60 inch screen TV advice: wait for Black Friday or go with an option below?

[bobbyb]

Hi there,

I am looking to get a first television for my flat lounge. This is neither for gaming nor excessive watching - probably a sunday night movie and a few series episodes during the week with my gf. We will either stream or watch downloaded content.

The room in question is small: 3.5m x 3.5m and we will be sitting 3m from a wall-mounted screen. The room also does not have curtains so will get light during the day (when we would watch less, if at all).

I have a few questions, I would appreciate community comments and suggestions on:
1. Given the likely usage, is the R10k-R13k price range right, or should I be looking at other price range, specs, sizes and models?
2. Should I go with one of the current deals below, or should I wait for Black Friday?
3. If to go now, which deal looks best?

Here are the options and best deals I can find:

HISENSE - 55" UHD SMART ULED TV 55M7000UWG
R12,999.00
http://www.dionwired.co.za/catalog/product/view/id/17882/category/59/

SAMSUNG 55" (140 cm) Smart UHD LED TV UA55KU7000
+ Free Samsung 2.1Ch Soundbar
R 11 999.00
https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/samsung-/br-55-140-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-320177EA

Samsung KS8500 55" Curved Smart SUHD TV
R17,999
http://www.loot.co.za/product/samsung-ks8500-55-curved-smart-suhd-tv/ltvj-4161-g970

HISENSE - 58" UHD LED TV 58N5000
R9,999
https://www.takealot.com/hisense-58-smart-led-uhd-tv/PLID46719177
OR
R11,000.00
http://www.dionwired.co.za/catalog/product/view/id/19697/

HISENSE 55 UHD SMART FLAT - 55M5010UW
R10,599.99
https://www.hirschs.co.za/hisense-55-uhd-smart-flat-55m5010uw

Thanks for helping!

 

[ozziej]

What about this?

https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/hisense-/br-55-140-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-339315EA
HI sense 55” UHD R7999

 

[Ancalagon]

What about this?

https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/hisense-/br-55-140-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-339315EA
HI sense 55” UHD R7999

That is a very good deal.

OP I have this TV:
https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/lg-/br-49-125-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-330178EA

My lounge is probably a similar size to yours. The wall on which the TV is mounted must be about 4m wide, but part of that could be called a passage. My feet are currently up on my ottoman, and I'd say the screen is a little bit less than 2m from my feet.

49 inches is a good size and I don't think 55 inches would be too big. I used to have a 40 inch TV and I vastly prefer a 49 inch TV.

Between the 49 inch LG and the 55 inch HiSense, for me it would depend on what apps were available on the HiSense SmartTV part. My LG TV has NetFlix, Amazon Prime and YouTube, and I think it can also get ShowMax. Oh and it also gets Google Play TV and movies which is convenient for renting movies (and they are cheap to rent too). That is just me, if you don't need those apps then get the bigger one. I personally don't believe that my LG is likely to have superior picture quality to the HiSense - not at this price range.

Above that price range, I'd only pay for a TV that actually gets proper HDR. Allow me to explain. My LG TV and maybe that HiSense too have HDR, which is high dynamic range. If content supports it, it makes colours look better. The thing is, it isn't a proper HDR implementation (not that I'm complaining). For the real deal HDR, you have to spend a lot of money, probably R15k or more.

EDIT: What to look out for is something like SUHD - which is Super Ultra HD. That will have proper HDR. Just be aware that content has to support it for it to work. So it will make no difference to DSTV, but it will make a difference to select titles on Amazon and Netflix. Cheaper TVs support HDR (depending on the TV) but they won't look quite as good. Personally I didn't care enough to spend more money.

Long story short, I'd either spend R8k or R15k plus. Anything in between and I don't think it will be worth your while. Hope that makes sense.

EDIT: something else you can do is actually visit Makro and Dion Wired and have a look at these TVs in actually. Ask them for a remote and get a feel for how they work.

 

[Sumen]

Also look at the Skyworth G6 if you want Android TV with chromecast. It also has built-in Dolby certified Soundbar
Tv link - https://www.skyworth.co.za/product/g6-uhd-led-android-smart-tv/

Hifi Corp and Makro have it and they told me Hirsch's also stock it later.

