Have you ever wondered what happened to the curved TVs?

Whatever happened to curved TVs? Widely considered better than flat-screen TVs a few years ago, you can be hard-pressed to find them today. Plenty of comparison websites exist, and we have attempted to condense the arguments into one short article.
Ultimately there are some differences, benefits, and disadvantages of curved screens over flat, but one of the reasons for the curved TVs' failure was their price tag and impracticality.
What are the differences between flat-screen TVs and curved TVs?
Ultimately there isn't much difference between the two except for the inherent differences in screen shape. But, that being said, there are some noticeable differences in watching them, their design, and their choice of models.
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By their very nature, curved TVs stand out more than flatscreen TV — for obvious reasons. Their shape draws the eye, and if this interests you, you might want to consider getting a curved TV over a flatscreen alternative. Curved TVs also tend to be a bit "fatter," and mounting them on a wall might look odd. Conversely, flat-screen TVs are thinner and can be mounted on walls without issues. As most other devices tend to have straight lines, a flat-screen TV will likely fit your interior decoration more than a curved TV.
Another major difference between the two is the choice of models you have. There is a considerably smaller selection of curved TV models on the market than flatscreens. They also tend to be over 40 inches (101cm) in size and are generally more expensive than flatscreen alternatives. Curved TVs also tend to come with all the bells and whistles of modern TVs, whereas you can opt for less capable flatscreens (without 4K, say) to fit your budget and needs.
The main differences between the two are their price tag, available model choices, and how they look when off. When you sit down to watch something, you can unlikely spot any real difference — all specs being equal.
What are the pros and cons of a curved TV?
The short answer is it does depend. Both have pros and cons, but ultimately, any deciding factor will come down to cost and personal choice.
Overall, curved TVs have some benefits regarding immersiveness, depth, and contrast, but they also have limitations in viewing angle, ideal picture quality, and hanging on walls. Additionally, they can be expensive, and the benefits are more pronounced in larger models.
Of course, this is not intended to be exhaustive but merely an overview. Curved TVs offer a slight improvement in "immersiveness." But this entirely depends on how far away you are from the screen.
Despite this, the extra fraction of a degree and the slightly larger screen will increase your viewing immersion by default. Reflections can be exaggerated on curved TVs. Their shape can create a 'funhouse' mirror effect from reflections on the screen. Despite the hype, they will never replicate theatre-quality immersion.
Depth is enhanced. The depth created by the curve of the screen, especially in larger screens, with OLED technology, does improve viewing depth a bit. Some manufacturers, like Samsung, also include further depth enhancement technology to improve the 3D effect of their curved TVs. The viewing angle can be limited on curved TVs. The curve narrows the quality viewing angle of these TVs considerably, particularly for smaller models that are less than 65 inches (165 cm).
Curved TVs provide a greater field of view. While this effect is not as pronounced as some might claim, it is slightly improved on curved TVs. Ideal picture quality can only be seen dead-center. Viewing any 4K tv off-center tends to begin to spoil the quality of the picture. The "sweet spot" for best viewing quality is much narrower than for flat TVs.
Curved TVs have a superior contrast. Although, most reviews of curved TVs reveal that this is more to do with additional technology in the devices than the curved screen itself, per se. They are less easy to hang on a wall. Unlike their flat contemporaries, curved TVs are inherently harder to hang on a wall of their shape.
Curved TVs do look the part. While this is merely a matter of taste, curved TVs are undoubtedly interesting, aesthetically speaking, in and of themselves. You need to buy bigger TVs to get any real benefit. As most of the benefits from curved TVs are seen in larger models, the price to benefit you might force your hand. Curved TVs tend to be very expensive. Equally sized flat TVs tend to be much cheaper.
Why is a curved TV better?
Put curved TVs are not that much better than flat-screen TVs. Most reviewers don't believe the premium price tag of a curved TV is worth it. For any real benefits of curved TVs, you must sit close to the screen or view from extreme angles. Cur curved TVs might be for you if you like their aesthetics and don't mind paying a premium.
But, if you are looking for a massive improvement to your overall viewing experience, you might be disappointed with curved screens. Their price-to-benefit isn't worth it. Because of their shape, they also introduce some new issues you won't find with flat-screen TVs.
Other commentators also point out that some of the best TV manufacturers are currently enamored with them; for consumers to benefit from 4K technology, they have little choice but to buy one. This has led to many believing that curved TVs are the way to go when they only need a 4K quality flat-screen TV.
Curved TVs tend to offer very little benefit over their equivalent flat-screen competitors. Any real benefits from the technology come with the larger models; even then, it's not that impressive.
If you like the look of a curved TV, go ahead but don’t expect amazing results from the curve alone.
Are curved TVs a fad?
Are they just a fad? Given their current market share, this would appear to be the case. It seems unlikely that even if curved TVs begin to fall in price to be more in line with flat-screen TVs, they will be rescued.
But, at the end of the day, if you like the look of a curved TV, go ahead and buy it. It may, one day, become a retro-classic. The choice between the two ultimately falls upon you, the consumer. But if you have looked around, you might have realized — they don't seem like they're in it for the long haul.