[Lex Computer & Tech Group/LCTG] buying a TV

Tue Jan 27 17:13:08 PST 2026

We love our ROKU TV - we have the 65” one but also got a friend a 43” model and we are both extremely happy with ieach of our new sets. I recommend that you buy the longest service contract. Best Buy will replace the TV by the latest available model, and in 5 yrs, you’ll probably have a few failed pixels or some other imperfections.

Happy shopping,
Olga 

> On Jan 27, 2026, at 5:34 PM, John Rudy via LCTG <lctg at lists.toku.us> wrote:
> 
> I have a 47” TV in the bedroom that just died (well, the video died).  Given the cost for diagnostic and repair I went to Best Buy for a quick look and found
> <image001.png>
>  
> Note that they all have high ratings and there is a fair price difference.
> Does anyone have a suggestion on what criteria I should specify?  I assume that 4K is fine and I’ll be using it with my Comcast Service that has lots of stuff on it.
> Might as well just respond to me.
> I’m getting rid of a 47” LG, not that it matters, and the corner of my room will not take something much bigger. I’m not using it for gaming.
>  
> Here is what gemini.ai said to me:
> When looking for a 50" TV at a reasonable price, you can find excellent 4K models between $170 and $300. At this size, manufacturers have integrated many high-end features like QLED and Quantum Dots into budget-friendly price points.
> Features You Should Insist On (The Essentials)
> 4K Ultra HD Resolution: This is the industry standard. Do not settle for 1080p, as 4K provides four times the detail and is now very affordable.
> HDR Support (HDR10): Essential for "visual pop." It improves the contrast between the brightest whites and darkest blacks.
> At Least 3 HDMI Ports: Even for a basic setup, you'll want enough ports for a soundbar, gaming console, and streaming stick.
> Smart Platform (Google TV, Roku, or Fire TV): These built-in systems save you from buying an external streaming device and offer easy access to apps like Netflix and Disney+.
> Good to Have Features (The Upgrades)
> QLED / Quantum Dots: Offers significantly better color vibrance and brightness compared to standard LED.
> Dolby Vision: A premium version of HDR that adjusts the picture scene-by-scene. It’s widely supported by Netflix and Disney+.
> Voice Control: A remote with a built-in microphone (Alexa, Google Assistant) makes searching for shows much faster.
> HDMI 2.1 (eARC): Important if you plan to use a modern soundbar, as it allows for high-quality audio like Dolby Atmos to pass through.
> Recommended 50" Value TVs
> If you are looking for the best balance of price and features, these models are currently top-rated for value:
> The Insignia F50 Series <https://google.com/search?q=Insignia+Class+F50+Series+LED+4K+UHD+Smart+Fire+TV&prds=catalogid%3A3571032728952161471%2Cgpcid%3A14627155168275085036%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A8039106848172826230%2Cmid%3A576462498302775998%2Cproductid%3A18082159217979570383%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1> is one of the most affordable ways to get a QLED screen. It uses Quantum Dots for better color and has the Fire TV platform built-in.
> Key Specs: 4K UHD, HDR10, QLED, Fire TV.
> Best For: Maximum savings without sacrificing color quality.