49 inch - https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/skyworth-/br-49-125-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-346554EA
55 inch - https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/skyworth-/br-55-140-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-346555EA

 

[Thor]

I'm waiting for black Friday, I want to get a 75"

 

[bobbyb]

Thanks @ozziej, @Ancalagon, @Sumen, @Thor

I have a few more questions inspired by your answers, suggestions and additional research I have done around them.

Firstly I'm assuming that Black Friday TV specials are likely to make a difference as prices go up but unlikely to be worth waiting around when shopping for a TV around the R8k price range.

1. Does that sound right or could there be significant Black Friday savings in this price range beyond the specials identified?

The points on apps are key. I tried doing some googling to look into the breadth of Hisense apps. I didn't find out much. It seems likely that there is a Hisense software update (including apps) development team for each territory. Then South Africa would have its own team. South Africa appears to have fewer apps than other territories and the software updates don't appear as frequently or successfully as updates in other territories. This seems to affect app availability as well as key functionality. It looks like other owners are downloading European software updates. Not sure of the reality on the ground but I have seen posts suggesting Hisense South Africa may claim that this will void any warranties they cover?

2. Is my reading of the Hisense software update situation (and app availability) in South Africa correct? Should this disqualify Hisense from consideration or is it less of an issue?

(Perhaps other forum users that own of Hisense tvs can give their own experiences?)

This also gets into the territory of Sumen's Skyworth suggestions. From what I can tell, Samsung have their own smart TV o/s platform (Tizen) as does LG (webOS). Hisense are using Roku's platform and Skyworth uses Android.

Apparently some of the smart TVs (e.g. Samsung, LG) are prone to pop-up ads based on internet connectivity and search history. This, together with functionality (updates and support), leads commentators to suggest buying a dedicated streaming device (e.g. Roku streaming stick, Amazon Fire TV stick, Nvidia Shield)

3. Is it worthwhile getting a standalone streaming device together with a smart TV? What are good locally available options?

I have read that the built-in audio of TVs isn't great and a separate audio system is advisable. The only audio I have is about a 35 year old system (NAD 3200 with AR bookshelf speakers and a bluetooth wireless receiver). This probably isn't great in a number of ways
a) what the set-up is built for (1970s music technology), b) connectivity and c) wiring?

This deal https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/samsung-/br-55-140-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-320177EA includes a 2.1 channel soundbar.

4. Is this deal worthwhile? Or better to look in the R8k TV range - currently

http://www.game.co.za/tv-audio/tv-or-dvd-and-satellite/50-uhd-smart-led-tv-50n3000.html

https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/hisense-/br-55-140-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-339315EA

https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/lg-/br-49-125-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-330178EA

4. - and connect to what I have or buy another audio set-up? What are good value-for-money audio options to look at?

Thanks for the link to your LG set. I have read that this and other LGs have IPS panels. Just based on reading, this seems to be inferior to Samsung and Hisense panels (presumably VA), especially when watched front-on, as in our set-ups.

5. What are your personal experiences and thoughts on this?

(Perhaps other forum users can give their own thoughts as well?)

I went past Game today and looked at the default displays of the 50 inch Samsung KU7000 alongside the 55 inch Hisense N3000. Samsung has noticeably nicer default photography. I forgot to request remote controls to explore. But to your well laid out explanation of UHD, HDR and SUHD,

6. When it comes to the kinds of movies and series streamed or downloaded, would this quasi-HDR (non-SUHD) display superiority be a relevant factor?

7. Finally, given the high Skyworth pricing, what would motivate buying a Skyworth given those other LG, Samsung and Hisense options?

Thanks again for taking the time and giving your thoughts.

 

[Sumen]

@bobbyb,
I see you leaning towards the Samsung TVs.

I have notice that when hirsch's has a black Friday sale you will be able to get a Samsung SUHD tv for R12000, yes it is end of range.

