Great Deals on TVs and Home Theater Equipment
Understanding TV Pricing Trends
Television prices generally follow a predictable pattern throughout the year. New models typically launch in the spring, followed by minor price reductions during the summer. Significant price cuts usually occur around the holiday season, with prices continuing to decline until the models are discontinued the following year. Currently, we are in the final stage of this price cycle, and with newer 2025 TV models unveiled at CES (Consumer Electronics Show), last year’s models are expected to see further price drops in the coming months.
Top TV Deals
Here are some noteworthy television deals featuring well-regarded brands like LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL, and Hisense, many of which are comparable to or even better than Black Friday prices:
1. LG B4 OLED TV (48″):
- Price: $600 (Best Buy) – $200 off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
- Features: This entry-level 2024 OLED TV offers excellent contrast with deep blacks, clear motion, and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for a darker room. While not as bright as more expensive models, it provides good value, especially for gamers with its four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting up to 120Hz refresh rates. The smaller size is ideal for a compact space.
2. Hisense U7N QLED TV (65″):
- Price: $698 (Amazon and Best Buy) – $300 off.
- Features: Reviewers praise the U7N for its superior brightness, contrast, and HDR performance compared to other TVs in its price range. It includes features like quantum-dot color, mini-LED backlighting, and a 144Hz refresh rate. The screen uses the convenient Google TV platform. However, it has poor viewing angles and may require minor image setting adjustments. The 55-inch model is available for another great price.
3. Samsung The Frame 2024 QLED TV (55″):
- Price: $868 (Woot) – $630 off.
- Features: The Frame TV stands out for its stylish design, resembling a framed piece of art, making it suitable for any home decor. Its matte panel reduces glare in brightly lit rooms, and it can display artwork when not in use. While not offering the best contrast and color compared to others in its price range, its design makes it unique. A new Frame Pro model was revealed at CES, but will be more expensive.
4. TCL Q651G QLED TV (65″):
- Price: $368 (Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart) – $182 off.
- Features: A budget-friendly option, particularly for gamers, with a 120Hz refresh rate (at 1440p or 1080p resolution). Note that this TV lacks local dimming, resulting in limited contrast. Consider the Hisense U6N for better brightness and a more dynamic image, even if it’s not as drastically discounted. The TCL model surpasses the U6N in offering a wider variable refresh rate range at 1440p/120Hz which is beneficial for smoother gameplay on consoles.
5. Hisense U8N QLED TV (65″):
- Price: $898 (Amazon and Best Buy) – $602 off.
- Features: A significant upgrade from the U7N, featuring improved contrast, vibrant colors, exceptionally high peak brightness. It maintains similar drawbacks – mediocre viewing angles and minor blooming in dark rooms – but represents a worthwhile upgrade for those with a larger budget.
6. Samsung S90D QD-OLED TV (55″):
- Price: $1,198 (Amazon, Samsung, and Best Buy) – $600 off.
- Features: Its QD-OLED panel combines OLED advantages with quantum dots for enhanced color performance. Reviews indicate superior color vibrancy and HDR highlights compared to conventional OLED TVs. The four HDMI 2.1 ports are a plus; however it lacks Dolby Vision support and the Tizen interface can be clunky. Available in 65 and 75-inch models as well.
7. Sony Bravia 7 QLED TV (55″):
- Price: $1,198 (Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy) – $100 off.
- Features: While not as impactful a value proposition as the Hisense U8N, some reviews suggest that its color accuracy is better compared to others in the market. It offers high brightness but at the cost of contrast and peak brightness and only has two HDMI 2.1 ports. OLED TVs may be a preferable choice at this price point.
Additional Deals: Streaming Devices and Soundbars
Beyond TVs, several deals on streaming devices and soundbars are also available:
1. Roku Ultra (2024):
- Price: $79 (Amazon, Roku, B&H Photo, and Best Buy) – $21 off.
- Features: A premium Roku player offering simplicity, Ethernet and USB ports, support for most major apps and HDR formats, AirPlay compatibility, and a rechargeable remote with backlit buttons, voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
2. Sonos Beam (Gen 2):
- Price: $399 (Sonos and Amazon) – $100 off.
- Features: A compact, high-quality soundbar that delivers excellent sound without taking up excessive space. Note that Sonos has encountered recent app-related issues. Available at Amazon and other retailers.
Deals No Longer Available (at time of writing)
These deals were valid at the time of original publication, but may no longer be available:
- LG C3 OLED TV (65″)
- Sony A95L OLED TV (65″)
Conclusion
The current market offers a range of affordable high-quality televisions and related equipment. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Before purchasing, it’s beneficial to research individual models to ensure they meet your requirements, particularly concerning features like viewing angles, refresh rates, and HDR capabilities. Remember to check multiple retailers for the best price.
