Apart from TCL TV, which other brand would you recommend for 65”

There are several brands recommended for TVs with a 65-inch and above screen size apart from TCL TV. Hisense TVs provide a compelling blend of technology and affordability. They’re making strides in areas like mini-LED, AI optimisation, and laser TVs, which can offer high performance at lower price points than competitors.

Sony Bravia TVs are celebrated for their picture processing capabilities, colour accuracy, and integration of advanced technologies to enhance both visual and audio experiences. 

LG OLED TVs are celebrated for their picture quality, particularly in contrast, colour, and motion handling. They are the go-to choice for viewers prioritising cinematic quality, wide viewing angles, and gaming performance.

Samsung’s QLED technology has carved out a niche in the high-end TV market by offering TVs that excel in colour reproduction, brightness, and durability.

1. Samsung:

• Highly praised for both QLED and OLED models, offering vibrant colours, high brightness, and excellent gaming features. The Samsung S90D and S95D models are often cited for their performance in larger sizes.

Samsung’s QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) technology is a significant advancement in display technology, particularly noted for its use in televisions. Here’s an in-depth look at Samsung’s QLED technology based on the available information:

What is QLED?

QLED technology uses quantum dots, which are tiny nanocrystals that emit light of specific colours when illuminated by a light source. Unlike OLED, where each pixel emits its own light, QLED TVs use a backlight (typically LED) combined with a layer of quantum dots to enhance colour and brightness.

Key Features of Samsung QLED TVs:

• Colour Volume: Samsung touts QLED TVs for achieving 100% Colour Volume with Quantum Dot technology, meaning they can produce over a billion shades of colour at any brightness level, ensuring vibrant and lifelike images.
• Brightness: QLED TVs are known for their high peak brightness levels, which makes them perform well in well-lit environments and with HDR (High Dynamic Range) content. This is due to the use of a direct backlight, which can be much brighter than the organic compounds used in OLED displays.
• Durability: QLED screens are less susceptible to burn-in compared to OLED, which can be an advantage for prolonged viewing of static images or for use in scenarios where burn-in is a concern (like gaming or as a monitor for work).
• Minimal Light Leakage: With advancements in local dimming technology, newer QLED models manage to reduce light leakage, providing better contrast ratios than older LED TVs, although they still don’t match the per-pixel dimming capability of OLEDs.
• Design: Samsung has leveraged QLED technology into very slim TV designs, including the “Q” series with “Infinity Screen” for an edge-to-edge display, enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
• Gaming Features: Samsung’s QLED TVs often come with features like low input lag, high refresh rates, FreeSync support, and specific gaming modes, making them well-suited for gaming, particularly with the latest consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
• Ambient Mode: A unique feature where the TV can transform into a piece of art or display useful information (like weather or news) when not in use, blending into the room’s decor.

Considerations:

• Contrast: While QLED TVs have improved significantly in terms of contrast, especially with local dimming zones, they still generally can’t achieve the same level of true blacks and infinite contrast as OLED TVs due to the backlight.
• Viewing Angles: Traditionally, QLEDs have narrower viewing angles compared to OLEDs, though Samsung has worked to improve this in newer models.
• Price: QLED TVs, particularly the higher-end models, can be quite expensive, positioning them in the premium market segment.
• HDR Performance: While excellent in brightness, the HDR performance in terms of contrast might not reach the heights of OLEDs, where each pixel can truly turn off.

Samsung’s QLED Lineup:

Samsung’s QLED TVs come in various series, with names like Q60D, Q70D, Q80D, Q90D, and the flagship Q950TS (for 8K QLED). Each series offers different levels of performance, features, and technologies like quantum dot layers, local dimming zones, and refresh rates.

2. LG TV

• Known for its OLED technology, which provides superior contrast, colour reproduction, and content upscaling. Models like the LG C4 and G4 series are recommended for larger screen sizes due to their picture quality and features.

LG’s OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology is renowned for its exceptional picture quality in televisions. Here’s an in-depth look at LG’s OLED technology based on the available information:

What is OLED?

OLED technology involves layers of organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied. Each pixel in an OLED display is self-illuminating, which means that individual pixels can be turned on or off completely, providing unparalleled control over light and dark.

