What is the Best TV, and Method of Purchase?
Mates,
I am sad to report our 15 yr old 42" plasma TV has gone to be with the great TV tuner in the sky. It actually died months ago but since we don't have TV except for during college football season nobody cared. But now we are mere days away from actual college football, without question my favorite sport, and we need to replace that TV very soon.
Assume we are pretty set that a 50" is the max we have space for in our house, and that I don't mind buying a sound bar if that should be part of the deal. Assume also that we only use the thing a few months of the year and it otherwise collects dust, so we aren't going to spend on some stellar, in-home theatre set up.
The question is this: What is the best brand of TV, and from where should I buy it, Amazon, local Best Buy or ABC Warehouse, some other retailer or on-line place that is a great deal?
Thank you for your help and I hope others get some great ideas from the response.
Football is just 22 days and a wake-up away. Go Blue!
XM
I haven't shopped for a TV in a while, but I'd imagine pretty much anything will get the job done nowadays and you shouldn't spend too much money. HDTVs have been around for like 15 years now and they're a pretty damn mature technology.
My dad got into a Sony A1E after his plasma finally gave way. Ridiculous screen. Got it from massdrop with a really nice discount, plus no sales tax. I'm still using a Panasonic plasma. Would definitely consider a Sony OLED when the time comes.
I am hoping to get the OLED, too. They’re far too expensive now. I’m aiming for two years from now and a price drop.
August 10th, 2018 at 1:00 PM ^
Sign up on Massdrop and request the A1E drop. They've run it maybe 3 times now, not sure if they will again or not considering the 2018 A8F is the new model, though they're pretty much identical other than the stand, which won't matter if you're going to mount it on a wall.
My dad got the 65" for $2900, but on the last drop, the 55" was $2100. They shave off about $300 every new drop. The 65" was going for around $3500 at all the normal retailers (plus 10% tax in Alabama). Massdrop there is no tax, so we figure he saved close to a grand at the time of purchase.
I just bought a TV from Amazon on PrimeDay. But in my experience, you get the best service and support at Crutchfield. If you call them (or go to online chat) and tell them exactly what is above, they will give you really good info.
More generally, most of what you'll find now are LCDs, LED LCDs, and OLEDs. Those would generally be in order of increasing quality. For a 49" LED, you're probably in the $800 range for good quality, but you can spend a lot less than that -- perhaps as low as $300. In my experience, you get what you pay for, but you should only pay for features that matter to you.
Also, make sure you're looking at the external dimensions, not just screen size. Since you last bought a TV, the bezels (border around the edge) have gotten much smaller. I just replaced an old 46" TV with a new 55" that fits in the same area on the wall.
Good luck.
you make a good point about features, and i would add that to my OP if the edit worked for that. i should've asked what are the features that make sense to pursue/acquire.
as to the size, i did in fact do the measurements already, figuring that the new TV's have tiny edges (or bezels for you fancy grammar types) and thats how we got from 42" to 50".
So I got a 55" 4K TCL for relatively cheap, given that it's a 55" 4K TV.
Now, TV snobs will certainly tell me that TCL is a garbage brand (my damn AT&T guy told me it was crap it while he was working on my internet), but honest to goodness I haven't had a single problem with it. It's Roku, so if you're looking to cord cut now or in the future, it's perfectly set up for that. I keep cable just for football season, and it's good for that old school lifestyle as well.
It replaced a bulkier, older, lower definition 45" Samsung and I've been really happy with the purchase.
so how is the Roku mentioned when shopping for features?
and what other features do you think might be important?
So, I'm pretty close to over my head if I go any further - I'm definitely not the guy to ask about the newest and best TV technologies.
It seems like Roku or some smart TV platform is becoming fairly standard as cord cutting becomes more popular. As for this TV, you just download the apps (i.e. Netflix) you want on to your home screen, and then the interface is like an iPhone's but on your TV basically.
I really just use the TV for watching sports and a couple shows, and then watching Netflix. So for me, the features I care about are good picture and easy interface to switch between cable and apps (and slim profile/light weight is a plus), and this TV definitely checks the boxes for me.
c|net gives the TCL Series 6 top marks for value based TV purchase. $1,000 for 65 inch and $600 for 55. Supports Dolby Vision, lacks 120 hz refresh rate, local dimming gives very deep blacks. I’ve loved mine since day one. If anyone says shit brand they are chasing status, not performance or features
Hey man, I agree. Mines been great.
August 10th, 2018 at 7:46 PM ^
Eh, I don’t think that’s a fair statement. There is no doubt that TCL is a great value and certainly something I’d recommend, but on the cheap end I prefer Vizio’s picture and on the higher end range I prefer a Samsung or of course LG OLED. But obviously you’re paying more on the higher end (I don’t own any Samsungs or OLED because I tend to go cheaper).
