Replacement TV recommendations?

[bookworm370]

I bought the Sony A9G 77" Master Series OLED when it first came out last year for $7K+. You can find it now around $3300. I haven't regretted it for a second. Even considering the higher price I paid for it. I look at it as I've had a superb viewing experience for a year!

Remember, that LED or QLED, are still LED sets. QLED only means that instead of a single light source, Samsung puts quadrants of light sources behind a pack of LCD's. That means if part of picture if really black they can simulate it by simple turning off that quadrant. If an area is really bright they can light up that area while they dim down the others. But the technology is still LCD.

If you go up to a Samsung with some readers and look very close you can see every pixel. On my Sony (or LG as LGD makes all the OLED panels for all the OLED manufacturers) you can't discern the pixels at all. LED (LCD) requires a back light source, while OLED, each pixel generates it's own light, so on is really on, off is really off at the pixel level. As LG makes all the panels, that does not nessessarily mean the LG sets are better and please stay way from the Costco specials!. All the panels are the same but that's only one part, the rest is the hardware, processor(s) software that drive the panel. If you go over to the AVS forum, you'll find that most people will rate the Sony Master Series (Sony makes a few models that are cheaper, but also without the horsepower of the Master Series) one of the highest in PQ.

So yeah, side by side in vivid mode one a pure white screen the LCD will be a bit brighter, but ask yourself, how often do you want to stare at a pure white screen? In viewing you want the highest dynamic range so that whites are white, blacks are black and gray detail is still visible even in a dimly lit scene. It's all about the way the original film or director/editor wanted you to see the picture at the theater.

 

[Ronnie-]

OLED looks fantastic in most cases, but does have its issues, which may or may not concern you.
For me, QLED, or as some other manufacturers besides Samsung call it, quantum dot led is a great option. Great colors, with the rest of the perks and also disadvantages of LED/LCD sets.

if you go this route I’d recommend looking for one with the most local dimming zones in your price range.
Vizio and TCL are excellent options with this tech.
Samsung is probably the most well known with the QLED label, however my biggest Hangup with them is for now they don’t offer Dolby Vision HDR support. To me that is a big negative.
Fact is , these days, most sets you can buy will be good depending on how you set it up.

 

[navychop]

I believe there are differences between brands and even models. Cheaper ones tend to not upscale as well. They may have one or very few HDMI inputs. Cheaper TVs have fewer dimming zones. Much smaller dimming zones are coming into the market, a$ are ones with individual pixel dimming.

And I dare say, to avoid obsolescence and regret, you want HDR and maybe even DV.

And remember, you can get a UHD Blu-ray player.

 

[tanman]

" I insist that I be able to permanently disable (or otherwise render nonfunctional) any Alexa-class interactive component due to privacy concerns".
What-you don't want to do daily battle with a half intelligent AI?!What fun are you?!(joking).
Seriously if you want to go down the research rabbit hole also check out AVS forum.
A more modern evocation of Rocinante is found in "The Expanse" series of books with the main protagonist tilting at his moral windmills in the outer space of the future.I won't mention it's also an excellent tv show on Amazon.

 

[bookworm370]

A more modern evocation of Rocinante is found in "The Expanse" series of books with the main protagonist tilting at his moral windmills in the outer space of the future.I won't mention it's also an excellent tv show on Amazon.

Do the books seriously diverge from the series and/or offer more insight or other plot lines? I'm hooked on the The Expanse and if there is more background material on each series I may consider buying them to read after I watch a season.

 

[Jimbo]

I bought the Sony A9G 77" Master Series OLED when it first came out last year for $7K+. You can find it now around $3300. I haven't regretted it for a second. Even considering the higher price I paid for it. I look at it as I've had a superb viewing experience for a year!

Remember, that LED or QLED, are still LED sets. QLED only means that instead of a single light source, Samsung puts quadrants of light sources behind a pack of LCD's. That means if part of picture if really black they can simulate it by simple turning off that quadrant. If an area is really bright they can light up that area while they dim down the others. But the technology is still LCD.

If you go up to a Samsung with some readers and look very close you can see every pixel. On my Sony (or LG as LGD makes all the OLED panels for all the OLED manufacturers) you can't discern the pixels at all. LED (LCD) requires a back light source, while OLED, each pixel generates it's own light, so on is really on, off is really off at the pixel level. As LG makes all the panels, that does not nessessarily mean the LG sets are better and please stay way from the Costco specials!. All the panels are the same but that's only one part, the rest is the hardware, processor(s) software that drive the panel. If you go over to the AVS forum, you'll find that most people will rate the Sony Master Series (Sony makes a few models that are cheaper, but also without the horsepower of the Master Series) one of the highest in PQ.

