SpanyeWest
Standard Member
Hi all,
Thanks for taking the time to read this, its going to be a fairly lengthy post so apologies in advance. I've posted this in Reddit as well but figure here would actually be better so I've just copied it over. Theres going to be a lot of questions but any help at all would be massively appreciated.
Im currently looking to upgrade my 2 year old 50 inch samsung MU6120. I should also add that I am based in the UK so my options are somewhat limited with budget tvs. Im looking to upgrade to a 65 inch tv and my budget was originally around £1000 (although I realise I may have to spend more to get something im really happy with and im willing to do so if I really have to).
My current uses vary, however the bulk of what I watch is 4k/HDR movies and shows via Netflix/Amazon, 4k and Bluray discs, soon to be Disney+ when that releases here, as well as a solid amount of console gaming on my Xbox One X (I do intend to upgrade to the Xbox Series X eventually but thats not released for a while). Sometimes I watch SDR content through the Sky Go app but the quality is poor on that at the best of times. I also watch some sport (football and NFL). HDR films/shows and Gaming are my main uses though.
Now, everything I watch is via the Xbox, I never use the built in tv apps and I'd rather not (maybe im lazy). This is also because I run everything through my Onkyo 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos speakers/av receiver. The Xbox has a Dolby App which enables the atmos through various apps such as netflix as well as some games. The Dolby app can also enable Dolby Vision on apps like netflix however this only works with compatible tvs - would dolby vision running through the xbox differ from dolby vision handled directly from the tvs apps? Ive heard horror stories of dolby vision looking too dark with some tvs, is this down to the processing power of the tv and could this be fixed using the xbox instead?
When possible I like to watch my films in pitch darkeness, I have a dimmer in the room so I tend to judge it based on content or how im feeling. There would be some bright room viewing but nothing too bright and the tv wouldnt really be affected by a window as I keep the blinds down when the tv is on for the most part.
I went to currys to see some of the tvs but becuase none of them are really calibrated (all are just set to max brightness according to the salesman) its hard to gauge what looks best.
I had a look at the Sony XG950 which looked decent but the dolby vision he showed me on The Witcher on Netflix looked a little washed out (definitely not too dark though) and less vibrant than when it was turned off. Would this be the case with all dolby vision content? Is it just trying to show the content as close to the creators intention as possible? In addition ive seen a lot of complaints about blooming with the sony XG950, particularly with hdr content bleeding into the black bars or with subtitles, is this a huge issue or does it look significantly worse on youtube videos? This tv is currently around the £1,400 mark.
Other TVs im considering are the Samsung QLEDs, ive read on here to avoid anything below a Q70R. Coincidentally there's currently a deal at Richer Sounds for the 65 inch at £1,200 with a free HW-R450 soundbar worth £250 (I would sell this due to my current atmos setup). I've heard black crush is an issue but I quess I already get that with my current samsung and it hasnt really been an issue. I kind of like the idea of the colours popping too (but not to the point of it looking super fake) but the lack of dolby vision is concerning (however I would only want dolby vision if it was benefiting my picture/colour, not hindering it). The salesman at currys said its not worth getting anything below a Q80R, is this true or just sales talk? Another concern is the recent blooming issues ive heard about in game mode, can this be turned off? How bad is it really? Coincidentally Richer Sounds are running a similar deal for the Q80R for £1,400 with the HW-R450 soundbar (again i would sell the soundbar though). Is the Q80R worth an extra £200 over the Q70R? and are these good deals without the soundbars if I miss those promotions? How much would I miss dolby vision?
Another tv ive looked at, the Panasonic GX800B. This has good reviews across the board and has dolby vision and hdr10+. However, these reviews never state the quality of the dolby vision, more that its good that it has it. Reviews also state its not as vibrant as other models and the salesman in currys almost immediately warned me off Panasonics - are they really that bad? This TV seems to be the cheapest of the lot coming in at £1,150 (although the Q70R would be cheaper after selling soundbar and Q80R would be close).
Finally, OLEDs. My room would have a very max viewing distance of around 11.5ft/3.5m but currently my sofa is moved closer to the tv to make the tv appear bigger when watching. I could get a 55inch LG OLED for the same prices as one of the other 65 inches, maybe even cheaper (LG B9 and C9 range from £1,050-£1,300). I could stretch it to a 65 B9 at £1700 but that would require partial payment then financing and I'd kind of be stretching myself. The infinite blacks and hdmi 2.1 are very appealing to me but the fear of burn in is currently real given my gaming or if I leave the tv on pause when cooking. would I regret getting a 55inch at my viewing distance? Ideally 65 is the goal here but i want quality as well. I emailed LG about burn in and they said they couldnt guarantee replacements but it would be revied on a case by case basis. Very.co.uk also said they will likely cover burn in with their paid for extended warranty (I need to call to confirm this). Ive heard OLEDs make movies look outstanding though to the point where ive seen posts about it being so good its ruined cinemas for some people.
Finally offers, are these as low as these units will go or should I be waiting a month or so to purchase? Richer Sounds has a price match option for about a month after purchase I think where they refund the difference.
Thank you very much for reading my essay, if you've made it this far then you are amazing. Any input at all would be fantastic. I realise ive asked a lot of questions and im maybe asking for too much given my pricing. I also welcome any other TV suggestions you may have.