Key Features of LG OLED TVs:

• Perfect blacks and infinite contrast: Since each pixel can turn off completely, LG OLED TVs can display true blacks, leading to an infinite contrast ratio. This results in images with more depth and detail, especially in dark scenes.
• Wide Viewing Angles: OLED panels maintain colour and contrast consistency from nearly any angle, making them excellent for group viewing where people might not be sitting directly in front of the screen.
• Colour Accuracy and Vibrancy: LG OLED TVs are noted for their ability to reproduce colours accurately and vividly, covering a wide colour gamut, which is essential for HDR content.
• Fast Response Times: OLED pixels respond very quickly to changes in colour and brightness, which is advantageous for gaming, reducing motion blur and ghosting.
• Thin and Flexible Design: The nature of OLED allows for very slim TVs, and LG has leveraged this for design, creating TVs that can be wall-mounted with minimal protrusion. They’ve also explored flexible and rollable OLED displays.
• HDR Performance: With support for HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, LG OLED TVs can display content with enhanced brightness and detail, although the peak brightness might not match QLED in very bright rooms.
• Burn-in Mitigation: While OLED has had concerns about burn-in, LG has implemented various technologies like pixel shifting, screen savers, and logo detection to minimise this risk, though it remains a consideration for static content over long periods.
• Gaming Features: Recent models support high refresh rates, and variable refresh rate technologies like FreeSync and G-Sync, and have low input lag, making them excellent for gaming.
• AI Picture and Sound: LG has integrated AI algorithms in its newer models to optimise picture and sound based on the content being watched, enhancing the viewing experience.

Considerations:

• Brightness: OLEDs can’t achieve the same peak brightness levels as QLED or LED TVs with direct backlighting, which can be a drawback in extremely bright rooms or for HDR content where high brightness is beneficial.
• Burn-in: Although mitigated, the potential for burn-in remains a concern, especially for prolonged display of static images.
• Pricing: High-end OLED TVs, particularly from LG, tend to be more expensive than many LED or QLED models, though prices have become more competitive over time.
• Lifespan: The organic materials in OLED panels degrade over time, which can lead to a gradual decrease in brightness or colour accuracy. However, modern OLED panels are built to last for many years under normal use.

LG’s OLED Lineup:

LG’s OLED TVs are categorised into different series, with names like C, G, and B series. The C series (e.g., C3, C4) is known for balancing performance and price, the G series (e.g., G3, G4) for premium features and design, and the B series offers entry-level OLED options.

3. Sony TV

• Sony TVs, particularly the Bravia series, are noted for their excellent image processing, high brightness, and colour accuracy, making them a top pick for those looking for a premium viewing experience. The Sony A95L is often mentioned for its outstanding performance.

Sony’s Bravia (Best Resolution Audio Visual Integrated Architecture) technology encompasses a range of innovative features in their television lineup, focusing on delivering superior picture quality, colour accuracy, and audio performance. Here’s an overview of what makes Sony Bravia TVs stand out:

Key Features of Sony Bravia TVs:

• X1 and Cognitive Processor XR: These are Sony’s proprietary image processors, with the Cognitive Processor XR being the latest, and most advanced. They analyse and enhance the content in real-time for better contrast, colour, and clarity. The Cognitive Processor XR goes a step further by understanding how humans see, cross-analysing elements across the screen for a more realistic image.
• OLED and LED Technologies: Sony offers both OLED (like the A95L) and LED TVs (with terms like Full Array LED, and Mini LED). The OLED models provide perfect blacks and infinite contrast, while their LED TVs use technologies like full array local dimming to achieve high brightness and contrast.
• Triluminos Display: This technology enhances colour reproduction by using a wider colour gamut, allowing for more accurate, natural colours. It’s particularly effective with HDR content, where colour accuracy can dramatically affect the viewing experience.
• HDR and Dolby Vision: Sony supports multiple HDR formats, including HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. These technologies ensure that content is displayed with greater detail in both bright and dark areas.
• X-Reality PRO and X-Motion Clarity: X-Reality PRO upscales content to near-4K quality, even for non-4K sources, while X-Motion Clarity reduces blur in fast-moving images, which is crucial for sports and action movies.
• Acoustic Surface Audio+: Found in some of their OLED TVs, this technology turns the entire screen into a speaker, providing a sound that matches the action on the screen more precisely.
• Ambient Optimisation: This feature adjusts pictures and sounds based on the room’s lighting and acoustics, ensuring optimal viewing and listening experiences under various conditions.
• Gaming Features: Sony has introduced features like HDMI 2.1 ports, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and a dedicated Game Mode in newer models, catering to the needs of gamers with low input lag and high refresh rates.
• Android TV: Many Sony Bravia TVs run on Android TV, offering a vast array of apps, Google Assistant integration for voice control, and Chromecast built-in for easy content casting.
• Design and Build Quality: Sony TVs are known for their sleek designs, often with minimal bezels and premium materials, enhancing the aesthetic appeal in home environments.

