Last updated: September 23, 2026.
Best Viewing Tech publishes reviews and “best of” roundups for projectors, TVs, PC monitors, home theater audio, streaming devices, and related accessories. This page explains how we choose products, what information we rely on, and how each recommendation is scored, so you can judge our picks for yourself.
How we choose what to cover
- We start with a buying question, such as which projector suits a bright living room or which monitor suits a small desk, and set the criteria for that question before looking at individual products.
- We shortlist products that are widely available in the United States, are currently sold or supported by the manufacturer, and fit the price range the article is about.
- We compare the shortlist against the same criteria, then keep the products that make a meaningful difference for a specific type of buyer.
Where our information comes from
We do not run our own lab measurements, and we do not claim to. Our evaluations are research-based. We assess and compare information from:
- Manufacturer specification sheets, manuals, and support pages.
- Published measurements and reviews from independent labs and established technology publications, cited where we rely on them.
- Patterns in verified owner feedback, such as recurring reliability or software complaints.
- Retailer product pages, used to confirm current availability and model details.
Every specification and model number is checked against a primary source before an article is published. When data is missing or sources disagree, we say so in the article instead of filling the gap.
What we look at, by category
The details below guide our evaluations. Each article states which of these matter most for its specific buyer.
| Category | What we weigh |
|---|---|
| Projectors | Brightness and contrast for the intended room, resolution, throw distance and lens flexibility, input lag for gaming, fan noise, and connectivity. |
| TVs | Panel type, contrast and black levels, peak brightness, motion handling, gaming features such as HDMI 2.1 and variable refresh rate, smart platform, and value at the screen size. |
| PC Monitors | Panel type, resolution and size, refresh rate and response time, color coverage, ergonomics, ports, and how well the monitor fits its intended use. |
| Home Theater Audio | Dialogue clarity, surround format support, bass output, connectivity, room fit, and setup effort. |
| Streaming and Accessories | Interface speed, app and format support, weight ratings and compatibility for mounts, and build quality. |
The Viewing Score
Products in our roundups are rated with the Viewing Score, a 0 to 10 scale. The same five criteria and weights apply to every product in every category, so scores within a roundup are directly comparable.
| Criterion | Weight | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Picture or sound quality | 35% | How well the product performs its core job, judged against others in the same category. |
| Value | 20% | What you get for the price compared with similar products. |
| Features and connectivity | 20% | Ports, smart features, formats, and extras that matter for the intended buyer. |
| Reliability and owner feedback | 15% | Recurring issues and satisfaction reported by owners and independent publications. |
| Design and build | 10% | Materials, ergonomics, size, noise, and ease of setup. |
Each criterion is scored from 0 to 10, multiplied by its weight, and added together to produce the Viewing Score. The score is a summary of our research, not a laboratory measurement, and it is always presented alongside the reasoning behind it.
Pros, cons, and who should skip a product
Every recommendation lists both strengths and weaknesses. We also state who should not buy a product, because a good fit for one buyer can be a poor choice for another.
Prices, availability, and updates
- We do not write prices into article text because they change often. Current prices are shown by the retailer at the time you click through.
- Each article shows when it was published and when it was last updated.
- We revisit an article when a product is discontinued, replaced by a newer model, or changes in a way that affects our recommendation.
Independence and how we earn money
We earn a commission when you buy through some of our links. Commissions never influence rankings or scores, and brands cannot pay for placement. Read our Editorial Policy and Affiliate Disclaimer for the details.
Corrections
If you spot an error or an outdated detail, please tell us through the Contact page. We review every report and correct confirmed mistakes.