EU TV models - where is the difference

If you are looking for a cheap TV, you will quickly find EU models. In this article you can read what the TV sets are and what the difference to "normal" TVs is.

EU TV models - the difference

As with cars, prices for individual TV models fluctuate in different EU countries. For example, one and the same television costs 800 euros in Spain and 1000 euros in Germany. Wholesalers take advantage of this and import TVs from other EU countries to sell them in Germany.

• Due to the often very large price differences between the individual EU countries, some EU models become real bargains.
• The EU models are not only cheaper, they are also identical in construction and cannot be distinguished from other televisions on the outside. Often there are two identical televisions with different article numbers and a reference to an "EU model" when comparing prices.
• Since the devices were not produced directly for the German market, the operating instructions printed in German may be missing. However, this is usually also available online.
• Since the manufacturers have produced their TVs for the world market, you can also use the TV anywhere. When you switch on for the first time, simply set the system language to "German" and you can no longer tell the difference.
• The only disadvantage of the EU models is service. The legal guarantee of two years is also given here, however the manufacturer Samsung, for example, refuses to extend the guarantee for EU models from 2 to 5 years. However, this is only an optional additional service.

Tip: Stiftung Warentest also tested LCD televisions. You can find out how the models performed and whether they are good in comparison with the CHIP test results in our TV product test summary.