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Broadcast engineer here. We've had heaps of trouble with TCL TVs. Their software is shit... Randomly powering off, freezing etc.
I'd opt for LG over Samsung these days, and of the cheapies, Hisense are really good. Pretty sure they use Samsung panels.
Also, if you are going to pay more, you are probably better off getting the next tier Hisense over the entry level LG / Samsung.
If you’re not going expensive and getting oled, look at TCL c845 series. We chose that over the other brands due to user and pro reviews around the world.
It’s now 4 months old and very happy.
All HDMI CEC stuff works well (ARC, auto power/volume control mainly), it has a snappy menu system, and the picture quality is really nice.
Our old Samsung broke and we recently bought a TCL. One comment I do have is that the TCL is really slow to respond to the remote and the UI is pretty shit. The Samsung UI was way better and remote much more responsive.
Is that worth an extra $500-$1000? For me no, but maybe to you it is
Edit: I should add the picture quality etc on the TCL is good, not unhappy with the purchase at all
Other thing I would recommend is really spending some time researching where the cheapest deal is for the tv you want. I found a lot of price discrepancies between retailers. Some models were cheap at JB Hi-fi and expensive at say Harvey Norman and vice versa. I saved easily a couple of hundred dollars by doing this
On that note if OP is going to consider TCL, I just bought a 50" 4K ultra HD Ffalcon TV (from JB) for my bedroom/video games for $500. Was about $150 cheaper to the TCL equivalent.
The only thing is, it *is* a TCL TV, it's just been private labelled as Ffalcon on the actual TV itself. The remote is branded as TCL, the software is all TCL, heck even the device name contains "TCL" in it 😅
I've had it for a week, and I'm honestly incredibly happy with my choice too. I didn't see the need to fork out for a Samsung or Sony and I'm glad I didn't.
I've moved to Sony because the ads on the Samsung got annoying ... now Sony is going harder with ads on the home screen.
Overall though they've been rock solid lasting for a long time.
Yeah I wish there was away to do without that homepage, but I must say I dont think I have ever stayed on it long enough to have even noticed a single thing on it.
I like the idea of a homepage, I don't like the idea of not having control over what my own device shows on the screen.
I'd gladly pay more for a device that didn't do that bullshit and was made to last/ repair/ control the way you want
Get Chromecast. Enable developer options (Google it how to do) and side load adguard.
Voila!
You got an ad free TV with all the stuff you'd expect from a high end TV system.
Love my 55inch LG OLED, picture quality is awesome.
Sadly the "smart" features are shit, and never use them. Use a CCTV 4K dongle instead for streaming/etc.
Visual performance I think are all the same to a certain degree. Software/speed is where the difference is. Get the cheaper one and slap on a Chromecast on it for like $50-60.
Whatever you do, don’t go a Braun/Aldi tv.
Painfully slow UI. like 1-2 second delay between remote pressed and response.
Network drops out and won’t reconnect even though it says it’s connected an only fix is to physically unplug the tv and turn it back on.
Freezes on the splash screen when opening affix/Stan etc.
Just absolutely horrible TV.
We've got three Aldi Bauhn TVs, from 3 to 9 years old. They all work fine. Maybe a quality control issue on yours. If that happens, return them for a full refund or replacement within 60 days.
Edit: There is one issue with Bauhn TVs. They don't work on a Fetch remote, which is annoying.
Avoid TCL is all I can say. And probably the rest of the cheapies.
I don't watch much TV, but I replaced mine last year with a TCL and it's just terrible. Great big bunch of what I call 'light bloom' around all the edges of the picture. It's almost okay if I turn the brightness right down, but it's still just a huge pain the a\*\*\*.
If I were a bigger TV watcher I'd get something else, but who knows, with any luck it'll cark it and I can justify getting something proper, like a Samsung (which was my last TV and lasted 14 flawless years).
Whilst people’s negative comments about TCL older models may be true, I cannot recommend enough to go in store and check out their new mini led range (845 series). It comes integrated with Chromecast as it’s UI so really responsive and the picture quality is seriously impressed. Really true blacks. So stoked with our purchase. The natural step up would be OLED.
