Screen time: Your guide to buying a smart television

TV technology alters at a blistering speed, and old chestnuts like high-definition, voice-assist and in-screen guides are commonplace 

Think about the position of your television and ensure you are not just too close. Sony Bravia, KD-43X81KU 43-inch Smart 4K Ultra HD HDR LED TV, €749.99, currys.ie.

Buying a smart TV is a nerve-mincing and relatively high spend. On the showroom floor, in an age of price matching and easy price comparisons, it’s not unreasonable to expect to be upsold. In the hypnotic wonderland of velvety OLED and 8K showcase reels, you won’t be thinking straight. 

Don’t wander wide-eyed into the showroom or rattle out a buy online knowing nothing at all. We’re about to tune you in. Any well-branded HD TV capable of 4K transmission will be sufficiently smart and pin-sharp for most family viewing. The sophisticated Sky ecosystem is the command centre for even cheap tellies.