Hope I chose the right TV

[HoosierDaddy]

I have a couple of 86" (older Visio, 2 YO LG) TVs. The Visio is in a guest bedroom/2nd floor den. one of the HDMI ports is getting flakey so provided an excuse to buy a new one.

I decided on an OLED this time. So sick of the LED "bloom" around anything on not quite black backgrounds. Considered 3 brands: LG, Samsung and Sony. Largest OLEDs I was willing to pay the price for were 83", so slightly smaller screen.

Have had a few Samsungs over the years and a current LG. So seemed like it was time for a Sony. Was sort of intrigued by Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology (the screen is the built-in speakers).

I had not purchased a single Sony product for many decades, since they rootkitted PCs that loaded a Sony music CD. Said rootkit soon gave hackers a way in.

Anyway, still might not have ordered one if Costco didn't sell it. Costco's 5 year warranty pushed Sony over the finish line. That and I knew I did not like LG's WebOS and their point and click remote - what the %^*# were they thinking? I suspect I may dislike Sony's Android/Google TV interface either, but the smart interface isn't that important to me. Don't quite understand why Sony did NOT produce an 83" OLED for 2024.

I couldn't find any store in the Phoenix area that had floor models of any of the brand's better 83" OLEDs. So, no seeing before buying.

Prices were the same everywhere during Prime days, so tried to let fate dictate the purchase. Decided to wait until late on the 17th (last day for the Prime Day matching sale prices) to order from Costco, figuring I could dodge the bullet if out of stock. I should have waited 5 more minutes. As soon as I ordered, I went back to the product page on Costco and: out of stock.

I scheduled delivery for the 31st so I wouldn't have to stare at the box tomorrow while I find someone to hire to replace the Visio with the LG and mount the Sony where the LG was.

My LED LG specs only listed typical annual KWHs. The OLED Sony lists 826W. I have no idea if that is based on typical frames, or all white. I finally found some test power consumption on my model LG and it was barely 200W. I expected OLED to use more power since there are over 8 million individually powered elements rather than a few thousand at most with LED. If really 826W, I'll be paying around 30 cents per viewing hour between 4 and 7 PM.

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[m3incorp]

I'm guessing you bought the A80L, as I don't see the A95L in 83 size? I am sure you will be happy with it. I don't care for the LG interface either. I do have the Samsung OLED and it is fantastic. As for google TV, it isn't bad. I bought my first TV with the google interface last month for my office. If you are already using the google tech in your house, this TV will connect to it immediately.

 

[Bob Lob Law]

You're paying to have someone hang it? It's super easy. On that size tv just have a buddy give you a hand when it's time to actually put the tv on the mount.

 

[Inthehighdesert]

Nice choice. Really not a bad one there. I have a few 65 lg oleds, and an 83. Amazing pictures

 

[HoosierDaddy]

You're paying to have someone hang it? It's super easy. On that size tv just have a buddy give you a hand when it's time to actually put the tv on the mount.

I agree about the 2nd floor mount which is fairly typical. But the 1st floor mount needs 3 people.
That all-way articulating mount is inset into the wall between two studs, so the TV can be pushed flush against the wall when no articulation is desired. You need one person on each end and a 3rd in the middle with a microscope to drop the 3/8" long shaft of two 8mm screws into two 8mm notches on the mount and add 2 more 8 mm screws and tighten all 4 while the ends are supported. Well, a picture explains it best.

I have religiously avoided owing friends similar favors and don't want to start now.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Nice choice. Really not a bad one there. I have a few 65 lg oleds, and an 83. Amazing pictures

And the panel in this model Sony is manufactured by LG.

 

[vinny89gt]

I helped a buddy install his OLED a year or so ago. Felt like we were going to break it it was so thin.

In fact, when we picked it up, we were told laying it down in the box was dangerous and the TV would likely not survive the drive home.

That was only a 65". I think you might have made the right decision to have someone delivery/hang it for you.

