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Seven ways to waste money buying a HDTV in Singapore

Published

8 years ago

on

By SingSaver.com.sg

Unless you have an unlimited budget, here’s what you should avoid when you buy an HDTV in Singapore.

Is the museum knocking at your door, asking for you to donate that TV set? Do your neighbours come over, peek at your TV, and ask if Nixon was the US President when you bought it?

It’s time for a new High Density Television (HDTV) set.

Unlike your TV set of old, an HDTV displays crisp, clear images with far more detail. They are also wider to closely match the human eye’s peripheral vision, creating a more comfortable viewing experience.With hundreds of options available at different price points, you want to find one that isn’t ridiculously overpriced.

Here’s what NOT to do when you buy an HDTV in Singapore:

1. Buy a 4K TV When a 1080p Will Do

A 4K TV meets a standard called “Ultra High Definition”, with eight million active pixels. Even putting your face up to the screen, you’d be hard pressed to spot pixel edges.

A 1080p is regular “High Definition” TV, which most people have in their homes right now.Singaporeans used to quibble over whether ultra-high is better than high definition, and whether it was a worth price difference of over S$500.

Today however, 4K TVs have become a lot cheaper. Samsung and Sony, for example, have 4K models that are well below S$1,000.

As such, the general consensus is that you should get a 4K TV.

But if you’re on a budget, there’s a chance a 1080p can shave a few dollars off the cost. You should also note that, on small TV sizes, the 4K effect will simply be lost. It’s better to pick 4K for larger screens.

2. Assume That Bigger is Always Better

Bigger TVs are more expensive, but that doesn’t make them better.

In fact, having a TV that is too large can cause strain and fatigue on the viewer over long periods.

First, calculate the distance between your seating area, and the TV.Now for a 1080p TV, the ideal sitting distance is 2.5 times the diagonal length (upper right corner to lower left corner) of the TV. For a 4K TV, the distance is about 1.5 times this same length.

So based on the distance between your seating area and the TV, you can find the approximate size that matches your needs. Anything larger will be a waste of money.

3. Pay for an Expensive Wall Mount and Installation Fees

If the store tells you that the wall mount and installation are free, that’s great; but be sure to check the pricing online, or in other stores.

Some shops price the cost of mounting into the TV set itself, and then claim it’s a free service.

To save money, press for a discount on the wall mount and installation costs. Many stores will not want you to walk out due to the “low” cost of mounting.

4. Splurge on HDMI Ports and Other Gimmicky Features

Before considering features like how many HDMI ports the TV has, ask yourself what you need.

If you don’t have so much as an Xbox to plug into it, what’s the point? You only need two or four for basic devices, like a DVD player.Also consider the relevance of Internet streaming (so you can watch YouTube on TV), and 3D effects.

Decide how important these features are to you before paying for them.

Do you really need to watch Jenna Marbles on HDTV? Or watch your movies in 3D (which reduces the screen resolution by the way)?

Skimp on the extras if you all do is watch cable TV.

5. Use an Instalment Plan Instead of Earning Cashback

For big ticket items like a high priced TV, use a credit card with unlimited cashback. There’s no point getting just S$50 out of the transaction.

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Try the American Express True Cashback Card, which gives 3% cashback on the first S$5,000 you spend during the first 6 months.

If you can meet the S$80,000 annual income requirement, the ANZ Optimum World MasterCard gives 5% unlimited cashback on retail spend.

We recommend you repay the full amount, rather than use your credit card instalment plan. Note that the entire sum is charged to your card when you buy, not only the first instalment (you pay instalments to the bank, not the seller of the TV).

This will affect your maximum credit ceiling.

6. Buy an HDTV with OLED Technology

Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) is a new approach to TV screens. Most TVs today use Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology.OLED has a more consistent lighting effect, whereas LED TVs tend to be disproportionately brighter in some parts (they are either back lit, or lit around the edges).

OLED also provides better contrast: if a scene is filmed in a dark haunted house for example, the OLED screen will display it better than the LED screen.

But OLED is expensive, because it’s a cutting edge technology. Very expensive: expect to see numbers like S$10,000.

Remember when plasma screens first came on the market? They too were priced the same way. In just over five to seven years, the prices came plummeting down – and today they are obsolete.

OLED might go the same way.There’s a difference in quality, but not several thousand dollars worth of difference.

