Best Smart TV Under $400
Goto page 1, 2  Next
 
Post new topic    LakersGround.net Forum Index -> Off Topic Reply to topic
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
yinoma2001
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 19 Jun 2010
Posts: 119487

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 7:18 am    Post subject: Best Smart TV Under $400

A few caveats. We still have a Sony Bravia TV from 2009. It has been a workhorse until it is slowly dying right now. I can't tell you what color the basketball court is in the Bubble as it comes out a weird color on my TV now.

So we're looking for a new one, but I haven't shopped for a TV in over a decade. So here's what I'm looking for:

1. Under $400
2. 50-55 inches
3. smart TV

Will be used mostly for watching streaming, some gaming (my kids). Suggestions???
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
numero-ocho
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 27 Jul 2004
Posts: 18190
Location: Los Angeles, CA

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 7:50 am    Post subject:

I have two TCL UHD TVs (50" and 55") and am very happy with both of them.

The 5-series 50" meets all three of your criteria.

https://www.amazon.com/TCL-Dolby-Vision-QLED-Smart/dp/B08857ZHY4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1
_________________
"Suck it up. Don't be a baby. Do your job." - Kobe Bryant
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
yinoma2001
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 19 Jun 2010
Posts: 119487

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 7:53 am    Post subject:

numero-ocho wrote:
I have two TCL UHD TVs (50" and 55") and am very happy with both of them.

The 5-series 50" meets all three of your criteria.

https://www.amazon.com/TCL-Dolby-Vision-QLED-Smart/dp/B08857ZHY4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1


Oh nice. I've never heard of TCL but many people seem to like it.
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
ChefLinda
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 20 Sep 2006
Posts: 24112
Location: Boston

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 7:58 am    Post subject:

I have a TCL with RokuTV and it's been very reliable. (Mine's a 40")
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
yinoma2001
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 19 Jun 2010
Posts: 119487

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 8:08 am    Post subject:

ChefLinda wrote:
I have a TCL with RokuTV and it's been very reliable. (Mine's a 40")


How's the interface? Easy to use? Clunky?
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
numero-ocho
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 27 Jul 2004
Posts: 18190
Location: Los Angeles, CA

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 8:11 am    Post subject:

yinoma2001 wrote:
numero-ocho wrote:
I have two TCL UHD TVs (50" and 55") and am very happy with both of them.

The 5-series 50" meets all three of your criteria.

https://www.amazon.com/TCL-Dolby-Vision-QLED-Smart/dp/B08857ZHY4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1


Oh nice. I've never heard of TCL but many people seem to like it.


I spent a lot more money on my previous Samsung HDTV and the streaming experience on it was so bad I had to buy a FireTV streaming device just to watch NetFlix and Amazon Prime. TCLs TVs run Roku TV software and the streaming experience has been great. I think the only streaming channel it doesn't have right now is the new HBO Max.
_________________
"Suck it up. Don't be a baby. Do your job." - Kobe Bryant
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
yinoma2001
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 19 Jun 2010
Posts: 119487

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 8:15 am    Post subject:

numero-ocho wrote:
yinoma2001 wrote:
numero-ocho wrote:
I have two TCL UHD TVs (50" and 55") and am very happy with both of them.

The 5-series 50" meets all three of your criteria.

https://www.amazon.com/TCL-Dolby-Vision-QLED-Smart/dp/B08857ZHY4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1


Oh nice. I've never heard of TCL but many people seem to like it.


I spent a lot more money on my previous Samsung HDTV and the streaming experience on it was so bad I had to buy a FireTV streaming device just to watch NetFlix and Amazon Prime. TCLs TVs run Roku TV software and the streaming experience has been great. I think the only streaming channel it doesn't have right now is the new HBO Max.


Oh good point. We do everything streaming and use an older generation Apple TV box. So I wouldn't need that with a TCL?
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
ChefLinda
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 20 Sep 2006
Posts: 24112
Location: Boston

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 8:25 am    Post subject:

yinoma2001 wrote:
ChefLinda wrote:
I have a TCL with RokuTV and it's been very reliable. (Mine's a 40")


How's the interface? Easy to use? Clunky?


It's very intuitive. I was able to figure it out without a manual or looking anything up. You can also download a Roku ap for your phone and look stuff up online. I would order a second back-up remote though because if you misplace it then it's very difficult to input anything directly at the monitor - at least on my model.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
numero-ocho
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 27 Jul 2004
Posts: 18190
Location: Los Angeles, CA

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 8:55 am    Post subject:

yinoma2001 wrote:
numero-ocho wrote:
yinoma2001 wrote:
numero-ocho wrote:
I have two TCL UHD TVs (50" and 55") and am very happy with both of them.

