improves picture quality by making colours brighter and shadows deeper. Try to pick a TV that supports formats like HDR10 or Dolby Vision for a better viewing experience.
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- General
- Tom's Guide
I've set up hundreds of TVs in my career — here are 6 mistakes people make when setting up a new TV
Buying a new TV is exciting — especially if it's been a while since you've made an upgrade. As anxious as you might be to crack open that box and to start streaming your favorite shows, make sure you're ready. Take it from someone who's been setting up TVs for over a decade: The decisions you make right now could affect your TV-enjoyment in the short and long term. Here's how to set up a TV safely, swiftly and smartly. It's a question that every TV-buyer inevitably asks themselves: Should I throw out my TV box? The short answer is, while everybody's living space is different, I highly recommend that you hang onto your TV's box (and its internal structural pieces) if you have the storage space to accommodate it. In the event that you move, donate or sell your TV in the coming years, having a way to transport it securely will offer tremendous peace of mind. Setting up a TV shouldn't be a solo job. This might seem obvious, but you'd be shocked at how many horror stories I've heard about people mishandling a TV while trying to set it up by themselves. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Heck, I've even suffered a gnarly back injury while setting up a TV, and I do this for a living. For bigger TVs — 65-, 75- and 85-inch sets — I would even recommend having a third person on hand to assist with lifting and moving. At these sizes, TV panels can get quite heavy, and the setup process involves several steps where the panel needs to be carefully placed. I can't stress enough how questionable it is to wall-mount a TV above a fireplace. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing where to place a TV: the distance between the screen and your seating area, the angle of the screen relative to light sources, and in some cases, the long-term safety of your TV. In our guide to choosing a TV size, we go over the ideal viewing distance for a TV based on the size of the screen, and it's worth reviewing before settling on a spot for the TV to live. For instance, when setting up a 65-inch TV, the ideal viewing distance is between six and seven feet. Another important factor is the location of light sources in the room. Depending on your layout, you might be limited in your placement options, but if you're choosing between several potential spots, consider angling the screen away from lamps, computer monitors and especially windows. Lastly, I can't stress enough how questionable it is to wall-mount a TV above a fireplace. For one thing, this almost always sets the screen at an angle that's too high up, which invites neck strain. In addition, the smoke, soot and heat of active fireplaces can severely damage your TV over time. Repeat after me: I don't need to spend a lot on HDMI cables, but I do need the right cables for the job. If you bought a mid-range or high-end TV, it almost certainly supports a spec called HDMI 2.1. In fact, if you've splashed out on one of the best TVs on the market (like the five-star LG C5 OLED), all four of the TVs HDMI inputs are 2.1. And, if you're upgrading a TV for the first time in years, your old TV almost certainly did not support this spec. It likely supported HDMI 2.0 instead. There's plenty to learn about the difference between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1, but here's the basic gist: HDMI 2.1 compatibility allows for better audio support, higher refresh rates and additional gaming enhancements like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Simply put, if you want to make the most out of your new TV — particularly if you're a gamer — you'll need HDMI cables that make the most of your TV's available HDMI 2.1 inputs. Fortunately, there's an easy way to make sure that you're buying the right cable. Just look for cables labeled 'Ultra High-Speed.' You'll know they're the right choice if they support a bandwidth of 48 Gbps. These ultra high-speed HDMI cables from Monoprice are affordable, braided for additional durability and capable of supporting your new TV's A/V- and gaming-related features. (Personally, I wouldn't spend more than this on HDMI cables.) In a pinch, you can still use the older, less-capable cables you might've paired with your previous TV. They'll support 4K resolution and HDR performance across most sources. But you won't be able to take advantage of certain sought-after audio- and gaming-related features until you upgrade those cables. So, you've set up your TV without injuring yourself, you've placed it in the perfect spot and your brand-new, high-bandwidth HDMI cables are jacked in. You're not going to screw up the maiden voyage by using Vivid mode, are you? There will be plenty of time to delve into the deepest sections of your TV's settings menu in the coming months. For now, here are four steps you can take to improve your TV's picture right out of the box: Regarding that last point: Some TVs (like recent sets from Hisense and Sony) do not automatically enable the capabilities of their HDMI 2.1 inputs, leaving that step up to the viewer. Typically, this setting can be found under the TV's settings menu pertaining to inputs and connected devices. Don't let that old set languish in the basement gathering dust, and definitely don't kick it to the curb outside of your home. Instead, consider alternatives that are more socially and environmentally friendly. Do you have any family, friends or neighbors who would appreciate a hand-me-down? Alternatively, Finding a Goodwill donation center near you is a great way to move it out of your home and into another relatively quickly. You can also check out the EPA's guide for donating electronics for resources on how to recycle a TV in your area.