The apps issue, android tv has a bigger selection. Android tv only has apps that are optimised for tv, but you are still able to sideload normal android apps that are not available in the Android tv store. Telkom's lit box will go on sale next week, it has Android tv installed and not normal android for phone. It costs R1099. Personally Android TV will have better support in terms of apps and updates.

Also look for Hisense ULED TVs it is comparable to Samsung's SUHD TVs in terms of picture quality.

If you can't wait for black Friday the Samsung KU7000 and MU7000(the replacement for the KU7000 series) range is the best tv for you right now.

Conclusion : if you getting the TV now, Samsung KU7000 and MU7000 range with the Telkom Lit box plugged in.

If you waiting for black Friday, Samsung SUHD or Hisense ULED tv with Telkom Lit box plugged in

Ask any more questions if you have.

 

[Ancalagon]

1. Does that sound right or could there be significant Black Friday savings in this price range beyond the specials identified?

If you don't need a TV urgently, then wait. I don't see much point in rushing out to buy now. Put it this way - the worst that could happen is that the price could be the same. The best that could happen is that you get an R8k TV for R7k, or something similar.

The points on apps are key. I tried doing some googling to look into the breadth of Hisense apps. I didn't find out much. It seems likely that there is a Hisense software update (including apps) development team for each territory. Then South Africa would have its own team. South Africa appears to have fewer apps than other territories and the software updates don't appear as frequently or successfully as updates in other territories. This seems to affect app availability as well as key functionality. It looks like other owners are downloading European software updates. Not sure of the reality on the ground but I have seen posts suggesting Hisense South Africa may claim that this will void any warranties they cover?

2. Is my reading of the Hisense software update situation (and app availability) in South Africa correct? Should this disqualify Hisense from consideration or is it less of an issue?

I don't really know. I've got a friend who has a HiSense UHD TV, so I can ask him what apps it has if you want. Does anyone on the forums have one?

This also gets into the territory of Sumen's Skyworth suggestions. From what I can tell, Samsung have their own smart TV o/s platform (Tizen) as does LG (webOS). Hisense are using Roku's platform and Skyworth uses Android.

Apparently some of the smart TVs (e.g. Samsung, LG) are prone to pop-up ads based on internet connectivity and search history. This, together with functionality (updates and support), leads commentators to suggest buying a dedicated streaming device (e.g. Roku streaming stick, Amazon Fire TV stick, Nvidia Shield)

LG TV owner here and I've never had anything of the sort. Never had a pop up advert at all. In fact, no adverts of any kind.

This doesn't mean that buying a separate streaming device is not a bad idea - some of them have their advantages. I was considering doing that, and then I got my smart TV and I was like, what's the point? The smart TV does everything I need. It even does surround sound audio (but not with Google Play TV and Movies).

Oh speaking of Google Play TV and Movies, we can't seem to rent movies in UHD quality here. Only HD quality. Not sure why. I think it might be a region locking thing.

3. Is it worthwhile getting a standalone streaming device together with a smart TV? What are good locally available options?

As above, it might be. I'd buy the Smart TV first and see what you think. These days, the Smart TV part is free. You can always buy a separate Roku later if you want. Or Apple TV, or Android TV. Just avoid those cheap Android media boxes - they aren't great.

I have read that the built-in audio of TVs isn't great and a separate audio system is advisable. The only audio I have is about a 35 year old system (NAD 3200 with AR bookshelf speakers and a bluetooth wireless receiver). This probably isn't great in a number of ways
a) what the set-up is built for (1970s music technology), b) connectivity and c) wiring?

Really depends on you and how important audio is to you. I'd personally it's worth having at least a sound bar. Yes, your 1970's set will not be able to connect to a Smart TV. You need something at least from the 1990's with optical audio/SPDIF. Your connection options for sound are generally HDMI and optical audio/SPDIF.

This deal https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/samsung-/br-55-140-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-320177EA includes a 2.1 channel soundbar.