The 5-series 50" meets all three of your criteria.

https://www.amazon.com/TCL-Dolby-Vision-QLED-Smart/dp/B08857ZHY4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1


Oh nice. I've never heard of TCL but many people seem to like it.


I spent a lot more money on my previous Samsung HDTV and the streaming experience on it was so bad I had to buy a FireTV streaming device just to watch NetFlix and Amazon Prime. TCLs TVs run Roku TV software and the streaming experience has been great. I think the only streaming channel it doesn't have right now is the new HBO Max.


Oh good point. We do everything streaming and use an older generation Apple TV box. So I wouldn't need that with a TCL?


I don't use Apple but I see an AppleTV app in the list of available streaming channels on the TCL TV.
_________________
"Suck it up. Don't be a baby. Do your job." - Kobe Bryant
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
yinoma2001
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 19 Jun 2010
Posts: 119487

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 9:03 am    Post subject:

ChefLinda wrote:
yinoma2001 wrote:
ChefLinda wrote:
I have a TCL with RokuTV and it's been very reliable. (Mine's a 40")


How's the interface? Easy to use? Clunky?


It's very intuitive. I was able to figure it out without a manual or looking anything up. You can also download a Roku ap for your phone and look stuff up online. I would order a second back-up remote though because if you misplace it then it's very difficult to input anything directly at the monitor - at least on my model.


But the streaming is good? I've been seeing that others like Samsung struggle with the streaming part, but TCL does well b/c of inbuilt Roku.
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
CandyCanes
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 24 Dec 2007
Posts: 35750
Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 9:38 am    Post subject:

yinoma2001 wrote:
numero-ocho wrote:
I have two TCL UHD TVs (50" and 55") and am very happy with both of them.

The 5-series 50" meets all three of your criteria.

https://www.amazon.com/TCL-Dolby-Vision-QLED-Smart/dp/B08857ZHY4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1


Oh nice. I've never heard of TCL but many people seem to like it.


I have a 55 inch 2018 TLC too. Got it for $329. Works great. I was a bit hesitant at first because it was so much cheaper than Samsung, but I'm happy with it.
_________________
Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Reply with quote
dont_be_a_wuss
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 29 Mar 2012
Posts: 21415

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 9:46 am    Post subject:

NBC’s Peacock and HBO max are not available on roku but everything else is I think
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
yinoma2001
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 19 Jun 2010
Posts: 119487

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 10:29 am    Post subject:

dont_be_a_wuss wrote:
NBC’s Peacock and HBO max are not available on roku but everything else is I think


We usually do YouTube, Sling, Hulu, Disney plus, and Netflix. As long as those work I'm good.
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
ChefLinda
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 20 Sep 2006
Posts: 24112
Location: Boston

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 11:27 am    Post subject:

yinoma2001 wrote:
ChefLinda wrote:
yinoma2001 wrote:
ChefLinda wrote:
I have a TCL with RokuTV and it's been very reliable. (Mine's a 40")


How's the interface? Easy to use? Clunky?


It's very intuitive. I was able to figure it out without a manual or looking anything up. You can also download a Roku ap for your phone and look stuff up online. I would order a second back-up remote though because if you misplace it then it's very difficult to input anything directly at the monitor - at least on my model.


But the streaming is good? I've been seeing that others like Samsung struggle with the streaming part, but TCL does well b/c of inbuilt Roku.


The streaming is smooth.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
ChefLinda
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 20 Sep 2006
Posts: 24112
Location: Boston

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 11:29 am    Post subject:

yinoma2001 wrote:
dont_be_a_wuss wrote:
NBC’s Peacock and HBO max are not available on roku but everything else is I think


We usually do YouTube, Sling, Hulu, Disney plus, and Netflix. As long as those work I'm good.


They also have NBA League Pass. You can buy a one-team package from NBA.com (like the Lakers) for $99 a year. Then you can watch on any device including Roku.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
yinoma2001
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 19 Jun 2010
Posts: 119487

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 11:59 am    Post subject:

I grew up with a Nintendo (original version) that didn't have sound. It was traumatizing playing those games without any sound, then to go to friend's houses and hear what it's like.

I can't have my kids staring at that TV which is giving off all sorts of strange colors and hues as it slowly dies.
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
LakersRGolden
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 13 Jan 2002
Posts: 7909
Location: Lake Forest

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 1:25 pm    Post subject:

TCL 55" here. (The Costco version)

Very happy. I use the built-in roku for everything Roku. I use xbox for UHD disks, HBO Max and the occasional Microsoft Movie rental when I get the occasional giveaways. Streaming has been perfect, but I have mine connected to the router by Ethernet because it's 3 feet away.

The only issue I have is the TOSlink to my home theatre receiver cuts out for 1/2 a second on occasion, but I'm 90% sure it's the cable I'm using.

