[lokie]

TV's- $300 52"ers which one?
Lots of choices here at Costco, Walmart, etc..

Not sure about smart TV's... I've never owned one. Always used an attached computer but ready to move into the 21'st century.
One thing I've noticed at friends houses with their smart TV's is the total PIA w typing in searches in Youtube with the remotes. Can I avoid that with a cordless keypad or something?

Should I buy before or after Christmas for the best deal? No hurries. 

[Digi-G]

I love my smart TV.  I was in the same boat before I got it - wasn't sure if it would be for me.  But having direct access to streaming services like Netflix, Prime, Paramount, Peacock, etc. as well as Youtube and the internet has been invaluable.  We watch streaming services more than anything else.  The variety of choices is staggering.  Yeah, the searches are kinda clunky - I don't know if an alternate method can be used or not.  The search function for our cable tv wasn't too different though.

As far as brand names I like Samsung and Sony but I'm sure others are comparable.  I've heard good things about LG and our LG kitchen appliances have been fantastic.  I've got a Samsung 75" 70's series TV (I don't know the exact model #) that I love.  It's not perfect though - dark scenes can be hit and miss, sometimes too dark and sometimes the backlighting is too bright.  I know someone else on the forum got the same or similar model and said it was unacceptable.  I don't feel that way.  I've got a really bright room during the day and I'm probably not as discerning.  YMMV.

Good luck.  Keep us posted.

[js1955]

Look into TCL TVs with ROKU operating system.  50 to 55 inch models exist in 300 to 350 dollar range.

I have two Roku based TCL TVs......55 and 65 inch.   I really like them.  If you prioritize simplicity and ease of use, Roku is the one.  It is designed primarily for streaming with a clean interface, wide app selection, and straightforward navigation with minimal pop-up ads.  Many consider it the best. 

Google on this or similar:  "is roku a good operating system"


ROKU has a voice search system, no need for typing.  Again, Google is your friend:  "tcl roku voice search"

[twitch54]

Interesting, I've never seen a 52" TV for sale in my area, who makes them ?

[nlitworld]

Out of everything, I've liked my Samsung best. Their entry level options seem to look better and easier to use than some of the others. Roku based TVs are nice as well, but usually buying the software with an ok TV vs the other way around. Samsung also has some of the best free internet TV programming to keep you entertained without cable subscriptions.

As for typing on remote territory, you could get a wireless keyboard with track pad if you like YouTube streaming, but with smart TV it's easier to pull up on your phone and cast it to the tv (screen share).

[lokie]

Oh...  might not be 52"... I need to remeasure but suspecting it's 55".
Thanks for the advice. Will look into your suggestions.
 

[max190]

If you think 55" is big enough, go 65"  Will have to kick up the budget a little as well.

Check this out on Amazon for $548
Hisense U6 Series 65U6N 65 Inches ULED 4K Smart TV | Mini-LED | QLED | 600 Nits | Motion Rate 240 | Dolby Vision HDR 10+ | Dolby Atmos | Full Array Local Dimming | Voice Control | Google TV

You"ll thank me later...

[I.Greyhound Fan]

If you can increase your budget to 500 to 600 you will get a much better TV picture.  We looked at inexpensive 40" TV's 3 years ago and all the TV's below 500 were terrible with dark pictures, crappy blacks and contrast.  We ended up with a Samsung for 550 on sale.  It had the best picture but still does not get very bright.  So if your viewing area is bright, you will not like the picture on a cheap TV.

[js1955]

If you can increase your budget to 500 to 600 you will get a much better TV picture.  We looked at inexpensive 40" TV's 3 years ago and all the TV's below 500 were terrible with dark pictures, crappy blacks and contrast.  We ended up with a Samsung for 550 on sale.  It had the best picture but still does not get very bright.  So if your viewing area is bright, you will not like the picture on a cheap TV.

Yes, I agree $500 / 600 range for TV's over 50 inches will get you something nice.

But surprised you can't be satisfied with $400 to $500 on a smaller 40" TV??     

Within the past 3 years I paid not much more than that for much larger sets:  $550 and $600 for my 55 and 65 inch TV's respectively.   Both are 4k HDR, TCL / Roku.   Both were highly rated by several review sources, and compared favorably to pricier units.  I'm very happy with both.

They have great pictures, and one is in a very bright room.  IMO, no need to spend more.......unless you are really really really particular about video.

[skifasterslc]

I agree with js1955, over the last couple of years I have bought 2 or 3 (for different rooms and family) TCL - Roku smart tvs, great price and picture, and the roku system is very user friendly and easy to navigate. Long story short I ended up with a 70" Samsung in my living, good picture, but imho,, the user interface is clunky and I just wish it was a Roku. Now that I am thinking about it, I may install a roku device and see if I like it better.

[js1955]

.......Long story short I ended up with a 70" Samsung in my living, good picture, but imho,, the user interface is clunky and I just wish it was a Roku. Now that I am thinking about it, I may install a roku device and see if I like it better.

Exactly what I did!   

Last year bought a 43" Vizio for the guest BR.  Absolutely hated the operating system (spoiled by my Roku TV's), so I got this Roku combo "streambar":

https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streambar-Streaming-Premium-Soundbar/dp/B08K3GLDYL/ref=asc_df_B08K3GLDYL?mcid=95167ef5f21a324a862683ab5a0015c7&hvocijid=14523546408205727259-B08K3GLDYL-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14523546408205727259&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010122&hvtargid=pla-2281435178538&psc=1

These modern smart TV's have crap speakers, so I needed the soundbar anyway.............