Toolong
-
Posts
935 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Events
Forums
Downloads
Quizzes
Gallery
Blogs
Posts posted by Toolong
-
-
13 hours ago, vinny41 said:
how far will your wife be sitting from the tv and will she be viewing the tv straight ahead or her or at at an angle
Also will there be any direct lighting on the tv such as sunlight
I wouldn't get o focused on brands as you can have a TV that is unsuitable for your needs and one that is suitable both from the same brand
TV Size to Distance Calculator and Science
https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-size/size-to-distance-relationship
if she is sitting 15ft from the TV she is unlikely to see any benefit from a 4k 55" TV showing 4k Content
some tv's will have narrow viewing angles
some tv's will have wide viewing angles
some tv's will perform worse if there is direct sunlight on the TV compared to other TV's
Oh crikey, Vinny.....now you've given me something ELSE to consider!! ????????
She'll be sitting directly opposite TV, about 8/9 feet away. No direct sunlight. Mostly evening viewing in darkish room.
I haven't checked out your link yet, but will. Thanks for posting. ????
-
14 hours ago, dddave said:
Over the last 10 years, I've had a number of TCL TV's and have never had a maintenance issue with any of them. The only reason I had many was because I was continually trading for up-size and more advanced picture quality as the prices dropped every year. Prices have recently been going up because of the weak Baht and supply chain issues.
TCL did not get to be the worlds largest selling brand selling "disposable garbage".
Among reliable reviewers in the press and on YouTube, TCL is considered by most to be the best value TV on the market. Also, currently HISENSE TV's are very well thought of as well.
Not necessarily the finest picture quality of all...that pretty much goes to premium LG and Sony units but they will also cost upwards of four times as much.
Most average viewers can not see the differences unless they are side-by-side.
If the OP is really more comfortable buying a brand he knows, there are excellent TV's from all the major manufacturers: Panasonic, LG, Sony, Samsung, ect. They just cost more; feature to feature.
Regarding Thai broadcast TV, almost every TV now sold has a digital tuner built in. You will not need a converter box though you may need an antennae. Unless you are in a remote area, most small and inexpensive antennae's will do the job. Don't let a salesperson sell you and expensive "high gain" unit. it's usually a waste of money. If you are in a remote area with a difficult signal, local TV shops are more likely to know what works best.
Good places to buy TV's, besides BigC and Tesco are HomePro, PowerBuy, IT City and Lazada online. Since the OP says he has little experience with new TVs, I'd suggest maybe paying a bit more and buying from a retailer whos delivery people will also unbox and set-up the TV. HomePro for one usually offers this service.
"Smart" TV's basically have a built-in computer, most running an Android system similar to many phones and tablets. People usually connect through their home wifi network. The wifi receiver is also built-in. If you don't have wifi, there are plans that the major mobile service providers have where you can use the phone signal but that tends to be a more expensive and slower option. Through "Android TV, you will have access to YouTube (both Paid and free available), Netflix and a plethora of other streaming services; some free, some by subscription.
Most remotes are pretty confusing and take a while to figure out. Some of the more expensive models have small, simpler remotes with "Voice search" now common but even voice search can be tricky.
Dddave...huge thanks for this comprehensive explanation of certain basics I needed (& wanted) to be aware of.
Very, very helpful! ????????
I appreciate you (and others) taking the time to post it.
-
20 hours ago, johng said:
anything static on the screen for long periods of time can cause "burn in" logos are the worst culprit old phosure tube tv's,plasma and OLED are quite susceptible, apparently "normal" LED tvs are much less susceptible but they can still be effected if the image is static long enough.
Uhmmm ???? Thanks for that. ????
-
21 hours ago, Bruno123 said:
If you are happy to buy a Chinese TV; you find it difficult to beat this on price: https://www.mi.com/th/product/mi-tv-p1-55/
Cheers for that link, Bruno. ????
-
16 hours ago, johng said:
Yes that is a big concern many channels nowadays have almost permanent logos ..I have some burn in on my plasma screen caused by watching movies and tv shows with subtitles enabled.