7. Pay for a Lifetime Warranty at a Sketchy Store

In many cases, the warranty on the TV is from the store selling it, not from the TV’s manufacturer. So if your Samsung breaks, Samsung will not be the one fulfilling the warranty – the store you bought it from has that responsibility.

For this reason, you should purchase lifetime warranties only from Harvey Norman, Courts, and other well-established chain. Remember, the warranty is useless if the shop closes down.

Alternatively, you may want to buy extended warranties only if is a manufacturer’s warranty (this may not be possible for certain brands).

SingSaver.com.sg is a financial comparison platform for credit cards and personal loans in Singapore. Subscribe to its weekly newsletter to find out how you can make personal finance decisions.

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Lifestyle

Living modestly in Singapore on $10 a day: 27-year-old Malaysian man shares insights

In Singapore, a 27-year-old Malaysian man has gained attention on TikTok for his frugal approach to life while working in the bustling city. Jonathan Lim, a civil engineer earning around S$3,700 a month, shares his strategy for spending less than S$10 a day.

He divides his week between Singapore and Malaysia, staying in a hostel and focusing on economical food choices.

Despite some concerns about the extremeness of his thriftiness, many commend his financial discipline, while others suggest a slightly more flexible approach.

Published

1 year ago

on

14 September 2023

By

SINGAPORE: A 27-year-old man from Malaysia, garnered the interest of social media users on TikTok due to his method of budgeting and practising a frugal lifestyle while employed in the bustling city of Singapore.

Many are left wondering whether it’s feasible to lead a modest life in Singapore without significant sacrifices.

Malaysian civil engineer, Jonathan Lim, has provided some insights through his TikTok documenting how he manages to spend less than S$10 a day while working in the city.

The video’s caption read: “Part 6: Is spending 10 dollars enough for a day working in Singapore?”

His TikTok content primarily revolves around detailing his expenses in Singapore, excluding the costs related to accommodation.

@jonlzx

Part 6: Is spending 10dollars enough for a day working in SINGAPORE? #sgvlog #worklife #minivlog #fypシ #simplelife

♬ 千与千寻 口琴版 – 口琴伟宝

Hybrid Work Arrangement

Lim, who earns about S$3,700 a month as a civil engineer in Singapore, follows a unique hybrid work arrangement.

He commutes from his home in Kulai, Johor, to Singapore three days a week, with the remaining days dedicated to remote work.

Lim strategically divides his time, with more than half of his week spent in his Johor home.

During the workweek, specifically on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, he opts to stay at a capsule hostel in Singapore.

This arrangement serves the purpose of reducing his expenses on permanent lodging in Singapore, although it necessitates regular commuting between Malaysia and Singapore.

His weekly schedule commences with a Monday morning journey to Singapore at 6 a.m., where he resides in the hostel for two nights.

Hostel Living and Food Choices

During his days in Singapore, Lim stays in a capsule hostel, which costs him about S$35 (approximately US$25.74) a night.

While this arrangement doesn’t include food expenses, the hostel provides free breakfast, helping him save on at least one meal each day.

Lim’s food choices are budget-friendly, focusing on cai fan (economic rice) for lunch and dinner, which costs him about S$3.60 per meal.

Occasionally, he indulges in items like bread and soya bean milk, emphasizing the affordability of such food options in Singapore.

For exercise, he opts for a cost-effective approach, eating grilled chicken drumsticks purchased from FairPrice, and running at public stadiums.

While a dinner consisting solely of protein might not seem substantial to some, Lim clarifies that the two drumsticks he purchased were exceptionally large, providing more than enough sustenance for an adult like him.

Therefore, when factoring in his daily transport costs of S$3, Lim’s daily expenses in Singapore amount to S$13.10, excluding accommodation expenses.

Balancing Thriftiness and Enjoyment

In his most recent TikTok video, Lim responded to both favorable and critical comments regarding his lifestyle of managing on S$10 or more per day in Singapore.

He expressed his belief that such frugal practices can become a standard way of life.

https://www.tiktok.com/@jonlzx/video/7276135975355485441?embed_source=121355059%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_blank&refer=embed&referer_url=mothership.sg%2F2023%2F09%2Fmalaysian-10-dollars-a-day-singapore%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1o-WKyDvXTTGxKWlXGd9u3xXdCO_4zyBOMRSF13kzzdcWs5dU2QI4E_9g&referer_video_id=7276135975355485441

Moreover, he aimed to dispel the misconception that his approach is detrimental to his well-being and happiness, emphasizing that he doesn’t sacrifice enjoyment to save a few dollars.

