Curved TVs burst onto the scene several years ago with eye-catching panache and lofty promises. Manufacturers touted unprecedented immersion along with theater-quality picture. However, the much-hyped technology has failed to live up to expectations.
As a home technology specialist with over 20 years of experience, I have tested curved TVs extensively. While aesthetically striking, curvier screens come packed with compromises. Before purchasing, consider why curved TVs make poor choices for most viewers today.
1. Limited Viewing Angles Distort Images
Curved screens aim to provide centered viewers visual engulfment via enhanced field-of-view. However, the technology sabotages itself through narrowed viewing angles compared to flat panels.
Situated outside a curved TV‘s narrow prime viewing corridor, viewers experience distorted geometry. Straight lines bend, images compress at the edges and colors shift. This stands in stark contrast to flat screens that maintain image integrity from wider angles.
According to RTings testing, top-rated curved screens lose color accuracy by up to 69% from off-center seats just 30 degrees from center [1]. Viewing angles for leading flat screens measure around twice as wide. Families and large gatherings planning off-center viewing should avoid curved TV pitfalls.
2. Curved Screens Promote Glare and Reflections
While marketers play up aesthetic elegance, curvier screens come saddled with functional flaws. An inherent side effect of increased curvature includes elevated sensitivity to light sources within a room.
Because the arc of the screen points sections toward ambient lighting, curved TVs suffer far more intense glare and reflections than flat versions. Reviewers routinely highlight the phenomenon, especially bothersome for darker content [2]. Those watching sports, streaming shows or playing games in well-lit spaces face constant battle against illuminating enemies.
Manufacturers apply anti-reflective coatings in attempt to mitigate the issue with limited success. For optimal performance, flat screens stand clearly superior regarding resilience to ambient lighting effects.
3. Curved Mounting Challenges Limit Placement
Between increased size/depth and viewing angle concerns, curvy screens pose mounting challenges. The unique shape rules out flush wall hanging possible with flat panels. Instead, curved TVs require articulated arms extending several inches outward.
The protruding mount disrupts room aesthetics along with requiring extra space. For smaller rooms, the bulky construction may overwhelm. Projection mapping also suffers since geometry gets thrown off. Those valuing subtle, adaptable placement favor flat screen versatility.
4. Higher Costs Rarely Justify Performance
Early-adopter tax strikes again with curved TVs costing considerably more than flat rivals. At retail, comparable curved vs. flat models measuring 55-65” differ by $200-500. Yet performance and features remain aligned outside of viewing angle perks mentioned [3].
Beyond increased pricing for manufacturing intricacies, buyers pay for flashy aesthetic frills. Immersion benefitsonly manifest under perfect scenarios. Viewers prioritizing value over looks should sidestep pricey curved offerings.
5. Content Creation Remains Optimized for Flat Screens
The cinematic concept behind curvy tech revolves around extra immersion. However, outside of CGI-animated films, content formatting looks bizarre on curved displays.
Movie backdrops, sports fields, video games and other media all get designed for flat screens. On curved landscapes, geometry distorts as images wrap onto a contoured surface. Players appear awkwardly stretched along sideline curves rather than organically formatted.
Until studios embrace creating content optimized for curved formatting, viewing experiences suffer compared to flat screen suitability. For matched performance, flat panel compatibility makes obvious sense.
6. Oversized Curved Displays Overwhelm Smaller Rooms
Curved screens start larger than average, with diameters typically beginning at 55 inches. The immersive quality manufacturers spotlight demand expanded real estate. However, the amplified dimensions conflict with smaller home spaces.
Even without factoring the protruding depth, fitting curved screens into apartments or bedrooms proves tricky. Plus, the pronounced screen can dominate room decoration rather than integrating. Those lacking space or aiming for subtlety should pass on chunky curved offerings.
