OT: Buying a TV. Is 4K worth the money?
I’m buying a 65inch flat screen for football season and having it mounted. Is 4K worth it? I will be getting an LG or Sony because that’s what I’ve had succes with and that’s what I want. Not sure about 4K though. When will sports be broadcast in 4K? 4 years ago I bought a tv and everyone tried to tell me to buy 4K because within a few years that would be the standard. Well here we are and it still seems way away. I’m not really in touch with tv and broadcasting technology. I would appreciate any knowledge and advice from you guys.
Ok, looking at your responses: Eli, it looks like there's a lot of terminology you aren't familiar with yet, which is understandable given how effortless it is these days to just own and watch a 50" HD tv with few features for not much money.
So I will ask: What do you plan to do with it? Do you watch a lot of movies at home, and how do you access them? How much money are you looking at spending? Does someone in the family play video games on it? These all factor into decisions like this. I will pre-emptively recommend looking at rtings.com as previously cited by others, because they describe a lot of this stuff.
If you want future-proof, higher quality screens will be a good place to go. Higher end screens, both OLED and non-OLED, are capable of producing better colors and deeper blacks and are compatible with multiple HDR formats, which allows a much better picture with regard to color and contrast.
OTOH, if you're looking at bargain brands, there's still good stuff out there, but the calculus may be different.
So, what do you use the tv for?
Thanks. Mostly sports through directv or antenna if I decide to cancel directv. Movies on dvd mostly, but eventually probably streaming through a Ps5 whenever that comes out, at that point maybe get back into gaming. I’m leaning towards the Oled Sony or LG 65 inch. What do you think? Thanks again.
Ok, I hope I'm not coming across too strong. As it happens I went through this process a few months ago. So let's go through stuff:
Sports on DirecTV or antenna:
DirecTV sells itself as the best way to watch HD sports. That may be true--my cable company broadcasts sports in HD, but the picture doesn't wow me, and DirecTV might be better at it. Obviously you're only getting HD picture there. Antenna is fine but nothing special. I can affirm that it IS nice to have a tv that accurately portrays colors. My old tv made purples look blue (very annoying whenever the Vikings were on) and it's a big step up to know I can see things as they are. You're limited by the quality of the broadcast, though.
Movies on DVD:
Is this DVD as opposed to Blu-Ray? The old format is fine, of course, but the visual quality isn't nearly as good as HD or 4k/HDR. Any tv you can buy new in a store will be more than a match for that. It is low-def and it will look it on the larger screen. It's like dropping a lawn-mower motor in a Corvette body.
I suspect, but do not know, that PS5 will offer a full range of 4k/HDR streaming options, most of which are already available on devices like a Roku or Apple TV.
Gaming can be a factor because some tvs have lower input lags than others. If you play games, you want as little lag as possible. It's a spec that is listed by the tv manufacturers and is discussed in reviews, which you should absolutely read all of before pulling the trigger. If you're not a serious gamer, though, it's not as big of a factor.
Here's the thing: you need content to properly enjoy the screen you get. What you describe is mostly modest content at best.
OLED (as discussed elsewhere, that is the type of technology used to construct the display) is obviously top of the line and claims a major price premium. If I had unlimited money to throw around that's obviously what I would pick, and based upon reviews I would lean to LG.
However, it sounds like you do not yet have devices that use the outputs that can take full advantage of that tech. There are excellent tvs produced by Vizio, TCL, Sony, LG, and Samsung that are not OLED but use advanced screen technology that is long-lasting, produces great color and black levels. They cost a lot less. If I were spending a bit more money than I did, I would have purchased a Sony X900F, which is not OLED but has GREAT picture and features. A Vizio P Series or the even better P-Series Quantum is also excellent, more affordable, and still has a picture that will blow you away.
I bring this up because you could easily save hundreds of dollars that you could instead invest in, say, a 4k blu-ray player and a library of movies that would look absolutely stunning on the new screen, instead of buying the highest-end screen with nothing to watch on it. Alternatively, or additionally, it would be worthwhile to invest in a separate sound system (including a subwoofer) that really makes movies immersive. Even a cheap off-the-shelf surround or soundbar system is a big step up from the tv speaker.