Considerations:

• Pricing: Sony Bravia TVs, especially those with OLED technology or advanced processing like the XR series, are positioned at the higher end of the market, which might not suit all budgets.
• OLED Burn-in: Like all OLED TVs, there’s a risk of burn-in with static images over long periods, though Sony has implemented features like pixel shifting to mitigate this.
• Brightness: While Sony’s LED TVs can achieve very high brightness levels, their OLED models, although excellent in contrast, don’t reach the same peak brightness as top-tier QLED TVs, which might be noticeable in very bright environments.
• Software Updates: While Android TV provides versatility, the speed and frequency of software updates can sometimes lag behind competitors, potentially affecting new feature rollouts or security updates.

Sony’s Bravia Lineup:

Sony’s TVs are categorised under various series, including:

• A-Series: High-end OLED TVs (e.g., A95L, A80L).
• X-Series: For LED TVs with different subcategories focusing on performance, design, and technology (e.g., X95L for Mini LED).
• Z-Series: For their flagship 8K TVs.

4. Hisense TV

Offers competitive TVs with mini-LED technology at a more affordable price point. The Hisense U8N series stands out for its value, providing high brightness and good contrast for larger screens.

Hisense has positioned itself as a significant player in the TV market, notably for offering high-quality technology at competitive prices. Here’s a detailed exploration of Hisense TVs based on the available information:

Key Technologies and Features:

• ULED Technology: Hisense’s proprietary ULED (Ultra LED) technology enhances backlight control, colour, contrast, and motion clarity. It’s similar to QLED but uses different branding and technology specifics. ULED TVs aim to provide high brightness, deeper blacks, and a wider colour gamut compared to standard LED TVs.
• Mini-LED: Hisense has adopted Mini-LED technology in some of its higher-end models. Mini-LED uses smaller LEDs for backlighting, allowing for more local dimming zones, which results in better contrast and reduced blooming compared to traditional LED backlights.
• Quantum Dot: Some Hisense models incorporate quantum dot layers to improve colour reproduction and brightness, similar to QLED TVs from other manufacturers.
• Laser TV: Hisense is a pioneer in laser TV technology, which combines laser projection with an ambient light-rejecting screen for large screen sizes with excellent picture quality, even in well-lit environments. They’ve introduced models like the L5F and L9H.
• AI Picture Optimisation: Hisense uses AI to optimise image quality in real-time, enhancing visuals by recognising content and adjusting settings accordingly.
• VIDAA Smart TV Platform: Hisense’s own operating system for smart TVs, VIDAA, focuses on simplicity with quick access to streaming services and apps. It’s known for being fast and user-friendly, though it might not have the extensive app ecosystem of platforms like Android TV or webOS.
• Gaming Features: Higher-end models often include gaming-friendly features like HDMI 2.1 support, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and high refresh rates up to 144Hz, making them suitable for next-gen gaming consoles.
• Dolby Vision and Atmos: Many Hisense TVs support both Dolby Vision for HDR content and Dolby Atmos for immersive audio, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
• Design: Hisense TVs have evolved in design, offering slim bezels and sometimes unique stand designs in their premium models.