User interface is better than Roku boxes and more responsive than a firestick.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
loslakersss
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 31 Dec 2008
Posts: 11853
Location: LA

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 2:40 pm    Post subject:

A little more $ and size than you mentioned but there’s a Samsung 65” 4k LED on slickdeals right now for $499. Model: UN65NU6900
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
unleasHell
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 16 Apr 2001
Posts: 11591
Location: Stay Thirsty my Friends

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 3:01 pm    Post subject:

If you are looking for the very best 55" TV on the market get a LG 55" OLED.

If it costs a few hundred dollars more that what you are looking speed: buy it anyway, if you divide out the difference over 10 years, it's pennies a day!

If you want to be able to see every mole, hair and freckle, get the OLED, if you want the best colors, clarity and the best black/dark scenes, get the OLED. If you want to see blades of grass during a football game, get the OLED. If you want to see the hairs in LeBrons beard, along with every mole, mark or tattoo, get the OLED.

If you want to come back in here and post a thread asking what TV you get should buy, 2 or 3 years years from now; buy the cheapest TV you can find..
_________________
“Always remember... Rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots.”
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
LakersRGolden
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 13 Jan 2002
Posts: 7909
Location: Lake Forest

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 8:03 pm    Post subject:

unleasHell wrote:
If you are looking for the very best 55" TV on the market get a LG 55" OLED.

If it costs a few hundred dollars more that what you are looking speed: buy it anyway, if you divide out the difference over 10 years, it's pennies a day!

If you want to be able to see every mole, hair and freckle, get the OLED, if you want the best colors, clarity and the best black/dark scenes, get the OLED. If you want to see blades of grass during a football game, get the OLED. If you want to see the hairs in LeBrons beard, along with every mole, mark or tattoo, get the OLED.

If you want to come back in here and post a thread asking what TV you get should buy, 2 or 3 years years from now; buy the cheapest TV you can find..


LG OLED beats everything if it's doable.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Wilt
LG Contributor
LG Contributor


Joined: 29 Dec 2002
Posts: 13711

PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 8:23 pm    Post subject:

I also have two TCL Roku 55 inch TVs. They're great.
_________________
¡Hala Madrid!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
yinoma2001
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 19 Jun 2010
Posts: 119487

PostPosted: Wed Sep 02, 2020 6:13 am    Post subject:

unleasHell wrote:
If you are looking for the very best 55" TV on the market get a LG 55" OLED.

If it costs a few hundred dollars more that what you are looking speed: buy it anyway, if you divide out the difference over 10 years, it's pennies a day!

If you want to be able to see every mole, hair and freckle, get the OLED, if you want the best colors, clarity and the best black/dark scenes, get the OLED. If you want to see blades of grass during a football game, get the OLED. If you want to see the hairs in LeBrons beard, along with every mole, mark or tattoo, get the OLED.

If you want to come back in here and post a thread asking what TV you get should buy, 2 or 3 years years from now; buy the cheapest TV you can find..


We aren't huge TV people, ergo happily using the same Sony Bravia from 2009 for 11 years.

I just literally need something that will be in the price range of under $400, be a smart tv, and be reliable.
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
SGV-Laker fan
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 23 May 2013
Posts: 8839

PostPosted: Wed Sep 02, 2020 6:31 am    Post subject:

i recently bought a 65" samsung TU700D for 599, but last year's model can be had for 499 couple months ago, i'm pretty sure it's even lower now.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
PHILosophize
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 05 Nov 2012
Posts: 10758

PostPosted: Wed Sep 02, 2020 6:47 am    Post subject:

TCL Roku here as well; love it
_________________
one dog goes that way the other dog goes the other way
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
lakersken80
Retired Number
Retired Number


Joined: 12 Aug 2009
Posts: 38749

PostPosted: Wed Sep 02, 2020 11:05 am    Post subject:

unleasHell wrote:
If you are looking for the very best 55" TV on the market get a LG 55" OLED.

If it costs a few hundred dollars more that what you are looking speed: buy it anyway, if you divide out the difference over 10 years, it's pennies a day!

If you want to be able to see every mole, hair and freckle, get the OLED, if you want the best colors, clarity and the best black/dark scenes, get the OLED. If you want to see blades of grass during a football game, get the OLED. If you want to see the hairs in LeBrons beard, along with every mole, mark or tattoo, get the OLED.

If you want to come back in here and post a thread asking what TV you get should buy, 2 or 3 years years from now; buy the cheapest TV you can find..


If money was no object OLED wins every time. But most people have a budget so that means sacrifices must be made.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic    LakersGround.net Forum Index -> Off Topic All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2
Jump to:  

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum






Graphics by uberzev
© 1995-2018 LakersGround.net. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Use.
LakersGround is an unofficial news source serving the fan community since 1995.
We are in no way associated with the Los Angeles Lakers or the National Basketball Association.


Powered by phpBB