audiofeline Posted November 29, 2024 Posted November 29, 2024 I'm thinking of upgrading my old 47" TV, which we have been quite happy with the quality. I had a quick look online, and there are so many spec's that I'm not sure what is appropriate for my needs and what might be overkill. I noticed that 47" doesn't seem to be a standard size, so am assuming that a 50" with a slimline surround would be similar overall dimensions. My current TV spec's (from the brochure): • HD LCD display, 1920x1080p • 100Hz Clear LCD for superb motion sharpness (3ms) • Brightness: 550 cd/m² • Contrast ratio (typical): 1200:1 • Dynamic screen contrast: 8000:1 • Response time (typical): 3 (BEW equiv.) ms My viewing requirements: - broadcast tv (not sport) - DVD, Blu-ray - Netflix - I don't use it for gaming. - Given my current use, I'm not sure that 4K would be worthwhile. ** I want the new tv to have economical power use (for the size) ** Advice I'm looking for: - What spec's in a modern TV should I be looking at that would suit my needs? - What technology would be best to look for (eg. LCD, or other exotic variants)? - Suggestions on audio - I assume that all new tv's need soundbars, for movies, concerts, etc I put audio through the hifi, but with age/hearing looming would need a soundbar with good clarity. What to look for in soundbars, and how much $? - Suggestions on audio - my current TV has RCA L+R audio output, so audio can be routed into my vintage 2channel hifi (my amp doesn't take hdmi). I assume the HDMI -> RCA outputs would be required to achieve this on a new TV (the don't seem to have 2-ch audio out). - am I correct that the soundbar would use the HDMI-Arc output. Would the HDMI->RCA adapter also require the HDMI-Arc output? How can they co-exist? - If I needed extra hdmi inputs, would a hdmi splitter work, and would it degrade audio/video quality? - how much difference in quality is there between the big-name brands and the more generic brands? Plus any other info that will help me. I recognise that I've left it too late for the black friday sales, but am anticipating chirstmas and new year sales coming up. Thanks in advance.
Snoopy8 Posted November 29, 2024 Posted November 29, 2024 Have lots of questions to help reduce the list to hopefully a few choices: max budget size and type of room e.g. shared, bright etc watching habits, day, night, on your own, with family current TV make and model brand preferences, none ? technology preferences, none? more details of sources in use, streaming services any home theater plans? Importance of audio? medium, I think, Importance of video ? Low? Very important for lower power use? Looking for a ranking of your selection criteria Your questions on HDMI, audio etc. are relatively easy to answer. For example, if audio is important and you mostly watch on your own, why not a wireless headphones? Many TVs have poor audio, so sound bar is a good option, but many choices available. All modem TVs have multiple HDMI, and there are options to feed legacy systems at various price points and quality.
audiofeline Posted November 29, 2024 Author Posted November 29, 2024 Our budget is not excessive, am wanting to know how much need to spend to get something reasonably good that will last years. But don't want to spend money on features that I won't use or appreciate. Viewing distance is about 3m, we find our current Philips 47" a good size, can't go bigger and don't want to go smaller. Generally watch in subdued lighting. The room is medium+ size. Would be interested to know which brands are good and which ones are to be avoided nowdays. No interest in home theater/surround, when I want good sound will listen via the 2-ch hifi. Will watch TV with others. Don't like headphones. Currently have an old AppleTV to stream netflix. Will probably be OK with the interface in a new TV. Not really wanting to sign up for more. Power consumption is of concern, have had high bills and unsure why they don't go down when we do things to try to reduce (eg. didn't notice any difference when our incandescents were changed to LED lights). Do want good picture quality, that has detail and isn't harsh. Don't want to be paying big money for small improvements (which is what will happen I think if we went for 4K). Audio quality is important, as getting older and is getting harder to hear dialogue, so quality sound is appreciated. As mentioned, when high quality is desired (eg. music, movies) will go through the hifi. But do want it listenable for everyday watching, would hate to have a tinny sound. 1
