Sony TV Discussion Thread III

[carey]

Which model for Samsung? They are not known to have cheap TVs though. LG maybe.

X90L although is not mini led but full array, somehow it outperforms in my opinion, other QLEDs. It also has a higher / faster refresh rate at 120hz compared to similar price range for LGs (60hz).

Yes, Sony has 4 speakers (1 on each side and 2 bottom firing) compared to standard 2 bottom firing for other brands. I have an existing soundbar and bass module from Bose so I will link up with it.

Samsung 75" QLED QE1D 4K Smart TV (2024) - pre-order on Shopee at $2,499 from Samsung itself

This one has Q-Symphony that apparently allows both TV and soundbars to be used together as well

Someone bought it as cheaply as $1.8k according to review/comment on that page itself hahah

Samsung 85" Crystal UHD DUE800 4K Tizen OS Smart TV (2024) on Shopee at$2,799 from Samsung too

But I can't get it due to space constraint unless I remove my cabinets

Samsung 75" 75Q60C on Shopee at $2,399 - full array as well

 

[ZacharyA]

Samsung 75" QLED QE1D 4K Smart TV (2024) - pre-order on Shopee at $2,499 from Samsung itself

This one has Q-Symphony that apparently allows both TV and soundbars to be used together as well

Someone bought it as cheaply as $1.8k according to review/comment on that page itself hahah

Samsung 85" Crystal UHD DUE800 4K Tizen OS Smart TV (2024) on Shopee at$2,799 from Samsung too

But I can't get it due to space constraint unless I remove my cabinets

Samsung 75" 75Q60C on Shopee at $2,399 - full array as well

Ok thanks, will check out. But I like SONY more for TV.

 

[carey]

Ok thanks, will check out. But I like SONY more for TV.

No worries, I think it boils down to personal preference

I had my Samsung for the past 6 years and it's okay

Previously I used a Sharp Aquos and that one was good too

 

[ZacharyA]

No worries, I think it boils down to personal preference

I had my Samsung for the past 6 years and it's okay

Previously I used a Sharp Aquos and that one was good too

We have gotten a Sharp TV (panel MIJ) for our cousin during his housewarming before. The panel is really impressive. For Samsung, a lot in the forums is shaming them for their unreliability in appliances.

 

[ZacharyA]

@carey , my contact just updated me S$3349 for 75X90L.

My heart is moving....

 

[Kepller]

Samsung 75" QLED QE1D 4K Smart TV (2024) - pre-order on Shopee at $2,499 from Samsung itself

This one has Q-Symphony that apparently allows both TV and soundbars to be used together as well

Someone bought it as cheaply as $1.8k according to review/comment on that page itself hahah

Samsung 85" Crystal UHD DUE800 4K Tizen OS Smart TV (2024) on Shopee at$2,799 from Samsung too

But I can't get it due to space constraint unless I remove my cabinets

Samsung 75" 75Q60C on Shopee at $2,399 - full array as well

Very nice to see competition between the other brands. But the 2 TVs you've mentioned do not feature full-array local dimming systems:
Q60C: https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/samsung/q60c-q60-q60cd-qled
Q1ED: Based off the Samsung official website, there doesn't seem to be any indication if it has a Full-Array Local Dimming System, so more research is needed to confirm this.

Refer to RTINGs's Index List of all the TVs they've reviewed so far (Their detailed and consistent test methodologies are useful to identify how a TV performs against other models):
https://www.rtings.com/tv/index
One important thing to note: for brands such as Hisense and TCL, they have different variants based on the regions/different countries. The Hisense and TCL TVs that RTINGs reviews are the U.S Variants and are not the same as what we have here.

The only 2 brands that has a history of maintaining consistency (doesn't seem to have any history of complains from past owners) offering the exact same TV to all regions are LG and Sony.

Samsung has a history of secretly offering different panels in different regions, so this is something to beware of. (If you're going with Samsung and are particular whether it is a similar panel type to the one RTINGs reviewed, the best way to do this (though Samsung might have changed this) is to refer to the post below and verify it with a display unit at the store. The method may be similar for the Q60C.)
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...d-tv-discussion-thread.6297349/post-135356580
(The screenshots have expired in that old post, so the direct link (to the other forum) in that thread where I found the info, can be referred to for the original sourced screenshots)

@carey , my contact just updated me S$3349 for 75X90L.

My heart is moving....

If this was quoted from Harvey Norman and you're still considering it, try to check in with Best Denki and Courts for their latest sale. Additionally check with multiple Best Denki and Courts outlets. There's been instances where BD outlet A offers better promotion than BD outlet B.

 

[ZacharyA]

Very nice to see competition between the other brands. But the 2 TVs you've mentioned do not feature full-array local dimming systems:
Q60C: https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/samsung/q60c-q60-q60cd-qled
Q1ED: Based off the Samsung official website, there doesn't seem to be any indication if it has a Full-Array Local Dimming System, so more research is needed to confirm this.

