Which of these is the best 4k HDR option?

[goaskalice00]

Hey all,

I'm gearing up to buy a new TV today (its been a solid 10 years since my last purchase). I'm looking for a 55" w/ 4k and HDR support for $600 or less. After much research, I've narrowed down my search to these three models:

1. TCL 55P605 (aka 55P607) - http/www.bestbuy.com/site/tcl-55-class-54-6-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-with-high-dynamic-range-roku-tv/5878705.p?skuId=5878705

2. Hisense 55H8C - http/www.bestbuy.com/site/hisense-55-class-54-6-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-with-high-dynamic-range/5524900.p?skuId=5524900

3. Toshiba 55L711U18 - http/www.bestbuy.com/site/toshiba-55-class-54-6-diag--led-2160p-with-chromecast-built-in-4k-ultra-hd-tv/5733203.p?skuId=5733203

Right now I'm thinking that the TCL is the best choice, but for $100 less, the Toshiba also seems like a solid option, though I'm reluctant to choose it due to a lack of reviews.

Can anyone help me make this decision? Above all else, picture quality is what matters most to me.

Thanks!

 

[ikissfutebol]

I actually have the same question

My wife and I were at Best Buy today and they had those TCL and Hisense on display. Best Buys demos for anything not LG, Samsung, or Sony was absolutely terrible. I think it was just 1080p and just a commercial reel - nothing that would really give you an idea about eye candy. My local Target actually had the TCL S-series and a 4k non-HDR TCL on a Roku demo when I was by myself. Both looked comparable to me to the Sony and LG my wife enjoyed at Best Buy...that had a Roku demo custom demos that was at least in 4k - I think the HDR had a different clip that showcased it, but it lasted just a few seconds.

Until my wife sees them, we aren't moving forward. I am leaning towards the TCL for a couple of reasons. It supports Dolby Vision AND HDR10. The Hisense is just HDR10. Secondly, when I look at reviews for best budget HDR TVs, the TCL P-series is typically the winner, if not first runner up.

I personally hate Toshiba after a terrible laptop experience 14 years ago. A friend just said her laptop hinge broke with normal usage on her 3 year old laptop. I am staying away. I actually had a bad experience with a Sony DVD player and hated their service. It makes me want to look at Vizio over Sony if we aren't going with the TCL.

FYI - You can look on Best Buy's website and see if and/or which local store has the different models on display. We just so happened to be driving by the particular store that had the Hisense and TCL you are asking about on display and thus we stopped. Otherwise, we technically drove by like 3 different stores, none of which had the TCL on display. We are going to probably go to Sam's Club and Target tomorrow to see what they have available. It makes me sad we can't see the TCL P-series with quality content before buying, but that's what happens when you are looking for a newer model I suppose.

 

[goaskalice00]

I actually stopped by Best But today and picked up the Vizio M55-E0 for $699, as they didn't have the TCL on display and none of the sales associates knew anything about it.

I have yet to open the box. After doing a little research, it seems the TCL might be a better buy.

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

I actually stopped by Best But today and picked up the Vizio M55-E0 for $699, as they didn't have the TCL on display and none of the sales associates knew anything about it.

I have yet to open the box. After doing a little research, it seems the TCL might be a better buy.

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

I understand via CNET's David Katzmeyer's review that with the Vizio E series you need to go with size 60 and up, because the smaller sizes, like your 55" , doesn't have local dimming. And I quote -- but before I do that: what did you end up getting, since you kinda imply that the Vizio might go back?

PSA: The best E's are 60 inches and larger

There's more variation than usual between the different sizes in Vizio's E series, so before I go any further, there's some stuff you need to know.

I performed a hands-on evaluation of the 50-inch E50-E1 and the 65-inch E65-E0. Based on what I saw and know about the series, the 60-inch and larger models reviewed here are significantly better than the others (reviewed here).

That's because the 43- and 50-inch sizes lack the local dimming that was so effective on the 65-inch size I tested. Meanwhile most of the smaller models use an IPS-based ("in-plane switching") LCD panel, and the IPS panel on the 50-incher I tested delivers inferior image quality. Only the 60-inch and larger sizes that have the winning combination of local dimming and VA (vertical alignment, and non-IPS) LCD panels.

Here's how the entire series breaks down.

Vizio E series (2017)
Model Size Dimming zones HDR Clear action Panel Type CNET score
E43-E2 43 inches 0 No No IPS 6.6 (3 stars)
E50-E1 50 inches 0 No No IPS 6.6 (3 stars)
E50-E3 50 inches 0 No No VA 6.6 (3 stars)
E55-E1 55 inches 12 Yes 180 IPS 6.6 (3 stars)
E55-E2 55 inches 12 Yes 180 VA/IPS 6.6 (3 stars)
E60-E3 60 inches 10 Yes 180 VA 7.3 (3.5 stars)
E65-E0 65 inches 12 Yes 180 VA 7.3 (3.5 stars)
E65-E1 65 inches 12 Yes 180 VA 7.3 (3.5 stars)
E70-E3 70 inches 12 Yes 180 VA 7.3 (3.5 stars)
E75-E3 75 inches 14 Yes 180 VA 7.3 (3.5 stars)
E80-E3 80 inches 16 Yes 180 VA 7.3 (3.5 stars)
The better E TVs with local dimming have anywhere from 10 to 16 dimming zones. More local dimming zones generally equals better image quality, but I don't expect much difference between the models with 10 or 16 zones.

