[Mudslide]

Hey all.

I'm getting too long of tooth and too of short years.  While I still can, I think I've decided to blow some cash on a new tv and player.  I have a perfectly good 58" Panasonic plasma (and BR player) which I'm considering replacing.  (There is no place to put the thing if I upgrade.)  So what is the wisdom of putting up a Samsung QN65Q9 in it's stead?  Is the qled Samsung 'that' much better than the old plasma?  (I DO love the anti-glare ability of the Sammy.)

If I do this upgrade (upgrade?), what is the best blu-ray player not named Oppo that I can match with the latest video and audio specs of the Samsung?

All your opinions are much appreciated.

Cheers.

Mud

[Mag]

I've been thinking of getting a new blu ray player to replace my cheap Sony blu ray. I should be able to get one by redeeming my points on my Sony credit card.
One feature I want is for the platform to have a display, not just an onscreen display. I like the multi format thing, it can play damn near anything. The sound is neutral not warm like my more expensive Sony dvd/sacd player. However there is no way of knowing what the unit will sound like until I get it, I expect neutral.

So I didn't answer your question. A unit having a display is one feature I'd want.

If its of interest to you Samsung has reliability issues. However they sell more tv's than anybody else so the numbers are going to look higher. My parents Samsung crapped out just after warranty, cost more to fix than replace. I bought a Samsung Smart TV 32" but I haven't used it that much yet. I mostly watch on my Sony 48" Bravia that I purchsed in 2008 an excellent TV with a whole bunch of inputs on the back. Can also be connected to computer monitor. But I have it connected to my computer through HDMI for an excellent picture. I can switch to TV by just changing the input with remote.

[Doublej]

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-UBPX1000ES-Ultra-Blu-Ray-Player/dp/B06ZZMQVZD

The picture shows that the unit has a display. Exactly what is displayed on the unit, I do not know.

[kingdeezie]

Hey all.

I'm getting too long of tooth and too of short years.  While I still can, I think I've decided to blow some cash on a new tv and player.  I have a perfectly good 58" Panasonic plasma (and BR player) which I'm considering replacing.  (There is no place to put the thing if I upgrade.)  So what is the wisdom of putting up a Samsung QN65Q9 in it's stead?  Is the qled Samsung 'that' much better than the old plasma?  (I DO love the anti-glare ability of the Sammy.)

If I do this upgrade (upgrade?), what is the best blu-ray player not named Oppo that I can match with the latest video and audio specs of the Samsung?

All your opinions are much appreciated.

Cheers.

Mud

Mud,

First off, when you say QLED Q9, you mean the 2018 Q9FN correct? The 2017 QLED models were not so great. The Q9FN is a significant leap forward in picture quality over last year's QLEDs.

Second, Samsung has purposefully created confusion with the name QLED, in an effort to obfuscate the difference between OLED.

OLED is a completely new(ish) display technology, where as QLED is just an improved version of LCD.

IMO, OLED is the better technology currently, minus a few negatives that are very similar to those inherent in plasma. There is a chance of image retention/burn-in with long term static images left on screen. I have had OLEDs since 2015 without any problem, but it is a possibility.

Last week I went to Best Buy to upgrade the TV in my "man room/listening room." I compared the 65 Samsung Q9FN with the 65 LG C8 OLED. The Q9FN was very good with almost zero chance of image retention.

However, it still had the problems that I have always had with LCD. There was better, but still "haloing" and "light bleed." Worse though was the drop in color accuracy and black level with changes in axis viewing. Right or left, and the picture quality dropped.

I went with the C8 OLED, and I love it.

Both TVS have plus and minuses, so you can't go wrong with either.

If you love plasma though, OLED seems to be the logical next step.

Good luck with the search though! Always a good time.

[Mudslide]

Mud,

First off, when you say QLED Q9, you mean the 2018 Q9FN correct? The 2017 QLED models were not so great. The Q9FN is a significant leap forward in picture quality over last year's QLEDs.

Second, Samsung has purposefully created confusion with the name QLED, in an effort to obfuscate the difference between OLED.

OLED is a completely new(ish) display technology, where as QLED is just an improved version of LCD.

IMO, OLED is the better technology currently, minus a few negatives that are very similar to those inherent in plasma. There is a chance of image retention/burn-in with long term static images left on screen. I have had OLEDs since 2015 without any problem, but it is a possibility.

Last week I went to Best Buy to upgrade the TV in my "man room/listening room." I compared the 65 Samsung Q9FN with the 65 LG C8 OLED. The Q9FN was very good with almost zero chance of image retention.

However, it still had the problems that I have always had with LCD. There was better, but still "haloing" and "light bleed." Worse though was the drop in color accuracy and black level with changes in axis viewing. Right or left, and the picture quality dropped.

I went with the C8 OLED, and I love it.

Both TVS have plus and minuses, so you can't go wrong with either.

If you love plasma though, OLED seems to be the logical next step.

Good luck with the search though! Always a good time.

Thanks for the good opine, Deezie.  Yes, it is the 2018 Q9FN that has my interest.  I had read that the light bleeding was quite minimal in this unit.  (By the way, I have no way of auditioning one...I'm in the boonies.)  I thought the way the QLED panel was energized, the bleeding was minor and black levels were plasma-like. 

The LG has a lot of proponents...but don't they have a reliability issue, as well as the Samsung?  Does the LG not have off-axis image corruption?  If it doesn't...that would be wonderful.

Best regards,

Mud

[kingdeezie]

Thanks for the good opine, Deezie.  Yes, it is the 2018 Q9FN that has my interest.  I had read that the light bleeding was quite minimal in this unit.  (By the way, I have no way of auditioning one...I'm in the boonies.)  I thought the way the QLED panel was energized, the bleeding was minor and black levels were plasma-like. 

