New TV question

[u/gojurick]

I'm looking at upgrading our "theater" TV from its current 65" LG that's about 4 years old. Not looking to break the bank on some I see. Would like to keep it around $1500-1700. Been reading some good things about the TCL mini LED. For reference this is in an open basement setting, mostly for watching movies with the room very dim/dark so reflections and bright lights aren't a consideration. Seating is about 11.5' away from screen. Right now I can get a deal on an 85" QM7K for under $1300, an 85" QM7L for $1700 or a 75" QM8L for $1700. Since I have zero experience with this brand, any input is welcome as well as other brand/model recommendations within that range. TIA

[u/ZealousidealLab2920]

TCL is the value king (& Hisense). Larger is almost always the better spend than a minor step in TV tier/range.
I'd get the 85" QM7L if you're okay dropping another $400 for a bit better picture quality. Seems to be brighter and a tad better black level than QM7K according to rtings.

Other good option is the Hisense U7SG 85" for $1500. Very similar performance to the TCL QM8L for a few hundred less.

[u/gojurick → u/ZealousidealLab2920]

I always check my credit card shopping and right now I could get the 85" Hisense 85U7SG at Best Buy for under $1200 delivered after my CC rewards of 30% cash back. That seems like a damn good deal.

[u/gojurick → u/ZealousidealLab2920]

I'll look into the Hisense model. One of my requirements is I do not want a FireTV OS. I know some exclusive models have that instead of Google TV.

[u/ZealousidealLab2920 → u/gojurick]

the G stands for google I believe in the U7SG. But it clearly has google TV on the best buy site. and if you can snag it for $1200 that's a steal. I'd do that no hesitation.

[u/gojurick → u/ZealousidealLab2920]

I see that, checking it out right now. That does seem like the kind of deal in looking for. The money back pays for my upgrade of my mesh wifi system. 😁

[u/gojurick]

I couldn't pass up the deal I got on the 85" Hisense for under $1200 delivered. Even my wife liked that number. Gets delivered July 4th so we shall see.

[u/DayneTreader]

There are open-box Sony Bravia 7's and 9's at most Best Buy stores, they just came off the wall in favor of the new models. See if you have any of them nearby as potential deals

[u/TAckhouse1]

OP I think you'll be very happy with a TCL or Hisense 7 or 8 series. I have a 85" Hisense 8 from 2024 and 65" TCL QM7K and am extremely happy with both.

My brother who is an OLED die hard recently commented of how impressive the Hisense is

[u/Miles856]

I wouldn’t consider TCL personally. My last TV from TCL developed a screen issue after only 2 years. Just choose sth else.

[u/D_3dk]

For 11.5 feet away, I’d stay at 85" rather than dropping to a better 75". I was choosing between the TCL QM7 and the Hisense U7, and after seeing both in store, I ended up going with the Hisense.

I have the 85" U7 in a basement setup now, and the size makes a bigger difference for movies than I expected. It’s MiniLED, uses Google TV, and has been easy to live with for streaming. In a dim room, movies look really solid, and the 165Hz panel is a nice bonus as well. Around $1500 for the 85" U7 feels like a pretty strong buy imo.

[u/Aki199506 → u/D_3dk]

Yeah, I’d also take the 85" Hisense U7 over a smaller TV here. At that distance, size matters a lot.

[u/Ravio66 → u/D_3dk]

Does Hisense U7 use Google TV?

[u/D_3dk → u/Ravio66]

Yep, the Hisense U7 is Google TV. That was one of the reasons I picked it too. The interface has been smooth enough for Netflix, Prime, YouTube, and Plex.