According to links from this page on rtings.com (which you absolutely should check out) the P-Series Quantum, which is the best TV Vizio sells, is currently $600 cheaper than the LG OLED65B8 they currently list as the absolute best 65" tv available. Now, I would be delighted to have an LG OLED65B8 (though screen burn-in is a potential issue with those tvs that is not present on the VA panels Vizio, Sony, and other competitive tvs). But if I were starting from scratch I would just as soon buy a good blu-ray player if I don't have one and some movies, or an Apple TV and some movies that way, and a soundbar, and still have a hundred or two left over to order pizza and pay my Directv bill for the month.
The Sony X900F or X950G is another good one here. My research suggested to me that Samsung Q series tvs are good but offer me less quality for the same or more money, so I leaned toward Vizio and Sony when I was shopping.
This winds up being long. Hopefully it makes sense, and feel free to add questions. I will say this:
When you get one of these tvs, whatever it is, don't leave it on "vibrant." Vibrant will look bright and spectacular when you first turn it on--it's the showroom setting--but it won't be accurate. Your tv has calibration settings, probably a couple of them for different room brightness levels. When you select one, it will look instantly dimmer and more boring, and you'll wonder what they are thinking. But as you watch, and when you turn it off and then come back to it, you will see that it is MUCH more accurate and a better viewing experience. Calibrate your TV; you're spending too much money on too nice of a device not to.
Thanks a ton. I guess maybe the Sony x900 f would save me almost 1k from an oled and I would not be losing much? After sound bar, getting it mounted and warranty it’s gonna be pricey enough.
What do you see as the the difference between the x900f and the 950g? The g looks like a few hundred dollars more.
It's newer. According to the reviews its almost the same; I honestly just threw the model number in. I would be very happy with a Sony X900F.
My only caution is that you're hearing this from a guy who has: 1. Done research, and; 2. Has a non-OLED screen. OLED pictures are granted to be the best. But the high-end LEDs are really good and I know because they blow me away. So I think you're going to enjoy yours for a long time, if that's what you get.
Thanks!
Lots of good info above, but it seems you're still not quite clear on the difference between OLED/QLED and 1080/4K, so I'm just going to drop a quick summary.
OLED/QLED refer to the technology in the panel/TV that is used to display the video content. You'll need to decide which is better and that will entail a brand choice as well. Right now OLED has better picture contrast overall, but can be perceived as a bit dimmer than QLED in terms of reproducing colors. The nature of the light in the room where you will watch can be a factor in this choice. Once you pick OLED/QLED, then decide the brand for which you see the best/easiest support, lowest number of issues, etc. Spend accordingly.
HD-1080/4K refers to the quality at which content is recorded/encoded and delivered to your TV. Specifically the amount of data used to capture colors and the frame rate at which they are captured. When a TV is "4K" it means it is capable of reproducing the level of detail/colors encoded into 4K video content. Most live programming content right now is actually 720p. Comcast takes a many channels at 720x1280 and up-samples them to 1080p when they get to the set-top box in your home, which is why your receiver or TV will think it is getting 1080p. As OTT providers (YouTube TV, Vue, Sling, etc.) grow in popularity, some broadcasters are starting to go to 1080p for their programming streams. none have 4K at the moment, but given the popularity of 4K TVs and the number sold, they will all get there someday.....2 years or 10 I couldn't tell you. Lots of On Demand providers (Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, Prime) have gone a considerable way toward adding 4K versions of their on demand content, that will continue as it will become a bigger differenator as more people get 4K TVs.
Thanks. Good info.
There are people still using 1080p screens? I’m half joking.
Seriously though, 4k screens are so cheap now days. I have the Sony x900e and love it (great for low input lag with the xbox one x too and doubles as a 4k blu ray player).
With so little actual broadcast content being in 4K I think the thing to do for now is buy a good HD TV and wait to buy the 4K TV until that becomes a broadcast standard.
The benefit is you'll pay a lot less now, and then be able to buy that 4K TV for much cheaper as prices come down and there will actually be content to watch in 4K.
There's a good article here from CNET about distance and optimization for watching 1080 vs 4k. Essentially, if you have a 65" to 80" TV, you'd need to sit closer than 7-10ft to the TV to see any difference.
"optimization" is the key word. It doesn't matter if you are 200 feet away or 2 inches away. You can see a difference. 4k looks better than 1080p no matter the distance.