Thats certainly a personal preference thing, and plenty of people don’t have the same preference... but I don’t think that’s simply chasing status.
This is me. Bought a 50" TCL Roku 4k TV off of Amazon months ago for like $399 maybe as part of a remodel and its the best TV in the house. Better than the 50" plasma in the living room, better than the 50" Panasonic LED TV we have upstairs.
As someone else mentioned, HDTVs are all pretty much the same at this point. All you're really paying for is extras -- many of which you really don't need.
So to me, if you don't use the TV that much, if you're paying over $400 for something, you're doing it wrong.
EDIT: Amazon has a 49-inch one now for $319. Buy that and just be done with it.
August 9th, 2018 at 10:06 PM ^
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-tv/
Yep. Buy this (or last years) TLC tv and be done with it.
August 10th, 2018 at 8:15 AM ^
They really do have an interesting idea of what constitutes crap, don't they? I bought the same TV after CNET recommended it, and it's fantastic. The picture always looks good, HD sporting events look lifelike, and I honestly can't find anything to complain about it.
I suppose it's humanly possible to make a better tv, but I really don't see the point, especially when it costs 5-10 times the price for a slight (or even indistiguishable) improvement on a picture that's already gorgeous. Seems like a waste of money to me.
August 10th, 2018 at 8:52 AM ^
I'm a tv snob, but TCL is getting some quite good reviews lately, especially on Cnet
August 10th, 2018 at 10:12 AM ^
I got the same tv. 2 of them actually. $379 for a 55" 4K TV.. You can't beat it, plus with YTTV as my cable, the built in Roku has been great!!! I haven't seen anything wrong with these tv's yet!
August 10th, 2018 at 10:20 AM ^
I also recently bought a new 55" TCL. While my personal reaction was "I've never heard of TCL and they must be garbage," a little research proved me quite wrong. TCL has been the leading TV manufacturer in China for years and they're just new to the US market.
The TCL 55" has been rated by numerous reputable review sites as the #1 best bargain on the market for the past 2 years. I was worried that their overly cheap price of $650 was reflective of poor quality but the analysts say that when they do all their fancy testing the TCL comes out even with many $2,000 - $3,000 sets.
Im sure you could spend more and get the "best" set, but I'm thrilled with my TCL and notice the difference every time I turn on the TV. Can't wait to see those winged helmets on there
The last time I was looking for a tv, I found a sweet deal on groupon for a manufactured refurbished 50" vizio. I'm not super picky and am not afraid of refurbished goods. It's been through three years and I'm super happy with it (but definitely augmented it with a cheap sound system too). Honestly, if it took a dump tomorrow, it probably would have been a smart purchase for the price.
a buddy of mine has a TV repair/antennae place and he has a used 50" LG that he'd let me have for $225. he'd warranty it, too. have been thinking of taking him up on that idea.
This may not be a popular opinion, but Costco has terrific deals on TVs in the size you're looking for. We went with all Samsung since they had the features and sizes we were looking for. We are very pleased.
Last year I picked up a Samsung 4k package at costco. TV, Blueray/4k DVD and a sound bar. I only had room for a 43 inch. Buying the same brand seems to make connecting them a snap.
This was a giant leap from my old tube sony that weighted 230 pounds. Yeah, I just dated my old self. I love the new gear. The $100 soundbar was worth every penny. Don't skip it or go to cheap. I can play CD's on the blue ray player & hit the soundbar or bluetooth my phone music to the soundbar.
Go Luck and F##k Notre Dame
Got my TCL at Costco - I went double cheap, but I've been very pleased as well.
Edit: meant to reply to Yo_Blue, but this works too
Samsung is great. Do not under any circumstances get an LG led. The screen will go within 2000 viewing hours. The Panasonic plasmas were tanks, they just don't make things like they used to.
Agreed. They also usually have some really good deals on display models which I bought one a few years back. A 4k LG 55 inch for like $480 after the 2-3 year extended warranty Costco offers. Not top of the line but it has been really nice with no issues.
August 9th, 2018 at 10:21 PM ^
Yes. Finding a floor model is the way to go. My brother in law got a 55” 4K Samsung about 2 years ago for $650. A few months ago I got a 50” 4K LG with a 5 year warranty for $400.
August 9th, 2018 at 11:24 PM ^
Seconded for costco.
They have an amazing return policy. Selection is usually pretty limited, but what they do have is good. Prices are very competitive.
August 10th, 2018 at 9:22 AM ^
Came here to say this. If you're a Costco member keep an eye out for monthly deals. We purchased our Samsung TV with their Citi card and received 15% cash back plus another 4% we'll get back combined from the credit card (2%) and membership (2%).
I certainly don't claim to know everything about TV's, but from my professional experience working with different brands (work in Marketing so I produce videos now and then) Samsung's interface and ease of use is unmatched versus LG, Sony and Vizio. The Samsung interface is much more slick.