>  <https://google.com/search?q=Insignia+Class+F50+Series+LED+4K+UHD+Smart+Fire+TV&prds=catalogid%3A3571032728952161471%2Cgpcid%3A14627155168275085036%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A8039106848172826230%2Cmid%3A576462498302775998%2Cproductid%3A18082159217979570383%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
>   <https://google.com/search?q=Insignia+Class+F50+Series+LED+4K+UHD+Smart+Fire+TV&prds=catalogid%3A3571032728952161471%2Cgpcid%3A14627155168275085036%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A8039106848172826230%2Cmid%3A576462498302775998%2Cproductid%3A18082159217979570383%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> Insignia Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV <https://google.com/search?q=Insignia+Class+F50+Series+LED+4K+UHD+Smart+Fire+TV&prds=catalogid%3A3571032728952161471%2Cgpcid%3A14627155168275085036%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A8039106848172826230%2Cmid%3A576462498302775998%2Cproductid%3A18082159217979570383%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> $169.99 <https://google.com/search?q=Insignia+Class+F50+Series+LED+4K+UHD+Smart+Fire+TV&prds=catalogid%3A3571032728952161471%2Cgpcid%3A14627155168275085036%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A8039106848172826230%2Cmid%3A576462498302775998%2Cproductid%3A18082159217979570383%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> Insignia <https://google.com/search?q=Insignia+Class+F50+Series+LED+4K+UHD+Smart+Fire+TV&prds=catalogid%3A3571032728952161471%2Cgpcid%3A14627155168275085036%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A8039106848172826230%2Cmid%3A576462498302775998%2Cproductid%3A18082159217979570383%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> 4.6 (8k+) <https://google.com/search?q=Insignia+Class+F50+Series+LED+4K+UHD+Smart+Fire+TV&prds=catalogid%3A3571032728952161471%2Cgpcid%3A14627155168275085036%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A8039106848172826230%2Cmid%3A576462498302775998%2Cproductid%3A18082159217979570383%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> Opens in a new window  <https://google.com/search?q=Insignia+Class+F50+Series+LED+4K+UHD+Smart+Fire+TV&prds=catalogid%3A3571032728952161471%2Cgpcid%3A14627155168275085036%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A8039106848172826230%2Cmid%3A576462498302775998%2Cproductid%3A18082159217979570383%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> The TCL Q6 Series <https://google.com/search?q=TCL+Class+Q6+QLED+4K+UHD+HDR+Smart+Google+TV&prds=catalogid%3A11294658336629937546%2Cgpcid%3A14268243633780481006%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A12445445581942647515%2Cmid%3A576462774951113185%2Cproductid%3A12312803600991705681%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1> is highly regarded for its brightness and Google TV interface, which many users find more intuitive than Fire TV.
> Key Specs: 4K UHD, QLED, Dolby Vision, Google TV.
> Best For: Users who want a brighter screen for rooms with some sunlight.
>  <https://google.com/search?q=TCL+Class+Q6+QLED+4K+UHD+HDR+Smart+Google+TV&prds=catalogid%3A11294658336629937546%2Cgpcid%3A14268243633780481006%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A12445445581942647515%2Cmid%3A576462774951113185%2Cproductid%3A12312803600991705681%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
>   <https://google.com/search?q=TCL+Class+Q6+QLED+4K+UHD+HDR+Smart+Google+TV&prds=catalogid%3A11294658336629937546%2Cgpcid%3A14268243633780481006%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A12445445581942647515%2Cmid%3A576462774951113185%2Cproductid%3A12312803600991705681%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> TCL Class Q6 QLED 4K UHD HDR Smart Google TV <https://google.com/search?q=TCL+Class+Q6+QLED+4K+UHD+HDR+Smart+Google+TV&prds=catalogid%3A11294658336629937546%2Cgpcid%3A14268243633780481006%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A12445445581942647515%2Cmid%3A576462774951113185%2Cproductid%3A12312803600991705681%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> $258.00 <https://google.com/search?q=TCL+Class+Q6+QLED+4K+UHD+HDR+Smart+Google+TV&prds=catalogid%3A11294658336629937546%2Cgpcid%3A14268243633780481006%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A12445445581942647515%2Cmid%3A576462774951113185%2Cproductid%3A12312803600991705681%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> TCL <https://google.com/search?q=TCL+Class+Q6+QLED+4K+UHD+HDR+Smart+Google+TV&prds=catalogid%3A11294658336629937546%2Cgpcid%3A14268243633780481006%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A12445445581942647515%2Cmid%3A576462774951113185%2Cproductid%3A12312803600991705681%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> 4.5 (5k+) <https://google.com/search?q=TCL+Class+Q6+QLED+4K+UHD+HDR+Smart+Google+TV&prds=catalogid%3A11294658336629937546%2Cgpcid%3A14268243633780481006%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A12445445581942647515%2Cmid%3A576462774951113185%2Cproductid%3A12312803600991705681%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> Opens in a new window  <https://google.com/search?q=TCL+Class+Q6+QLED+4K+UHD+HDR+Smart+Google+TV&prds=catalogid%3A11294658336629937546%2Cgpcid%3A14268243633780481006%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A12445445581942647515%2Cmid%3A576462774951113185%2Cproductid%3A12312803600991705681%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> The Samsung Class Crystal UHD U7900F <https://google.com/search?q=Samsung+Class+Crystal+UHD+U7900F+4K+Smart+TV&prds=catalogid%3A17134209291738299117%2Cgpcid%3A16045017672837206632%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A6882878791735083692%2Cmid%3A576462517564703285%2Cproductid%3A9844881548550712776%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1> offers a very slim, sleek design and Samsung's reliable Tizen OS. While not QLED, its color accuracy is excellent for the price.