So yeah, side by side in vivid mode one a pure white screen the LCD will be a bit brighter, but ask yourself, how often do you want to stare at a pure white screen? In viewing you want the highest dynamic range so that whites are white, blacks are black and gray detail is still visible even in a dimly lit scene. It's all about the way the original film or director/editor wanted you to see the picture at the theater.

Very well put ...

 

[jct21]

if a good value / PQ ratio is what you are looking for i think element, tcl and vizio are brands to consider. im constrained to a tv size to fit the corner of my living room. viewing angle is a high consideration too. i went with a 50 inch element brand, which replaced a 55 inch curved samsung that died in less than 2yrs. i still have a 32 inch element in my guest bedroom that i got at kmart back in 2007. it still works fine with an amazing picture. i also have TCL 40 inch roku tv's in 2 more bedrooms and a 32 inch vizio in my office. all have excellent picture quality. ive heard people rant on element brands but ive had good luck with them. the 50 inch i have in my living room has as good PQ as the fancy samsung it replaced. i was surprised. the only thing i dont like about my vizio is there is no way to disconnect from wifi once connected other than to a factory reset or change your wifi pw. i ended up doing a factory reset and now just plug in an ethernet cable when a connection is needed, primarily for updates.

 

[primestar31]

I bought one of these two months ago, and it's great!. TCL 50s535: Verify your identity

https://www.walmart.com/ip/TCL-50-Class-5-Series-4K-UHD-Dolby-Vision-HDR-QLED-Roku-Smart-TV-50S535/601890304

 

[tanman]

Do the books seriously diverge from the series and/or offer more insight or other plot lines? I'm hooked on the The Expanse and if there is more background material on each series I may consider buying them to read after I watch a season.

They stay pretty close IMO.Definitely more detail and background .Characters are the same.I'd highly recommend if you like the tv series and like reading.

 

[jerryez]

Consumer Reports gives several LG low priced models the highest ratings and the Sony is second highest rated tv. the TCL is good low priced, if you want the Roku built in, but for the price, I would get a low priced LG model.
We do not have a Costco, so Sam's Club has the best local price.

 

[sktrus]

please stay way from the Costco specials!.

And you reason is? I will agree that all Black Friday specials everywhere is garbage. Average quality tvs with low prices get people's attention. Most people don't buy insurance on their new purchases. As far as I know, no company gives you better protection than Costco if you use their credit card. Did you have a bad experience with Costco purchase?

 

[bookworm370]

And you reason is? I will agree that all Black Friday specials everywhere is garbage. Average quality tvs with low prices get people's attention. Most people don't buy insurance on their new purchases. As far as I know, no company gives you better protection than Costco if you use their credit card. Did you have a bad experience with Costco purchase?

No, no bad experience and there may be a reason why Costco gives you higher protection.

As for the reason is that there is a reason why Costco can offer lower prices. They have sets made just for them with features removed or disabled so they can sell them for less. An example, look at the exact model number of a Samsung or LG TV from BB or Costco. You will see a couple digits at the back end that are different at Costco than from anywhere else.

When I was looking for a replacement TV for my Samsung Plasma, I had settled on the Samsung 75" QLED, that is until I saw the Sony 77" OLED. I saw the Samsung at BB for a certain price, then I saw, what seemed to be the exact model at Costco for about $500 less. I was about to pull the trigger, even pulled my wife into the Costco to show her it and fully expected to walk out with one. But the doubter in me made be wait. Then I did my research and compared specs to specs.

1) The BB version had 4 HDMI input : Costco 3 HDMI inputs
2) The BB version TOS out : Costco no TOS fiber out.
3) The BB version had one refresh rate: Costco had a slower refresh rate.

Granted, both probably had the same panels (can't speak to grade), but the electronics and features were definitely different. Costco negotiates with the manufacturers to seem to give you the same TV for cheaper but maintaining their profit margin. But in reality, they are NOT the same TV. Either B grade panels, components or boards that have had options not installed to save on the BOM (Bill of Materials).

Now for the average consumer, not prosumer, what I mentioned above won't mean a thing as it sits in a regular living room with 12 children watching their Disney channel. But if you are buying a display for the best in viewing experience and for a designed media room, you obviously want the most features, the best picture and the best hardware and signal processors.

