Think you've found the perfect model? Don't make a mistake and go too big or small!
This is an important part often overlooked in the process of buying a television. As well as a space problem, having a TV that's too big or too small can cause a strain on your eyesight. Consider where your TV is going to go in the room and measure the space accordingly. Which? have a really handy tool for measuring your space. It's important to note here televisions are measured diagonally across the screen in inches, not including the frame.
Just because a TV is huge, it doesn't mean that it's better for your room or for watching. The bigger you go, the more pixels you'll need to ensure that quality is still high. As a general rule, the bigger you go the more expensive the screen will be.
Top ways to stream
These days we're spoilt for choice for ways to stream content to our television. Nearly all set top boxes or streaming sticks can play content via Netflix, YouTube and Amazon instant video which gives users a huge number of films or television shows to choose from.
Set top boxes & streaming sticks
Connected to your TV usually via a HDMI cable, these sticks and boxes will require an internet connection to allow to you stream content from the web to your TV. Many also let you connect your tablet, phone or laptop to view your photos and videos on the big screen.
Apple TV* allows you to stream movies, TV shows and other media wirelessly via AirPlay on your Apple iPad, iPhone or Mac computer direct to your HD TV screen. Extras include access to Now TV, Netflix and YouTube.
Google Chromecast
Very simply, Google Chromecast is a dongle that plugs straight into your television. Via Wi-Fi you can stream apps like Netflix, YouTube and Plex through your tablet, iPad or smartphone. No remote control is required because you choose all the content through your smartphone or tablet.
A set top box, like the Apple TV, the Amazon Fire TV* plugs into your TV via a HDMI cable. The best bit is the huge amount of content available through Amazon Instant video, if you have an Amazon Prime account you'll have unlimited streaming from thousands of films and TV shows. If you don't want to fork out for prime, you can still rent or buy videos and have access to apps like Netflix, BBC iPlayer and VEVO.
A cheaper alternative to the Fire TV, the Fire TV stick* plugs straight into your TV and allows you to wirelessly stream video from your smartphone. You can also rent or buy films and TV shows via Amazon Prime.
Streaming sticks like Roku* eliminate the need for a Smart TV and as long as your TV has a HDMI port, it'll be compatible. The most basic model gives access to over 500 channels, including BBC iPlayer and 4oD. You can also stream content from your smartphone like your own photos and videos.
If you want to connect your consoles of plug in devices you'll need to consider how many HDMI connections, USB ports and SCART sockets you'll need.
Most basic models will have two HDMI connections, so you can connect a Sky+HD box or Virgin HD box to the TV, plus either a DVD player, a Blu-ray player or a games console.
Popular on-demand streaming services
Here are the most popular channels.
Netflix is an on-demand streaming channel available in the US and across parts of Europe. You can watch content through your computer, tablet, smartphone, games console or TV - but you'll need WiFi to watch. Membership runs on a rolling monthly basis at £5.99 per month - you can get a free trial for your first month. Watch thousands of films, including new releases and TV shows - including shows exclusive to the site like House of Cards and Orange Is The New Black.
Much like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video allows users with a subscription to watch shows and TV shows instantly with an internet connection. If you don't want to pay for a subscription (it's £5.99 a month or free if you have Amazon Prime - £79 a year) you can rent or buy titles instead.
The BBC's online streaming service iPlayer is totally free to use (unless you want to watch shows live - you'll need a TV licence). You can catch up on the latest BBC TV and radio programmes or watch historic shows and films. Unlike Netflix and Amazon Instant, iPlayer has quite a fast turnaround of programmes - many are only available for a month after they were first broadcasted.
For even more info on digital TV channels see our Digital TV guide, for deals on Sky, Talk Talk & Virgin Media.