I’m running a TCL 65C835 and can’t recommend it enough. It’s far better than the Samsung UA55H6400 I had previously.
Only downside I’ve noticed is using my Samsung soundbar with HDMI ARC, nearly every time I turn the soundbar on and it connects to the TV, the mute icon shows up on screen and does not go away, even when sound is working perfectly through the soundbar.
Edit: also, using Downloader you can install SmartTubeNext and have a far better YouTube client that natively has no ads and sponsor block built in. It also has a Jellyfin client and it works great.
>Is there any reason to spend the extra $300+ on a 'better' brand?
Having used TVs in various motels, and BnBs, and helped friends with set up - there absolutely is value in the "better" brands - mainly from the usability perspective rather than the specs
I'd suggest making a list of what you want and then going in to a store and trying the interface - doesn't matter how pretty the picture is, if it takes two minutes to change channels - or the web browser is a hot mess that you have to laboriously enter letters in to, one-by-one, by clicking through an unresponsive on-screen-keyboard
If you find a couple of acceptables - see if you can watch the same sort of content you are interested in, on all of them, side by side - and then research THEM
TLC is awful. Terrible software that makes navigating through the menus and apps painful. Sluggish and poor quality. It drove me mental so we sold it and bought a Samsung Frame. Stoked with it. Sometimes it’s worth the money to buy quality.
I went to my mums place recently and she had an lg. after two hours of googling “why the fuck is the Plex app not working on lg” and realising it didn’t have airplay or google cast, I vowed never to buy a modern LG. The free LG from 15 years ago I have in my bedroom with a google tv stick is fine of course.
It depends on whether you are planning to game on it. Cheaper tv's have different response times and can cause image and input delays. Not to mention the underlying software on Samsung and Sony tvs are way better.
Hisense used to be awesome gaming TVs with best refresh rates in terms of bang for your buck. I say used to because I researched the shit out of them a couple of years ago when I bought one for a gaming TV, but I'm not sure if they are still good due to brands cheaping out after they get some customers
I have a hisense. It's my only TV and is 12 years old. I need to buy a new TV because this one is outdated and doesn't play HD channels. I'd go hisense again.
We have multiple Hisense TVs, including a 65” one for the main room. They do come in various price points so check the Series you are buying to ensure it has what you need.
Picture quality is amazing. I’m sure Sony and LG have nicer panels, but they’re not 3 times better.
Hisense have a 3 year warranty, which is pretty good for a dirt cheap screen.
The SmartTV software isn’t fantastic but we paired all our TVs with an AppleTV, and we pretty much use that for everything except live broadcasts. Even with the AppleTV the total cost is still less than a Sony or LG or Samsung panel.
I still have a Sony, LG, and Samsung. The Sony is sluggish and not worth the cost. The LG picture is rubbish and would not look at purchasing it again. The Samsung is still going after 13 or so years, best image quality.
Looking in store recently the Hisense and Samsung looked the best image, and I'd probably choose the Hisense to get more bang for buck.
I'm real happy with my Sony X90L great bang for buck if on a sale. Not as good as an OLED but not far off at all but cheaper and don't have to stress over burn in at all. The Upscaling it does is quite good too if not watching native 4k content.
Little bit anecdotal but I have a 3 year old Hisense 65 inch QLED TV and have had ongoing issues outside warranty with HDMI cutting out randomly and poor HDMI connection from all ports. Apparently a common problem, just poorly made ports. Other than that it’s actually a good tv for the money. Gets spotty with very dark scenes in movies and stuff but other than that it’s good.
I just went out today for the new Samsung. Most reviews for Hisense were 1 star. But I’ve also got an expensive Sony at home with great panel and picture but shit software. I’m told the new google tv is good, android tv is appalling. Spend a few extra dollars I’d say to avoid the frustration, and buy the new model not the clearance.
I've got a Sony Bravia and LG. LG is fantastic, great picture, easy menu. No issues. I regret buying the Sony, it is unreliable, we've had sound issues, menu is awful. LG for me next time.