Now if you want to get out the measuring instruments so you can get "optimization" go to the CNET page and have at it.
Or you can just sit back and enjoy your 4k tv---and soon to be 8k tv. :-)
Yes. Watch some 4K netflix or prime and you will be like woah!
i got my 4K about 1.5 years ago and I’m sure the prices have dropped, but keep in mind that some TVs upscale to 4K. That’s garbage.
OMG, I'm tempted to go get one by opening day of college football!!!
Wait until you can afford 8K.
The difference is unreal, and that will be the uppermost resolution limit that the human eye can register.
I gotta break it to the people that keep writing those 'maximum resolution that the human eye can handle' articles: 12K is on the way. It might be 7+ years. But it's on the way.
Yes. If you're buying a TV now and especially a 65" no way in hell I'd not buy a 4k. You'd be crazy.
Yea, I’m starting to realize that.
Like has been said in the comments, HDR (high dynamic range) is worth the little extra cost. Spend a little time at Best Buy just looking at the picture of the HDR and non-HDR tvs. Time the time to look.
As cheap as 4k is now, why even ask this?
I have researched this many times over the years. I remember reading that the benefit of the increase in resolutions all depends on what size screen and what distance you are viewing at. The human eye can only detect so much detail which can make certain distances and resolutions irrelevant. It will all depend what size tv your going for and at what distance you will normally be viewing it at. The deep black levels are where you can really notice the biggest differences. I read that resolutions are much easier for the manufacturers to increase (so they always advertise this) but the deep blacks are much more difficult to improve.
I can agree with this since my best tv is a 42” Panasonic plasma 720p in my bedroom. It is viewed at 15 feet and looks amazing because plasmas were great at deep black levels....
It all makes sense to me but this could be dated advice so take it for what it’s worth.
They're that much more expensive than 1080p? Really?
This discussion was a real debate maybe 5 years ago.
Or did you mean 8K?
I'm late to this party, but I'll add my 4 cents.
You posted you wanted to keep it as long as possible, and have a green light now (Maybe not whenever you want implied). So, 4K is the way to go, no question.
Keep in mind, if you are passing the video from a cable/sat box through an AV receiver, then to the TV, your receiver must not be very old. Older receivers won't pass through 4K content. You need HDCP capability.
4K content is limited, but I use my DirecTV 4K channels a few times a month for major sporting events in particular.The difference, to me is well worth the cost.
All of the screens come form the same factories, as far as I have been able to determine. The added on post processing and software adds to the cost. And, Sony probably carries a "name" cost. Test the picture quality yourself, to see what appeals to you.
I bought a large LG OLED over 3 years ago and could not be happier. (My room is not bright, and off center viewing was important, which made OLED and easy choice.)
My previous TVs were Samsung LEDs. They were far superior in image quality to even the highest quality Sony. Before that, I was a Pioneer Elite plasma, and before that Sony XBR.
Unless something has changed recently, I would go with LG. I have found that you can usually get more bang for your buck by going through B and H photo. (Free delivery, no tax (unless the new laws are now being applied, and great customer service). I've bought from them since cameras took film and flash bulbs.
I just bought an LG 65B8 series OLED from Best Buy. It's a 2018 model and with few changes in 2019, they're a "steal" if you can find one on sale. I paid $1900 for it which puts it closer to the higher end LCDs out there. Black levels are perfect which to me makes the biggest difference in PQ.
As for content, there's quite a bit of 4K from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Vudu and others. We're watching Stranger Things now and it's beautiful on this set. Highly recommend it.
The amount of incorrect information in this thread is literally staggering..
my best advice is to go to CNET and read reviews on TV's and make the decision for yourself..
You may as well drop the serious money and get one of LG's OLED Wallpaper TV
Just one thing. Check for available 4k content. When you see that your choices are limited, then you might change your mind. The TVs are way ahead of content provides. 4k TVs upscale very little, barely detectable.
Sony - 65" Class - OLED - A9G MASTER Series - 2160p - Smart - 4K UHD TV with HDR
After researching a ton this is what I picked up. Love it.
January 14th, 2020 at 8:01 AM ^
It depends on your purposes. If you are a football fan and you always get together with your friends and watch games together, this TV is worth buying. At least, you will often use it. If you use set-top box from www.switchonshop.com 4ktv makes sense because there are many channels which provide a high-quality picture