The logos cause this 'burn'? I believe you....just wasn't aware of that. In fact, wasn't aware of burn at all until 5 minutes ago!
Anyway.....interesting.
-
16 hours ago, Bruno123 said:
I would say to focus on two main areas; picture quality and content availability.
OLED is considered desirable; but then that will leave less money for the other parts of the TV. So you need to prioritise.
Consider a TV with Google TV or Android TV if you aren't the type to have extra boxes connected to the TV for added functionality.
Google TV OS is the latest rebrand of the Android TV OS. That way there may be the option to install Apps that would normally be utilised on mobile phones; therefore widening choice.
Chances are the wife doesn't care much about the nth degree of quality; but price up OLED together with Google TV(or at least the latest Android TV OS version) and use that as a base. Then you can dig into the finer details; opting for things that you will definitely use and discarding things of no interest.
Just noticed your post, Bruno.
Interesting. And useful. Have seen Google TV and Android TV on advertising boards and was wondering what all that meant. I shall have to google these options to know more precisely what they are, the differences & what they offer, etc....but I shall bear in mind what you say.
To be honest, Bruno, it is because I see these words & terms on display boards, without knowing what it all means that I posted this in the first place! My head spins at it all.
Then, I read a response to your post by lopburi3 - which to me sounds like it might apply in my case a bit (but I'm not sure!) - and am now sitting here smiling at how one can get more confused the more one seeks to become less confused!
I remember with early desk top computers, it seemed to me the only considerations were ensuring you had the latest 'Pentium' thingy and so much 'ram'!
Having said all that.....I'm still getting - from detailed posts like yours & lopburi3's etc, - a better general idea, and so I do appreciate your post, thanks. ????
-
1 minute ago, lopburi3 said:
As for 4k it is the new standard so is not an additional cost anymore. Agree many of us have no use for it yet but a few years ago most did not need (HD) either - but most content now is - and production cost is just about the same for HD or 4K screen so everyone changing.
Right, ok. That's good to know. All this info helps. Thanks ????
-
11 hours ago, Will27 said:
No need to over complicate this.
You will get a good 55 inch for under 20 000 Baht.
Don't worry about gimmicks they will try to push which more than likely you won't need.
If you want, you can go to websites like Powerbuy and see what you can get in your price range.
When you get to the store, beware of the salesman who will push only a certain brand. He will be paid by the company whose brand he's pushing, not the store.
At the end of the day, you'd be hard pressed to notice any difference in the picture quality of most brands if you lined them up.
I've had bad experiences with Samsung where others swear by them.
I prefer Sony and Panasonic but you really go wrong IMO.
Thanks, Will27. I can get the points you're making, especially about gimmicks & biased salespersons!
Yes, will avoid Samsung. And will check out Powerbuy.
Cheers ????
-
1
-
-
11 hours ago, Dmaxdan said:
Modern smart TVs are actually pretty user friendly. Once you plug it in and turn it on for the first time it will offer you a choice of languages which once you have selected one which you can a read it will guide you through the setup process without any real dramas.
Entering your WiFi password, plugging in the aerial and letting the TV scan for the digital channels is about as taxing as it gets. They are, as the saying goes pretty much idiot proof.
The couple of major decisions you need to consider (in my humble opinion) when buying a new TV are...
Picture quality. Do you actually need 4K or is Full HD (1080p) okay for your needs.
Remember that what services you wish to use or pay for will determine this. For example, with Netflix the subscription you choose, your WiFi speed and what you're willing to pay will determine whether you can stream in 4K or 1080p.
There is no point in paying extra for a 4K TV and then never using it to it's full capability.
I don't believe that any Thai TV channels are broadcast in 4K but I'm happy to stand corrected on this.
It's also worth considering what ports (HDMI, USB etc) are on the back of the the TV and does it support Bluetooth just in case you wish to add a sound bar or some other other speaker system.