Snoopy8 Posted November 29, 2024 Posted November 29, 2024 At the budget end, suggest looking at TCL and Hisense rather than Kogan, Aldi, Sonic. TCL is now the largest TV manufacturer, producing panels for almost everyone. Hisense is not far behind, better quality. LG, Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Philips (now a minor player) tend to play at the mid to higher end and struggling to compete with TCL on price, driven by manufacturing scale. Sony, for example, differentiate using their video processing technology. There is still lingering brand loyalty towards these main stream brands, and perceived to have better quality than TCL and Hisense. The best picture quality are OLED screens, driven by LG & Samsung, but are expensive. But from where you are coming from, almost everything will be much better! Is there a physical reason why screen cannot go bigger? Dimensions of space please, because a modern TV tend to longer due to aspect ratio.. Don't know whether you are prepared to have a look this weekend at JB? Yes, it will tempting at these prices https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/hisense-55-q6nau-4k-qled-smart-tv-2024 https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/hisense-55-u6nau-mini-led-4k-qled-smart-tv-2024 https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/hisense-55-u7nau-uled-mini-led-4k-smart-tv-2024 Qled vs mini LED, U6 entry vs U7 mid. For the time being, ignore the different LED jargon and use your eyes to compare. Note that those demo TVs are all set to very high brightness. For a sound bar https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/sonos-beam-compact-smart-soundbar-gen-2-black 1
betty boop Posted November 29, 2024 Posted November 29, 2024 10 hours ago, audiofeline said: Our budget is not excessive, am wanting to know how much need to spend to get something reasonably good that will last years. But don't want to spend money on features that I won't use or appreciate. Viewing distance is about 3m, we find our current Philips 47" a good size, can't go bigger and don't want to go smaller. a $ number would be helpful so looking at a 50" or smaller ? id aim for an oled myself to go with the mantra of reasonably good that would last years... 2
audiofeline Posted November 30, 2024 Author Posted November 30, 2024 Thanks for the clarification of brands. I used to buy the big names in the past, but I'm not familiar with many of the popular brands that are around now. I will consider TCL and Hisense now. I won't buy another Sony product after their appalling customer service refusing to honour a faulty product during the warranty period; they eventually replaced it with an item that failed within a few weeks - they burned a previously loyal customer (but that's another story). 50" will fit our space, not enough room to go bigger. Can't give $, as at this stage trying to work out what quality/specs we would want. The JB suggestions are certainly affordable. 1
Snoopy8 Posted November 30, 2024 Posted November 30, 2024 (edited) Good that you are open to TCL & Hisense; many here, especially those aiming at the higher end, won't consider them. Yes, they do have their issues with quality, but then, Sony let you down. Oops, I gave you 55" TVs. Please check your space, especially width, to see whether they will fit. Modern TVs are now a lot longer. *** And there are fewer choices for 50" TVs and fewer deals, which indicate that demand is for 55" or larger. Any chance that you can accommodate a larger TV? I did not mention power consumption because most LED TVs are relatively low (unlike Plasma in the past!), but you can check each model as you create your shortlist. One last thing. Use Rtings to do further research and educate yourself. Yes, USA models, and may not be the best review source but a good starting point for your journey. Good luck in your search... Edited November 30, 2024 by Snoopy8 Added ** 1 1
Dokken Posted November 30, 2024 Posted November 30, 2024 If looking at TCL, I'd recommend the C755 or C855. JB HiFi has a sale currently on the C755. 1 1
audiofeline Posted November 30, 2024 Author Posted November 30, 2024 I went into JB for a quick look this arvo, was surprised that they had so few smaller sets. Also did some measurements, might be able to do 55" as it's only a few inches physically wider than our current set. Frustrated that the demo images they show are all super-saturated high-contrast, and they don't show video with content similar to what I'd see at home. Also surprised the prices are lower than I anticipated. 1
audiofeline Posted November 30, 2024 Author Posted November 30, 2024 Any opinions on refresh rates? I hear that the high refresh is good for sports and games, which isn't relevant for me. What's a good quality for normal viewing rate?