4. Is this deal worthwhile? Or better to look in the R8k TV range - currently

http://www.game.co.za/tv-audio/tv-or-dvd-and-satellite/50-uhd-smart-led-tv-50n3000.html

https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/hisense-/br-55-140-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-339315EA

https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/lg-/br-49-125-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-330178EA

4. - and connect to what I have or buy another audio set-up? What are good value-for-money audio options to look at?

Um it really depends on what you want! Do you want a soundbar? Do you want a proper 5.1 setup? Do you want to buy that later? If you want a soundbar and you want that TV, then its a good deal.

Thanks for the link to your LG set. I have read that this and other LGs have IPS panels. Just based on reading, this seems to be inferior to Samsung and Hisense panels (presumably VA), especially when watched front-on, as in our set-ups.

5. What are your personal experiences and thoughts on this?

Speaking generally, IPS has the best colour reproduction of all panel types - better than the VA panel types. VA panels are superior in their response times, but IPS panels produce the best image quality and the best viewing angles. Not that viewing angles matter, but the colour reproduction does. Iphones for instance all use IPS panels (except for the Iphone X). Cheaper monitors for PC use TN panels, which have fast response times but poor black levels and colours, while more expensive monitors use IPS panels.

But, the best advice I can give is to see them in person. Personally I think it would be difficult to tell the difference between VA and IPS, especially to untrained people like you and I. I must say, that when I viewed my TV in store, it seemed to "pop" a lot more than the other TVs. View them in person and see what you like.

6. When it comes to the kinds of movies and series streamed or downloaded, would this quasi-HDR (non-SUHD) display superiority be a relevant factor?

I'm not sure I understand the question? Are you asking whether movies and series would look better on a SUHD display rather than a UHD display? Almost certaintly - even without the use of HDR. Is it better enough to be worth almost double the price? That is a question only you can answer. For me personally, it was not worth it. I would rather spend the difference elsewhere.

7. Finally, given the high Skyworth pricing, what would motivate buying a Skyworth given those other LG, Samsung and Hisense options?

Thanks again for taking the time and giving your thoughts.

It is great that they have Android TV built in - that is great for the price! I don't know why, but somehow I am not keen on having a soundbar built into a TV. Can't give a reason for it, just doesn't seem right to me. And the last thing is that I'd want to see a Skyworth TV in person before I bought one.

 

[bobbyb]

Thanks again @Sumen and @Ancalagon,

Basically I'm keen on what is best value for money but there are issues to look out for. You have both suggested that it is worthwhile waiting until Black Friday. Which is what I will do and create new specific threads to try disentangle some of the considerations you have raised. This has been informative and helpful.

 

[bobbyb]

Thanks again @Sumen and @Ancalagon,

Basically I'm keen on what is best value for money but there are issues to look out for. You have both suggested that it is worthwhile waiting until Black Friday. Which is what I will do and create new specific threads to try disentangle some of the considerations you have raised. This has been informative and helpful.

 

[5IVE]

I am looking to get a first television for my flat lounge. This is neither for gaming nor excessive watching - probably a sunday night movie and a few series episodes during the week with my gf. We will either stream or watch downloaded content.

The room in question is small: 3.5m x 3.5m and we will be sitting 3m from a wall-mounted screen. The room also does not have curtains so will get light during the day (when we would watch less, if at all).

From what you said it seems like you dont really need a expensive tv. when it comes to 4k in south africa its not realy a big of a deal, as dstv only broadcasting at 720i(and thats only few channels). Online services such as Netflix and Showmax have limited amount of 4k content. As well you need to know if you want to stream/play 4k content you need sky rocket internet speed (about 20mbps and preferably uncapped as 1 hour of 4k takes about 3 gigs) and as we all know Telkom cant even provied a steady 4 mbps speed so i recommend you see if you area supports that high speed. (which will also cost allot -R1300 with new UNLIMITEDhome from telkom).

