Latest news with #TCLQM851
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Yahoo
You Asked: Apple TV vs. your TV upscaling dilemma and perplexing pixelation
On today's You Asked: Can you stop the Apple TV 4K from upscaling — and should you? Why is HLG the broadcast standard for HDR and how did some folks get the Super Bowl in Dolby Vision or HDR10? Do secret 3D TVs exist? And why do dark scenes tend to look pixelated? Michael Sabin writes: I have a new TCL QM851 and use an Apple TV as the primary streaming device. I know you always recommend letting your TV perform all the upscaling, but I can't find a way to do this with Apple TV. If I set the resolution to 4K, it seems like everything gets upconverted to 4K. Do you know of a way to let Apple TV pass through the native resolution of the content? It's true: I'm always saying 'Let the TV do the upscaling.' However, you've discovered for yourself that the Apple TV 4K scales everything to the resolution selected in the 'format' section of the Video and Audio settings menu. The Apple TV 4K does allow the box to pass along the signal with its original SDR, HDR, or Dolby Vision dynamic range format, and it will let you keep the original frame rate, but the resolution of the signal will always be upconverted to whatever is set in the format section of the settings menu. Fortunately the Apple TV 4K's built-in upscaler is fairly good. However, if you want your TV to handle the upscaling of any non-4K native content, you either need to use the TV's built-in apps or a different kind of streaming box. I would not recommend trying to reduce the Apple TV 4K's video output resolution to match what you think the resolution of the content may be — because it's likely doing some kind of processing no matter what. If you're wondering if your TV is noticeably better at upscaling what you watch a lot, try an A/B comparison between that content as played through the Apple TV 4K versus the TV's built-in app. Keep in mind, though, that a lot of the content we watch is upscaled by the service streaming it. Make sure that the content you use for comparison is coming over as 480, 720, or 1080p. Also remember that the lower the resolution of the content, the harder the upscaling job. You're less likely to notice as much difference in 1080p content upscaled to 4K as an older 480p or lower resolution TV show. Another thing that makes me less concerned about the Apple TV 4K and upscaling: That conversion from a lower resolution to a higher resolution is part of the processing needed to make a beautiful picture. The TV's processor will still try to clean up the image and get rid of macroblocking, for example. If you run the test, let us know the results. My guess is that the Apple TV 4K is likely doing a good enough job. Bradley writes: I've been reading a lot about the different HDR formats, and I'm particularly interested in Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), especially since it's being used by major broadcasters like Fox for live sports. I understand that HLG was specifically developed to handle live TV broadcasts and is backward-compatible with SDR displays, which makes it a practical choice for broadcast. However, I'm curious: Do you think HLG will remain the primary HDR format for live TV broadcasts moving forward? Or do you think other formats, like HDR10 or Dolby Vision, might eventually take over as broadcasting technology evolves, especially with new standards like ATSC 3.0? Additionally, do you know if any other networks are planning to adopt HLG for their broadcasts in the near future, or is Fox currently leading the way in this regard? This is a fun question to answer following the Super Bowl, which was presented in HDR on local over-the-air broadcast channels, as well as through streaming services like Tubi, Fubo, and YouTube TV, and by cable and satellite networks. The ATSC 3.0 — or NextGen TV — station for my local Fox affiliate delivered the game in Dolby Vision. Comcast also delivered the game in Dolby Vision to its eligible customers. Meanwhile, YouTube TV and Tubi delivered it in HDR10. The conversion to Dolby Vision or HDR10 was handled by the individual providers because the game was delivered by Fox in HLG. The BBC and Japan's NHK co-developed HLG — or Hybrid Log Gamma — specifically for live broadcasts. The problem with HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10 is the metadata. Generating the metadata needed for those formats on the fly was once a technically impossible job, but obviously we have cleared that hurdle since it was converted to at least some degree by individual providers. However the challenge remains: The metadata takes up bandwidth that some providers can't accommodate. The other issue is that broadcasters need to be able to send out one signal that everyone can use. Not everyone can use an HDR-only signal. The beauty of HLG is in the name. The darker half of the signal — dark to mid-tones — follows a standard gamma curve, similar to the one used in SDR. The brighter half of the signal — the highlights — follows a logarithmic curve, which better preserves highlight details in HDR. The darker- to medium-bright areas of the signal are static, which convert just fine for SDR, while the brighter areas use a logarithmic gamma curve that can be used by HDR TVs. For the foreseeable future, I think live broadcasts will stick with HLG. Individual providers can decide if they want to upgrade that for their streams, cable delivery, or ATSC 3.0 broadcasts — just like it was done for Super Bowl LIX. Steve R. writes: I own a LG 65UF8500-UB that I bought new in 2016 and it still works and looks great. I would love to get a new TV with all the new features, but the main reason I haven't is because, as far as I know, there are no other 3D capable TVs on the market. I still use the 3D function