The 5 checks you need to do before buying a new TV to avoid ruining your favorite shows

HAS a new TV caught your eye, but you need to be sure it's right for you and your household?

Consider this your pre-purchase checklist.

Streaming apps

First of all, make sure that your favorite streaming apps are installed on the TV to avoid any disruption to your favorite shows.

Many people assume that the TVs on the shelves today will come equipped with mainstream apps, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+.

But that's not always the case, because What Hi-Fi? points out.

Last year, televisions from Sony and Philips launched without the British catch-up apps: BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, Channel 4, My5 and BBC Sounds.

Although Sony finally rolled out the UK streaming services in an update late last year, it would have been quite a big deal for most UK viewers.

If you already have an Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast dongle, this step is less important, as these gadgets give you access to all the regular apps.

TV stand

Not every TV comes with a stand.

Check the online description or ask a representative in store whether the TV is intended to be wall mounted or not.

Dimension

Measure the room where you want your TV.

While the screen size may be the same, the overall dimensions of a TV can vary.

Get the figures for the overall dimensions of the television you want to buy: height, width, depth and screen thickness.

Sound quality

Don't forget the importance of sound quality when it comes to choosing your new television.

For this, it's worth going to the store to make sure the TV you picked out online is worth it.

If the TVs in the store are all on mute, ask a representative to show you the sound.

If not, you may have to shell out money for a soundbar.

Sound bar

If you already have a soundbar or know you want one, it is advisable to check whether there is space for it under the TV.

Measure your soundbar and the space between the edge of the screen and the legs so that it fits nicely underneath.

• 'Absolutely brilliant' £130 soundbar reduced to £90 – here

Is the TV game ready?

Ask yourself these questions when checking if the TV is ready for gaming:

• How many HDMI ports does it have and how many do you need for your consoles?
• What kind of image quality does this have?
• Does it have low impact lag for better HDR gaming?