From my personal experience, i also wanted the best 4k tv with best hdr 10 but it was just too expensive for me so i went for the LG 55uh603 (https://www.makro.co.za/electronics-and-gaming/lg-/br-55-140-cm-smart-uhd-led-tv-343127EA) i got it for R10000 on 2016 black friday (b4 black friday it was R13000) .i love the tv as it has everything i need plus the magic remote is the best. the tv is 4k and has hdr but not the proper hdr 10. I was so happy that i never bought the expensive ones with SUHD or hdr 10 as there is no use for them at all. till today i only saw 1 4k downloaded 3 min video as i wanted to see its picture quality and HDR is of no use unless you streaming Netflix limited HDR content (if you have high speed as mentioned) . i have a 4 mbps uncapped which is capable of playing 720p and sometimes 1080p(depends on time of the day) and for movies i either buy bluray or watch online. Even netflix shows i watch online with good quality and youtube app is the best. i am not saying dont get a 4k tv but what im saying is that right now 4k is noting/no use in south africa but get a 4k tv as in future something got come out.
if you get smart tv there is no need for internet box at all.

*something else for bluray movies you do need a bluray player*

so what i suggest is that you get a lG , Samsung or Hisense as they are the best in the market just see which picture quality you like best and know which one you gonna go for so that when black friday is here you no what you want as tv can get sold out fast. my lounge is the same size my tv is 55'' and its perfect and for audio the lounge is not that big for you to get speakers any tv will do.
if i would recommend tv i would go for the samsung ku7000/7500 or LG like mine as its R11000 know so you never know it could be like R9000 on black friday and also ive seen some great hi-sense picture screen (not sure of name)

i wish this can help and if you have any question ask
tnxs!

 

[bobbyb]

Resurrecting this

I have found the following prices on a 55#. Which seems like the best value? Should I rather wait for Black Friday and risk losing out on these discontinued models but possibly (or not) getting something else?

(KS8500) SAMSUNG 55" SMART SUHD CURVED TV R17,390

(55EG910T) LG 55" 3D SMART CURVED OLED TV R16,000

(55M7000) HISENSE 55" SMART ULED TV R12,000

(55KU7000) SAMSUNG 55" SMART UHD LED TV R10,500

(55M5010UW) HISENSE 55" SMART UHD LED TV R9,000

(55N3000UW) HISENSE 55" SMART UHD LED TV R9,000

(55K3300UW) HISENSE 55" UHD LED TV R9,000

 

[Ancalagon]

My advice:

Set a budget first
Looks like you have decided on a screen size
Decide whether you want a curved TV or not
Decide whether you want a 4K TV or not (one of the TVs above is HD, the rest are 4K)
Go to a store and view the TVs in question
Decide what to buy

The list you have there spans a huge price range and includes both curved and non curved, HD and 4K screens. You have to decide what YOU want before any of us can help you.

 

[Splinter]

Resurrecting this

I have found the following prices on a 55#. Which seems like the best value? Should I rather wait for Black Friday and risk losing out on these discontinued models but possibly (or not) getting something else?

(KS8500) SAMSUNG 55" SMART SUHD CURVED TV R17,390

(55EG910T) LG 55" 3D SMART CURVED OLED TV R16,000

(55M7000) HISENSE 55" SMART ULED TV R12,000

(55KU7000) SAMSUNG 55" SMART UHD LED TV R10,500

(55M5010UW) HISENSE 55" SMART UHD LED TV R9,000

(55N3000UW) HISENSE 55" SMART UHD LED TV R9,000

(55K3300UW) HISENSE 55" UHD LED TV R9,000

Have you tried posting this on SAGamer? Chap called KenMasters there who is extremely helpful with these kind of things.

 

[Splinter]

My advice:

Set a budget first
Looks like you have decided on a screen size
Decide whether you want a curved TV or not
Decide whether you want a 4K TV or not (one of the TVs above is HD, the rest are 4K)
Go to a store and view the TVs in question
Decide what to buy

The list you have there spans a huge price range and includes both curved and non curved, HD and 4K screens. You have to decide what YOU want before any of us can help you.

I would recommend 4K. Will be buyers remorse in future I reckon as 4K is becoming more prevalent what with Netflix etc. Even if you don't get a "proper" 4K feed, the pic will still be better than HD.

I put in an HD Game of Thrones disc into my PS4 last night for the first time. Wowsers!

