We assess how well each TV can handle a number of different source materials. We've found that high resolution TVs often struggle to upscale SD streaming or free-to-air broadcast, which can mean the overall picture quality suffers. Our test aims to find models that handle both types well.

Filmmaker Mode disables most of the post-processing on your TV (such as colour adjustments and image smoothing) to deliver a more cinematic picture that's as close to the director's original intentions as possible. If Filmmaker Mode isn't available, we test in the manufacturer's Movie/Cinema mode.

Our tester checks the size and spacing of the buttons, dials or touch pads to make sure they're easy to reach, logically grouped and not too close together. The remote's overall size and shape is assessed for how well it fits in the hand and how easy it is to use with one hand.

We've increased our testing in this area as smart TVs have become an intrinsic part of the modern smart home.

We test to find TVs with an interface that's consistently easy to read and follow. We also look for models that tell the user what's happening and clearly show which button to press, or what to do next.

Online streaming now delivers 4K quality video, so we look at 4K content to see which TVs deliver the best overall picture.

Standby and in-use energy is measured to calculate the annual cost of running the TV. This test uses an average of four hours of TV a day and leaves the TV in standby mode when it's not in use.

EPG refers to the electronic program guide. This accounts for 5% of the CHOICE Expert Rating.

Our tester plays a number of high quality voice and music recordings on a DVD player connected to the TV and compares it to a reference system. We test at a volume that would be comfortable in a normal-sized room and also at a volume that flexes the model's prowess.

Our priority is to test the models you'll see in stores and major online retailers. To do this, we check current market data to see what's popular. We also test models that a lot of members have requested.

We have our own on-site TV lab that's equipped with precisely calibrated measurement tools and reference machines to test and compare products. Every model is tested in a standardised way to align with Australian and International Standards.

Our expert testers, Scott O'Keefe, James Thomson and Elias Plastiras, have many years of combined experience testing and reviewing home entertainment products.

Unlike other product review sites, we don't normally accept free test models from manufacturers. This allows us to be independent and review without interference. Instead, we buy products anonymously from a variety of retailers, then bring them into our labs. This means we get what you'd get, and can be sure the model hasn't potentially been 'tweaked' for better performance.

Because new TVs are released throughout the year, we test our TVs in batches. We do this up to a dozen times each year.