Vizio says the E55-E2 may use either an IPS or a VA panel. Here's its statement: "[The E55-E2 will] start shipping with VA panels and then may move to IPS panel technology if demand increases. It is difficult to say when the IPS panels will cut in, but your readers can use the following serial number prefix on the box to identify models with IPS panels. If the fourth digit of the serial number is a "J" or "7," that unit uses an IPS panel. Ex. LWZJSEARxxxxxxx or LTM7SHARxxxxxxx. All other serial numbers will be units using VA panels."

My statement? The easiest thing is to stick to 60 inches and above.

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

I actually stopped by Best But today and picked up the Vizio M55-E0 for $699, as they didn't have the TCL on display and none of the sales associates knew anything about it.

I have yet to open the box. After doing a little research, it seems the TCL might be a better buy.

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

btw here the links to CNET's Vizio AND to the TCL P series:

https/www.cnet.com/products/vizio-e65-e0/review/

https/www.cnet.com/products/tcl-55p607/review/

as to the TCL -- there's a TCL p607 and a TCL p605. The only difference is the remote, as is explained in this review. PLUS the 605 is $50 cheaper and ONLY available at Best Buy.

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

I actually have the same question

My wife and I were at Best Buy today and they had those TCL and Hisense on display. Best Buys demos for anything not LG, Samsung, or Sony was absolutely terrible. I think it was just 1080p and just a commercial reel - nothing that would really give you an idea about eye candy. My local Target actually had the TCL S-series and a 4k non-HDR TCL on a Roku demo when I was by myself. Both looked comparable to me to the Sony and LG my wife enjoyed at Best Buy...that had a Roku demo custom demos that was at least in 4k - I think the HDR had a different clip that showcased it, but it lasted just a few seconds.

Until my wife sees them, we aren't moving forward. I am leaning towards the TCL for a couple of reasons. It supports Dolby Vision AND HDR10. The Hisense is just HDR10. Secondly, when I look at reviews for best budget HDR TVs, the TCL P-series is typically the winner, if not first runner up.

I personally hate Toshiba after a terrible laptop experience 14 years ago. A friend just said her laptop hinge broke with normal usage on her 3 year old laptop. I am staying away. I actually had a bad experience with a Sony DVD player and hated their service. It makes me want to look at Vizio over Sony if we aren't going with the TCL.

FYI - You can look on Best Buy's website and see if and/or which local store has the different models on display. We just so happened to be driving by the particular store that had the Hisense and TCL you are asking about on display and thus we stopped. Otherwise, we technically drove by like 3 different stores, none of which had the TCL on display. We are going to probably go to Sam's Club and Target tomorrow to see what they have available. It makes me sad we can't see the TCL P-series with quality content before buying, but that's what happens when you are looking for a newer model I suppose.

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

According to CNET, go with the TCL -- here their 2 page review.

https/www.cnet.com/products/tcl-55p607/review/

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

Hey all,

I'm gearing up to buy a new TV today (its been a solid 10 years since my last purchase). I'm looking for a 55" w/ 4k and HDR support for $600 or less. After much research, I've narrowed down my search to these three models:

1. TCL 55P605 (aka 55P607) - http/www.bestbuy.com/site/tcl-55-class-54-6-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-with-high-dynamic-range-roku-tv/5878705.p?skuId=5878705

2. Hisense 55H8C - http/www.bestbuy.com/site/hisense-55-class-54-6-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-with-high-dynamic-range/5524900.p?skuId=5524900

3. Toshiba 55L711U18 - http/www.bestbuy.com/site/toshiba-55-class-54-6-diag--led-2160p-with-chromecast-built-in-4k-ultra-hd-tv/5733203.p?skuId=5733203

Right now I'm thinking that the TCL is the best choice, but for $100 less, the Toshiba also seems like a solid option, though I'm reluctant to choose it due to a lack of reviews.

Can anyone help me make this decision? Above all else, picture quality is what matters most to me.

Thanks!

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

p.s. And don't you forget: the Vizio doesn't come with a tuner!!! So you will never be able to watch OTA = over the air local or other channels, unless you buy a separate tuner!!!

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

I actually have the same question

My wife and I were at Best Buy today and they had those TCL and Hisense on display. Best Buys demos for anything not LG, Samsung, or Sony was absolutely terrible. I think it was just 1080p and just a commercial reel - nothing that would really give you an idea about eye candy. My local Target actually had the TCL S-series and a 4k non-HDR TCL on a Roku demo when I was by myself. Both looked comparable to me to the Sony and LG my wife enjoyed at Best Buy...that had a Roku demo custom demos that was at least in 4k - I think the HDR had a different clip that showcased it, but it lasted just a few seconds.

