What is the best TV right NOW?

TV Technologies Explained 01:10

"Ultimately, there are only two types of TV technologies that are being sold today: OLED and LCD."

• This video discusses the two primary categories of TV technologies available on the market today: OLED and LCD. OLED TVs illuminate each pixel individually, leading to true blacks, while LCD TVs rely on a backlight.

• Under the LCD umbrella, there are various subtypes, including QLED, Mini LED, and more, all of which use different configurations of backlights and filters to achieve picture quality.

Edge-lit and Direct-lit LED TVs 02:14

"Edge-lit sets didn't really stand the test of time."

• Edge-lit LED TVs are one of the oldest technologies that emerged in 2008. They use LEDs placed along the edges of the screen to illuminate the display but often result in uneven brightness, with bright edges and dim centers.

• Direct-lit LED TVs are a step up from this, with LEDs distributed across a grid behind the screen, offering a more even brightness, and they are commonly sold at budget-friendly prices, perfect for spaces like guest rooms and kitchens.

The Rise of QLED TVs 03:30

"QLED is just quantum dot LED."

• QLED TVs utilize quantum dots to enhance brightness and color richness, not saturation. This technology provides a noticeable upgrade in picture quality compared to standard LCD TVs.

• It's important to choose QLED models that feature local dimming technology, which allows for independent illumination of different screen zones, resulting in better contrast and reduced blooming effects.

Advantages of Mini LED Technology 05:04

"Mini LEDs are much smaller, allowing for more dimming zones and less blooming."

• Mini LED technology utilizes thousands of smaller LEDs behind the panel, significantly increasing precision and brightness levels. This technology is capable of producing peak brightness ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 nits.

• Mini LEDs offer superior performance compared to traditional LEDs, making them an excellent choice for viewing in bright environments, like patios or sunny rooms.

OLED Technology: The Current King of TVs 06:20

"OLEDs have this dimensionality that's easy to see but hard to describe."

• OLED TVs are considered the pinnacle of TV display technology due to their ability to individually turn on and off each pixel, providing exceptional black levels and contrast.

• Recent advancements in OLED have improved brightness levels, making them competitive with LCDs in bright environments for the first time. However, pricing can become steep for larger sizes, with a significant drop in price per inch above 77."

Subcategories of OLED TVs 07:34

"WOLED has become the new base standard."

• WOLED is a subcategory of OLED technology, which includes an additional white subpixel to enhance brightness. Models such as the LG C-Series and Sony Bravia use this technology.

• While OLEDs are known for their special image quality, the price range remains high, with even more affordable models starting at $1,200 for a 65-inch screen.

OLED vs. QD-OLED Technology 08:09

"There is a reason that OLED has been crowned the king of TVs for so long."

• OLED technology has long been praised for its ability to produce perfect blacks, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.

• The next step in OLED evolution is QD-OLED, which integrates a quantum dot filter. This advancement combines the deep blacks of OLED with the vibrant color accuracy expected from quantum dots.

• Market leaders like Samsung and Sony have introduced QD-OLED models, notably the Samsung S95F series and the Sony Bravia 8 Mark II, considered among the best TVs ever manufactured.

• QD-OLEDs tend to be pricey and often feature excellent anti-reflective screens and superior color reproduction.

• Although early QD-OLED models faced issues with magenta casts in black levels due to the absence of a polarizing filter, newer generations have largely resolved this concern.

Tandem OLED Technology 09:07

"LG's answer to Samsung's QD-OLED technology is the RGB tandem OLED."

• The latest variant of OLED is the RGB tandem OLED, which features a stacked architecture with four layers, each dedicated to red, green, and blue light emission.

• This design significantly enhances brightness, with new panels achieving up to 4,500 nits, providing an unparalleled experience for OLED TVs.

• Key models such as the LG G6 and LG W6 are examples of tandem OLED technology.

• There are differing opinions on the performance of tandem OLED compared to QD-OLED. While tandem OLEDs are brighter, the overall picture quality is seen as comparable.

• Some users have noted issues with color casts, particularly green hues, and banding in HDR for models like the LG G6 and C6, although not all units are affected.