I don't really have any helpful advice, but I will say this: Man, I wish Panasonic still made plasmas. I have an adequate LED model but would dump it in a heartbeat for a Panny.
you want mine? its got a busted input and a busted base. costs as much to fix it as it would to buy a new one, but you can have it if you want it.
Agree. I own 3 Panasonic plasmas. Watching a 15 year old 720p set right now with a better picture than many current sets on the market.
I the black levels are outstanding, the glare is the only real drawback. I'll cry when my 65" plasma goes. I have a hard time watching movies on an led because of the soap opera effect. Some ppl don't see it but it drives me crazy. It has something to do with the way the processor smoothes the picture quality. I dont know but I Kno I hate it.
August 9th, 2018 at 10:03 PM ^
I agree. It’s very distracting. I’m perfectly happy still with my Panasonic Plasma.
August 9th, 2018 at 11:25 PM ^
I was worried about the same thing when I switched from plasma. Within a couple of months I didn't notice it anymore. Probably helped that the switch happened during soccer/CFB season, and I think sports look better on LED.
August 10th, 2018 at 7:18 AM ^
Isn't there a way to get rid of the soap opera effect? We bought an LED for our basement workout area and my husband was able to google the directions on how to get rid of that. Now it looks great (for a workout room TV).
August 9th, 2018 at 11:16 PM ^
I got a 60” LG Plasma from Micro Center in the Mad. hts about 4 yrs ago for $500. Great deal and still a great TV.
I haven’t read all the comments but I just picked up a 60” Vizio smart tv for under $600 at the local sams club so I’ll assume a 50” is $450-ish? For the months you don’t have tv service at least you can stream Netflix, etc with a smart tv
Also, a sound bar and wireless sub is a must. Any brand, really. I’ve had a few different ones and they all wo K/sound about the same.
Buy from B&H Photo and you avoid paying sales tax if outside NY. Depending on cost of the set that can be a substantial savings. Just bought an OLED to add to my collection of plasmas still kicking after anywhere from 6-15 yrs.
Definitely try online because you can possibly avoid sales tax, unless you are one of the few honest people who report online purchases in their tax returns. The stores are simply there for showroom purposes.
i've had really good experiences with the Best Buy store brand Insignia. put 2 of them up in the restaurant that have been on 12+ hours a day for 5 years with no issues. just saw on their website that the 50 inch 4k smart tv is $329 and the 50 inch 1080p non-smart tv is $249 now. the guy at best buy said they have the insides of higher end televisions but the cheaper Insignia brand casing. a roku stick is about $50 if you want to run netflix and whatnot on the non-smart tv. heard good things about TCL but have not seen one in person.
EDIT: i run all my sound through my stereo so i have no idea about the sound quality. that being said most televisions have garbage built in speakers in my opinion so i'd recommend, as others have said above and below, spending money on a surround system or sound bar.
August 9th, 2018 at 11:20 PM ^
I'm considering upgrading my 1080p to this 4k:
You might be better off not spending as much as you think you should on a TV and use whatever you save and use that $ to buy a great sound system.
Would absolutely agree with this. Buy a $319 TCL 49-inch LED TV, and then spend another $200-300 on a good sound bar setup.
I will add I just bought (and subsequently returned) a 2018 vizio 55” p series. Seemed like a good value but there was noticeable vertical banding. Not sure if a problem with just that particular set but I wasn’t impressed with their customer service so I just returned it. Picture was solid but I couldn’t unsee the bands once I noticed them.
I bought a Samsung 75 inch 4K TV on Amazon. It started out in a warehouse in Southern California and was on my porch in Northern California two days later, proving that Jeff Bezos deserves to be the richest man in the world.
You don't need 4k but every tv for sale now has it and you're not really paying anything extra for it, so whatever. If you want to spend money for features, proper HDR makes for the best picture; however, if the only reason you really have a tv is to watch Michigan football, you don't need a lot of bells and whistles. Most tvs are fine.
The only real thing I'll mention is that the Vizio E-Series (like many brands) offers good value, but does not include a tv tuner, which is only important if you get signal from an over-the-air antenna.
FWIW I have also heard that TCL is a good quality tv for the buck. But I have no personal evidence of this.
Get a Vizio from Costco.
This site is a nice tool: www.rtings.com
More specifically if you're looking at a 55 inch: https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/best/by-size/55-inch
Okay XM, I literally lol'd at your first sentence. And I am incredibly envious of your second sentence.
I'm guessing by the gist of your post you're probably not going to go all out for an OLED, which truly is indisputably the best technology out there. It's not just a buzz word like QLED or something of the sort.
I highly suggest the Vizio M series, which is their mid-tier series. This TV does not have all of the Smart TV bells and whistles a lot do, but is consistently rated one of the best TVs picture/$.
For any TV, I suggest monitoring slickdeals.