Title: The Pitfalls of Buying Budget Big Screen TVs: A Warning for Black Friday Shoppers
Subtitle: Expert Recommends Prioritizing Picture Quality and Black Uniformity Over Size
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Everyone dreams of owning a massive TV that can transform their living rooms into a home theater. In the past, however, large screen TVs were considered a luxury reserved for the wealthy. In recent years, the price of 75-inch TVs and above has significantly dropped, making them more accessible to the general public. With some options available for under $650 / £650 / AU$900, the allure of owning a giant TV has become irresistible.
However, budget TVs come with certain trade-offs. While they may not surpass the picture quality and performance of high-end models like OLEDs and QD-OLEDs, they offer a more affordable alternative. For instance, the LG G3 and Samsung S90C offer sizes up to 83 inches and 77 inches respectively, but come with price tags ranging from $2,499 to $5,499. For many consumers, these prices are still too steep.
On the other hand, brands like TCL, Hisense, Amazon, LG, and Samsung now offer 75-inch-plus TVs under $1,000. With the upcoming Black Friday deals, shoppers can expect even more enticing offers. However, it is important to exercise caution, as not all budget TVs are created equal.
During a recent comparison test between the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED and the Samsung CU8000, a significant disparity in picture quality was observed. The Omni QLED, equipped with a full array local dimming LED backlight, showcased superior performance, especially in darker conditions. Conversely, the Samsung CU8000, which used an edge-lit LED backlight, struggled with poor black uniformity and exhibited visible screen clouding, particularly noticeable due to its larger 75-inch size.
When watching a dark and brooding film like “The Batman,” the weaknesses of the Samsung CU8000 became evident. The blacks and shadows appeared gray, and light seemed to bleed across the screen, resulting in a subpar viewing experience. It was determined that the CU8000’s lack of a full array LED backlight with local dimming capability was a contributing factor to its poor performance.
In contrast, the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED fared better in similar scenes and conditions from “The Batman.” While the black levels were not perfect, the milky-cloudy light effect was less pronounced, allowing viewers to better discern the on-screen action.
Additional testing using demo footage from the Spears & Munsil UHD Benchmark Blu-ray showed that the Omni QLED handled contrast and black levels more effectively than the Samsung CU8000. Shots of a city at night exemplified the Omni QLED’s ability to showcase the depth of the night sky, thanks to its local dimming feature.
In conclusion, while the appeal of owning a budget-friendly big screen TV may be strong, shoppers should prioritize picture quality and black uniformity over size. Premium options such as OLED, QD-OLED, and mini-LED may come at a higher price, but they offer superior visual performance. Basic QLED or LED sets are acceptable alternatives as long as they possess the necessary features. However, it is strongly advised to steer clear of edge-lit TVs, especially for movie enthusiasts. The potential frustration caused by poor black uniformity in darkened viewing conditions makes them a less-than-ideal choice. Instead, consumers should invest their money wisely in TVs that excel in these areas, ensuring a satisfying viewing experience.
In the pursuit of Black Friday bargains, prospective TV buyers must conduct thorough research to avoid disappointment and make informed purchasing decisions.
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