The LG has a lot of proponents...but don't they have a reliability issue, as well as the Samsung?  Does the LG not have off-axis image corruption?  If it doesn't...that would be wonderful.

Best regards,

Mud

The LG C8 is an OLED. Organic light emitting diodes. It is an emissive technology. It has minimal drop off in picture quality off axis. Similarly to plasma.

Samsung QLED is LCD and is transmissive. The quality drops off quickly at an angle.

The new Samsung QLED does a lot to minimize light bleed and haloing, but it still happens to a significant degree.

Also, in order to minimize the light bleed and haloing, and improve black levels, the Q9FN uses very aggressive local dimming. This makes contrast within a scene seem less impactful because the dimming affects nearby images.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9w6A66QJzw

This video above is a good comparison between the two TVs.

I've had an LG OLED from 2015 with zero issue. The new one seems great for now.

For reliability fears with either TV, I would get the extended warranty.     

[rif]

Just bought an LG OLED last week, so I'll vote for that.  It's a 2017 model, 55 inch, B7A line.  It's my understanding that as you move up the LG line (B -> C ...) You're basically getting identical video performance, fancier built in audio, and sleeker design.

[Big Red Machine]

Sony, Sony, or a Sony.

I wish all my TV's were Sony's. My Samsungs suck next to my Sony. All non OLED's.

LG OLEDs are very nice but I'd still consider, wait for it.....Sony.

[Mudslide]

Sony, Sony, or a Sony.

I wish all my TV's were Sony's. My Samsungs suck next to my Sony. All non OLED's.

LG OLEDs are very nice but I'd still consider, wait for it.....Sony.

Pete,

What's with the future of Dolby vision with the Sony sets?  Is it real or a pipe dream?  Also, are there any comparos to read regarding the XBR65A1E and the LG oled and Samsung QLED?  All the sets' pricing looks (suspiciously...since I wear tinfoil hats) similar.  Pricing is not unacceptable to me...but the missus...uh, it's not a castration proof acquisition.

I'm still looking for player recommendations that represent (almost) SOTA, but won't break the bank.

By the way, LG oled seems to have a huge fan club of believers.

Mud

[Mag]

double post

[Mag]

Have you considered going the computer route? I had a blu ray player installed in my computer although I still haven't got it to work. Maybe I need to download a driver. Also have a graphics card with HDMI out. This works great for Netflix computer subscription and Youtube videos, with the audio going to my dac.

If I can get the blu ray working on computer I would only need a cheap blu ray for porn use.
Note also if you go external blu ray I nice feature is the usb jump drive slot. It works okay but not as good as my other digital player.

Having a display on blu ray player isn't essential. I was thinking of the times where I was surfing the web and listening to a dvd/cd on blu ray without having to change input to see what I want to play.

Another feature, the Sony player links with the Sony TV. When you turn it on it automatically goes to input channel on TV. Don't know if other Brands have this feature.

[Mudslide]

Have you considered going the computer route? I had a blu ray player installed in my computer although I still haven't got it to work. Maybe I need to download a driver. Also have a graphics card with HDMI out. This works great for Netflix computer subscription and Youtube videos, with the audio going to my dac.

If I can get the blu ray working on computer I would only need a cheap blu ray for porn use.
Note also if you go external blu ray I nice feature is the usb jump drive slot. It works okay but not as good as my other digital player.

Having a display on blu ray player isn't essential. I was thinking of the times where I was surfing the web and listening to a dvd/cd on blu ray without having to change input to see what I want to play.

Another feature, the Sony player links with the Sony TV. When you turn it on it automatically goes to input channel on TV. Don't know if other Brands have this feature.

Uh oh...admission time...I'm SO 20th Century.  If it isn't on a disc, it doesn't get played.  I've come to the unsubstantiated opinion that streaming devices/services have inferior audio and video.  Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, sat tv systems, etc...aren't they all 720p or 1080p max?...and no fancy (e.g. Atmos) audio?  Streaming issues, too?

[Mag]

Uh oh...admission time...I'm SO 20th Century.  If it isn't on a disc, it doesn't get played.  I've come to the unsubstantiated opinion that streaming devices/services have inferior audio and video.  Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, sat tv systems, etc...aren't they all 720p or 1080p max?...and no fancy (e.g. Atmos) audio?  Streaming issues, too?

I'm not that fussy when it comes to video. I have a bunch of dvd's and the video quality varies quite a bit. As for Netflix I find the video very good, but then I haven't done a direct comparison with known videos I have in my collection with Netflix, through Sony blu ray or my Sony dvd/sacd video upscaler. Youtube video quality will be compressed because it takes forever to upload and HQ video.

Audio on the other hand I have routed through 2 DAC's, pre-amp, mixer, amps, 4-channel stereo floorstanding speakers, it's very good. I would say it's the convenience with Netflix that gives you many movies to watch, though there are lot are crap movies as well.

Okay I got the blu ray to work on computer. Had to download different media player, couldn't get the other one to work. You have to change the application settings, not as plug N play friendly. Video from blu ray disc appears to be excellent, audio is suspect, not as good as other media player.

If your comfortable with external blu ray then I would stick with that. I was only suggesting you consider using computer as video source as well. Which would require at least 5 HDMI inputs on TV. cable, blu ray, computer, camera, video gaming.

[ctviggen]

I also like OLED, and now you can get them at Costco.  For my size TV (52 inches? -- we only have one TV), I still will buy and use DVDs, especially for movies where the video isn't as important.  My setup for listening also isn't ideal, so the supposedly better audio on Bluray isn't that important.