Recommend me a 55-65 inch TV
- Thread starter StupendousMan
- Start date
When the wife and I set up ours for a mount, I initially messed up where the mounts needed to be
Our TV is mounted above the fireplace (I don't love it being that high, but we're used to it now), so we were up and down on chairs a couple times with it
It flexed so much and I was worried we messed up the screen, but it's all been good
I have no desire to move it again, until we need a new one in 10 years (hopefully longer)
I highly recommend the MantelMount as the viewing angle above a fireplace sucks. Been using one since I bought my house in 2014. On my second TV with it now. https://www.mantelmount.com/
Oh, that mount is a game changer for me. My wife has been wanting the TV mounted above the fireplace for years. I refuse to, due to the viewing angle mentioned above. I currently have a 50" TV mounted at a good height in the corner of the room, but am limited in TV size because of that location. That mantel mount would allow me to get a MUCH bigger TV. Hmmmm, Christmas is right around the corner (as is my birthday and her birthday)!
Anyone ever used Costco’s in-home installation service? I’m getting anxious because my TV is supposed to arrive on Wednesday and they haven’t contacted me to schedule the installation.
I have not, but I did order a Costco mattress and they didn’t call until the evening before delivery.
I used it for my CX this time lash year. IIRC they sent an email two days before to confirm delivery and the day before with a tentative time.
How do you plan on using the TV?
The Samsung Q60A is a great way to land quantum-dot color and decent HDR, but it's not going to get bright enough to really make the format pop. Its native refresh rate is 60Hz and it doesn't have any HDMI 2.1-related benefits, so it's not quite ideal for gaming. It also doesn't have local dimming, so it might look a bit washed out during darker content. Still, it's the fourth rung down from the top of Samsung's lineup this year (QN90A -> Q80A -> Q70A -> Q60A, I'm not counting the QN85A), and Samsung's main product lines tend to be dependable long term, if a bit pricey.
The Q70T is last year's version of the Q70A, so consider it a step up from last year's version of the Q60A. It's got quantum dots, which is great, and gets brighter than last year's Q60T and the Q60A. It's better for gaming on account of its HDMI 2.1 port, but IIRC, all you're getting is one port, and I'm not sure if it shares HDMI 2.1 functionality with eARC, which would be less than ideal if you've got an eARC-equipped soundbar. Still—better than the Q60A in this department! It's also packing a 120Hz refresh rate. Bear in mind, though, that this sucker is already got one year of life in the books, so presumably, it's one year closer to not getting regular software updates.
Between the above two, I'd probably opt for the Q70A for its improved motion handling, its gaming features, and its overall brightness. If you're putting the TV in a bright room, the added horsepower is kind of essential.
The X85J is probably the best of the bunch (though, full disclosure, I don't have any experience with it). The internet tells me that it's roughly as bright as the Q70T–maybe a touch brighter. It also has quantum dots (or, at least, what Sony calls "Triluminos Color"). On the surface, it appears to be a fantastic upper-mid-range option for gaming (two HDMI 2.1 ports and a 120Hz panel), but I'm not sure what the status is with Sony TVs and VRR. In my experience, most of the 2020 Sony TVs and some of the 2021 models did not ship with VRR. It might have rolled out in an update at this point, but there's also a good chance that, even after an update, the VRR isn't as versatile as it ought to be. Like, you might not be able to do 4K, VRR, and Dolby Vision at the same time. I'm not sure about any of this, though, so if it's important to you, I'd do some more digging.
Basically, these are all great TVs that occupy the space between budget-friendly, mid-range offerings, and high-end, flagship-level offerings. They're all using VA-style panels, which is great for contrast but not-so-great for viewing angles, so if you're planning on going with an 85-inch monster, just know that group viewings might be kinda tough for folks sitting off to the side. For what it's worth, I'd still go with VA over IPS—even for a gigantic, 85-incher. The contrast is just too important to me. In my experience, the only way IPS TVs make up for their relatively lifted black levels is when they get super bright, like the QN85A. Even still, gimme the VA panel, please.
The Samsung Q60A is a great way to land quantum-dot color and decent HDR, but it's not going to get bright enough to really make the format pop. Its native refresh rate is 60Hz and it doesn't have any HDMI 2.1-related benefits, so it's not quite ideal for gaming. It also doesn't have local dimming, so it might look a bit washed out during darker content. Still, it's the fourth rung down from the top of Samsung's lineup this year (QN90A -> Q80A -> Q70A -> Q60A, I'm not counting the QN85A), and Samsung's main product lines tend to be dependable long term, if a bit pricey.