Until my wife sees them, we aren't moving forward. I am leaning towards the TCL for a couple of reasons. It supports Dolby Vision AND HDR10. The Hisense is just HDR10. Secondly, when I look at reviews for best budget HDR TVs, the TCL P-series is typically the winner, if not first runner up.

I personally hate Toshiba after a terrible laptop experience 14 years ago. A friend just said her laptop hinge broke with normal usage on her 3 year old laptop. I am staying away. I actually had a bad experience with a Sony DVD player and hated their service. It makes me want to look at Vizio over Sony if we aren't going with the TCL.

FYI - You can look on Best Buy's website and see if and/or which local store has the different models on display. We just so happened to be driving by the particular store that had the Hisense and TCL you are asking about on display and thus we stopped. Otherwise, we technically drove by like 3 different stores, none of which had the TCL on display. We are going to probably go to Sam's Club and Target tomorrow to see what they have available. It makes me sad we can't see the TCL P-series with quality content before buying, but that's what happens when you are looking for a newer model I suppose.

 

[goaskalice00]

Thanks for the reply man! Though I think you may have misread my post - I purchased a Vizio in the M-Series, not the E-Series.

I still have a week to return it (15 day return policy at Best Buy). Thus far I really like the TV, though I'm still considering swapping it for the TCL.

According to my research, the TCL has 72 local dimming zones, compared to the Vizio's 32. Is this enough of a difference to justify purchasing the TCL over the Vizio? It seems as though the TCL is better in just about every way, and all for $100 less than the Vizio. The guy who helped us at Best Buy simply said that he didn't know enough about TCL to recommend it, and that we were best opting for a respected brand like Vizio, but now I'm not so sure.

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

Thanks for the reply man! Though I think you may have misread my post - I purchased a Vizio in the M-Series, not the E-Series.

I still have a week to return it (15 day return policy at Best Buy). Thus far I really like the TV, though I'm still considering swapping it for the TCL.

According to my research, the TCL has 72 local dimming zones, compared to the Vizio's 32. Is this enough of a difference to justify purchasing the TCL over the Vizio? It seems as though the TCL is better in just about every way, and all for $100 less than the Vizio. The guy who helped us at Best Buy simply said that he didn't know enough about TCL to recommend it, and that we were best opting for a respected brand like Vizio, but now I'm not so sure.

 

[wolfgang.scorpio]

Listen. It's very simple. It's your money. If your're still in the return window, send it back, get the TCL and EXPERIENCE it. THEN ask yourself which do you like better in terms of YOUR criteria? For me, picture quality would be no. 1. And, as I understand it from reviews across platforms, you need to luck out in getting a set unharmed -- but you can always return it, IF YOU CHOOSE a seller who allows uncomplicated returns. But, in conclusion, the TCL 55P605 or 607 appears to be the best deal out there.

 

[hoffn]

I was skeptical when purchasing the TCL. I have had the TCL 55P605 for only a week and this morning I turned it on and had no picture but did have audio. Turned it off/on several times and still no picture. I unplugged the tv for 20 minutes and then finally the picture came back. Rather than risk having another problem... I am exchanging it for the Vizio M55-e0. Other than that... the picture quality is good to my eye and the roku apps are great. Up to you guys though... I'm sure my eye isn't going to tell the difference and the vizio was $80 more. If I didnt have the picture problem this morning with the TCL.. I would have kept it.

 

[jason.rodgers81]

I was skeptical when purchasing the TCL. I have had the TCL 55P605 for only a week and this morning I turned it on and had no picture but did have audio. Turned it off/on several times and still no picture. I unplugged the tv for 20 minutes and then finally the picture came back. Rather than risk having another problem... I am exchanging it for the Vizio M55-e0. Other than that... the picture quality is good to my eye and the roku apps are great. Up to you guys though... I'm sure my eye isn't going to tell the difference and the vizio was $80 more. If I didnt have the picture problem this morning with the TCL.. I would have kept it.

So, how do you like the m55-e0 vs the p605?

 

[reclusive]

btw here the links to CNET's Vizio AND to the TCL P series:

https/www.cnet.com/products/vizio-e65-e0/review/

https/www.cnet.com/products/tcl-55p607/review/

as to the TCL -- there's a TCL p607 and a TCL p605. The only difference is the remote, as is explained in this review. PLUS the 605 is $50 cheaper and ONLY available at Best Buy.

You can by the better remote from the roku or tcl website for $19 or 25 bucks. Shipping as recall was either $3 or free. I have the 55P605 and like it well enough. No real problems yet. I do however want to get those higher refresh rates they claim. No clue how. When I choose the higher settings my screen goes all wonky and it looks as though Picasso was going through his blue period on my TV/monitor.

 

[charles62heather87]

I have had good luck with the LG plus the VIZIO Smartcast E 55 inch which is a 4K plus it has 4 HDMI ports and a 8 core processor to run you HULU ,Netflix and over a 1000 apps built in to it .To me it has a nice sharp clear picture and the black levels looks good on it runs around $500 with free shipping.