betty boop Posted November 30, 2024 Posted November 30, 2024 (edited) 2 hours ago, audiofeline said: I went into JB for a quick look this arvo, was surprised that they had so few smaller sets. Also did some measurements, might be able to do 55" as it's only a few inches physically wider than our current set. Frustrated that the demo images they show are all super-saturated high-contrast, and they don't show video with content similar to what I'd see at home. Also surprised the prices are lower than I anticipated. unfortunately they have them on "shop mode" ie cranked to max... to draw like moths to a flame... and usually on demo loops that are usually CGI created.....have no bearing to how will perform in the home...or on more real material...or the less than perfect ... in jb hifi below would be my suggestions to check out in 55" Tvs... some excellent discounts .. its a buyers market https://www.jbhifi.com.au/collections/tvs/oled-tvs?Screen Size (Inches)=55 Edited November 30, 2024 by betty boop 1 1
Snoopy8 Posted November 30, 2024 Posted November 30, 2024 If you go early in the morning on a weekday, you may be able to convince them to change the horrible demo setting and use movie material. 10 hours ago, audiofeline said: Any opinions on refresh rates? I hear that the high refresh is good for sports and games, which isn't relevant for me. What's a good quality for normal viewing rate? Rather than refresh rates, look through any Rtings TV review and look at https://www.rtings.com/tv/tests/picture-quality/contrast-ratio https://www.rtings.com/tv/tests/motion/24p https://www.rtings.com/tv/tests/picture-quality/upscaling-sharpness-processing However, it is easier to use the higher level ratings such as mixed usage and TV shows, then drill down to these ratings. 10 hours ago, audiofeline said: Also surprised the prices are lower than I anticipated. So, do you want to consider the brands you know, and maybe OLED? And, my elderly neighbours were in the same situation like you, quite adamant that the then 42" was more than adequate. I convinced them to go 48" and they now have a second one, 60"! Can you rearrange to take a larger TV? You will not regret it... 1 1
Bass13 Posted November 30, 2024 Posted November 30, 2024 11 hours ago, audiofeline said: Any opinions on refresh rates? I hear that the high refresh is good for sports and games, which isn't relevant for me. What's a good quality for normal viewing rate? I ended up getting a Samsung 65" S90C OLED, last year, excellent TV, as already advised go the maximum in size you can fit, OLED is another level in quality for sure. 2 1
audiofeline Posted December 1, 2024 Author Posted December 1, 2024 What are the differences between OLED and QLED? | JB had a Samsung QLED that was more expensive but had the best energy rating.
Bass13 Posted December 1, 2024 Posted December 1, 2024 (edited) 24 minutes ago, audiofeline said: What are the differences between OLED and QLED? | JB had a Samsung QLED that was more expensive but had the best energy rating. Some info, from the Net.. OLED TVs Best for: picture quality Organic Light-Emitting Diode displays take the crown right now as the best premium TV tech around. You get better viewing angles, deeper blacks – and therefore better contrast for HDR . They’re often a better option for gaming, but can cost more. OLED TVs For Lighter and thinner Precise colors Deeper black tones Against Small risk of burn-in Limited full-screen brightness More expensive QLED TVs Quantum dot LED TV displays have a potentially brighter picture than OLED, are mostly cheaper and still come with a lot of similar features. They'll offer great bang for your buck, but their contrast, black levels and even colors won't be as accurate as OLED. For Vivid colors High brightness potential More budget friendly Against Potential backlight blooming Inconsistent black tones Contrast not as strong as OLED Edited December 1, 2024 by Bass13 1