The Q70T is last year's version of the Q70A, so consider it a step up from last year's version of the Q60A. It's got quantum dots, which is great, and gets brighter than last year's Q60T and the Q60A. It's better for gaming on account of its HDMI 2.1 port, but IIRC, all you're getting is one port, and I'm not sure if it shares HDMI 2.1 functionality with eARC, which would be less than ideal if you've got an eARC-equipped soundbar. Still—better than the Q60A in this department! It's also packing a 120Hz refresh rate. Bear in mind, though, that this sucker is already got one year of life in the books, so presumably, it's one year closer to not getting regular software updates.
Between the above two, I'd probably opt for the Q70A for its improved motion handling, its gaming features, and its overall brightness. If you're putting the TV in a bright room, the added horsepower is kind of essential.
The X85J is probably the best of the bunch (though, full disclosure, I don't have any experience with it). The internet tells me that it's roughly as bright as the Q70T–maybe a touch brighter. It also has quantum dots (or, at least, what Sony calls "Triluminos Color"). On the surface, it appears to be a fantastic upper-mid-range option for gaming (two HDMI 2.1 ports and a 120Hz panel), but I'm not sure what the status is with Sony TVs and VRR. In my experience, most of the 2020 Sony TVs and some of the 2021 models did not ship with VRR. It might have rolled out in an update at this point, but there's also a good chance that, even after an update, the VRR isn't as versatile as it ought to be. Like, you might not be able to do 4K, VRR, and Dolby Vision at the same time. I'm not sure about any of this, though, so if it's important to you, I'd do some more digging.
Basically, these are all great TVs that occupy the space between budget-friendly, mid-range offerings, and high-end, flagship-level offerings. They're all using VA-style panels, which is great for contrast but not-so-great for viewing angles, so if you're planning on going with an 85-inch monster, just know that group viewings might be kinda tough for folks sitting off to the side. For what it's worth, I'd still go with VA over IPS—even for a gigantic, 85-incher. The contrast is just too important to me. In my experience, the only way IPS TVs make up for their relatively lifted black levels is when they get super bright, like the QN85A. Even still, gimme the VA panel, please.
Thanks Doc.
No gaming on it. Mostly sporting events, movies.
It would be going in my family room and the only thing I'd be connecting to it, aside from a receiver and speakers, is Apple TV.
You're the second person to go with the Sony.
No gaming on it. Mostly sporting events, movies.
It would be going in my family room and the only thing I'd be connecting to it, aside from a receiver and speakers, is Apple TV.
You're the second person to go with the Sony.
Hell yeah! If you're not gaming, that Sony's the way to go. Better out-of-the-box color in the "Custom" picture mode (as with most Sony TVs), and you're getting the best refresh rate for sports and other fast-paced content. Sounds like an awesome investment.
I couldn’t be happier with the Costco installation of the LG C1 65. Two guys showed up early, masked up, and we in and out in under 25 minutes. They unboxed the TV, attached it to the stand, and placed it in my living room. Then they offered to move my existing TV to another room and throw out the box for the C1 or move it to the basement.
$20 well spent. Would recommend unequivocally.
Just did initial setup of the TV. Will hook up AppleTV 4K and HomePod stereo speakers later tonight to actually test this sucker out.
$20 well spent. Would recommend unequivocally.
Just did initial setup of the TV. Will hook up AppleTV 4K and HomePod stereo speakers later tonight to actually test this sucker out.
I’ve spent several hours with the LG C1 and it’s very good. Dolby Vision is legit.
Non-4K Youtube.TV streams of broadcast content upscale really nicely. Tonight's Patriots game will be a fun test. 4K movies look unbelievably good. I watched Dune, Baby Driver and Pig last night, all with Filmmaker mode on. Filmmaker mode made Dune's last act (shot at night) too dark to see in a decently-lit room, but it looked exquisite with the lights out. I might end up disabling Filmmaker mode, but it was cool to see.
It's going to be a Testosterone and Tryptophan Thanksgiving week as I plan on watching:
Non-4K
The Godfather (Coppola Restoration)
4K
Starship Troopers
Total Recall (1990)
John Wick 1 and 2, maybe 3
Apocalypse Now: Final Cut (somehow I've never seen this movie. My high school U.S. history class watched the Ride of the Valkyries scene during a lesson the Vietnam War, though)
Non-4K Youtube.TV streams of broadcast content upscale really nicely. Tonight's Patriots game will be a fun test. 4K movies look unbelievably good. I watched Dune, Baby Driver and Pig last night, all with Filmmaker mode on. Filmmaker mode made Dune's last act (shot at night) too dark to see in a decently-lit room, but it looked exquisite with the lights out. I might end up disabling Filmmaker mode, but it was cool to see.