So yes, I had the opportunity to physically compare what seemed to be the same model. But then I saw the model number differences and as curious. So I did some Googling (you can do it yourself) and see that what seems to be the same hardware is not.

Again, for the average mom and pop, so what, they saved $500 bucks! Yeah!
For the people that take the time to be on this forum, is $500 bucks worth it?

If you don't believe me, go to your local Costco and find a Samsung and take down the model number, then go to the Samsung site and look up the same set. You won't find that model number but something close. Now compare specs to specs..... Voila!

 

[Bobby]

If you don't believe me, go to your local Costco and find a Samsung and take down the model number, then go to the Samsung site and look up the same set. You won't find that model number but something close. Now compare specs to specs..... Voila!

Well I did just that and I find the Costco and Samsung model numbers exactly the same. I did the same at Best Buy and it was also the same except it was missing a 5 in the model number. I bought a Vizio 75" at Costco 5 years ago and the model numbers were exactly the same as what the Vizio website had. Perhaps that missing 5 at Best Buy is why it is $700 cheaper than Costco. I have generally found that Costco follows manufacturers models perfectly, Best Buy and Walmart (and Sears in the past) not so much.

T Model Line Up (2020), TVs Support | Samsung Care US

Samsung Care is here to help you with your T Model Line Up (2020). Get started, find helpful content and resources, and do more with your Samsung product.

www.samsung.com

https://www.costco.com/samsung-75%22-class---q850t-series---8k-uhd-qled-lcd-tv---%24100-allstate-protection-plan-bundle-included.product.100600786.html

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-75-class-q80t-series-qled-4k-uhd-smart-tizen-tv/6402409.p?skuId=6402409

 

[Jimbo]

Well I did just that and I find the Costco and Samsung model numbers exactly the same. I did the same at Best Buy and it was also the same except it was missing a 5 in the model number. I bought a Vizio 75" at Costco 5 years ago and the model numbers were exactly the same as what the Vizio website had. Perhaps that missing 5 at Best Buy is why it is $700 cheaper than Costco. I have generally found that Costco follows manufacturers models perfectly, Best Buy and Walmart (and Sears in the past) not so much.

View attachment 149874

View attachment 149875

View attachment 149876

T Model Line Up (2020), TVs Support | Samsung Care US

Samsung Care is here to help you with your T Model Line Up (2020). Get started, find helpful content and resources, and do more with your Samsung product.

www.samsung.com

https://www.costco.com/samsung-75%22-class---q850t-series---8k-uhd-qled-lcd-tv---%24100-allstate-protection-plan-bundle-included.product.100600786.html

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-75-class-q80t-series-qled-4k-uhd-smart-tizen-tv/6402409.p?skuId=6402409

I know that the Sony models are different...
The Sony 950 series wil be 95 at Costco ... and yes, options will be less on the Costco one ... btw, Costco isn't the only ones to do that.

Best buy does the same with thier holiday specials ...

 

[sktrus]

Bookworm, I agree with you 100 percent.. the identical tv price difference can not be 500 bucks.. you are giving up something. I don’t see it as a right or wrong decision. Big box stores learned their lesson years ago. They demand a different model number for what they display. The purpose: don’t make it easy for average Joe to compare.. the tv available at BB Magnolia won’t be available at Costco. They look at customer base and determine what these folks are able or willing to afford. walmart sold the cheapest and most obscure brands for years. But, they are carrying Samsungs and LGs now. Their customer base care less about giving up few features for a decent price. Obviously, specialty stores offer the best products if you can afford them. Here’s the thing: the return of your investment won‘t be the same to everybody. . you explained that well.

 

[HipKat]

No, no bad experience and there may be a reason why Costco gives you higher protection.

As for the reason is that there is a reason why Costco can offer lower prices. They have sets made just for them with features removed or disabled so they can sell them for less. An example, look at the exact model number of a Samsung or LG TV from BB or Costco. You will see a couple digits at the back end that are different at Costco than from anywhere else.

When I was looking for a replacement TV for my Samsung Plasma, I had settled on the Samsung 75" QLED, that is until I saw the Sony 77" OLED. I saw the Samsung at BB for a certain price, then I saw, what seemed to be the exact model at Costco for about $500 less. I was about to pull the trigger, even pulled my wife into the Costco to show her it and fully expected to walk out with one. But the doubter in me made be wait. Then I did my research and compared specs to specs.

