It’s been 10 years since the flat screen TV was introduced to the market and television technology has continued to evolve and improve ever since. The introduction of 3D into the TV market didn’t cause quite as big a stir as the flat-screen wave but recent years have shown manufacturers levelling-up their tactics in attracting a new generation of consumers and getting current consumers to upgrade. This year, companies are upping the ante by introducing a roster of new features meant to bring about a new age in TV.

Here are some of the latest trends you should expect in television technology:

Super Resolution

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2014 saw companies introducing a new range of 4K sets; TVs equipped with ultra HD screens that boast four times the resolution of HD sets currently available on the market. They were also featured at 2013′s CES however a few details prevented 4K from catching on including sky-high prices and limited amounts of 4K content.

This year, companies are hoping to turn that around by rolling out big names such as Google to give Ultra HD TV a much-needed marketing boost. Google released VP9, a revolutionary 4K streaming format designed to reduce by half the bandwidth required to stream 4K from websites like Youtube.

Bends, Curves and Wedges

Flat-screen technology made a huge splash after being unveiled more than 10 years ago for several reasons that have everything to do with convenience and aesthetics. They’re thin, sleek, can hang on walls and don’t take up much space. However, TV manufacturers believe it’s time to deviate from the dull flatness and introduced a new feature designed to ramp up the viewing experience – curved screens. Companies are marketing curved TVs as the flat screen’s better, more powerful older brother; boasting glare reduction and improvement of side visibility. This means everyone sitting in the living room can watch whatever’s on without having to crowd in the centre just to catch a glimpse.

Smarter TVs

Companies have marketed smart TVs as the future of television sets but a series of major and minor mistakes prevented it from accelerating in the market as quickly as it should have. Incorporating Internet connection, apps and streaming to regular TV sets has become a struggle and many third-party offerings such as Apple TV and Roku have upstaged even the manufacturers in creating TV-friendly user interfaces.

While 2014 is all about 4K and curved screens, smart TVs are taking a backseat for some major tune-ups, courtesy of experts hired by companies to deliver the goods. Hisense and TCL have joined forces with Roku to include the feature in televisions automatically, without adding a separate box. LG is also making its move, announcing plans to incorporate webOS, Palm handheld’s mobile software, to its sets.

If you’re thinking of upgrading your old TV, 2014 is the year to do it. Whether you’re planning to invest in a curved screen, an Ultra HD or a set that features both, it’s time to study the trends. Added protection is also something definitely worth considering, so start comparing extended warranty for tv sets before you make a purchase. They provide additional cover and other benefits like customer helplines, annual check-ups and even assistance with theft, after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. These benefits often also start immediately after your purchase for total peace-of-mind.