 

[WaxLyrical]

Does it have to be SMART?
Once you get a proper streaming device, SMART becomes a gimmick.

Rather aim for 4k as your first criteria.

 

[bobbyb]

Thanks WaxLyrical, my thoughts are that SMART ain't necessarily great and that buying a standalone streaming device will be necessary...
Can you buy good value non-SMART 4k tv's - what are particular models to look at?

Thanks Splinter - I have posted on SAGamer - great suggestion - I hope that KenMasters sees it and helps! If you have any suggestions on how I can try raise his attention to it, please let me know?

Thanks Ancalagon - I agree that having an approach to narrow down makes sense.
I came up with my list based on reviews and online recommendations.

As you point out, the KS8500 and LG OLED stand out as jumps in price over everything else and being curved. In addition the KS is SUHD so proper 4k (the others are at best quasi-HDR) and the OLED is HD.

I don't particularly care for curves one way or another but included these two sets because people are effusive about the Samsung quantum dot and LG OLED technologies (with a general endorsement of OLED over quantum dot) and these were the most affordable sets I could find. Since I would mostly be watching movies a couple times a week at a 3m viewing distance, would the premium of either lighting technology be worth the investment?

If not, this leaves a choice of 3 flat UHD sets, which are not necessarily full 4k / HDR+, and thus more comparable:

(55M7000) HISENSE 55" SMART ULED TV R12,000

(55KU7000) SAMSUNG 55" SMART UHD LED TV R10,500

(55M5010UW) HISENSE 55" SMART UHD LED TV R9,000

I'll take your advice to go in-store and compare, but any thoughts / knowledge on how these compare value-for-money at those prices?

 

[Ancalagon]

Does it have to be SMART?
Once you get a proper streaming device, SMART becomes a gimmick.

Rather aim for 4k as your first criteria.

I don't think he could buy a non Smart TV in his price range even if he wanted to, so the question is moot.

 

[WaxLyrical]

^true

 

[Splinter]

Does it have to be SMART?
Once you get a proper streaming device, SMART becomes a gimmick.

Rather aim for 4k as your first criteria.

Funnily enough, I think it's more the other way around - latest TV's are generally coming with streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video etc. bundled already, thus making the all the various streaming devices/dongles basically irrelevant.

Thanks WaxLyrical, my thoughts are that SMART ain't necessarily great and that buying a standalone streaming device will be necessary...
Can you buy good value non-SMART 4k tv's - what are particular models to look at?

Thanks Splinter - I have posted on SAGamer - great suggestion - I hope that KenMasters sees it and helps! If you have any suggestions on how I can try raise his attention to it, please let me know?

Thanks Ancalagon - I agree that having an approach to narrow down makes sense.
I came up with my list based on reviews and online recommendations.

As you point out, the KS8500 and LG OLED stand out as jumps in price over everything else and being curved. In addition the KS is SUHD so proper 4k (the others are at best quasi-HDR) and the OLED is HD.

I don't particularly care for curves one way or another but included these two sets because people are effusive about the Samsung quantum dot and LG OLED technologies (with a general endorsement of OLED over quantum dot) and these were the most affordable sets I could find. Since I would mostly be watching movies a couple times a week at a 3m viewing distance, would the premium of either lighting technology be worth the investment?

If not, this leaves a choice of 3 flat UHD sets, which are not necessarily full 4k / HDR+, and thus more comparable:

(55M7000) HISENSE 55" SMART ULED TV R12,000

(55KU7000) SAMSUNG 55" SMART UHD LED TV R10,500

(55M5010UW) HISENSE 55" SMART UHD LED TV R9,000

I'll take your advice to go in-store and compare, but any thoughts / knowledge on how these compare value-for-money at those prices?

Just go @Kenmasters on the site - he will get a notification.

Just a note on QLED - it's basically a marketing gimmick from Samsung. It's LED with their spin of technology and marketing. Not saying it's bad; just not the holy grail like they make it out to be.

Curved screens are also a gimmick as far as I am concerned.

I have the LG OLED, so do agree with you about OLED