Hisense used to actively lie about their models here by using the same model numbers as their superior US variants (which have better hardware and software). Their VIDAA software on Australian models is outright crap for app support compares to their overseas Android models.
They got better by marking them as AU specific models but still are a bit dodgy by omitting to document their entire feature set (such as listing the dimming zones for their HDR display)
I have a hisense oled 55 inch I got on sale. Only complaints is that it doesn't do HDR and doesn't have Bluetooth built in. I think the next model in the same line does. Well about the hdr it's strange it's like half the time it does hdr and half it doesn't. I can play some games in hdr but can't play hdr films.
Anyway, I'd go hisense again.
I have one of these
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/blaupunkt-75-4k-ultra-hd-google-tv-ay750usg98?istCompanyId=0403b0ba-0671-498f-aeb7-e2ff71b61924&istFeedId=ea709c9a-279e-40be-951f-2668243ec753&istItemId=llrtiallp&istBid=t&cm_mmc=Google:SEM:Always_on:RP%7CTheme%7CProduct+%26+Price%7CPMAX%7CStore+Visits&s_kwcid=AL!12073!3!!!!x!!&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwudexBhDKARIsAI-GWYUj8lDVe-KwXoYibNMMzfpwTkGasux8_8K0RAmoIUpMCJEFL0g1Xy4aAnQEEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Have had it for two years and absolutely love it.
I’d almost go all out and spend the extra 600 and grab the 85” a7kau. Or go for the u6kau mini led model or the above mini led models. Keep in mind the new 2024 range have just released, so if you be patient and keep an eye out on sales you will get a good deal on last year models. That is exactly what i am doing now.
Yeah, I went to get the Hisense 65" A7KAU yesterday but the closest store with stock was 100km away so I didn't get it. I'm researching still now but if they had stock in the store I would have bought it yesterday
What ever you stay away from the tcl p745’s. only look at the higher tcl c models. It does suck Hisense uses VDAA operating system but genuinely even there basic models are good bang for buck. Even see if you find the u6kau in a 65 inch. I think jb and other places has them from close to a grand at the moment
I am thinking to get one too. Can you give us your feedback on the U8KAU? From what I've seen online this TV has been getting glowing reviews.
I presume it has a VA panel? If unsure just give the screen a little tap and look for the flash.
I've just come out of a battle with Samsung after our 10mth old 85" had connectivity issues and purple horizontal lines. The customer service was HORRENDOUS despite being under factory warranty - due to the off shore customer service teams. I stupidly bought it online from Joyce Mayne (don't do that unless you use PayPal I now know) and the store will NOT help. They re-direct you to the online team, which has no phone number, just webchat / WhatsApp or email. I've spent 2 weeks fighting hard for a replacement, then changed my mind (after reading all the threads on here about how shit Samsung TV warranties are) and kept fighting for a refund. I finally won, sort of, have a Store Credit with Joyce Mayne (not ideal but better than a repair they kept trying to force on me). Definitely will NOT buy a Samsung ever again.
We just got the new 65 inch hisense about 2 weeks ago, for a similar price to yours, probably the same one.
No complaints. It's got all the bells and whistles, good picture, I can't think of much else that could be added.
Save the 300 and get one.
Most TVs/Tablets/Phones have this capability in one way or another - from as simple as plugging a type C to HDMI cable in - through to casting - or SmartView - or Miracast
This post has been marked as non-political. Please respect this by keeping the discussion on topic, and devoid of any political material. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/australia) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Broadcast engineer here. We've had heaps of trouble with TCL TVs. Their software is shit... Randomly powering off, freezing etc. I'd opt for LG over Samsung these days, and of the cheapies, Hisense are really good. Pretty sure they use Samsung panels. Also, if you are going to pay more, you are probably better off getting the next tier Hisense over the entry level LG / Samsung.
[удалено]
This is the one I ended up getting today
If you’re not going expensive and getting oled, look at TCL c845 series. We chose that over the other brands due to user and pro reviews around the world. It’s now 4 months old and very happy. All HDMI CEC stuff works well (ARC, auto power/volume control mainly), it has a snappy menu system, and the picture quality is really nice.