New LCD Technology: RGB LED 10:59

"Welcome to RGB town—this technology might transform LCD displays."

• RGB technology diverges from traditional LCDs by using a backlight built from independently controllable red, green, and blue LEDs, eliminating the need for a color filter.

• This results in more accurate colors and improved brightness and contrast, as color generation takes place directly from the LEDs.

• Hisense was the pioneer in the RGB mini LED sector, introducing the impressive 116-inch 116UX model, praised for its exceptional picture quality but noted for its unwieldy size and weight.

Hisense U9 and Pricing Trends in RGB Tech 12:49

"Even my wife, who doesn't share my obsession with TVs, was blown away by the Hisense U9."

• The Hisense U9 serves as a standout example in the RGB mini LED market, impressively stunning viewers with its quality.

• The price point for high-quality RGB LED models starts around $3,500 for a 65-inch size, reflecting the rising accessibility of the technology compared to its original market debut.

• Notably, RGB tech is expected to continue evolving rapidly, with new models breaking barriers in brightness, color accuracy, and black levels, rivaling OLED capabilities.

Samsung's Micro RGB and Other Competitors 14:07

"Samsung's version of RGB technology is called micro RGB, featuring much smaller LEDs."

• Samsung's micro RGB technology employs ultra-small LEDs, enhancing potential dimming zones and providing superior contrast.

• The entry-level model, R85H, starts at $1,599 for a 55-inch display, while the R95H flagship sells for $3,199 for a 65-inch screen.

• Sony's contribution to RGB technology, known as True RGB, focuses on maintaining color accuracy across a brightness range while addressing common drifting issues found in early RGB models.

• TCL also participates in the RGB mini LED market, although their main focus is on introducing SQD mini LED technology, which utilizes advanced, smaller quantum dots to improve performance.

Mini-LED Technology and Performance 16:11

"The black levels look exactly like OLED. Not close to OLED, exactly like OLED."

• The new mini-LED technology has significantly enhanced backlighting, allowing for extremely precise control and a dramatic increase in local dimming zones. For instance, the TCL X11L features an impressive 20,000 local dimming zones that achieve black levels comparable to OLED TVs.

• This advancement effectively reduces the blooming effect they are known for in traditional LCD TVs, enhancing picture quality for viewers.

OLED vs. SQD Technology 17:00

"OLED is not dead just because SQD is here. SQD is not an OLED killer in any way."

• While SQD (Super Quantum Dot) technology offers a similar viewing experience to OLED, it should not be seen as a replacement. SQD delivers advantages in brightness, color volume, and reflection handling, while also providing a competitive edge in certain scenarios.

• The choice between OLED and SQD may now depend more on the viewing environment rather than which technology is superior.

Recommendations for 2026 TVs 17:28

"If you just need a screen somewhere and it doesn't really matter, just grab a direct-lit Roku or Fire TV."

• For those who have minimal requirements for their TV, cost-effective options such as direct-lit Roku or Fire TV models are available for under $400.

• However, if daily use and quality are priorities, investing in a QLED TV with local dimming, such as the TCL Q7 or Samsung Q70, is advisable for an improved viewing experience.

Bright Room TVs vs. Dark Room TVs 18:05

"If your room is really bright and you have lots of windows and plenty of sun, then just get a mini LED."

• For brightly lit rooms, mini-LED sets like the TCL QM8K or Samsung QN90F provide exceptional performance due to their higher brightness capabilities.

• Conversely, if the room is dark or lighting can be controlled, an OLED TV will provide superior picture quality, with models like the last year's LG C5 representing great value.

Latest Innovations in TV Technology 18:51

"If you want the most interesting LED tech on the market, then just get either the TCL X11L or the TCL QM8L."

• QD-OLED and innovative mini-LED technologies are emerging, promising superior color accuracy and brightness. The Samsung S95H and Sony Bravia 8 Mark II are noteworthy options in the QD-OLED category that are expected to improve over time.

• For those intrigued by the latest advancements in LED tech, TCL's X11L, QM8L, and Hisense U8R provide excellent choices, while the Samsung R95H introduces micro RGB technology at an appealing price point.