He acknowledges the trade-offs, such as spending time away from family and loved ones.

However, he sees this period as an opportunity for professional growth.

While Lim’s lifestyle is not his everyday routine, it highlights how one can manage expenses in an expensive city like Singapore.

He also appreciates the safety and amenities the city offers, such as safe streets for late-night jogging.

In the long run, Lim said he will need to decide whether to settle long-term in Singapore or return to Malaysia.

Supporters cheer Lim’s thrifty approach

The majority of people expressed their support for Lim’s frugal lifestyle, offering him their best wishes and advising him to disregard those who ridicule his way of life.

“Good to start saving up at a young age,” they said, while also cautioning against taking frugality to such an extreme that it becomes excessively absurd.

However, some users believe that Lim should consider a slightly higher expenditure than his current approach, asserting that life is too short to subject oneself to such deprivation.

“Can add another $2 la, don’t have to thrift like that,” one user said.

This was first published on Gutzy.Asia

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Lifestyle

Rachel Wan speaks out on father’s solitary passing in Singapore hospital due to staffing shortages

Rachel Wan of ‘Kin’ highlighted her father’s solitary passing in a Singapore hospital due to understaffing in an Instagram post. She contrasted Singapore’s overworked healthcare culture with Australia’s, emphasizing the need for a better work-life balance in the nation.

Published

1 year ago

on

29 August 2023

By

SINGAPORE: On 25 August, Rachel Wan, the 26-year-old star of ‘Kin’, took to Instagram to share a poignant account of her father’s passing, revealing that he had died alone in a Singapore hospital due to understaffing issues.

Wan’s emotional revelation sheds light on the need for a transformation in the prevailing culture of overworking in the nation.

Disparities between healthcare work in Singapore and Australia

In a candid Instagram video, Wan expressed her long-standing desire to address a topic she finds deeply meaningful.

She remarked, “I came to Australia because I felt like there was a better work-life balance here,” before unveiling a recent discovery that profoundly affected her.

The ‘Kin’ star recounted her encounter with a nurse who had previously worked in the same Singapore hospital where her father had spent his final moments.

This nurse later moved to Australia, much like Wan herself.

A stark contrast between working conditions in the two countries emerged.

Wan unveiled that in Singapore, nurses might be tasked with managing “up to 12 patients at any given time”. Conversely, in Australia, nurses are limited to caring for six patients each.

Moreover, Australian healthcare staff are afforded designated rest periods between shifts, a practice reportedly absent in Singapore.

Heartbreaking account of Wan’s father’s passing

Wan’s emotions were palpable as she recounted the circumstances leading to her father’s demise, underscoring the fact that he passed away in solitude at the hospital without any loved ones by his side.

Her poignant Instagram tribute suggested that he passed away in March 2022.

Describing the events of his passing day, she detailed how her father had been transferred from the emergency ward to the general ward as his time grew short.

However, to access him, Wan and her family had to undergo a Covid-19 test, mandatory at the time for hospital visits. Tragically, her father passed away during the testing process.

Distressingly, no one from the hospital informed them of his passing.

Wan expressed her shock, revealing that they discovered his lifeless body alone in the ward without any staff present.

When she inquired about the lack of communication, a doctor allegedly cited understaffing as the reason.

Wan stressed the importance of sharing her experience, noting that the healthcare sector is not the only one grappling with such challenges in Singapore.

She asserted that overworking should not be celebrated as an achievement and urged for a shift towards a healthier work-life balance in the nation.

Her Instagram post resonated with many, drawing a flood of comments from netizens who shared their similar experiences and nurses who opened up about the demanding work environment they face.

Amidst the discussions, Wan clarified that her father’s passing was due to oesophageal cancer, not Covid-19.

A plea for empathy and understanding

In response to differing opinions, including some who highlighted Singapore’s relative advantages compared to other countries, Wan emphasized that her intention was to raise awareness about the lack of work-life balance in Singapore.

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Influencer and doctor Zoen Tay also contributed to the discourse, acknowledging room for improvement in both countries’ healthcare systems.

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Wan extended her empathy to Singaporean nurses, finding a sense of healing in realizing that her father wasn’t neglected due to a lack of care, but rather due to the strain of their demanding workload.

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