> Key Specs: 4K UHD, Crystal Processor, Slim Bezel, Tizen OS.
> Best For: A sleek look and a well-known brand name.
>  <https://google.com/search?q=Samsung+Class+Crystal+UHD+U7900F+4K+Smart+TV&prds=catalogid%3A17134209291738299117%2Cgpcid%3A16045017672837206632%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A6882878791735083692%2Cmid%3A576462517564703285%2Cproductid%3A9844881548550712776%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
>   <https://google.com/search?q=Samsung+Class+Crystal+UHD+U7900F+4K+Smart+TV&prds=catalogid%3A17134209291738299117%2Cgpcid%3A16045017672837206632%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A6882878791735083692%2Cmid%3A576462517564703285%2Cproductid%3A9844881548550712776%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> Samsung Class Crystal UHD U7900F 4K Smart TV <https://google.com/search?q=Samsung+Class+Crystal+UHD+U7900F+4K+Smart+TV&prds=catalogid%3A17134209291738299117%2Cgpcid%3A16045017672837206632%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A6882878791735083692%2Cmid%3A576462517564703285%2Cproductid%3A9844881548550712776%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> $229.99 <https://google.com/search?q=Samsung+Class+Crystal+UHD+U7900F+4K+Smart+TV&prds=catalogid%3A17134209291738299117%2Cgpcid%3A16045017672837206632%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A6882878791735083692%2Cmid%3A576462517564703285%2Cproductid%3A9844881548550712776%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> Samsung <https://google.com/search?q=Samsung+Class+Crystal+UHD+U7900F+4K+Smart+TV&prds=catalogid%3A17134209291738299117%2Cgpcid%3A16045017672837206632%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A6882878791735083692%2Cmid%3A576462517564703285%2Cproductid%3A9844881548550712776%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> 4.4 (10k+) <https://google.com/search?q=Samsung+Class+Crystal+UHD+U7900F+4K+Smart+TV&prds=catalogid%3A17134209291738299117%2Cgpcid%3A16045017672837206632%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A6882878791735083692%2Cmid%3A576462517564703285%2Cproductid%3A9844881548550712776%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
> Opens in a new window  <https://google.com/search?q=Samsung+Class+Crystal+UHD+U7900F+4K+Smart+TV&prds=catalogid%3A17134209291738299117%2Cgpcid%3A16045017672837206632%2CheadlineOfferDocid%3A6882878791735083692%2Cmid%3A576462517564703285%2Cproductid%3A9844881548550712776%2Cpvo%3A38%2Cpvt%3Ahg&ibp=oshop&pvo=38&opi=103135050&gl=us&hl=en&noiga=1>
>  
>  
>  
> John
>  
>  
>  
>  
> John Rudy
>  
> 781-861-0402
> 781-718-8334  cell
> 13 Hawthorne Lane
> Bedford MA
> jjrudy1 at comcast.net <mailto:jjrudy1 at comcast.net>
> <image002.png>
>  
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