Need help with a TV

[SCyclone]

Looking at this model, at least for now (Yeah, it's bigger than what I thought, but that's OK). Any opinions, comments, etc are welcomed.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/TCL-49-Class-4K-2160P-Roku-Smart-LED-TV-49S405/692591895

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

I have been told that TVs at Wal-Mart, despite being the same brand, are not made as well as those sold by, say, Traviss Audio or place like that. Does anyone have info along those lines? (This was told to me by a long-time buddy who worked for Archer TV, of course he could be giving me the company line, too.)

I would say that is true. Walmart will tell a manufacturer they will buy x number of units at y price per unit and it's up to the manufacturer to get the unit price down to what Walmart wants or no sale.

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

Looking at this model, at least for now (Yeah, it's bigger than what I thought, but that's OK). Any opinions, comments, etc are welcomed.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/TCL-49-Class-4K-2160P-Roku-Smart-LED-TV-49S405/692591895

You know you want it.

 

[dmclone]

What I've heard is that if the specs are the same, it's the same TV. Some of the times this is done so that you can't compare prices. Other times, they are missing some features. I think you have to look at each model specifically. I also don't think you can recommend/not recommend a TV just on the maker. Just like cars, each company makes some duds and some winners.

I've never owned a TLC but some of their models seem to be very popular. The one you are showing from Wal-Mart does pretty good on Amazon and is dirt cheap for that size.

Here is a professional review where it does ok

https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/tcl/s-series-4k-2017-s405

From my experience, the biggest thing you need to be aware of is glare. If you can't cut down the light shining on the TV even the best ones will not look as good.

 

[dmclone]

Another thing that no one has asked is what are you using to display the content? Are you streaming stuff, HD content from cable, etc. I'm going to take a wild guess that 75%+ of 4k TV's have never displayed 4k content. Nothing against 4k TV's because they are the way to go but just something to think about.

 

[DreamyFred21]

Looking at this model, at least for now (Yeah, it's bigger than what I thought, but that's OK). Any opinions, comments, etc are welcomed.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/TCL-49-Class-4K-2160P-Roku-Smart-LED-TV-49S405/692591895

Bought this exact model a year ago. Picture is very good, and the built-in Roku is pretty handy as well. Haven't had really any issues or complaints with it to be honest. Also, the price can't be matched by any other decent brand out there.

 

[Ozclone]

Lots of recommendations for TCL but I, personally, wouldn't buy anything, that has internet access, that is built and programmed by a Chinese company. Call me paranoid if you want, but there is evidence that the Chinese have built backdoors into some of their source code,

https://www.zdnet.com/article/former-pentagon-analyst-china-has-backdoors-to-80-of-telecoms/

And before I get the "everything is built in China anyway" defense, there is a big difference based on who does the software for "smart" electronics vs. who puts the components together. Everyone makes their own decisions on risk vs. cost and I'm sure that most here are going to think the risk is low enough to save the money, but I will spend a couple extra dollars to not have the risk.

 

[Cyfan1965]

Costco has some good deals and the picture on their tv's is really good.

 

[dmclone]

If you really want to cheap out I just noticed this on slickdeals

https://slickdeals.net/f/11632887-s...k-ultra-hdtv-with-built-in-wi-fi-199-b-m-ymmv

 

[CycloneJames]

I bought a 50" TCL roku tv last year and have loved it. So much so that just this week I picked up the 40" one to replace our bedroom TV. The only lag I've experienced is right at startup. The menu appears right away but its taken 10-20 seconds to be able to move around. But after the initial startup it doesn't do it again when changing apps or anything.

The thing I really love is the USB storage so you can pause like antenna TV. That's a huge bonus if you're a cord cutter.

 

[SCarolinaCy]

For when you want your entertainment setup to say "I should have measured twice".

Yep. If there is a woman involved, size matters.

 

[FOREVERTRUE]

Looking at this model, at least for now (Yeah, it's bigger than what I thought, but that's OK). Any opinions, comments, etc are welcomed.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/TCL-49-Class-4K-2160P-Roku-Smart-LED-TV-49S405/692591895

We have been using a TCL-49 for over a year now with absolutely no problem. We use PSVue for our service and while yes it is a little laggy sometimes it's not as bad for us as using a firestick that we use on our other tv's. Only one point make sure to get a sound bar also while the sound is okay and reasonable for current tv's between volume 30-50 on it there is virtually no change and with kids being noisy in the house a sound bar makes all the difference.

 

[VeloClone]

We have this same built-in in our living room. Can't stand it. Ultimate goal is to redo the whole thing, but money is being spent elsewhere at the moment. Luckily (I guess), my 65 inch is old enough to have a wide base, and it currently just sits on top of the mantle by itself. We have no idea how to make that open space where you have your TV look good. Suggestions??

Fill the open space with a TV that fits. Having the 65" on top and the 40" in the open space will make game days a man-cave win.

 

[cyhiphopp]

Looking at this model, at least for now (Yeah, it's bigger than what I thought, but that's OK). Any opinions, comments, etc are welcomed.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/TCL-49-Class-4K-2160P-Roku-Smart-LED-TV-49S405/692591895

Looks pretty good. If you want to buy it online, that's fine, but I would suggest going to a store that carries that model and looking at the picture one it first. Compare it to other TVs around it as well. It's much easier to notice the difference in picture quality when compared to other TVs.

That's one of the best things about a BIG electronics store like Best Buy. Comparison makes a difference.

 

[cyhiphopp]

What I've heard is that if the specs are the same, it's the same TV. Some of the times this is done so that you can't compare prices. Other times, they are missing some features. I think you have to look at each model specifically. I also don't think you can recommend/not recommend a TV just on the maker. Just like cars, each company makes some duds and some winners.

I've never owned a TLC but some of their models seem to be very popular. The one you are showing from Wal-Mart does pretty good on Amazon and is dirt cheap for that size.

Here is a professional review where it does ok

https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/tcl/s-series-4k-2017-s405

From my experience, the biggest thing you need to be aware of is glare. If you can't cut down the light shining on the TV even the best ones will not look as good.

I think a lot of times Wal Mart gets just a slightly different model that is cheaper. Has the same specs, but probably not as high quality components on the inside.

 

[cyhiphopp]

Looks pretty good. If you want to buy it online, that's fine, but I would suggest going to a store that carries that model and looking at the picture one it first. Compare it to other TVs around it as well. It's much easier to notice the difference in picture quality when compared to other TVs.

That's one of the best things about a BIG electronics store like Best Buy. Comparison makes a difference.

Caution though, if you do compare TVs at the store you might end up with a different and more expensive model than you went there for. I've done that a few times, but still found some good deals for what I was looking for.

 

[octaviouspoon]

Fill the open space with a TV that fits. Having the 65" on top and the 40" in the open space will make game days a man-cave win.

Oh I've already suggested that, but the Mrs was not having it.

 

[VeloClone]

Oh I've already suggested that, but the Mrs was not having it.

Tell her I said it was okay.

 

[acoustimac]

I have an OLED in the living room, but went with the 49" LG previously mentioned in my bedroom. Had a Samsung and found from experience and research they have problems with the lights burning out on them after 2-3 years. Won't go that direction again. Loving the LG (both of them!)