 

[JimC]

We have a Sony and have been happy with it. The only issue is that every once in awhile it has to "reload" the android and go through a start up sequence in order to allow viewing. Only happens every couple of months and probably is a result of some update to the android operating system. So a little annoying when it happens

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I helped a buddy install his OLED a year or so ago. Felt like we were going to break it it was so thin.

In fact, when we picked it up, we were told laying it down in the box was dangerous and the TV would likely not survive the drive home.

That was only a 65". I think you might have made the right decision to have someone delivery/hang it for you.

Yeah, and since it takes 2 extra people due to the mount, I can't even have friends help. In order to ensure nobody ever conspires against me, I only befriend people who can't stand each other.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

As I wait, I am wondering how Sony using the screen as speakers will shorten screen life. I mean sound is vibrations, so making the screen the speakers, it's like putting it in a paint mixer anytime it's on. Have a week before delivery, so could still change my mind without hauling it to return.

 

[m3incorp]

Most TVs have underperforming speakers. Connect it to a sound bar or home audio system if possible.

As I wait, I am wondering how Sony using the screen as speakers will shorten screen life. I mean sound is vibrations, so making the screen the speakers, it's like putting it in a paint mixer anytime it's on. Have a week before delivery, so could still change my mind without hauling it to return.

 

[Inthehighdesert]

I had a screen burn in issue with the first 65 Oled I had. It happened just out of warranty. To my surprise LG took care of it. They’ve since fixed that from happening. In my media room I have a 110” drop down screen. Since I put the 83” it gets very little use. The Oleds just have a fantastic picture. I’m fortunate, what I do for a living hanging a big tv is a simple task. I completely understand why people seek assistance. Expensive pieces of electronics.

And the panel in this model Sony is manufactured by LG.

 

[MD18EcoStang]

I helped a buddy install his OLED a year or so ago. Felt like we were going to break it it was so thin.

In fact, when we picked it up, we were told laying it down in the box was dangerous and the TV would likely not survive the drive home.

That was only a 65". I think you might have made the right decision to have someone delivery/hang it for you.

Pretty much all TVs travel better when upright. Laying them flat is just asking for problems.

 

[S550HPP]

I almost bought a Sony but price was 800 more than 85" LG B2, which I prefer having no TV mic, no Android spyware, even though the pointer was a pita at first it's now perfect.

Fab quality not the best, LG stated wavey bottom 8" of screen is normal. Got it cheap otherwise would have returned it.

LG pic is great, but so are they all after calibration. LG OS is also very fast though I use Nvidia Shield Pro connected to Yamaha YSP 5600 / Definitive Technology hard wired sub in custom made 4" deep alloy and white quartz enclosure with side vents, covered with speaker fabric, that also contains. ATV4 and PS4 plus the ridiculous amount of cords and wires.

Have the TV backlit with dimming RGBW LED

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Damn. I thought I posted that I ended up cancelling the Sony order.

But finally ordered an LG 83" G4.

So, the existing 86" LG 4K family room TV will be demoted to guest room duty and be replaced by this 83" LG OLED. Gonna take a while to get the OLED mounted since the existing TV is on a mount imbedded in the wall and the new OLED comes with its own flush mount that leaves the TV flush with the wall. I literally never used the 3 foot extension of the existing mount that folds completely back into the wall to aim the TV at the kitchen/breakfast area.

So, once the existing TV is off, I'll be removing that mount from within the wall and reinforce any of its opening that would otherwise be where the included new mount gets bolted. Actually, surprised the included mount doesn't require any attachment to a stud, just 8 drywall anchors. I will leave a cubby in the wall for any boxes I want to attach to the TV with an access panel behind a hanging mirror in the bathroom on the other side of the wall.

Pictures of existing TV and new TV (still in box). Still in box because TV includes free wall install on Costco's dime, scheduled for mid January so I don't have to rush prep.

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