If you were like millions of others worldwide, you were probably tuned into the Super Bowl last Sunday. I was rooting for the 49ers but after a game like that, I can’t be mad at the Chiefs. Both teams put up a good game in such a back and forth affair.
My buddies and I discussed a few things in between plays. One of our key topics was that there’s really never a TV that’s been made specifically for watching sports. I understand that a TV like that is way too niche to begin with but you can really see the issue that regular TVs have when it comes to displaying fast-paced games like football and especially F1.
While there aren’t TVs made specifically for watching sports, there are at least some TVs that are great for watching them. When using these TVs for sports in particular, you’re aiming for smooth framerates and little to no input lag at all. If you want to enhance your game nights with something like this, I’ll help you out.
Before that…
Before You Buy A TV For Sports
Buying a TV specifically for watching sports is a different affair compared to buying one for regular use. There are a few things you’ll need to look into.
- Screen Size and Resolution: Opt for a larger screen size to create a more immersive viewing experience, especially for sports events where you want to feel like you're in the action. A 55-inch or larger screen is recommended for most viewing distances. Additionally, choose a TV with at least 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) for crisp, detailed images, particularly for fast-moving sports action.
- Refresh Rate: Look for a TV with a high refresh rate, ideally 120Hz or higher. A higher refresh rate reduces motion blur and ensures smoother motion handling, which is crucial for fast-paced sports action. Some TVs offer motion interpolation or motion enhancement features to further improve motion clarity.
- HDR Support: High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology enhances contrast, color accuracy, and brightness levels, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike images. Look for a TV with support for HDR formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) to enjoy the full spectrum of colors and details in HDR content, including sports broadcasts.
- Input Lag: Low input lag is essential for responsive gaming, but it's also crucial for sports viewing, especially if you're watching live events or engaging in interactive features like fantasy sports. Look for a TV with low input lag, preferably under 20 milliseconds, to minimize the delay between the action on screen and your input from a remote or game controller.
- Wide Viewing Angles: Choose a TV with wide viewing angles to ensure consistent picture quality and color accuracy from various seating positions, especially if you're watching sports with a group of friends or family. Look for TVs with technologies like IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels or OLED displays, which typically offer better viewing angles compared to VA (Vertical Alignment) panels.
- Smart TV Features: A robust smart TV platform allows you to access streaming apps, sports streaming services, and interactive features directly from your TV without the need for external devices. Look for TVs with user-friendly smart interfaces, a wide range of streaming apps, voice control capabilities, and seamless integration with sports apps and services.
- Sports Mode or Picture Settings: Some TVs offer dedicated sports viewing modes or picture settings optimized for sports content. These settings typically enhance motion clarity, boost color saturation, and adjust contrast to provide an optimal viewing experience for sports events. Look for TVs with customizable picture settings or dedicated sports modes to tailor the viewing experience to your preferences.
There’s still a lot of time left for you to decide on your next TV for sports. If you’re having trouble picking one to get, then here are a few recommendations worth checking out.
