UEFA Euro 2024: Now is the perfect time for TV bargains
A female entrepreneur from Baden-Württemberg rediscovered hemp as an insulating material in the 1990s and introduced it to Germany.
In June 2024 we advised you to snap up a flat-screen TV or projector before the home UEFA Euro-manufacturers and retailers were slashing prices at the time. The tournament is over, Spain has lifted the trophy, and the German team bowed out in the quarter-finals. Yet the real question remains timeless: when does a new TV actually pay off, and what should you look for to ensure that bargain doesn’t turn into a dud?
- Entry-level 55-inch 4K Smart TVs start around €280-€340 in 2026.
- The cheapest sets almost always carry Energy Efficiency Class F or G-expect that to show up on your power bill.
- Visit a store: a stunning UHD picture tells you nothing about how the set handles everyday HD signals.
- Check for HbbTV, up-to-date app support and enough HDMI 2.1 ports, or you’ll be cursing your purchase for years.
- A projector only replaces a TV in pitch-black rooms; for daily use, a bright Smart TV is the more honest choice.
Walk into any German living room and the big, high-resolution TV has long since become the norm. That’s the retailer’s headache: once you own a XXL screen, you don’t upgrade every year. Major sporting events used to be the lever that briefly boosted sales figures. In 2024 the home UEFA Euro delivered that boost again-then demand slid back into its usual rhythm. Translation for shoppers: you’re no longer hostage to a single tournament; good deals pop up year-round.
Why shopping in-store still pays off
Whether it’s a flat-screen TV or a projector, the mistake is almost always the same: you blindly trust online reviews and glossy product photos. In-store, you can see the device in action-live, not just on those flawless 4K demos. Ask the salesperson to switch to a standard HD or even SD signal. In the budget segment, that’s where the wheat separates from the chaff. A TV that looks stunning only with pristine source material won’t cut it in daily life, because most of the time you’re not watching polished demo footage.
Now, let’s talk price. A 55-inch LED TV with 4K resolution-today’s standard at that size-starts at around €280 to €340 in 2026. Top brands occasionally dip below €300 after discounts. Want more picture quality? 55-inch OLED sets now regularly dip under €1,000, while Mini-LED models in this class deliver exceptionally bright, high-contrast images. The range is vast, and the premium buys you brightness, contrast, and build quality.
The price tag is only half the story. A cheap TV can guzzle so much electricity over the years that the “bargain” advantage evaporates fast.
What you really need to look for
The absolute rock-bottom bargains almost always carry an energy-efficiency rating of F or G-meaning they’re power-hungry. Honestly, even pricier models rarely climb above E; a large, bright panel simply needs juice. Factor the electricity draw into your decision, especially if you’ll run the set several hours a day.
Software matters just as much. The cheapest units often skimp on usability and app selection. Whether you can jump straight to ARD and ZDF catch-up services, Netflix, or Prime Video can decide your daily satisfaction more than the last smidge of sharpness. Modern Smart-TVs with HbbTV support make it easy: while a channel is playing, press the red button and you’re in the right catch-up library. Older sets often offer a crippled app roster and can be a pain to set up.
A third point that barely mattered before: the ports. If you plan to plug in a current games console or eventually stream high-frame-rate 4K content, look for HDMI 2.1 inputs. After all, you’re spending €500 or €1,000 to enjoy the kit for years-not to hit a bottleneck the moment the next console generation arrives.
Projector or flat-screen TV?
The projector-neudeutsch for digital video or data projector-brings the cinema vibe home and delivers screen sizes no affordable TV can match. The catch: its strengths shine only in a darkened room. For everyday use in bright afternoon light, quick news flashes, or binge-watching your favorite series, a bright Smart-TV is the more honest choice. Many households do best with both: the TV for daily life and the projector for big movie nights with friends. If you’re already rethinking your living-room layout, plan power outlets, blackout options, and viewing distance up front.
And the 2024 “EM logic”? It’s still valid, just decoupled from the tournament. Today’s big discount windows are Black Friday, the weeks after Christmas, and the spring model-year clearances when last year’s stock is cleared out. If you’re flexible and avoid the week before the next final, you’ll shop most stress-free. While you’re at it, check out the cozy outdoor second stage, because the best TV night often happens outside in summer.
Quick Answers
▸When is the best time to buy a TV?
The biggest discounts are typically found around Black Friday, in the weeks after Christmas, and in spring when last year’s models make way for new releases. You don’t need to tie your purchase to a specific sporting event-good deals are available year-round.
▸How much will a good 55-inch 4K TV cost in 2026?
Entry-level models with smart features start at around €280 to €340. OLED sets in 55-inch size often dip below €1,000, while Mini-LED models in this class deliver the brightest, most contrast-rich images.
▸Is a projector worth it as a TV replacement?
Only to a limited extent. A projector shines in a darkened room with massive images, but struggles in bright everyday settings. For news and occasional series bingeing, a bright smart TV is far more practical-ideally, use both together.
▸What connections should I look for?
At least one HDMI 2.1 input is essential if you’re using a current games console or want to play high-resolution content at high frame rates. Also check app availability and whether HbbTV is supported.
