Note: For More TVs and Informantion about HDTVs with Elder Friendly Features, see the recently updated “TVs” category page.
As any consumer who’s in the market for a new television can tell you, not all televisions are created equally. The variables that you have to keep track of can seem somewhat overwhelming to the uninformed buyer, and include picture quality, flatness, resolution, size, sound and, of course, price.
For the elderly, this process can seem even more perplexing because television sets aren’t necessarily produced or marketed with this demographic in mind. In other words, it’s not obvious to the uninformed buyer which television sets are “elder-friendly.” That’s where ElderGadget enters the equation.
Venturing out into the Best Buys and Walmarts of the world, we tested a number of televisions to determine which sets fall under the guise of “elder-friendly.” Some of the factors we took into consideration included crisp sound, low gloss, (relatively) light-weight, simple setups and minimal upkeep.
Our list is also limited to television sets with high definition (or HDTV, as it’s referred to in most circles) functionality. Generally speaking, HDTV enhances the clarity of the picture itself because it has a higher resolution than tradition television systems. Given that most new television sets are made with HD functionality and the picture enhancement appeals to seniors with inferior eye-site, we are going to stick with HDTV for the purpose of this list.
Furthermore, even though size does matter, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. We can’t tell you what exact size works best for you because that really depends on the (a) space for the TV set, (b) the optimal distance between where you are sitting and where the TV stands, and (c) the dimensions of the room itself. But we have a few general size-related tips.
First of all, if the diagonal measurement of a television set is 30 inches or smaller, then that set will likely work best for a bedroom or kitchen. If this measurement more than 30 inches, that set is probably best for a common space like a living room or den.
When it comes to optimal viewing distance, here are a few wise words, courtesy of About.com’s Robert Silva: “If you are planning to buy a 25-inch or 27-inch television, you should be about eight feet away, for a 32-inch TV you should be about 10 feet away, and for a 35-inch or 36-inch TV you should be about 11 feet away. Needless to say, you should have at least 12 feet to 15 feet to work with when installing a 50-inch or 60-inch big screen set. For more information on the optimal viewing distance for a particular size TV screen, check out the Viewing Distance Calculator.”
All in all, Sony TVs should be considered “elder-friendly” because its products are known for their minimal excess reflection, low gloss and crisp sound. However, instead of stacking the list with only Sony brands, we made a conscious effort to diversify the list.
Without further ado, we’d like to present the top five television sets (in no particular order) that best suit the needs for senior television watchers.
1. Sony Bravia L-Series KDL-32L5000 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
The Bravia KDL 32L5000 is a true standout. The price, usually running anywhere from $489 – $550, is comparable, if not better, than its 32-inch flat screen competitors. This TV is equipped with nice big buttons on the side, a simple remote control and four easily accessible inputs in the back. For its size and functionality, at 25 pounds, it’s a pretty light-weight V if you need to adjust or move it.
2. Panasonic TC-32LX85 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
If you have difficulty distinguishing or making out colors, we recommend that you look into this Panasonic Viera. In terms of simplicity, the internal graphic interface is simple and intuitive to manage. And the remote control, while not backlit, is known for its ergonomic design.
3. Samsung LNT4061F 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
We have one main elder-related complaint with this product – the remote buttons are pretty small. But if this isn’t a pet peeve of yours, then this Samsung might be a good buy, especially if you’re looking for a screen that’s around 40 inches. This Samsung is also well priced for a 4- inch TV, costing approximately $1,300. The picture and sound quality are considered fantastic, and the television’s set up and on-screen menu are quite simple.
4. Toshiba REGZA 47HL167 47-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
This a large and hefty television set and, to be honest, you will likely need someone to help you move it around. Don’t let its stature deter you, however. The color is fantastic and the picture is quite pristine. The television’s remote and buttons are large, which are definite pluses for the arthritic.
5. LG 22LG30 22-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
At 22 inches and 16 pounds, we like this television set. For a smallish TV, it has nice sized buttons both on the TV and on the remote control. For its size, the picture is pretty clear and the sound is impressive.
Note: For More TVs and Informantion about HDTVs with Elder Friendly Features, see the recently updated “TVs” category page.
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