Model Series:

• U Series: This includes models like the U8K, U7K, etc., which are known for their performance in terms of brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy. These are often ULED or Mini-LED TVs.
• A Series: Typically more budget-orientated, these TVs still offer Full HD or 4K resolution with features like Dolby Vision but at a lower price point.
• L Series: Dedicated to their Laser TVs, offering an alternative to traditional screens with very large viewing sizes.

Considerations:

• Quality Control: Some users and reviews note that Hisense might have more quality control issues compared to more established brands, like problems with uniformity or colour accuracy.
• Brand Recognition: Outside of China, Hisense might not have the same brand prestige as Samsung, LG, or Sony, although they’re working to change this perception with competitive products.
• Software: While VIDAA is improving, it might still lag behind in-app availability or update frequency compared to major platforms.
• Narrow Viewing Angles: Hisense’s ULED TVs generally use VA panels, which have narrower viewing angles, potentially impacting the viewing experience from the sides.
• Value for Money: Hisense is often praised for offering high-spec features at prices lower than the competition, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers.

5. Vizio TV

• While not as extensively covered in the provided results, Vizio is known for offering good-quality TVs at a reasonable price, particularly in North America, and has been expanding into larger screen sizes with competitive features.

Vizio has established itself as a significant player in the North American TV market, known for delivering good value with its range of feature-rich TVs. Here’s an in-depth look at Vizio TVs based on the available information:

Key Technologies and Features:

• Quantum Dot Technology: Vizio uses Quantum Dot technology in some of its models, like the M-Series Quantum and P-Series Quantum, to enhance colour performance. This technology allows for a broader colour gamut and brighter images.
• Full Array Local Dimming: Many Vizio TVs, especially in the M-Series and P-Series, feature Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) for improved contrast. This technology allows for zones of the backlight to be dimmed or brightened independently, providing deeper blacks and better HDR performance.
• OLED: Vizio introduced its first OLED TV in 2020, using the IQ Ultra image processor, which supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 120Hz, offering excellent contrast, colour, and motion handling.
• SmartCast: Vizio’s proprietary smart TV platform, SmartCast, integrates both Chromecast and Apple AirPlay, allowing for content casting from smartphones or tablets. It supports major streaming services and has added voice control features.
• HDR Support: Vizio TVs support various HDR formats, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, enhancing the dynamic range of content for better detail in both shadows and highlights.
• Gaming Features: Vizio TVs come with gaming features like AMD FreeSync, VRR, and low input lag modes, especially in their higher-end models. The M-Series Quantum X, for example, supports 240Hz at 1080p for PC gaming.
• V-Series, M-Series, P-Series:
  • V-Series: Emphasises value, providing 4K resolution, HDR, and smart features in a budget-friendly package.
  • M-Series: Offers a step up with Quantum Dot technology, better contrast through local dimming, and enhanced gaming capabilities.
  • P-Series: Vizio’s premium line, with superior brightness, and more local dimming zones, and often considered the best in terms of picture quality for Vizio’s lineup.
• Design: Vizio TVs have a modern look, with many models featuring thin bezels and a sleek profile, although not as minimalist as some ultra-premium brands.

Considerations:

• Picture Quality vs. Price: Vizio TVs generally offer good picture quality for the price, but they might not match the peak brightness or colour accuracy of higher-end models from competitors like Samsung or LG in their OLED and QLED lines.
• Smart TV OS: While SmartCast has improved, it might not offer as extensive an app ecosystem or as slick an interface as some competitors’ platforms. However, the integration of Chromecast and AirPlay helps mitigate this.
• Software Updates: There have been complaints about the frequency and quality of software updates, which can affect the longevity of the TV’s smart features.
• Durability and Quality Control: Some users report issues with build quality or longevity, although Vizio has improved in this area over time.
• Ad Tracking Controversy: Vizio faced legal action regarding its data collection practices, which have since been addressed through policy changes, but it’s a point of consideration for privacy-conscious consumers.

Market Position:

• Acquisition by Walmart: In 2024, Walmart acquired Vizio to bolster its advertising capabilities through Vizio’s SmartCast platform, potentially leading to further integration or changes in how Vizio TVs are marketed or developed.
• Value Proposition: Vizio’s strategy has been to offer TVs with high-end features at mid-range or lower prices, which has earned them a loyal customer base in the U.S., particularly for those looking for a balance between cost and performance.