Snoopy8 Posted December 1, 2024 Posted December 1, 2024 (edited) 39 minutes ago, audiofeline said: What are the differences between OLED and QLED? | JB had a Samsung QLED that was more expensive but had the best energy rating. Now you are getting into the "gutter" Samsung makes things difficult. There is QD OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) and QLED (Quantum Dot LED). Confused? OLED (in general) has the best PQ and is more expensive. There is also WOLED and LG introduced MLA to improve brightness to counter Samsung. Suggest you decide whether you are prepared spend more on OLED before then deciphering OLED. Edited December 1, 2024 by Snoopy8 Typo 1
betty boop Posted December 1, 2024 Posted December 1, 2024 (edited) 42 minutes ago, audiofeline said: What are the differences between OLED and QLED? | JB had a Samsung QLED that was more expensive but had the best energy rating. don’t be fooled ! By James or energy ratings OLED is oled QLED is just lcd back lit by led Samsung want to fool you with them looking very similar in name … folks will miss read QLED as OLED compare energy rating vs use and how much the difference is in real world and it’s 2/5ths stuff all ! https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/qled-vs-oled-whats-the-difference-and-which-is-better/ “OLED stands for "organic light-emitting diode." QLED (according to Samsung) stands for "quantum dot LED TV." OLED is a fundamentally different technology from LCD, the major type of TV. QLED is a variation of LED LCD, adding a quantum dot film to the LCD "sandwich." OLED is "emissive," meaning the pixels emit their own light. QLED, like LCD, is "transmissive" in its current form and relies on an LED backlight. A QLED TV is just an LCD TV with quantum dots” Edited December 1, 2024 by betty boop 1
Bass13 Posted December 1, 2024 Posted December 1, 2024 (edited) I had a 42inch which was in the cabinet below, ended up using a extendable wall mount, mounted to my cabinet internally which enabled me to go bigger, 65 was the largest I could go, otherwise the doors on either side would hit the TV. As for the S90C, as previously advised OLED is the go, Im very happy with it, its been replaced by the S95C. Good luck on your hunt... Edited December 1, 2024 by Bass13 spelling 1 1
pete_mac Posted December 1, 2024 Posted December 1, 2024 OLED, OLED, OLED. If your budget allows, don’t muck around with the other screen types - in comparison, OLED looks more natural and correct and the inky blacks are to die for! 1 1
rantan Posted December 1, 2024 Posted December 1, 2024 53 minutes ago, pete_mac said: OLED, OLED, OLED. If your budget allows, don’t muck around with the other screen types - in comparison, OLED looks more natural and correct and the inky blacks are to die for! Hey there Pete. Did you, by any chance mention OLED? I must admit I am saving up for one but it won't be happening for a while. My consolation is that by the time I am able to buy technology will have advanced and maybe OLED sets may be less expensive. In the meantime my current set is more than ok. 1
audiofeline Posted December 1, 2024 Author Posted December 1, 2024 Thanks, I will gravitate to OLED displays! 2
rantan Posted December 1, 2024 Posted December 1, 2024 5 minutes ago, audiofeline said: Thanks, I will gravitate to OLED displays! One can always trust @pete_mac 's advice 100% 1 1
pete_mac Posted December 1, 2024 Posted December 1, 2024 40 minutes ago, rantan said: Hey there Pete. Did you, by any chance mention OLED? I must admit I am saving up for one but it won't be happening for a while. My consolation is that by the time I am able to buy technology will have advanced and maybe OLED sets may be less expensive. In the meantime my current set is more than ok. Yes Linday, you might say I’m enthusiastic about the OLEDs! We’ve got a few TVs on the house, including a 75” Samsung Q75 QLED, back when this model had full array local dimming, an older 65” Hisense P7 and a LG 65” A1 which was the basic entry-level unit about 2-3 years ago. The LG handily trumps the other two. 1
pete_mac Posted December 1, 2024 Posted December 1, 2024 2 minutes ago, rantan said: One can always trust @pete_mac 's advice 100% One can trust 100% of pete_mac’s advice at least 33% of the time! 1
rantan Posted December 1, 2024 Posted December 1, 2024 6 minutes ago, pete_mac said: One can trust 100% of pete_mac’s advice at least 33% of the time! That is very succinctly put mate. Can I borrow it occasionally? 2
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