For the most part, most modern TVs have a great picture but horrendous, tinny sound quality, which is made even worse when people choose to fix their TVs to the wall because the tiny little speakers that these slim TVs have are on the back of the TV so the sound they produce is therefore not being projected out into the room.
Thanks for your thoughts & recommendations, Dmaxdan. Your 'humble opinion' is much appreciated. I shall bear the 4k comments in mind, and also the HDMI, usb & bluetooth factors. This was very much the kind of information I sought.
You talk about these devices being set up as 'idiot proof'......well I am that kind of person they probably had in mind! ????
-
1 hour ago, elfpattaya said:
I second TCL, which also has 3 year warranty, which you won't get with the better known brands, I have had one now for 4 years no problems.
Previously had a Samsung, just after warranty finished black line appeared across the picture cost me about 8000 to fix, then all the HDMI and USB ports went down cost me another few thousand to fix, and then another black line appeared across the picture. I was told problem with the LED's again. I was told it was not worth fixing, very expensive and to buy a new one, but not to buy the expensive big brand names.
The person who told me was a very well respected and recommended TV engineer in Pattaya who works from a wheelchair.
Now that is mighty intersting, elfpattaya, cos the reason I seek another smart tv is cos the samsung we had blew up!!
Appreciate your comment & helpful advice. ????????
-
11 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:
TCL is one of the largest makers in the world so is a name brand and they offer 3 year warrantee and in other threads many in Thailand have had good luck with them. Have had 2 best selling brand fail just after one year so will not pay extra for them again.
I'm definitely interested. I'm a name brand man, USUALLY......but I really think I should maybe rethink that. ????????
-
18 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:
I have not had good luck with name brands and do not feel they are worth paying more to have - they only sets that have lasted more then 2 years have been no name or TCL. I just bought a 55 inch TCL 55T5000A for about 13K from official store on Lazada to replace a 5 year old no name that finally quite. As first 2 sets were TCL when 32 inch was the max size and have still not failed believe it is a good choice and a reasonable price. Remote control is very easy to use and much smaller than most others. Set is easy to set up and full options even if you do not want to use them (like phone and voice ability).
2 years? Wow! I would be hoping for a longer life than that! That is very, very interesting. Thanks, lopburi3. I haven't checked out the link you kindly provided, but I will in a moment. Cheers ????
-
19 minutes ago, The Hammer2021 said:
It's a very common, everyday, common household item. You seem to have a problem with sales staff as well as technology. If you act like a victim you will be treated like one. At 200 to 300 pounds you are not risking much money anyway. Just walk around a few stores just looking. Anything that is modern will be good. It's just a matter of price. Ask a friend or acquaintance to help you buy or help you set up.
With respect, Hammer, TVs are certainly common and everyday household items, as are laptops, phones and bottle openers, but in terms of requiring doing a little bit of homework in knowing which one might be the optimum buy in terms of specs & price, etc, one of them is definitely the odd one out! (For me, anyway. ????)
-
1
-
-
8 minutes ago, tonray said:
Thanks for that. Very useful, though I got to admit that they're sadly beyond my price range.
But I am learning a lot by reading it all. Cheers!????
-
2
-
-
28 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:
Ask your wife to find out, say 15k max
Erm.....I love my wife dearly, Scuba, but....bless her....she's even less knowledgeable about these things than I!????
-
2
-
-
5 minutes ago, The Hammer2021 said:
Just buy the most modern TV you can afford. 10k get you 50 inch smart TV. Get the salestaff to install it and show you how to operate it. That's what I did.
Your simple advice may be precisely how I should go about it.
But I guess I just have too much experience of being deceptively serenaded by staff into buying the stuff that was right for them (oh yes) but not for me!
But your advice may indeed be sound enough.
-
1
-
-
6 minutes ago, tonray said:
Unfortunately when it comes to new TV technology, the cheaper no name stuff tends to be less reliable and it's really a throwaway rather than a repair, unless you want to ship it back to China and hope it makes it OK. Stick with a name brand like Samsung ( I would not give the same advice for phones for example) but with new TVs you do get what you pay for.