Refer to RTINGs's Index List of all the TVs they've reviewed so far (Their detailed and consistent test methodologies are useful to identify how a TV performs against other models):
https://www.rtings.com/tv/index
One important thing to note: for brands such as Hisense and TCL, they have different variants based on the regions/different countries. The Hisense and TCL TVs that RTINGs reviews are the U.S Variants and are not the same as what we have here.

The only 2 brands that has a history of maintaining consistency (doesn't seem to have any history of complains from past owners) offering the exact same TV to all regions are LG and Sony.

Samsung has a history of secretly offering different panels in different regions, so this is something to beware of. (If you're going with Samsung and are particular whether it is a similar panel type to the one RTINGs reviewed, the best way to do this (though Samsung might have changed this) is to refer to the post below and verify it with a display unit at the store. The method may be similar for the Q60C.)
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...d-tv-discussion-thread.6297349/post-135356580
(The screenshots have expired in that old post, so the direct link (to the other forum) in that thread where I found the info, can be referred to for the original sourced screenshots)


If this was quoted from Harvey Norman and you're still considering it, try to check in with Best Denki and Courts for their latest sale. Additionally check with multiple Best Denki and Courts outlets. There's been instances where BD outlet A offers better promotion than BD outlet B.

I think I am happy with the price that is quoted now. I don't envisage other stores can go even lower but I will check a few just to have a sense. But I will not be calling a few different branches of the same megastore. It's just too much work.

I think another reason for HN to offer a better deal than rest is because I'm bulking most of my appliances from them. Also easier to track and manage overall expenditure.

 

[R6exR6]

I'm a happy X90L owner, coz it's a good TV overall. However, one thing tires my eyes when I read text in a dark room. I think it's the blooming around the white text. If given another chance, I'd get either the Bravia 7 or X93L instead, coz though more expensive, my eyes won't be so tired with all the blooming around text due to better miniLED and FALD. Subtitles are still not too bad, but full pages of text makes lines of text look like glowing text to me.

 

[Kepller]

I'm a happy X90L owner, coz it's a good TV overall. However, one thing tires my eyes when I read text in a dark room. I think it's the blooming around the white text. If given another chance, I'd get either the Bravia 7 or X93L instead, coz though more expensive, my eyes won't be so tired with all the blooming around text due to better miniLED and FALD. Subtitles are still not too bad, but full pages of text makes lines of text look like glowing text to me.

Congrats on your new 75" monitor!

Sony TVs have 2 low latency modes, and they behave differently (From what I've read based off the current owners thread at the AVSForums):
1. Game Mode: Local Dimming Performance is identical to the normal picture quality modes.
2. PC Mode: Local Dimming Performance is weaker as the algorithm raises black floor to prioritize displaying small moving objects like the cursor properly. Since black floor is raised, blooming can become less apparent.

Since the X90L has limited local dimming zones, a likely possible method to combat blooming when you're reading text is to switch to PC Mode (at the expense of raised black level / less contrast). Then, when gaming or doing other multimedia stuffs, use Game Mode for the better local dimming algorithm / higher contrast levels. Or try setting Local Dimming to "Low" or "Medium" instead of "High" while in Game Mode to see if it helps reduce the blooming, if this is better than PC Mode, remain in Game Mode instead and switch to "High" when doing other multimedia stuff.

 

[R6exR6]

Congrats on your new 75" monitor!

Sony TVs have 2 low latency modes, and they behave differently (From what I've read based off the current owners thread at the AVSForums):
1. Game Mode: Local Dimming Performance is identical to the normal picture quality modes.
2. PC Mode: Local Dimming Performance is weaker as the algorithm raises black floor to prioritize displaying small moving objects like the cursor properly. Since black floor is raised, blooming can become less apparent.

Since the X90L has limited local dimming zones, a likely possible method to combat blooming when you're reading text is to switch to PC Mode (at the expense of raised black level / less contrast). Then, when gaming or doing other multimedia stuffs, use Game Mode for the better local dimming algorithm / higher contrast levels. Or try setting Local Dimming to "Low" or "Medium" instead of "High" while in Game Mode to see if it helps reduce the blooming, if this is better than PC Mode, remain in Game Mode instead and switch to "High" when doing other multimedia stuff.

Thanks for the tips. Will give it a go on my 85" PC 'monitor'.

 

[petetherock]

Thanks for the tips. Will give it a go on my 85" PC 'monitor'.

So did you go to the PI route for all your TVs?

 

[R6exR6]

So did you go to the PI route for all your TVs?

For ~$2K TV, I'd go the PI route. Was planning on the PI 75X90J or K ... until I saw the HUGE 85" beauty (LG UT8050) displayed at BD, then went with the 85" instead. Since PI cost just about $1K less, I rather go BD + 2 extra years of warranty i.e. peace of mind for 5 years for this expensive TV.

Next year, I'll get a cheap 50" PI TV as a 2nd PC 'monitor' to mount below this 85X90L.

