Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat 98" TV?

Hi

I am seriously considering going to a 98" TV rather than a projector arrangement. I came across locally the cheaper variant, £1,999 of the TCL C805K 98 inch QLED Mini LED 144Hz 4K HDR Premium 1500nits Smart Google TV which looked good in the shop but noticed the higher specification TCL 98-c805k. Has any HH seen this screen in action? Any views or observations? At £3,299 it seems like a bargain but are there major performance shortfalls compared to the far more expensive market competition?

Has anyone on HH bought one and willing to share their home viewing experience and living with such a device? Any views on TCL regarding reliability and customer support?

All views and opinions very welcome.
Thanks in advance for all input.

Personally, I would be more inclined to buy the Samsung alternative.

On watching this week’s ’Digital Trends’ on YouTube…. One reported unintended consequence, on installing such large screen panels, was so much wall space was taken up that little remained to install a centre speaker.

This is not a problem when installing a centre channel behind an acoustically transparent projector screen.

Have you explored the alternative option of a UST (Ultra Short Throw) Projector? I was very impressed when I recently had one demonstrated.

Barry Sheldrick discusses the issue of Projector vs super-sized LED screen, here.

I dont know if you already knew or not but I just found out TCL c8xx does not come with any apps related to Freeview Play/Digital UK. This includes BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4, My5.
Richer sounds recommends If you wish to access one of these apps, we recommend pairing with a Smart device such as a set-top box or casting these apps to your TV from an Android or Apple phone. It's licensing issue, I understand.

Thanks for the update, I was aware of this issue and as you kindly point out plugging in a separate device is a practical work around.

A review of the 98” TCL.

What advantages would you be looking for Colin? I ask as a projector user & I enjoy the process. Is it better PQ or less hassle?

I wouldn't go down that route; for one thing I wouldn't want to lose the screen acreage (watching 2.35 content a 98" TV would be less than half the size of mine) plus I have my speakers behind the screen and that isn't something I'd want to lose anytime soon. Having the sound coming from behind the screen rather than below / to the sides was a big step-up for me. Plus I turn the PJ on & 20 seconds later it's good to go, it's a laser model so I should get many years of happiness from it so I'm firmly in the PJ camp.

I agree that the latest gen of super-sized TVs are amazing value but knowing you I doubt that cost is a major driver.

Whilst I really want the full projector experience, especially a nice 2.35 aspect screen, I was severely burned by my previous projector, the depreciation cost is eye watering!

I was really surprised by the price drops on a 98" TV plus easier set up in a shared use room which made me think alternatively.

Also of course, it will depend on my next house and the size of room available to me and whether I have the luxury of a room I can dedicate to a projector facility.

If I do have a spare room I'll probably buy both!!

Ah! I understand. Certainly for a shared space / media room I can see the sense in a TV where light levels might be less suited to a projector-based system, although modern PJs are so much brighter than they used to be.

Eye-watering depreciation? I doubt that's restricted to projectors! Almost anything that we buy, from CE in general to cars all come with that unwelcome feature. Hopefully your next home will allow you to do both; having gone from a shared space in our previous home to a dedicated room here, there's no going back for me.

I very much agree with your comments about other CE and cars but I have found projectors to be extreme, akin to burning piles of £50 notes!

I have my eye on the Sony VPL-XW7000 circa £12,500, laser pjs should have a longer useable life so maybe I can get ten years plus life from one and get the enjoyable work from the beast and ignore the scary depreciation!!

I wonder if this checklist for future house-buying might be helpful Colin... Features in order of importance.

1) A dedicated home cinema room.
2) A house you'd be happy to live in.
3) Price is within budget.
4) Convenient for work & family.

Super list - thanks.

The only modification for me is that I am leaving the world of work next year so this will no longer be a consideration factor for me. This is a novelty for me as I moved around the UK several times for work/career development purposes so it will be nice to live somewhere of my own choice!

I wonder if this checklist for future house-buying might be helpful Colin... Features in order of importance.

1) A dedicated home cinema room. Tick
2) A house you'd be happy to live in. Tick
3) Price is within budget. Tick
4) Convenient for work & family. Work no longer relevant, family tick!

Just noticed this discussion thread I started last year, strange how thinks work out.

I will be having a dedicated cinema room with a Sony XW7000, still deciding on the screen to purchase. Screen opinions sought, I'm leaning towards Screen Research or DT or XY, all comments and observations welcome.

I will be going for the updated TCL 98" TV in the lounge.

I will hopefully have various renovation and entertainment works completed by end of August to move in in early September to start enjoying both room experiences.

Fingers all crossed!!