Best TVs for Gaming: Highlights from a Few Years Ago (2017)
2017 may feel like a distant memory in the rapidly evolving world of television technology, but it represents a pivotal year for gaming TVs. This was a time when 4K resolution was becoming more mainstream, HDR was gaining traction, and input lag was finally being recognized as a crucial factor for a satisfying gaming experience. Looking back at the top-performing TVs of 2017 offers valuable insights into the features that laid the groundwork for today’s gaming displays. This retrospective will explore the standout models of 2017, examining their strengths and weaknesses, and highlighting why they were considered the best for gaming at the time. We’ll delve into the key specifications that made them shine, such as refresh rates, response times, and color accuracy, providing a comprehensive overview of what made these TVs gaming powerhouses.
The Rise of 4K and HDR for Gaming
Resolution Revolution
2017 witnessed a significant shift towards 4K resolution in gaming. The increased pixel density offered a noticeable jump in visual fidelity, providing gamers with sharper images and more immersive worlds. This made games look stunningly detailed, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The push for 4K was driven by both the increasing availability of affordable 4K TVs and the release of gaming consoles capable of outputting 4K resolution.
This shift marked a turning point in gaming visuals, pushing developers to create more detailed and visually rich game worlds. The enhanced clarity and detail offered by 4K made it easier to spot enemies, appreciate intricate environments, and become fully immersed in the game.
The adoption of 4K also contributed to the growth of PC gaming, as gamers sought to take full advantage of the increased resolution offered by high-end graphics cards. This spurred further innovation in display technology, pushing manufacturers to develop even more advanced gaming monitors and televisions.
HDR Enhancement
High Dynamic Range (HDR) also began to gain prominence in 2017. HDR technology brought a wider range of colors and brightness to the screen, resulting in more realistic and vibrant visuals. This added depth and realism to games, making them more visually appealing and engaging.
The improved contrast and color accuracy of HDR allowed for a more immersive gaming experience. Darker blacks and brighter whites created a more dramatic and lifelike picture, enhancing the visual storytelling of games.
HDR support also became a key selling point for TVs in 2017, as manufacturers recognized the growing demand for this technology among gamers. This led to the development of various HDR standards, each offering different levels of performance and compatibility.
Input Lag: A Critical Factor
Input lag, the delay between a button press and the corresponding action on screen, was finally recognized as a critical factor for gaming TVs in 2017. Lower input lag meant more responsive gameplay, which was essential for competitive gaming and fast-paced action titles.
Manufacturers began to prioritize minimizing input lag in their gaming-focused TVs. This led to the development of dedicated game modes and other technologies designed to reduce latency and improve responsiveness.
Low input lag became a key differentiator for gaming TVs, allowing gamers to react faster and more accurately in demanding games. This made the gaming experience more fluid and enjoyable, especially for competitive players.
Top Contenders of 2017
LG OLED TVs
LG’s OLED TVs were highly regarded for their exceptional picture quality and low input lag. Their self-emitting pixel technology offered perfect blacks and vibrant colors, making them ideal for gaming in dark rooms. The near-instantaneous pixel response times also contributed to incredibly low input lag.
These OLED TVs provided a truly immersive gaming experience, with stunning visuals and incredibly responsive controls. The deep blacks and vibrant colors made games look incredibly lifelike.
The high price tag of OLED technology was a barrier for some consumers, but for those who could afford it, LG’s OLED TVs offered the best gaming experience available in 2017.
Samsung QLED TVs
Samsung’s QLED TVs offered a compelling alternative to OLED, boasting high brightness and excellent color accuracy. While their input lag wasn’t quite as low as OLED, it was still respectable for most gaming scenarios. QLED TVs also offered excellent local dimming, which improved contrast and black levels.
QLED technology provided a bright and vibrant picture, making it ideal for gaming in well-lit rooms. The high brightness also enhanced the impact of HDR content.
Samsung’s QLED TVs were a popular choice for gamers looking for a high-performance display at a more affordable price than OLED.
Sony Bravia TVs
Sony’s Bravia TVs were known for their excellent motion handling and dedicated game modes. These features helped to reduce motion blur and input lag, making them well-suited for fast-paced action games. Sony’s image processing technology also contributed to a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
Sony’s focus on motion handling and low input lag made their Bravia TVs a popular choice for console gamers. The dedicated game modes optimized the TV’s settings for the best possible gaming performance.
Sony’s Bravia TVs offered a good balance of performance and affordability, making them a solid option for gamers on a budget.
Key Specifications to Consider
Refresh Rate and Response Time
Refresh rate and response time were crucial factors for gaming TVs in 2017. A higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz) resulted in smoother motion, while a faster response time minimized ghosting and motion blur. These factors were especially important for fast-paced games.
Gamers looking for the best possible performance prioritized TVs with high refresh rates and low response times. These specifications ensured a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
Understanding the difference between refresh rate and response time was crucial for choosing the right gaming TV in 2017.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Low Input Lag | Responsive Gameplay |
| 4K Resolution | Sharper Images |
| HDR Support | Vivid Colors |
- Low Input Lag: Crucial for responsive gameplay.
- 4K Resolution: Delivers stunningly detailed visuals.
- HDR Support: Enhances color and contrast for a more realistic picture.
Conclusion
2017 was a significant year for gaming TVs, with advancements in 4K, HDR, and input lag technologies. The top contenders of that year, including LG OLEDs, Samsung QLEDs, and Sony Bravias, offered distinct advantages for gamers. Understanding the key specifications and features of these TVs provides valuable context for appreciating the advancements in gaming display technology we enjoy today.
What were the best TV brands for gaming in 2017?
Some of the top brands included LG, Samsung, and Sony, each offering different technologies and features catered to gamers.
Why was 2017 an important year for gaming TVs?
It marked a turning point with the mainstream adoption of 4K resolution, HDR, and a greater focus on low input lag.
What is input lag, and why is it important for gaming?
Input lag is the delay between a button press and the action on screen. Low input lag is crucial for responsive gameplay.
What is the difference between OLED and QLED?
OLED uses self-emitting pixels for perfect blacks and vibrant colors, while QLED uses quantum dots for high brightness and color accuracy.
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