Help Me Pick a Gameroom TV - Low Latency, 4K, Budget

[Jagosaurus]

Hey guys, I've been waiting for my 2008 Vizio to die, but it just won't it's been workhorse. It accepts 1080p but is technically 1366x768 & too small. Also, these early models weren't great on lag... although it's okay. Time to go.

I have 2 other 4K Vizios elsewhere in the house I really enjoy. I could play TV merry-go-round, but I'd like to pick a new gameroom TV with low latency in mind.

I only sit about 9 feet from the TV. I currently have a 32" which wasn't small at the time, but is now . I was thinking 42 or 50 inch at that distance & to fit the furniture. I've noticed some text too small on the 32.

That 50 to 55 inch mark seems to be where the price jumps a lot due to added features (dimming zones, UHD, ARC, motion 120, etc).

Here's my thoughts on criteria:
- Best for budget (think Toyota Camera)
- Modern gaming, maybe OSSC or Tink later
- Solid, low latency key factor (think Halo multiplayer)
- Game mode if applicable
- 4K HDR
- I don't think I'm going to invest in true 120Hz / HDMI 2.1 at this time. While cool, I'm on budget path vs future proof path
- 50" if possible, but 42" seems to be much better priced. Torn here.
- Saying "TV" but essentially a living room monitor with no TV tuner is fine

Appreciate the help. I have a couple of leads but don't want to bake the discussion thoughts?

Thanks RB crew.

[bmoc]

I used this when picking out my last tv.

https://displaylag.com/display-database/

[Ziggy]

Look at TCL. I bought one for my parents more than a year ago and was very impressed with it for the price. If my 1080p TV goes and I have to replace it, TCL will be a brand that I consider.

[stickem]

I'd have to say tcl as well as the most bang for your buck, although I'm a samsung guy.

[Note]

Two years ago I purchased a Samsung 42" 40NU7100F model, which is a 4K smart television and have been pretty happy with it. Have not had any issues with latency or lag. I use it mostly for playing Xbox 360 and streaming services, but my girlfriend also has a Switch and hooks it up to that TV. It was expensive at the time, but perhaps if you get a 2019 or 2018 model, you can still get everything you're looking for and get it a bit cheaper.

I consistently see Samsung and TCL mentioned on best modern gaming TV lists. I haven't used a TCL before, but these two brands might be your best bet.

Let us know what you end up getting!

[Jagosaurus]

I think I'm going with below TCL, thanks for the input. Specs:
- 50 inch
- 4K
- HDR 10
- True 60Hz (that optional 120Hz motion I won't use in games)
- Roughly 12 to 13 ms latency in game mode which is really low (CRTs approximately 8 ms)
- Built in Roku
- Nice budget price at $270

TCL 50S425 50 inch 4K Smart LED Roku TV (2019)

@Note, I thought about used but my OCD got me. I am however going to sell my existing TV & Roku in that room for around 100 bucks

[marurun]

According to the reviews the TCL doesn't have very good brightness and will likely be a bit lackluster for HDR content. So if you're looking for real HDR punch, you'll probably have to step up a degree in price.

[Ziggy]

Does anyone know, in regards to the delay, is that at all input resolutions? Or just at the native resolution? For example, if a 4k TV has 12ms lag with a 4k input, so it still only have 12ms lag with a 1080p input? Or a 480p input? Then how about a 480i input?

[Jagosaurus]

@marurn, Thanks for the heads up. I did see that in a review as well. I play in dark room with blackout curtains & it'll be a vast improvement over my older, 2008 LCD with 1,000s of hours run time. Also, worth noting this set doesn't seem to have multiple dimming zones which tends to come in around 55 inches bump in feature sets along with VA vs IPS LCD panels.

Also, just overall HDR 10 & 4K full compatibility is a goal. For example, Netflix will work with native 4K, no HDR... however Disney + requires 4K and HDR combo to view any UHD content (otherwise 1080p max). Trust me... I've dove too deep there . 1 of my 4K Vizios supports HDR, the other (smaller) doesn't.

@ziggy, I did see a reviews, for this TCL set & my current (2018) 4K E series where they tested input lag on multiple resolutions, refresh rates, & modes. It varies most obviously with game mode on/off but there was slight variation based on others. I don't recall them going back to 480p though.

[Jagosaurus]

Officially ordered the TCL set. Will report back with feedback, likely nerdy photos included.