6. TCL TV

TCL (The Creative Life) has emerged as a significant player in the TV market, particularly known for offering high-quality displays at competitive prices. Here’s a comprehensive overview of TCL TVs based on the available information:

Key Technologies and Features:

• Mini-LED: TCL TV was one of the first to bring Mini-LED technology to the market with their 8-Series (QM8/QM851G). Mini-LED uses thousands of tiny LEDs for backlighting, allowing for more precise local dimming zones, which significantly improves contrast, reduces blooming, and enhances HDR performance.
• QLED: TCL’s QLED TVs, including models like the Q6, Q7, and QM8 series, use quantum dot technology to enhance colour accuracy, brightness, and contrast. They offer vibrant colours and are particularly effective in well-lit environments.
• Google TV and Roku TV: TCL TVs often come with either Google TV or Roku TV platforms, providing a robust smart TV experience. Google TV integrates Google Assistant and supports a wide array of apps, while Roku is praised for its simplicity and extensive channel selection.
• Dolby Vision and Atmos: Many TCL TVs support these Dolby technologies for superior HDR visuals and immersive audio, respectively, enhancing the viewing experience.
• Game Mode: TCL has focused on gaming, with features like low input lag, HDMI 2.1 support in higher-end models, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and high refresh rates up to 144Hz, catering well to gamers.
• 4K and 8K Resolution: TCL offers TVs in both 4K and 8K resolutions, with the latter still being niche but representing TCL’s push towards future-proofing.
• Design: TCL TVs have modern designs with slim bezels and are available in various sizes, including some of the largest screens on the market. Their “6-Series” and “8-Series” are particularly noted for combining good looks with performance.
• AI Picture Optimization: Some models feature AI to optimize picture quality based on content, enhancing detail, color, and contrast automatically.

Model Series:

• 6-Series (R646, R655): Known for offering Mini-LED technology at a more affordable price point than many competitors, providing excellent contrast and brightness for HDR content.
• 8-Series (QM8/QM851G): TCL’s flagship line, bringing Mini-LED to its peak with even more dimming zones and higher brightness levels.
• 5-Series (R546): A step-down but still offers QLED technology, good colour performance, and smart features at a more budget-friendly price.
• 4-Series: Focused on affordability, these models provide 4K resolution with Roku TV or Google TV, though with less advanced display technologies.
• 3-Series: The entry-level offering, focusing on basic smart TV functionality and HD resolution.

Considerations:

• Build Quality: While TCL has improved significantly, some models might not match the build quality or longevity of higher-end competitors.
• Software: While both Google TV and Roku are competent, the software can occasionally be slower or less polished than offerings from Samsung (Tizen) or LG (webOS).
• Customer Support: There have been mixed reports about customer service, although TCL TV has been working on improving this aspect.
• Brightness and Contrast: While Mini-LED models excel, lower-tier models might not perform as well in bright rooms or with HDR content compared to premium TVs from other brands.
• Brand Perception: TCL has had to overcome perceptions of being a budget brand, but its technological advancements have been changing this view.

Market Position:

• Innovation in Display Tech: TCL has been at the forefront of adopting Mini-LED technology, which has helped elevate its status in the TV market.
• Affordability: TCL’s strategy of offering high-spec TVs at lower prices has won them a broad audience, particularly among consumers looking for value.
• Global Presence: While strong in North America, TCL is expanding its footprint globally, including in markets like Europe and Asia.

TCL TVs are notable for providing excellent performance, particularly in Mini-LED and QLED technologies, at prices that often undercut competitors. TCL TVs offer a compelling mix of features for both entertainment and gaming, making them an attractive choice for a wide range of consumers. However, potential buyers should consider aspects like build quality and software experience when comparing TCL with other premium brands.

Conclusion

Each of these brands has its strengths, with Samsung, LG, and Sony generally praised for premium quality, while Hisense provides a compelling option for those looking for high performance without the high price tag.

The choice would depend on your specific needs, such as whether you prioritise picture quality, gaming features, brightness, or budget considerations.