Senior TVs: watch TV better with smart tools
Created: 01/16/2023 08:26
By: Nina Dudek
TV enjoyment into old age with the right equipment.
© lisafx/PantherMedia
As eyes and ears deteriorate, television is often troublesome for seniors.
Smart TVs and great tools make television possible again.
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Like many things in old age, watching TV becomes more and more difficult for seniors.
Especially the modern smart devices scare many older people because of the unknown technology.
That's why even the best senior smartphones work with reduced high-tech.
Smart TV sets are a great help if you know how to use them.
It's not rocket science, and even seniors can learn how to use it.
Best of all, modern TVs can be coupled with ingenious tools that make watching TV a pleasure again.
Which TV is easiest for seniors?
Test winner from Stiftung Warentest
Stiftung Warentest got to the bottom of this question.
With one model, the initial installation was reduced to the essentials, the device can be controlled in the classic way with a remote control and an easy-to-understand menu: the Panasonic TX-48JZW1004.
The computer magazine Chip also attests this TV the grade "very good".
In addition to the classic menu and the remote control, the senior-friendly device scores with two connections for Bluetooth headphones and a cable headphone that can be controlled independently.
Senior TV Panasonic TX-48JZW1004
Is the easiest to use: the Panasonic TX-48JZW1004 OLED TV © Panasonic
€1159 instead of €1599 at MediaMarkt
Winner of the senior TVs: Cello C2420SDE 24
Cello C2420SDE 24 with built-in DVBT2 S2 Triple Tuner © Cello
Small, compact and without much frills: This TV made in Europe scores with HD Ready resolution and an integrated, familiar satellite tuner.
TV comfort even in a small space with clear functions.
€149.99 on Amazon
Senior TV Philips 55OLED806
Philips 48OLED806: only the installation is complicated © Philips
With the test score of 2.1, this relatively simply structured TV convinced the Stiftung Warentest.
If you have managed the somewhat cumbersome installation, this model from Philips is quite suitable - as long as you supplement it with an age-appropriate remote control.
The buttons on the original remote control are lit, but they are very small.
For only €932 on eBay
Universal remote controls for senior TVs: it couldn't be simpler
Dozens of tiny buttons cause the elderly to mis-press or double-press.
Most seniors are overwhelmed by the intricate layout of the buttons on a standard modern remote control.
But that doesn't have to be the case!
With a special universal remote control for seniors.
These must first be programmed so that they can "learn" commands from the original remote control.
Remote control Seki Medium for the senior TV
Seki Medium learning universal remote control © Seki
A remote control can hardly be constructed more simply.
A second device can also be controlled with the large, easy-to-read buttons, and according to Stiftung Warentest, the setup works without any problems.
€10.90 on Amazon
Test winner remote control with number key: Geemarc TV-10
Geemarc TV-10 - adaptive universal remote control with large letters and buttons for up to two devices © Geemarc T
The Stiftung Warentest positively notes the good readability and the easy jumping back and forth between receiver and TV.
That's why this model is also the declared test winner in the category with number keys.
€12.90 at Amazon
Hearing amplifiers and headphones for seniors TVs
Not only the neighbors will be grateful if hearing amplifiers make listening easier - and not just turn up the volume on the television to the maximum.
Hearing amplifiers adapt the sound of speech or music individually, depending on the hearing deficit, low and high tones can be attenuated or amplified.
The hearing amplifier can also reduce background noise.
The components are battery-powered wireless headphones and a base station that is connected to the television via a cable.
If no roommates feel disturbed, soundbars can be a good supplement to the normal - often insufficient - television sound.
Hearing amplifier Amplicomms TV3500
Amplicomms TV 3500 Wireless Headphones © Amplicomms
Four individual profiles can be saved on this device, and a remote control also helps with volume control.
Extra soft and light headphones should ensure wearing comfort.
Connection with and without cable possible.
€149.99 on Amazon
Amplicomms on Amazon
Headphones Sony WH-1000XM4 for the senior TV
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Canceling Headphones © Sony
Pleasantly soft on the ears and with around 38 hours of battery life and effective noise reduction, this model convinced the Stiftung Warentest.
You can find more comfortable models in the over-ear headphones purchase guide.
€237.99 instead of €379 at Amazon
Screen magnifying glass: the solution for small monitors
It is not uncommon for many tech-savvy seniors to use mobile devices such as tablets or laptops to stream films and programs these days.
The challenge here is not so much the technology, but the small screens.
But nobody has to do without this flexible TV comfort because of declining eyesight.
Special screen magnifying glasses work like XL magnifying glasses that can enlarge the display or monitor by up to 50 percent.
This XL magnifier is placed over the laptop like a frame © Amazon
This XXL magnifying glass can be placed in front of the laptop like an easel and thus enlarges the image.
It also prevents eye fatigue and can also be used for smartphones or books.
€79.58 at Amazon