Answered Best 49/50" TV

Which brand TV?

  • Sony

    Votes: 30 53.6%
  • Panasonic

    Votes: 9 16.1%
  • LG

    Votes: 6 10.7%
  • Samsung

    Votes: 11 19.6%

  • Total voters
    56

Fox McCloud

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Hi

I'm moving home soon and need to downsize my TV. I currently have a calibrated Panasonic 55VT65.
I was hoping to get a 55" OLED but sadly they're also too big. So I have to wait for my loft conversion to a cinema room for that one!

And since OLEDs are only 55" and above, im stuck with LCD at 49/50"

49/50" TVs seem to be perfect, at a horizontal width of ~43" it will look fine where its going.

So. I was going go for a Panasonic EX750 but I've heard people have stuttering issues?

I've eyed up the Sony 49XE9005.

Do LG have an equivalent? I much prefer WebOS over Android.

With the 2018 models so close, is it worth waiting for their replacements?

I had a Samsung F7000 for a week before swapping out to the VT65 due to horrible clouding in the corners and edge light bleed, so my LCD experience has been tainted previously, so I really would prefer a FALD set over edge.

The TV will be in a corner, with a corner sofa opposite. So viewing angles will be fairly head on so I'm not sure if VA panels will be an issue in this respect.

I'd rather not ay more than £1200.

I guess I better put my Panasonic up for sale :/

Thanks for your help guys.
 
So. I was going go for a Panasonic EX750 but I've heard people have stuttering issues?

I've eyed up the Sony 49XE9005.
Both these TVs have reports of stuttering issues, in fact I don't know a TV that doesn't have some kind of motion complaint. It doesn't mean you will have a problem though and if you do, it doesn't mean you will notice it either. No way to tell without seeing the TV in the flesh. Even then, you could get it home and it may not play ball with your own sources!

Do LG have an equivalent? I much prefer WebOS over Android.
Not if you want good screen uniformity, blacks, contrast no. LGs LCDs all use IPS panels so they have wider viewing angles, but worse PQ traits than a VA type panel.

I had a Samsung F7000 for a week before swapping out to the VT65 due to horrible clouding in the corners and edge light bleed, so my LCD experience has been tainted previously, so I really would prefer a FALD set over edge.
So this is an LCD that uses a VA type panel. Whilst TVs vary with screen uniformity, even the same model I'm quite sure that you will definitely not want a TV with an IPS type panel if you we're already dissatisfied with this.

The TV will be in a corner, with a corner sofa opposite. So viewing angles will be fairly head on so I'm not sure if VA panels will be an issue in this respect.
VA panels start to look washed out at about 20-30 degrees from the centre of the TV. IPS a little wider, 40-50 usually.

I guess I better put my Panasonic up for sale :/
I feel for you, you aren't going to match that with a 50" TV now.

Best option will be the Sony XE9005 I think, the Panasonic EX750 is a decent model too, but it doesn't match the Sony's HDR performance so for only a little extra, you get a much better TV overall with the Sony.

If you have no plans for HDR, then the Panasonic is more of a consideration.

Since you are concerned about judder, be sure if you can to demo the TVs before you make your decision. If that isn't possible make sure you buy from somewhere with a good return policy just in case you find you notice problems.

Remember, Plasma TVs are the kings of motion. You aren't going to beat them today even with a high end LCD/OLED and certainly won't with a mid range 50" TV. They just don't make them like they use to anymore.

Useful reads for you may be: Thinking of replacing your plasma? (I just moved from Plasma to LCD)
and
UHD vs FHD
 
Thanks for your comments :)
I think I'll what for the XF to arrive, hopefully won't be priced too high
 
It will probably be at least £500 more than the XE90.
On 9th Feb Sony announced USA pricing of their X900F & X850F Tv's (XF90 & XF85 in UK).

See details at www.flatpanelshd.com via the 'news' tab.

I am now considering the 49XF90 so the USA price of $1100 looks reasonable providing the equivalent for the UK will be £800 (1.38$/£). However I think we will be screwed for a higher price . Can't wait for the first reviews.
 
On 9th Feb Sony announced USA pricing of their X900F & X850F Tv's (XF90 & XF85 in UK).

See details at www.flatpanelshd.com via the 'news' tab.