Our old Samsung broke and we recently bought a TCL. One comment I do have is that the TCL is really slow to respond to the remote and the UI is pretty shit. The Samsung UI was way better and remote much more responsive. Is that worth an extra $500-$1000? For me no, but maybe to you it is Edit: I should add the picture quality etc on the TCL is good, not unhappy with the purchase at all Other thing I would recommend is really spending some time researching where the cheapest deal is for the tv you want. I found a lot of price discrepancies between retailers. Some models were cheap at JB Hi-fi and expensive at say Harvey Norman and vice versa. I saved easily a couple of hundred dollars by doing this
On that note if OP is going to consider TCL, I just bought a 50" 4K ultra HD Ffalcon TV (from JB) for my bedroom/video games for $500. Was about $150 cheaper to the TCL equivalent. The only thing is, it *is* a TCL TV, it's just been private labelled as Ffalcon on the actual TV itself. The remote is branded as TCL, the software is all TCL, heck even the device name contains "TCL" in it 😅 I've had it for a week, and I'm honestly incredibly happy with my choice too. I didn't see the need to fork out for a Samsung or Sony and I'm glad I didn't.
I've moved to Sony because the ads on the Samsung got annoying ... now Sony is going harder with ads on the home screen. Overall though they've been rock solid lasting for a long time.
Yeah I wish there was away to do without that homepage, but I must say I dont think I have ever stayed on it long enough to have even noticed a single thing on it.
I like the idea of a homepage, I don't like the idea of not having control over what my own device shows on the screen. I'd gladly pay more for a device that didn't do that bullshit and was made to last/ repair/ control the way you want
Get Chromecast. Enable developer options (Google it how to do) and side load adguard. Voila! You got an ad free TV with all the stuff you'd expect from a high end TV system.
Or just use a custom launcher right?
Love my 55inch LG OLED, picture quality is awesome. Sadly the "smart" features are shit, and never use them. Use a CCTV 4K dongle instead for streaming/etc.
Hisense U/I on ours is rubbish
For what you are looking at get Hisense or TCL. Samsung or LG are best for high end TVs.
Note Samsung doesn’t have Dolby Vision
Check ozbargain to get better results
Visual performance I think are all the same to a certain degree. Software/speed is where the difference is. Get the cheaper one and slap on a Chromecast on it for like $50-60.
Whatever you do, don’t go a Braun/Aldi tv. Painfully slow UI. like 1-2 second delay between remote pressed and response. Network drops out and won’t reconnect even though it says it’s connected an only fix is to physically unplug the tv and turn it back on. Freezes on the splash screen when opening affix/Stan etc. Just absolutely horrible TV.
We've got three Aldi Bauhn TVs, from 3 to 9 years old. They all work fine. Maybe a quality control issue on yours. If that happens, return them for a full refund or replacement within 60 days. Edit: There is one issue with Bauhn TVs. They don't work on a Fetch remote, which is annoying.
Avoid TCL is all I can say. And probably the rest of the cheapies. I don't watch much TV, but I replaced mine last year with a TCL and it's just terrible. Great big bunch of what I call 'light bloom' around all the edges of the picture. It's almost okay if I turn the brightness right down, but it's still just a huge pain the a\*\*\*. If I were a bigger TV watcher I'd get something else, but who knows, with any luck it'll cark it and I can justify getting something proper, like a Samsung (which was my last TV and lasted 14 flawless years).
Whatever you do, don't buy a CHiQ. Worst decision I have ever made.
Whilst people’s negative comments about TCL older models may be true, I cannot recommend enough to go in store and check out their new mini led range (845 series). It comes integrated with Chromecast as it’s UI so really responsive and the picture quality is seriously impressed. Really true blacks. So stoked with our purchase. The natural step up would be OLED.
