Comparison Philips 55PUS8518 55 " vs Philips 55PUS8818 55 "

The highest frame rate supported by the TV.

Note that in this case we are talking specifically about the screen’s own frame rate, without additional image processing (see “Index of dynamic scenes”). This frequency must be no lower than the frame rate in the video being played - otherwise there may be jerks, interference and other unpleasant phenomena that degrade the quality of the picture. In addition, the higher the frame rate, the smoother and smoother the movement in the frame will look, and the better the detail of moving objects will be. However, it is worth noting here that playback speed is often limited by the properties of the content, and not by the characteristics of the screen. For example, films are often recorded at a frequency of only 30 fps, or even 24 - 25 fps, while most modern TVs support frequencies of 50 or 60 Hz. This is enough even for viewing high-quality content in HD resolutions (speeds above 60 fps in such video are extremely rare), but there are also “faster” screens on the market: 100 Hz, 120 Hz and 144 Hz. Such speeds, as a rule, indicate a fairly high class of the screen; they also often imply the use of various technologies designed to improve the quality of dynamic scenes.

The nominal power of the sound produced by the TV's sound system.

The larger the screen and the greater the estimated distance to the viewer, the more powerful the sound system must be in order to be heard normally. Manufacturers take this moment into account, moreover, most often they also provide a solid volume margin. So if a TV is bought for home viewing in a quiet, calm environment, you can not pay much attention to the sound power: it is guaranteed to be enough for such a usage. It makes sense to specifically look for models with high-power speakers for a noisy environment — for example, a cafe or other public space. Detailed recommendations on this matter can be found in special sources, but here we note that even in such cases, connecting external speakers can be a good alternative.

The number of speakers installed in the TV.

Theoretically, one speaker is enough to work with sound, but most entry-level and mid-range models (as well as many premium devices) provide two speakers — for stereo operation, which allows to achieve some surround sound effect. And more than two speakers usually means the TV has enhanced audio capabilities such as a subwoofer or soundbar (see below).

A decoder can be broadly described as a standard in which digital audio (often multi-channel) is recorded. For normal playback of such sound, it is necessary that the corresponding decoder is supported by the device. Dolby Digital and DTS were the first in multi-channel decoding, gradually improving and introducing new features. The final stage for 2020 is Dolby Atmos and DTS X decoders.

– Dolby Atmos. A decoder that uses not a rigid distribution of sound across channels, but the processing of audio objects, due to which it can be used with almost any number of channels on a reproducing system — the sound will be divided between channels so that each audio object is heard as close as possible to its proper place. When using Dolby Atmos, ceiling speakers (or speakers facing the ceiling) are highly desirable. However, in extreme cases, you can do without them.

— DTS X. An analogue of the Dolby Atmos described above, when the sound is distributed not through individual channels, but through audio objects. The digital signal contains information about where (according to the director's intention) the object audible to the user should be and how it should move, and the processor of the reproducing device processes this information and determines exactly how the sound should be distributed over the available channels in order to achieve the required localization. Thanks to this, DTS X is not tied to a specific number of audi...o channels — there can be as many as you like, the system will automatically divide the sound into them, achieving the desired sound. Also note that this decoder allows you to separately adjust the volume of dialogues.

About the interface itself, see above, and its different versions differ in maximum resolution and other features. Here are the options found in modern TVs:

— v 1.4. The oldest of the current versions, released in 2009. However, it supports 3D video, capable of working with resolutions up to 4096x2160 at 24 fps, and in Full HD resolution, the frame rate can reach 120 fps. In addition to the original v.1.4, there are also improved modifications — v.1.4a and v.1.4b; they are similar in terms of basic features, in both cases the improvements affected mainly work with 3D content.

– v 2.0. Significant update to HDMI introduced in 2013. In this version, the maximum frame rate in 4K has increased to 60 fps, and the audio bandwidth has increased to 32 channels and 4 separate streams simultaneously. Also from the innovations, we can mention support for the ultra-wide format 21:9. In the v.2.0a update HDR support was added to the interface capabilities, in v.2.0b this feature was improved and expanded.

— v 2.1. Despite the similarity in name to v.2.0, this version, released in 2017, was a very large-scale update. In particular, it added support for 8K and even 10K at speeds up to 120 fps, as well as even more expanded features for working with HDR. Under this version, its own cable was released — HDMI Ultra High Speed, all HDMI 2.1 features are available only when using cables of this standard, although basic functio...ns can be used with simpler cords.

— VRR. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) adaptive frame rate synchronization technology allows you to adjust the refresh rate of the image on the TV screen in real time in accordance with the frame rate output by the game console or connected computer. The function ensures smooth rendering of dynamic scenes, eliminates frame breaks, and guarantees comfortable and stable gameplay. Realizable technology with standard HDMI v 2.1.

— ALLM. Automatic low latency mode for games (Auto Low Latency Mode). The TV switches to game mode when it detects a game console connection. Reducing the output delay on the TV panel screen is provided by suspending part of the image processing functions. The ALLM mode can also be useful for karaoke and video calls.

eARC. HDMI v 2.1 has an enhanced eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). The technology allows you to send higher quality audio from your TV to your soundbar or AV receiver. It claims to support the latest high bit rate audio formats up to 192 kHz, uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1, and 32-channel uncompressed audio. eARC also supports Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos.

— CEC. The CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) system is designed for remote control of equipment connected to the TV using a single remote control. The devices are connected to the TV panel using an HDMI cable.

The amount of memory installed in the TV to store content in the device. The larger size is especially relevant given that modern TVs allow the installation of additional applications that enhance the capabilities — and these applications also require space. However, do not forget that the TV system also requires space. And manufacturers by the volume can indicate both the total value and the free memory calculated for installing applications. And the volume itself can vary from 4 GB to 16 GB or more. However, a TV with 8 GB memory may be the best option.

— 2 separate legs. Two legs as support are usually located on different sides of the lower face of the TV panel body. Such a design involves placing the TV on a large flat surface that extends along the entire lower side of the device. The TV is often more stable on two "legs" than on one leg.

— 1 leg on the platform. A support for the TV with a round or rectangular platform, which is in contact with the surface of the TV panel (table, stand, etc.) with its entire plane.

— 1 leg with supports. Stands of this kind consist of a single leg and a base of various geometric shapes that holds the TV. This solution ensures reliable stability of the TV panel, and in terms of design, it is a stylish element of the design of the structure.

— Monolithic. A solid stand with two or more attachment points to the bottom of the TV and monolithic frames as a solid support for installing the TV panel on a flat surface of a table or stand.

This parameter characterizes the efficiency of electricity consumption. Classes are designated in Latin letters from A to G, in ascending order of energy consumption. Actually, this was originally conceived, until more energy-efficient models pulled up to class A, which eventually received the marking A +, A ++, A +++. Further development of technology has made it possible to go even further, and in order not to produce pluses in energy efficiency labeling, in March 2021, manufacturers returned to the previous indices from G to A, where A is the most energy efficient TV. Accordingly, the 2021 models will have modern markings, while older models will be marked in the same way. Accordingly, now energy efficiency G, F, E has become the most popular, and models with energy efficiency A, D, C are rare.