every now and then with my own and my friend's 3D Blu-ray collection. As I mentioned, my LG still looks great, but I'm worried that it won't last a whole lot longer since it's 9 years old. Are there any TVs that can display 3D movies that I don't know about? Will my TV last a good while longer? First, it's great that your TV is still hanging on after nine years. Even back in 2015, the life expectancy of a TV was decreasing, so the fact that you've had nine years out of yours is pretty good. I honestly don't know how much longer your TV will continue to work, but when it quits, it will likely be unexpected and sudden. The best things to do are acknowledge that you got a great run out of this TV and be ready to replace it when it dies. I'm sorry to report that there are no 3D TVs being made right now, and I don't think at-home 3D is coming back. When we get 3D entertainment at home, it will likely take the shape of personal entertainment — like 3D smart glasses or VR goggles. As much as you may miss the 3D aspect of your TV, I think you'll be thrilled enough with all the other elements of picture quality in an upgrade. TVs have come a long way since 2016. Steven from England writes: I've been enjoying my 50' Sony Bravia X75WL, which is a decent enough entry level model in the UK. One area I've been having issues with: dark scenes and pixelation. Whenever I'm watching a program in SDR, I always notice a large amount of pixelation in low-lit scenes, whether it's in the background or even on people's clothing and hair. Daytime scenes? No hint of it at all, and the colours are amazing, but as soon as the lights dim, that pixelation rears its ugly head. I notice it with streaming and aerial based services like Sky TV whether it's in Standard or High definition. The only time it doesn't appear is HDR or Dolby Vision, especially in shows you would expect, like Shogun that has numerous low-lit scenes. Is this a problem with the TV and something that can be fixed with settings, or is it the source (Netflix/Sky etc) and I'm worrying about a problem that can't be fixed? This issue, which I think many folks experience, is caused by a combination of your TV's processor capabilities and the limited video signal information coming from the streaming service or broadcaster. Another way of putting it: The signal has been highly compressed to save bandwidth and that lack of information can result in what you call pixelization and we also call macroblocking. It's possible to see macroblocking in well-lit scenes as well. It's just more common in darker areas of the picture because you're hoping to see detail in an area that the compression algorithm deems unimportant. There's enough info in the signal to suggest something is there, but not enough for a lower-quality TV processor to make sense of. Fancier TVs with more advanced processors tend to be better at handling this kind of situation. More advanced processing is needed only a small percentage of the time, but when you need it, you really need it. This is one of the better arguments in favor of buying a more premium TV, I think. The more content creators trend toward darker, moodier scenes, the more this issue tends to raise its ugly head. I think a more advanced TV processor — which you can now get from mid-range TVs — would help, but the compressed nature of the content will always make this an issue that pops up from time to time.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
Best TVs of 2025, Tested by CNET Experts
If you're looking to buy a new TV, you may be overwhelmed by the choices available. That's why we're here: to help you narrow down the options, and pick the best TV for your space and budget. We test for gaming features such as 4K/120Hz as well as streaming movies on the best smart TV platforms. In our CNET lab, we've looked at all the top brands including Samsung, Roku, LG, Hisense, Vizio and TCL side-by-side. From cheap 4K televisions to QLED and high-end OLED TVs, and everything in between, these are the top TVs we've reviewed in 2025. Read more: How We Test TVs Given the multitude of options, the latest TCL QM8 series has replaced the 2023 model at the top of our best TV list for a number of reasons. The TCL QM851 offers a number of upgrades on the previous year, including a better backlight, superb picture quality overall and an affordable price tag. When a friend asks me what TV to buy from 65 to 98 inches, I tell them the TCL QM8 series. Although the QM8 is my current favorite, it may not be right for your preferences or budget. If you want the best TV for the least amount of money, the Samsung DU7200 series is the best we've tested. TCL has topped our list of the best TVs for the last few years and the QM8 is even better than before. In my comparison tests, it continues to stand out with superior brightness and impact while still maintaining excellent contrast: a combination no other TV could match at this price. The key is mini-LED tech and well-implemented full-array local dimming. It also has a sleek design with a center-mount stand. The operating system is Google TV, which I don't like as much as Roku TV, but it's still a solid smart TV. The main downside of the TCL QM8 is that it's available only in large sizes (65 inches and up). If you're looking for a 55-inch TV, I recommend the Hisense U8N instead. Note that prices shown here are for the 65-inch size in the QM8 series. See at Best Buy If CNET had a best bang-for-buck award one of the first winners would be the Samsung DU7200, a TV which delivers a really good picture for an affordable price. The black levels and shadow detail are excellent for the money, and while our test unit looked a little desaturated out of the box that's easily fixed by adjusting the Color control. It has onboard streaming and the sound quality isn't too bad either. If you're looking