1) The BB version had 4 HDMI input : Costco 3 HDMI inputs
2) The BB version TOS out : Costco no TOS fiber out.
3) The BB version had one refresh rate: Costco had a slower refresh rate.

Granted, both probably had the same panels (can't speak to grade), but the electronics and features were definitely different. Costco negotiates with the manufacturers to seem to give you the same TV for cheaper but maintaining their profit margin. But in reality, they are NOT the same TV. Either B grade panels, components or boards that have had options not installed to save on the BOM (Bill of Materials).

Now for the average consumer, not prosumer, what I mentioned above won't mean a thing as it sits in a regular living room with 12 children watching their Disney channel. But if you are buying a display for the best in viewing experience and for a designed media room, you obviously want the most features, the best picture and the best hardware and signal processors.

So yes, I had the opportunity to physically compare what seemed to be the same model. But then I saw the model number differences and as curious. So I did some Googling (you can do it yourself) and see that what seems to be the same hardware is not.

Again, for the average mom and pop, so what, they saved $500 bucks! Yeah!
For the people that take the time to be on this forum, is $500 bucks worth it?

If you don't believe me, go to your local Costco and find a Samsung and take down the model number, then go to the Samsung site and look up the same set. You won't find that model number but something close. Now compare specs to specs..... Voila!

Sounds like the same thing places like Aarons and RentACenter do, custom models branded for only them, usually missing features so they can be bought from the Manufacturer for less and sold for more

 

[bookworm370]

Bookworm, I agree with you 100 percent.. the identical tv price difference can not be 500 bucks.. you are giving up something. I don’t see it as a right or wrong decision. Big box stores learned their lesson years ago. They demand a different model number for what they display. The purpose: don’t make it easy for average Joe to compare.. the tv available at BB Magnolia won’t be available at Costco.

Agreed, and there is one important difference I forgot to mention. The big box stores that offer price match guarantees, if you read the fine print, it states on the same model. So stores like BB or Costco will also make the manufacturer change the model number, sometimes but just added a B or something. My Samsung high end Plasma was the B590 while others had C designations.

If you went to Best Buy and found the TV $400 less at Costco they would match up the model numbers and tell you it's not the same model. Same with Adorama, etc.

So, in most cases there are some noticeable and reviewable differences. In others, the model number makes it unique and therefore not eligible for a price match!

And yes, I ended up buying my Sony Master Series 77" OLED A9G at the BB Magnolia center.
Sometimes, you just have to get the one you like and just don't look back.

 

[Jimbo]

Agreed, and there is one important difference I forgot to mention. The big box stores that offer price match guarantees, if you read the fine print, it states on the same model. So stores like BB or Costco will also make the manufacturer change the model number, sometimes but just added a B or something. My Samsung high end Plasma was the B590 while others had C designations.

If you went to Best Buy and found the TV $400 less at Costco they would match up the model numbers and tell you it's not the same model. Same with Adorama, etc.

So, in most cases there are some noticeable and reviewable differences. In others, the model number makes it unique and therefore not eligible for a price match!

And yes, I ended up buying my Sony Master Series 77" OLED A9G at the BB Magnolia center.
Sometimes, you just have to get the one you like and just don't look back.

I got my Sony 65" Oled A8 from the High End Specialty store ...

Btw, Often times there is a difference between the ones made specifically for them, sometimes the number (or a letter) will also tell you the model year ... sometimes buying the cheaper one is last years model, but you would never know that when you bought it, unless you know which letter designates the year.
I have an A8F, the current year is A8G ...

Samsungs are labeled date wise in the number too, but I don't remember which one it is any more seeing I haven't looked for a Samsung in a while.

Its the ending part that makes me wonder WTH does that mean ...
You have the Q85T then theres something like AFXYZ at the end ... what does that designate baffles me.

So it goes Q85TAFXZA, what does the Bold section designate ?

 

[solarvic]

I Was interested in the sony tv that the model number ended with 900h. which is a 2020 model year, 900g is 2019 model year, 900f is model 2018. So there are some changes with imputs ect.

 

[Jimbo]

I Was interested in the sony tv that the model number ended with 900h. which is a 2020 model year, 900g is 2019 model year, 900f is model 2018. So there are some changes with outputs ect.

Staying with the 900 series all along, I wouldn't expect too many changes, they tend to make the Processor better and better each year,, but the inputs and main parts are more than likely the same.