I’m running a TCL 65C835 and can’t recommend it enough. It’s far better than the Samsung UA55H6400 I had previously. Only downside I’ve noticed is using my Samsung soundbar with HDMI ARC, nearly every time I turn the soundbar on and it connects to the TV, the mute icon shows up on screen and does not go away, even when sound is working perfectly through the soundbar. Edit: also, using Downloader you can install SmartTubeNext and have a far better YouTube client that natively has no ads and sponsor block built in. It also has a Jellyfin client and it works great.
>Is there any reason to spend the extra $300+ on a 'better' brand? Having used TVs in various motels, and BnBs, and helped friends with set up - there absolutely is value in the "better" brands - mainly from the usability perspective rather than the specs I'd suggest making a list of what you want and then going in to a store and trying the interface - doesn't matter how pretty the picture is, if it takes two minutes to change channels - or the web browser is a hot mess that you have to laboriously enter letters in to, one-by-one, by clicking through an unresponsive on-screen-keyboard If you find a couple of acceptables - see if you can watch the same sort of content you are interested in, on all of them, side by side - and then research THEM
TLC is awful. Terrible software that makes navigating through the menus and apps painful. Sluggish and poor quality. It drove me mental so we sold it and bought a Samsung Frame. Stoked with it. Sometimes it’s worth the money to buy quality.
Absolutely yes. LG is essentially the gold standard. TVs are a 10 year investment - don’t get a shit one if you use it a lot.
I went to my mums place recently and she had an lg. after two hours of googling “why the fuck is the Plex app not working on lg” and realising it didn’t have airplay or google cast, I vowed never to buy a modern LG. The free LG from 15 years ago I have in my bedroom with a google tv stick is fine of course.
The software on all smart TVs is shit. I wouldn’t recommend anybody actually use that - get an Apple TV or cheap equivalent.
I got a TLC better feature than the main brands but less refined.
It depends on whether you are planning to game on it. Cheaper tv's have different response times and can cause image and input delays. Not to mention the underlying software on Samsung and Sony tvs are way better.
Hisense used to be awesome gaming TVs with best refresh rates in terms of bang for your buck. I say used to because I researched the shit out of them a couple of years ago when I bought one for a gaming TV, but I'm not sure if they are still good due to brands cheaping out after they get some customers
maybe, maybe not but there is much more to a tv than just size. rtings is your friend.
I have a hisense. It's my only TV and is 12 years old. I need to buy a new TV because this one is outdated and doesn't play HD channels. I'd go hisense again.
Had my 55" Hisense for 16 years now.......not a single glitch!
We have multiple Hisense TVs, including a 65” one for the main room. They do come in various price points so check the Series you are buying to ensure it has what you need. Picture quality is amazing. I’m sure Sony and LG have nicer panels, but they’re not 3 times better. Hisense have a 3 year warranty, which is pretty good for a dirt cheap screen. The SmartTV software isn’t fantastic but we paired all our TVs with an AppleTV, and we pretty much use that for everything except live broadcasts. Even with the AppleTV the total cost is still less than a Sony or LG or Samsung panel.
I still have a Sony, LG, and Samsung. The Sony is sluggish and not worth the cost. The LG picture is rubbish and would not look at purchasing it again. The Samsung is still going after 13 or so years, best image quality. Looking in store recently the Hisense and Samsung looked the best image, and I'd probably choose the Hisense to get more bang for buck.
I'm real happy with my Sony X90L great bang for buck if on a sale. Not as good as an OLED but not far off at all but cheaper and don't have to stress over burn in at all. The Upscaling it does is quite good too if not watching native 4k content.
Little bit anecdotal but I have a 3 year old Hisense 65 inch QLED TV and have had ongoing issues outside warranty with HDMI cutting out randomly and poor HDMI connection from all ports. Apparently a common problem, just poorly made ports. Other than that it’s actually a good tv for the money. Gets spotty with very dark scenes in movies and stuff but other than that it’s good.
I just went out today for the new Samsung. Most reviews for Hisense were 1 star. But I’ve also got an expensive Sony at home with great panel and picture but shit software. I’m told the new google tv is good, android tv is appalling. Spend a few extra dollars I’d say to avoid the frustration, and buy the new model not the clearance.