7. So-Called Immersive Benefits Rank Minimal
Marketing materials rave about unprecedented immersion stemming from curvier screens surrounding viewers more naturally. But does the tech live up to bold claims in real-world practice?
According to a study conducted by Canada’s National Research Council, field-of-view gains measured quite small. Sitting a typical 9-foot distance from a 55-inch TV, perceived immersion increased by a mere 3% over flat rivals [4].
Curved TVs only start to demonstrate legitimate improvement regarding immersive perception on giant screens viewed up close. Under typical scenarios, gains qualify as nearly undetectable.
8. Reflective Sheen Clashes With Matte Décor
While wholly subjective, style-conscious viewers may resent the reflective sheen accompanying curved screens. Rather than blending into background decor, curvier models announce themselves thanks to light-catching finishes.
The attention-getting qualities pose dilemmas for interior design adherents. Especially combined with bulky, protruding mounts, glare-prone curved TVs infringe on carefully crafted aesthetics. Fortunately, matte display options available from top flat screen producers align better with subtle furnishings.
9. Curved TVs Don’t Pair Well With Other Displays
Tech-savvy media buffs aiming to erect videowalls or multi-display configurations face dilemma regarding curved consideration. Geometry varies wildly across individual curved screens. When positioned adjacent to one another, gaps and alignment issues shatter visual cohesion.
Comparatively, seamlessly tiling flat screens with uniform edges promotes illusion of single unified picture. Streamlined edges line up cleanly with no gaps imposed by mismatched curvature. For flawless videowalls or surround configurations, curved tech imposes irreconcilable barriers.
10. Shifting Market Signals Declining Relevance
Curved TV introductions focus manufacturers chasing premium profits over consumer needs. However, the market expressed little appetite for supersized screens imposing restrictive sweet spots.
According to Statista, curved TV shipment share peaked in 2015 at just 2.1% of worldwide totals before sliding to 1.1% in 2019 [5]. Industry experts predict continued decreases as brands downplay struggling tech.
Meanwhile, flat screens now eclipse 98% of shipments – and introduce innovative features like 8K resolution and advanced backlight control. Savvy buyers should follow lackluster demand away from fading curved fad.
Superior Flat Screen Alternatives
Instead of settling for curved limitations, consider advanced flat screens matching immersive specs at cheaper prices:
Samsung Q90T QLED 4K Ultra HD Flat TV
- Quantum dot color and class-leading brightness (2,000 nits peak)
- Anti-glare panel and ultra-wide viewing angles
- Next-gen gaming features like 4K 120fps and FreeSync
- Smart remote/assistant integration (Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant)
- Starts under $1,200 for 65-inch model
LG C2 Series OLED Evo Gallery Flat TV
- Self-lit OLED pixels deliver perfect black levels
- Latest generation Evo panel boosts brightness
- Dolby Vision/Atmos support
- AI-enhanced 4K upscaling
- Superb response times for smooth motion
BenQ TK700STi 1080p Gaming Projector
- Low input lag (8ms) and speedy refresh rate (240Hz)
- 3000 LED lumens brightness
- Rec. 709 color accuracy covers HDTV
- Short throw lens flexibility
- CinemaSuperResolution upscales 1080p to 4K clarity
- Just $1,199 for a 100-inch image rivaling far pricier curved models
Conclusion
Before purchasing a curved TV, carefully examine restrictive viewing angles, glare issues, limited mounting options and missing immersive gains manifesting real-world use. Lackluster sales signal fading consumer interest. For better future-proof image quality and affordable pricing, advanced flat screens or projectors qualify as superior solutions over ergonomically-questionable curved tech.
Sources
[1] https://www.rtings.com/tv/learn/curved-vs-flat-tvs[2] https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv-anti-reflection-screens/
[3] https://www.rtings.com/tv/learn/curved-vs-flat-tvs
[4] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160811094916.htm
[5] https://www.statista.com/statistics/327160/market-share-of-curved-tv-worldwide/