I am now considering the 49XF90 so the USA price of $1100 looks reasonable providing the equivalent for the UK will be £800 (1.38$/£). However I think we will be screwed for a higher price . Can't wait for the first reviews.
It won't be £800. It will be more like £1100. Still, if its at least as good or better than the XE90 pricing that is a much, much better release price than last year.
 
It won't be £800. It will be more like £1100. Still, if its at least as good or better than the XE90 pricing that is a much, much better release price than last year.
Agreed...... the 49XE9005 was reviewed by What Hi-fi on 22nd March last year at £1,500 but currently sells for £999.
However I think the UK consumer is overcharged initially so hopefully the price of the 2018 models will drop BEFORE the Fifa World Cup in June as that is now my target purchase date for a TV upgrade.
 
I wouldn't be surprised to see the 49" XF9005 at £1499. Hope I'm wrong as I'm half-interested in seeing how it turns out.
 
I too am skeptical, I think pricing here won't drop until black friday. Maybe, just maybe you can get £100 off during the world cup.

Usually pattern is:
  • They give away free stuff with TV, UHD Blu-Ray player/Sound bar (from August>September).
  • Then black friday is when the serious discounts happen and really the only time someone should buy a TV at least if they care for value.
  • Pricing remains its lowest in clearance sales on last years models, usually between now and May.
If anything they push release prices up (or the stores do) so they can reduce them to stock prices on the world cup deals.
 
New 2018 Panasonic OLED & LED TVs announced.....TX-49FX750B is a potential choice for my up and coming upgrade from 5.5 year old panny 47DT50.
See details at www.panasonic.com/uk and on avforums TV Hub / news.

Just the Samsung & LG announcements to wait for, then it will be review time. Can't wait.

PS
The 'Frameless, glass panel' design excites me.......hated those wide shiney piano-black bezels of older models!.
 
Last edited:
Hello to all from Madrid.

Looking for some advice, if you can spare a few minutes, and it seems to fit well with this thread...

I'm intending to upgrade my old 40" Sony Full HD (which is over 10 years old and starting to show it), and have seen the 49" XE90 which is the same height and not much wider than what I have now - I don't want anything any bigger.

I'm not a huge TV/Cinema buff, mostly watch whatever is being emitted in HD, some sport, movies, etc. but don't even have a Blu-Ray player, for example, and haven't played a videogame in 20 years - but do have 2 kids that like to dance along to YouTube videos!

Is the XE90 a good choice, given my circumstances, especially as I might be able to get it at 900€ (EUR)?

Or is it way too much tech for my needs, and I should go for something simpler / cheaper?

Any point in me waiting for XF90, which is now listed on Sony.es for 1,499€ (49")?

Thanks for any input
 
@MadridMan Hola

I'd say the XE90 is an overkill for your uses, its a TV designed to be an entry level HDR model.

The problem is though there is a lack of options at lower sizes.

I'd say you probably are better off spending a lot less on something like the Samsung 50MU6100, Hisense 50N6800, Philips 50PUS6xx or Panasonic 50EX700.

What is the current pricing in Spain of the Sony 49XE9005 compared to those models and also compared to the Panasonic 50EX750?
 
New 2018 Panasonic OLED & LED TVs announced.....TX-49FX750B is a potential choice for my up and coming upgrade from 5.5 year old panny 47DT50.
See details at www.panasonic.com/uk and on avforums TV Hub / news.

Just the Samsung & LG announcements to wait for, then it will be review time. Can't wait.

PS
The 'Frameless, glass panel' design excites me.......hated those wide shiney piano-black bezels of older models!.

STOP PRESS!

2018 PANNY SPECS NOW DETAILED AT www.displayspecifications.com which confirms panels are MVA as oppose to IPS. Is that good or not so good?, ..... expert opinions welcome please.
 
Last edited:
STOP PRESS!

2018 PANNY SPECS NOW DETAILED AT www.displayspecifications.com which confirms panels are MVA as oppose to IPS. Is that good or not so good?, ..... expert opinions welcome please.
I wouldn't rely on that site for panel info as they are often wrong. However most of Panasonic's UHD range is VA, they usually use innolux VA panels. Been that way as long as I can remember.

It's only the lower end DX600/EX600 at 49"/55" which are using IPS from their UHD range anyway. Even the 40" version of those TVs uses VA.

So not really surprised, I'd be more concerned about HDR performance.
 
I wouldn't rely on that site for panel info as they are often wrong. However most of Panasonic's UHD range is VA, they usually use innolux VA panels. Been that way as long as I can remember.