TLDR: I guess what im asking is which would the best tv be for my needs (hdr films, gaming), which are the best value (Sony XG950, Samsung Q70/80R, Panasonic TX800B, LG B9/C9) and how running everything through my Atmos av receiver and xbox one x would affect things if at all.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, its going to be a fairly lengthy post so apologies in advance. I've posted this in Reddit as well but figure here would actually be better so I've just copied it over. Theres going to be a lot of questions but any help at all would be massively appreciated.
Im currently looking to upgrade my 2 year old 50 inch samsung MU6120. I should also add that I am based in the UK so my options are somewhat limited with budget tvs. Im looking to upgrade to a 65 inch tv and my budget was originally around £1000 (although I realise I may have to spend more to get something im really happy with and im willing to do so if I really have to).
My current uses vary, however the bulk of what I watch is 4k/HDR movies and shows via Netflix/Amazon, 4k and Bluray discs, soon to be Disney+ when that releases here, as well as a solid amount of console gaming on my Xbox One X (I do intend to upgrade to the Xbox Series X eventually but thats not released for a while). Sometimes I watch SDR content through the Sky Go app but the quality is poor on that at the best of times. I also watch some sport (football and NFL). HDR films/shows and Gaming are my main uses though.
Now, everything I watch is via the Xbox, I never use the built in tv apps and I'd rather not (maybe im lazy). This is also because I run everything through my Onkyo 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos speakers/av receiver. The Xbox has a Dolby App which enables the atmos through various apps such as netflix as well as some games. The Dolby app can also enable Dolby Vision on apps like netflix however this only works with compatible tvs - would dolby vision running through the xbox differ from dolby vision handled directly from the tvs apps? Ive heard horror stories of dolby vision looking too dark with some tvs, is this down to the processing power of the tv and could this be fixed using the xbox instead?
When possible I like to watch my films in pitch darkeness, I have a dimmer in the room so I tend to judge it based on content or how im feeling. There would be some bright room viewing but nothing too bright and the tv wouldnt really be affected by a window as I keep the blinds down when the tv is on for the most part.
I went to currys to see some of the tvs but becuase none of them are really calibrated (all are just set to max brightness according to the salesman) its hard to gauge what looks best.
I had a look at the Sony XG950 which looked decent but the dolby vision he showed me on The Witcher on Netflix looked a little washed out (definitely not too dark though) and less vibrant than when it was turned off. Would this be the case with all dolby vision content? Is it just trying to show the content as close to the creators intention as possible? In addition ive seen a lot of complaints about blooming with the sony XG950, particularly with hdr content bleeding into the black bars or with subtitles, is this a huge issue or does it look significantly worse on youtube videos? This tv is currently around the £1,400 mark.
Other TVs im considering are the Samsung QLEDs, ive read on here to avoid anything below a Q70R. Coincidentally there's currently a deal at Richer Sounds for the 65 inch at £1,200 with a free HW-R450 soundbar worth £250 (I would sell this due to my current atmos setup). I've heard black crush is an issue but I quess I already get that with my current samsung and it hasnt really been an issue. I kind of like the idea of the colours popping too (but not to the point of it looking super fake) but the lack of dolby vision is concerning (however I would only want dolby vision if it was benefiting my picture/colour, not hindering it). The salesman at currys said its not worth getting anything below a Q80R, is this true or just sales talk? Another concern is the recent blooming issues ive heard about in game mode, can this be turned off? How bad is it really? Coincidentally Richer Sounds are running a similar deal for the Q80R for £1,400 with the HW-R450 soundbar (again i would sell the soundbar though). Is the Q80R worth an extra £200 over the Q70R? and are these good deals without the soundbars if I miss those promotions? How much would I miss dolby vision?
Another tv ive looked at, the Panasonic GX800B. This has good reviews across the board and has dolby vision and hdr10+. However, these reviews never state the quality of the dolby vision, more that its good that it has it. Reviews also state its not as vibrant as other models and the salesman in currys almost immediately warned me off Panasonics - are they really that bad? This TV seems to be the cheapest of the lot coming in at £1,150 (although the Q70R would be cheaper after selling soundbar and Q80R would be close).
Finally, OLEDs. My room would have a very max viewing distance of around 11.5ft/3.5m but currently my sofa is moved closer to the tv to make the tv appear bigger when watching. I could get a 55inch LG OLED for the same prices as one of the other 65 inches, maybe even cheaper (LG B9 and C9 range from £1,050-£1,300). I could stretch it to a 65 B9 at £1700 but that would require partial payment then financing and I'd kind of be stretching myself. The infinite blacks and hdmi 2.1 are very appealing to me but the fear of burn in is currently real given my gaming or if I leave the tv on pause when cooking. would I regret getting a 55inch at my viewing distance? Ideally 65 is the goal here but i want quality as well. I emailed LG about burn in and they said they couldnt guarantee replacements but it would be revied on a case by case basis. Very.co.uk also said they will likely cover burn in with their paid for extended warranty (I need to call to confirm this). Ive heard OLEDs make movies look outstanding though to the point where ive seen posts about it being so good its ruined cinemas for some people.
Finally offers, are these as low as these units will go or should I be waiting a month or so to purchase? Richer Sounds has a price match option for about a month after purchase I think where they refund the difference.
Thank you very much for reading my essay, if you've made it this far then you are amazing. Any input at all would be fantastic. I realise ive asked a lot of questions and im maybe asking for too much given my pricing. I also welcome any other TV suggestions you may have.
TLDR: I guess what im asking is which would the best tv be for my needs (hdr films, gaming), which are the best value (Sony XG950, Samsung Q70/80R, Panasonic TX800B, LG B9/C9) and how running everything through my Atmos av receiver and xbox one x would affect things if at all.