!!! ALERT !!!
Buying a modern TV is FAR(!) more complex than in the past.
* There’s different display technologies (LCD/LED, OLED, etc.) - OLED is best but very expensive. You want the highest contrast ratio possible.
* 1080p vs 4k - the 4k sets have come down A LOT!!! There’s not a lot of content YET but it is 4x the resolution of 1080. 4k upscaling quality varies between manufacturer, Sony is very good. I was surprised, they do more than “double up” the x/y pixels. They seem to do edge sharpening, so 1080p signals do actually look better, especially text. 4k Bluray players/content will arrive in a couple of months.
* Deep color (10-bit)
* HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 (applicable for 4k, but a MUST if getting one) - it allows higher frame rate 4k video.
* Even the remote can be a consideration (mine uses gyroscopes for an on screen “mouse”, also has a mic build into it)
* Smart TV’s have apps; Netflix, YouTube, Skype, etc.
* Processor speed!!!
* Built-in camera for video conferencing (Skype)?
* You may want UPNP/DLNA capabilities (stream from a home PC media server)
* Will you use a stereo/receiver/speaker setup or just use TV’s speakers?
* WiFi, I’ve done a few configurations, TV’s with built-in or has a wired connection (use a WiFi bridge) or a device (PS3). Built-in is probably easier. WiFi bridge or device allow you to upgrade the WiFi speed.
* 120Hz or better refresh rate
* 3D? I’m a big fan but it’s not popular, 2D->3D conversion is a joke.
* Screen sharing -> project your Android/Miracast phone/tablet onto the big screen.
* HVEC/H.265 decoding capability
* If you get a 1080p - well, I still love my plasma, you can’t beat the contrast ratio. They don’t make them at 4k - not sure at all anymore.
So, that said....
At ABC Warehouse I got:
* 55” LG 55UB8500 4K/3D LED TV
* Dual core processor
* Good upscaling
* HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 capable (at least one port)
* Built-in WiFi
* Deep color
* Gyro/mic mouse type remote
* Built-in apps
* UPNP/DLNA capable (they call it SmartShare)
* Supports a camera (not included)
* Decent built-in speakers
* 120 Hz, HVEC/H.265
* Screen sharing
For a promotional price of $1050...but you can probably do better now.
http://reviews.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lg-lcd-tv/lg-55ub8500.html
Hope that helps :)
Everyone seems to hate 3D, but I love it. I have four sets of glasses (two came with the television, and I got two more as a promotional thing when I bought a new BluRay when the other one died)
Funny. A lot of people know there is 3D out there, but they never watch it. When they come over and we watch a movie, they are invariably impressed...they didn’t think it would look that good.
I guess a lot of people still think you have to wear the red-blue cardboard glasses or something!