It's only the lower end DX600/EX600 at 49"/55" which are using IPS from their UHD range anyway. Even the 40" version of those TVs uses VA.

So not really surprised, I'd be more concerned about HDR performance.

Regarding HRD performance, the stated brightness level (if correct), of the new Panasonic TX-49FX750 is 600cd/m2 (600 Nits). Compared to say the 2017 Samsung QE49Q7 at 1000 Nits, which model would suit me better being a broadcast TV, Netflix and Amazon Prime viewer but not a gamer?. I really do like the glass panel design of the Panny.!.
 
Regarding HRD performance, the stated brightness level (if correct), of the new Panasonic TX-49FX750 is 600cd/m2 (600 Nits). Compared to say the 2017 Samsung QE49Q7 at 1000 Nits, which model would suit me better being a broadcast TV, Netflix and Amazon Prime viewer but not a gamer?. I really do like the glass panel design of the Panny.!.
We won't know for sure how bright it gets until someone tests it but it's still a small gain to be made by Panasonic over last year's and the year before. 600 or so is nice to have compared to 400 bit still isn't going to be great with HDR. I keep hoping they either drop their prices or make a big jump in HDR quality in their mid range but they don't seem to. Fundamentally an edge lit tv is going to hold back it's HDR performance anyway so perhaps Panasonic are wise when they aren't trying to implement high brightness on mid range models.

The Panasonic mid range and low range have always been very good tv's for SDR, in 2017 though their prices we're far too high.

This year for example it wasn't uncommon to find the Sony XE9005 which is a direct lit, HDR capable tv for less than the poorer performing Panasonic EX750.

Hopefully we will see some reviews of the new models but I suspect they will be small improvements when already the EX750 and DX750 are more than good enough yo display anything SDR very well.

As for your question about. the Q7 and the FX750 it's hard to say when the Panasonic hasn't been reviewed yet but I imagine it will be just as good with SDR and worse with HDR.
The Sony XE9005 is the tv to beat at this price range.

I have to say though, the new Panasonic's are moving away from Innolux panels. I'd still be scared they may be IPS, particularly at 49 and 55" but let's hope those specs are right and they for sure they aren't using IPS panels. If they are using Samsung VA instead they may even be a little better with motion at the expense of slightly greyer blacks.
 
I tried checking with Panasonic UK Customer Services via email requesting confirmation of the type of panels in the 2018 TV range and this was their response:

"Thank you for your e-mail.
In regards to your query I would kindly advise you that regretfully, this information is not provided by the factory.
I trust that the above information will be of assistance to you. However, of course, if you should have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us."


Kind Regards,
Rose
Customer Service Team
Panasonic UK


Does this mean Panasonic does not want the 'layperson' to know of such technicalities?
 
They are the same as any manufacturer and their customer service department don't get given the info.

Probably because no company cares about customer service, but could also be because they want to have the option of putting poorer quality panels in certain areas/TVs.
 
I tried checking with Panasonic UK Customer Services via email requesting confirmation of the type of panels in the 2018 TV range and this was their response:

"Thank you for your e-mail.
In regards to your query I would kindly advise you that regretfully, this information is not provided by the factory.
I trust that the above information will be of assistance to you. However, of course, if you should have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us."


Kind Regards,
Rose
Customer Service Team
Panasonic UK


Does this mean Panasonic does not want the 'layperson' to know of such technicalities?

I'm not surprised at this answer from Panasonic, it will be the same from the others as well, an example of this is someone was told by LG about the LG SJ800v being a true 10 bit panel last year, the LG SJ810v, same model, different stand, is only 8 bit + FRC, which then turned into a wild goose chase and confused many people over on the LG forums, including myself, so you can take these answers with a grain of salt.

DisplaySpecifications - Specifications and features of desktop monitors and TVs isn't reliable either.
 
Thanks for the link...phew, mind boggling!

You tell me, it's a minefield out there!

It's the same with everything nowadays, everyone making parts for everyone else's products.

Lucky we have some peeps on here who know information at source which helps, and there are tons of reviews out there on the interweb, youtube I'd treat with a grain of salt, so much mudslinging.

And the problem is if you went into a big chain store and asked these questions, they wouldn't have a clue, unless it's a specialist like mark's electrical, richer sounds, john lewis etc.
 
wonder why you want to downsize 55VT65 is slightly larger than OLED55C7V
 

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