It's going to be a Testosterone and Tryptophan Thanksgiving week as I plan on watching:
Non-4K
The Godfather (Coppola Restoration)
4K
Starship Troopers
Total Recall (1990)
John Wick 1 and 2, maybe 3
Apocalypse Now: Final Cut (somehow I've never seen this movie. My high school U.S. history class watched the Ride of the Valkyries scene during a lesson the Vietnam War, though)
Out of the box Cinema is probably better than Filmmaker for most, just make sure to turn off all the motion junk.
FWIW, ISF Expert is the most accurate out of the box, and the one I use when I'm testing and calibrating LG TVs. I typically use the "Bright Room" version of ISF Expert and knock "Peak Brightness" up to "Medium." I find setting "Peak Brightness" to "High" kind of blows out the highlights.
Of course, it's best to just use what looks best to you, personally. But if you want the most accurate, I'd start with ISF Expert.
EDIT: This is for SDR—I'm pretty sure I use "Cinema Home" for HDR.
Of course, it's best to just use what looks best to you, personally. But if you want the most accurate, I'd start with ISF Expert.
EDIT: This is for SDR—I'm pretty sure I use "Cinema Home" for HDR.
I have last year's BX model and it was absolutely stunning how terrible "Standard" picture mode looks. It comes like that out of the box and makes everything look like a first gen digital camera. I wonder how many of these TVs get sold to people as the top of the line and then they use them at home looking like that.
Most people keep their TV in their out-of-the-box settings (so “Standard” or “Vivid”). It’s... a real shame. Or, if they happen to switch over to the TV’s “Cinema”-whatever mode, they probably react by thinking it looks “too yellow” and then immediately switch it back.
These picture modes are designed to catch people’s eye in a fluorescent-lit Best Buy aisle.
These picture modes are designed to catch people’s eye in a fluorescent-lit Best Buy aisle.
So funny thing happened yesterday. Went to Costco to to pick up a 77" LG C1 but one of the workers there asked if I'd seen the 77" Sony A80J. I told him I had actually narrowed my choice down to that one or the C1 but was leaning C1 because of the 4x 2.1 HDMI, VRR, etc (gaming specs). He was *so* enthusiastic about the Sony and spoke to me for like 30 minutes, showing me all the features of the A80J. I actually came away favoring the Sony so I ordered one from them online (unfortunately they and everyone else locally are out of stock in-house). Will be here Friday. I am a gamer and do have both a PS5 and Xbox Series X. But the TV will be used for movies, shows, and sports like 90% of the time (currently have two kids, one is 21 months, and am in grad school so my playing time is unfortunately limited). Worst-case I can always return/swap for the C1 thanks to Costco's excellent service but my god what I saw at the store was incredible. Plus this is replacing a 7 year old 60" LCD so obviously our faces will be melted no matter the choice. I HATE that the Sony has only two 2.1 HDMI ports (the other two are 2.0) but I picked up an HDMI switch that should solve that problem. The other HDMI with eArc will go to my receiver.
Your receiver doesn't support HDMI 2.1? The newest ones have solved the incompatibility problems with the Xbox One X.
Unfortunately no, it's a Denon X4400H from like 2018, and I believe only the 2020 models and newer have 2.1. A new receiver is in the future but for now the $30 2.1 HDMI switch should hopefully hold me over.
Nope, supposed to be coming next month. A firmware update went out earlier this month for some other PS5 features.
I did it! I am now a proud member of the 65" C1 club.
Any recommendations for installation? I can't consider myself handy, and I'll be removing the previous homeowner's mount and installing a mantle mount.
Any recommendations for installation? I can't consider myself handy, and I'll be removing the previous homeowner's mount and installing a mantle mount.
My God 4K gaming is a treat. The Sony works perfect with the HDMI switch between the PS5 and Xbox Series X and I am blown away. Still tweaking for movies and TV but it's impressive so far.
Fox is just upconverted 1080p (still better than their typical 720p broadcasts). Premier League in 4K HDR will blow you away.
I'm on also not the most handy an have a mantle mount in my living room. I went to the mantle mount website and looked at their authorized dealer and installer list. Happily paid those guys to put it up correctly.
100% this. The entirety of my 4K gaming library is what's on GamePass, and the Halo 2 remaster is somehow the best-looking game I've ever seen. Playing things that were natively built for next gen might melt my brain.