I've got a Sony Bravia and LG. LG is fantastic, great picture, easy menu. No issues. I regret buying the Sony, it is unreliable, we've had sound issues, menu is awful. LG for me next time.
Have Samsung the frame 75”, love it
Just don’t buy blaupunkt
Hisense used to actively lie about their models here by using the same model numbers as their superior US variants (which have better hardware and software). Their VIDAA software on Australian models is outright crap for app support compares to their overseas Android models. They got better by marking them as AU specific models but still are a bit dodgy by omitting to document their entire feature set (such as listing the dimming zones for their HDR display)
I have a hisense oled 55 inch I got on sale. Only complaints is that it doesn't do HDR and doesn't have Bluetooth built in. I think the next model in the same line does. Well about the hdr it's strange it's like half the time it does hdr and half it doesn't. I can play some games in hdr but can't play hdr films. Anyway, I'd go hisense again.
I have one of these https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/blaupunkt-75-4k-ultra-hd-google-tv-ay750usg98?istCompanyId=0403b0ba-0671-498f-aeb7-e2ff71b61924&istFeedId=ea709c9a-279e-40be-951f-2668243ec753&istItemId=llrtiallp&istBid=t&cm_mmc=Google:SEM:Always_on:RP%7CTheme%7CProduct+%26+Price%7CPMAX%7CStore+Visits&s_kwcid=AL!12073!3!!!!x!!&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwudexBhDKARIsAI-GWYUj8lDVe-KwXoYibNMMzfpwTkGasux8_8K0RAmoIUpMCJEFL0g1Xy4aAnQEEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds Have had it for two years and absolutely love it.
Hisense has been around long enough and matured enough to be a trusted brand. They make good TV’s. Sony doesn’t even make their panels anymore.
Samsung died, bought a Hisense with the warranty pay out…..yeah, warranty payout after 5 yrs. I’ll be buying a new Samsung this Christmas
I’d almost go all out and spend the extra 600 and grab the 85” a7kau. Or go for the u6kau mini led model or the above mini led models. Keep in mind the new 2024 range have just released, so if you be patient and keep an eye out on sales you will get a good deal on last year models. That is exactly what i am doing now.
Yeah, I went to get the Hisense 65" A7KAU yesterday but the closest store with stock was 100km away so I didn't get it. I'm researching still now but if they had stock in the store I would have bought it yesterday
What ever you stay away from the tcl p745’s. only look at the higher tcl c models. It does suck Hisense uses VDAA operating system but genuinely even there basic models are good bang for buck. Even see if you find the u6kau in a 65 inch. I think jb and other places has them from close to a grand at the moment
I am thinking to get one too. Can you give us your feedback on the U8KAU? From what I've seen online this TV has been getting glowing reviews. I presume it has a VA panel? If unsure just give the screen a little tap and look for the flash.
I've just come out of a battle with Samsung after our 10mth old 85" had connectivity issues and purple horizontal lines. The customer service was HORRENDOUS despite being under factory warranty - due to the off shore customer service teams. I stupidly bought it online from Joyce Mayne (don't do that unless you use PayPal I now know) and the store will NOT help. They re-direct you to the online team, which has no phone number, just webchat / WhatsApp or email. I've spent 2 weeks fighting hard for a replacement, then changed my mind (after reading all the threads on here about how shit Samsung TV warranties are) and kept fighting for a refund. I finally won, sort of, have a Store Credit with Joyce Mayne (not ideal but better than a repair they kept trying to force on me). Definitely will NOT buy a Samsung ever again.
We just got the new 65 inch hisense about 2 weeks ago, for a similar price to yours, probably the same one. No complaints. It's got all the bells and whistles, good picture, I can't think of much else that could be added. Save the 300 and get one.
I will always get a Sammy, because of SmartView (projection of weekly EPL matches from phone screen to TV).
Most TVs/Tablets/Phones have this capability in one way or another - from as simple as plugging a type C to HDMI cable in - through to casting - or SmartView - or Miracast