for a bedroom unit or a gaming TV then the Samsung DU7200 is the model we would choose. See at Amazon If you're looking for the best TV for the money and the TCL QM8 is just too big, the Hisense U8N should be your go-to. I compared the two TVs side by side, and while I liked the picture quality of the QM8 better, the U8N has one medium-size advantage: a 55-inch screen option. If 65 is too large for your room, your budget or your tastes, the choice between the two is simple: Get the 55-inch Hisense U8N. Both offer excellent image quality and affordable prices thanks to mini-LED backlights and full-array local dimming, as well as similar gaming features and the Google TV operating system. Both cost hundreds less than you'd have to pay to get similar image quality from a better-known brand. Note that while I tested the 65-inch size in the U8N series, the prices shown here are for the 55-inch size. See at Amazon The C4 has better picture quality than any non-OLED TV on this list at a higher price, and it's still not outrageously expensive. Its perfect black levels, unbeatable contrast and superb off-angle viewing kept it a notch above the mini-LED models in my comparison tests, and while its overall brightness isn't quite as impressive, it's still an incredible performer in all kinds of room lighting. The C4 replaced the C3, and while we'll almost always recommend buying last year's version of a TV, the C4 is available for around the same price and so is the model to go for. The prices shown here are for the 65-inch size of the LG C4 series. See at Best Buy The Samsung S95D's matte finish does more than reduce reflections, it nearly eliminates them, improving image quality in bright rooms more than any OLED TV we've tested. Some non-OLED models have matte screens, but this is the first time they've been available in an OLED TV, a display technology that has always delivered the best picture available. That matte finish really works, reducing windows and other glare to dimmer blobs instead of super-bright, mirror-like distractions. The S95D also has an external box, allowing for a cleaner look with the option to store HDMI connections and the power cord out of sight. Between its versatile matte screen and awesome picture overall, the Samsung S95D delivers the best image quality of any TV we've tested, beating both the G4 and last year's winner, the G3, as well as any other non-OLED TV. But it also costs a ton, and most people -- even those with bright rooms -- will be perfectly happy with a less expensive TV. See at Samsung In our tests over the years, Vizio TVs have produced very good picture quality without breaking the bank. The Vizio Quantum Pro continues this trend: it's a solid midpriced TV option, though not without a few notable drawbacks. In side-by-side comparison tests in our lab, the Quantum Pro performed well for the money, with better contrast than the similarly priced Roku Plus Series, for example. On the other hand, as expected, slightly more expensive models like the TCL QM8 and Hisense U8K were better, with brighter images and higher contrast. One major drawback is the Quantum Pro's lack of size offerings; it comes only in 65- or 75-inch sizes. We reviewed the 65-inch model, but the review also applies to the 75-inch version since the specs and picture quality should be similar regardless of size. If you're looking for a smaller TV in this price range, you might instead turn to the Roku Plus Series, which offers a 55-inch model and a superior smart TV system. Vizio will also continue to offer this TV's predecessor, the M-Series Quantum X, in the 50-inch size. See at Walmart Competition among TVs in the middle pricing band is heating up, and the Plus Series is the latest entrant. Unlike the TCL Roku TVs higher on this list, this one is all Roku, with no other brands on board. It adds a couple of step-up extras, including QLED and full-array local dimming, which help deliver a better picture than the TCL 4-Series, for example. This is the first TV Roku has produced under its own brand, as opposed to partnering with a brand like TCL, Sharp, Pioneer or Hisense. The company also released a version with fewer features and no local dimming, called the Roku Select Series. The price shown below is for the 65-inch size. With all of the TVs available today, and all of the technical terms and jargon associated with television technology, it can be tough to figure out what's important. Here's a quick guide to help cut through the confusion. Screen size: Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV -- and 65 inches or larger is best. More so than any "feature," stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. One of the most common post-TV-purchase complaints we've heard is from people who didn't go big enough. And we rarely hear people complain that their TV is too large. Price: TVs range in price from $100 to more than $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive and spending more money can also get you better image quality. Most entry-level TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it might be worth spending more to get a better picture. It's also best to shop for a TV in the fall when prices are lower. Capability: Among entry-level TVs the most important feature is what kind of smart TV system the TV uses. Among midrange models, look for a feature including full-array local dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) do help improve the picture in our experience. Among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet. Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of TV reviews. Our primary TV test lab has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8x8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to evaluate every TV we review. In every CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side by side in various lighting conditions playing different media, including movies, TV shows and games, across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also account for design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input and gaming compatibility, among other factors. LG C3: When we reviewed the C3 in 2023 it was one of our favorite TVs, and this impression continued into the following year. It's still a great TV, but with the pricing on this and the C4 being identical right now it makes sense to go for the newer TV. Samsung S90D: The S90D performed well, but it suffered some contrast loss compared to the C4. Any differences between the C4 and S90D were subtle. One important aspect of image quality we test is overall brightness. Here's how brightness compares in nits across select TVs listed above. Check out How We Test TVs for more details. For more TV buying advice check out How to Buy a TV. We'll post the answers to commonly asked TV questions below. If you have any others, feel free to reach out on Twitter (@dkatzmaier), or by clicking the little envelope icon on my CNET profile page. Doing so will let you send a message straight to my inbox. Prices vary widely by size and features, from less than $100 for basic 24-inch TVs to more than $2,000 for big OLED models. TVs last a long time, so we think it's worthwhile to spend a little extra beyond the bare minimum to get a bigger screen, better picture quality or better features. With that in mind, here are some ballpark prices that will get you a very good TV in 2025. 55-inch: $700 65-inch: $1,000 75-inch: $1,300 You could pay (much) more or less. The fact is just about any TV will produce a picture decent enough to satisfy most viewers. Most complaints you read in user reviews aren't about picture quality. Instead, they're about ease of use, smart TV menus or sound (or a broken TV). In our opinion bigger is better, and your money is best spent on large screen sizes rather than a slight upgrade in image quality. The answer also depends on room size and seating distance: If you have a big room and sit farther away, you'll want a bigger TV. In our reviews, OLED TVs, which use organic light-emitting diode technology, have always had better picture quality than LED TVs, which are essentially LCD TVs that use LED backlights. The main reason is that OLED TVs can produce a perfectly dark shade of black with no stray illumination of blooming, which leads to better contrast and pop. LED TVs can get brighter, and usually cost less than OLED TVs. At CNET our favorite is Roku for its simplicity, but different systems like Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung and LG have different strengths, in particular for voice commands. In any case, we don't consider the built-in smart TV system that important because you can always connect a streaming device to any TV. Most TVs sound terrible because their thin cabinets don't have room for decent-sized speakers or a bass. If you want to get good sound you should buy an external audio system. Even an inexpensive soundbar will deliver much better audio quality than a TV's built-in speakers.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Our Favorite TV of 2025 Just Hit a Record Low Price Right in Time for the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is now just over a week away. If you've been looking to upgrade your TV for the big game, then now's the time. The TCL QM851 is an updated version of the basic QM8 -- our favorite TV of the year. Right now you can snag the the 65-inch model at an all-time low price. Multiple retailers have knocked this QLED TV down to just $898, which is a whopping $600 off the usual price. And if you want a bigger or smaller screen, don't fret, those are on sale, too. With the Super Bowl about a week away, here's no telling how long this deal will be available. We'd recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later, especially if you want it in time for the big game. We saw some excellent numbers in our TCL QM8 review, and although we haven't reviewed the QM851 yet, we expect similar things. In that review, we felt the QM8 was great for people who didn't want an OLED, as the mini-LED didn't have any burn-in issues. We tested the 65-inch version of the QM8, which featured excellent image quality and brightness. Though it comes from value brand TCL, the QM851 doesn't scrimp on features. It comes packed with all the things you'd want from a midrange offering. That includes a true 120Hz refresh rate with HDMI 2.1, which means you can hook up an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 and get the full experience, along with VRR, or variable refresh rate. Other advanced features include AI optimization, Dolby Atmos audio support, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, Chromecast built-in and a dedicated gaming mode. It also has an IMAX Enhanced Certification, which means it meets specific requirements for resolution, contrast, brightness, color and sound, providing a truly immersive viewing experience at home. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. If this TCL isn't quite what you're looking for, you can check out our full roundup of all best TV deals available now for even more bargains. And be sure to take a look at the best cheap TV deals if you're on a tight budget. TCL's QM8 series tops our list of the overall best TVs on the market right now, which means they're already an excellent value at full price. And this Amazon deal drops the updated 65-inch model back down to the lowest price we've ever seen. It's currently on sale for just $898, which is $100 lower than the price we saw during Black Friday, making this a pretty serious (and rare) bargain. And since the Super Bowl is coming up, what better way to watch the game than with a new, high-quality, discounted TV.