Don’t think this is worth starting a new thread, so I’ll post this here. I’m looking for a small, Roku-enabled tv. 24” to 32” would be fine as it’s sitting on a wall in front of the bed in our spare room. I like the idea of Roku because I can use it as an extra box for my Comcast service.
My research shows that a TCL is the most likely best bet, but it looks like the 32” models are from 2019. It does not seem smart to buy a 2019 model at this point…
My research shows that a TCL is the most likely best bet, but it looks like the 32” models are from 2019. It does not seem smart to buy a 2019 model at this point…
Yeah, the TCL 32S325 is your best bet, but you're right that it's a 2019 model. Still, I don't think there's much of a risk of buying a 2019 TV in 2021 if we're talking about a 32-inch, 720p TV, particularly given the fact that Roku routinely pushes software updates for older Roku TVs.
Thanks. Do you think it makes sense to get the 1080p version?
TCL 32-inch 1080p Roku Smart LED TV - 32S327, 2019 Model
View: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F981R8M/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_5JE9M7PTFTWZRD44V3FH
The issue is really that modes like Filmmaker or Expert (I forget what my CX has) are entirely too dark and too warm. Yes, that is how the filmmaker intended the movie to be viewed at a movie theater in perfectly dark conditions on a screen where it's so bright from a professional projector that you can't tell how dark the settings are. However, at home, filmmaker mode is far too warm and far too dark for my taste. I've been beating this drum since plasma's were heralded for their color accuracy but didn't have enough brightness.
My balance is taking Custom or Standard and modifying the settings to get to a gamma around 2.0 - 2.2, Warm 1 or Medium (sometimes called Cool), Contrast and OLED Backlight around 90, brightness around 45-48, color around 58-63, special settings all turned off, peak brightness high, dynamic contrast low, and I think color gamut wide. This is off memory so I can go back and check but to me, this offers the most balance between accuracy, vividness, and brightness. My goal with settings is to keep blacks as dark as possible while making colors pop out without being horribly saturated.
I commend anyone who can watch TV in modes like filmmaker. Especially because Dolby Vision tends to be calibrated even darker.
It's probably the HDR that is catching your eye more than the 4k. If you're on a Series X, you should definitely make sure to have all your TV and console settings right because once the HDR and colors are on point, it gets reallllly pretty. Have you tried Forza Horizon 5 yet?
I found that Expert (bright room) does a good job on the LG OLEDs. The other modes are definitely too dark to watch in anything but an unlit room.
Forza is absolutely stunning. I'm also finishing up Ghost of Tsushima and of course it's incredible as well. Hell I load up 4k videos on YT of people just walking around cities like Tokyo at night and it feels like I'm there with them.
I haven't done much tweaking of my settings yet, other than making sure the HDMI ports are set to enhanced, etc. I have a few threads saved from AVForums that I'll revisit soon for more tweaking. But right now I couldn't be happier.
Yea. The best thing you can do with your new OLED is go to youtube and watch 4k HDR nature videos. If someone comes over, put that on your TV and prepare to blow their doors off.
Re: AVForums, less helpful for calibration than they are technical questions in my opinion. AVF is very geared toward "accuracy" which means all the settings are meant for movie watching in a dark environment and their "bright room" settings aren't too different.
I have a small TCL Google TV that i got recently and it's pretty nice for what I need from it. Decent 4k resolution and I like having the full google tv suite baked in (I've played around with their Roku TVs and they're equally nice, I just recently migrated to a Google Nest smart home system so I thought I'd add the TV to it). I'd say for their price point, TCLs punch above their weight class (and The Wirecutter seems to agree: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-small-tv/)
Addendum: agreed you should get the newer 4k version though. I was just speaking to TCL's general build quality.
I suck so, so hard at Forza. I can’t even make it through that first S curve once the two motorcycles drop from the plane. But for the first time ever I want to get good at a racing game. The rewind button is nifty, and yeah, it’s a stunning game.
Lay off the accelerator a couple of seconds before the path guides and tap the breaks if you're really zooming, hit the breaks again at the apex of the turn very lightly. Don't touch the e-brake unless your car is moving slow enough to handle the turn or for very very minor adjustments.
Old man alert (55 years old, empty nester). I'm in the market for a 55" television for my bedroom. Mostly watching sports, movies and Netflix type shows. Also in the market for a 65"-75" TV for our family room that will be for similar viewing. I'd like both to be fairly high end.
Recommendations?
Recommendations?