 

[R6exR6]

I'm a happy X90L owner, coz it's a good TV overall. However, one thing tires my eyes when I read text in a dark room. I think it's the blooming around the white text. If given another chance, I'd get either the Bravia 7 or X93L instead, coz though more expensive, my eyes won't be so tired with all the blooming around text due to better miniLED and FALD. Subtitles are still not too bad, but full pages of text makes lines of text look like glowing text to me.

Fyi, my PC only outputs 1080p signal to this 4K TV ... so I don't know if this text blooming/bluriness is due to the inevitable upscaling or poor blooming capability of this TV itself. Will buy a new PC next year that can output 4K signal to TV and write my thoughts here if this issue is in fact, a non-issue.

 

[carey]

@carey , my contact just updated me S$3349 for 75X90L.

My heart is moving....

Wow, this sounds attractive - now hand also itchy

But my current setup is still working fine - would be a waste to just junk it

 

[carey]

Very nice to see competition between the other brands. But the 2 TVs you've mentioned do not feature full-array local dimming systems:
Q60C: https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/samsung/q60c-q60-q60cd-qled
Q1ED: Based off the Samsung official website, there doesn't seem to be any indication if it has a Full-Array Local Dimming System, so more research is needed to confirm this.

Refer to RTINGs's Index List of all the TVs they've reviewed so far (Their detailed and consistent test methodologies are useful to identify how a TV performs against other models):
https://www.rtings.com/tv/index
One important thing to note: for brands such as Hisense and TCL, they have different variants based on the regions/different countries. The Hisense and TCL TVs that RTINGs reviews are the U.S Variants and are not the same as what we have here.

The only 2 brands that has a history of maintaining consistency (doesn't seem to have any history of complains from past owners) offering the exact same TV to all regions are LG and Sony.

Samsung has a history of secretly offering different panels in different regions, so this is something to beware of. (If you're going with Samsung and are particular whether it is a similar panel type to the one RTINGs reviewed, the best way to do this (though Samsung might have changed this) is to refer to the post below and verify it with a display unit at the store. The method may be similar for the Q60C.)
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...d-tv-discussion-thread.6297349/post-135356580
(The screenshots have expired in that old post, so the direct link (to the other forum) in that thread where I found the info, can be referred to for the original sourced screenshots)

Thanks again @Kepller for your insights

Thanks for the links, let me study it further

My current Samsung 65" curve is over 5 years old - everything still works except maybe it doesn't seem to be as bright as before

Hence I am starting to shop around; but wife a bit naggy - not spoilt, why need to change

 

[carey]

I'm a happy X90L owner, coz it's a good TV overall. However, one thing tires my eyes when I read text in a dark room. I think it's the blooming around the white text. If given another chance, I'd get either the Bravia 7 or X93L instead, coz though more expensive, my eyes won't be so tired with all the blooming around text due to better miniLED and FALD. Subtitles are still not too bad, but full pages of text makes lines of text look like glowing text to me.

Thanks for the feedback - already good to hear from an owner hahah

We intend to use it just for watching Netflix and other streaming services so the X90L should be good enough for us - not sure if it's worth paying more for the "better" models

 

[carey]

We have gotten a Sharp TV (panel MIJ) for our cousin during his housewarming before. The panel is really impressive. For Samsung, a lot in the forums is shaming them for their unreliability in appliances.

Yes, their fridges and washing machines are notoriously unreliable but unfortunately, my mom likes Samsung fridges (think she's into her 3rd one in 10 years vs my single Hitachi fridge)

 

[R6exR6]

Thanks for the feedback - already good to hear from an owner hahah

We intend to use it just for watching Netflix and other streaming services so the X90L should be good enough for us - not sure if it's worth paying more for the "better" models

For your use case, IMO, good enough.

 

[ZacharyA]

Yes, their fridges and washing machines are notoriously unreliable but unfortunately, my mom likes Samsung fridges (think she's into her 3rd one in 10 years vs my single Hitachi fridge)

I have not used their WM before, have only used Electrolux for the past 6-7 years? Prior to that was using some old Toshiba model which lasted us > 10yrs (but very simple Wash / Rinse / Spin mode only, no fancy modes or functions).

Have used Samsung Fridge for the past 6yrs? (changed 1-2yrs prior to covid during CNY day 1 or 2 - damn suay) but functioning well so far. Occasionally the (left) side of the Fridge feels warmer than I'd like it to but generally working fine. I don't slot my fridge into a carpentry space and it's a standalone in the middle of the kitchen against the wall - very ventilated.

 

[Recce5]

same issue with mine just a week before warranty end.
they came over and change the panel.
all done within 30mins

My Sony X90K bought in Feb last year started showing vertical lines 2 months back, so contacted Sony customer service for repair. After a few to/fro on email asking me to do testings and taking pictures, resetting TV etc, they appointed a repairman to come to my house. The faulty display panel was replaced within an hour.

I give them credit for the fast turnaround service, but is concerned the TV gone faulty in just 18 months of usage. Before this I had a 55" Samsung 3D TV that lasted well over 10 years, before developing vertical lines. Even my 15 year old 40" Sony FullHD LCD TV is still working today.