If your Mum or Dad (bear with me!????!) said they were off to buy a smart TV and you couldn't go with them but had 1 minute to tell them on the phone a few specifications (ie, 4k, HD, blah blah) that must insist on.......what would you say? (Full respect to your dear Mum & Dad, by the way. Just a hypothetical!)
-
I need to buy (my wife) a smart TV. But being a non-gadgety out-of-touch old duffer I regret to say I know sweet Fanny Adams about what I should be looking for in the shop and fear being a lamb for the slaughter. I noticed a thread on this site today re buying a smart TV or non-smart TV. Though that is NOT my issue, I figured I might learn something about which smart TV I might buy anyway.
That did not happen. I don't think I made it to the end of the first page. Just now more confused than ever. I don't understand the latest lingo! There appear to be too many darned options...none of which I understand.
Here's a bit to go on:
Want something that allows my wife and I to watch her Thai mainstream channels, plus others like Amarin, Thai Rath, etc.....plus netflix if we wish to subscribe and youtube etc, so online access.
Now my wife is Thai and has, unfortunately, a very entrenched view that a more expensive item must be better than a cheaper item, regardless of facts that might easily disprove that.....so I'm saying that those well-meaning folk out there who kindly inform me that such and such a make or model priced at 10,000 baht is basically as good as one for 20,000 baht+.....might be wasting their time. However- I still very much welcome those recommendations!! The more I know/understand the better!
(But price-wise.....reckon I could manage 20 - 23,000 baht thereabouts....possibly more.)
With respect to all....anything connected with True......nah. True and I fell out, big time.
I want a 55 incher, that gives a decent picture....and one with a remote that doesn't require a PHD in advanced 'devicery'.......and WON'T be obselete by the time I get it home!
Advice, kept simple, would really help. Thanks in advance.
-
2
-
-
Had similar keyboard trouble ( but random letters).
Try plugging in (via usb port) & using another keyboard. If it's ok with 'external' keyboard connected , then problem with your built-in keyboard.
I now just use external keyboard. Not ideal but ok if at home.
Didn't want to pay for keyboard repair.
-
1 hour ago, Crossy said:
I also seem to remember it actually needing to be in the dark (panel unplugged/inverted) before it would go into auto mode but that might be a false memory.
Ok....that's another thing I shall bear in mind and definitely check out, Crossy.
Never know - sometimes a possible 'false memory' about something turns out to not be false at all.
Thanks for letting me know about that. ????
-
56 minutes ago, Crossy said:
Important note:- These lights flash to acknowledge that they've received an instruction from the remote.
Ours have an "auto" button which sets it up to come on at dusk, but it seems to need to be in "off" mode (the off button) before it will actually do the business of lighting at night.
So press "off" then "auto" and unplug/invert the panel and see what it does.
If I remember right, Crossy, your light is the same brand as mine (or at least looks very similar), so I shall definitely give your suggestion a go. Might just do the trick!
Thanks a lot. ????
-
2 hours ago, millymoopoo said:
In light (no pun intended) of the extra information provided about the large lamps functionality (with or without the remote) the fact that you can get it to stay on at night suggests that the battery is OK and charging during the day.
Perhaps the issue is in the electronics, or possibly more likely it is programmed, and it has a glitch.Yes you could reasonably expect it to come on automatically at night.
Whilst I don't know how many control functions or buttons are available on the remote you could try pressing and holding the on button for several seconds, sometimes this access any program mode it may have, then up and down buttons would scroll through the programs.
There could also be a factory reset option too, possibly accessed from the same holding of the on button for an extended period.
As you say there are no manuals it's a bit of a guessing game.
Should you get the time, why not google images LED garden light, or what ever it's called, without the brand name, look at the pictures, if you can identify your lamp and it is known by a different name search for manuals for that brand, likelihood it will be the same.
All of us are good at one thing, sometimes more than one, but not good at everything.!
Cest la vie...!
Thanks for that very comprehensive response, Millymoopoo! ☺
Some very good ideas and much that I would never have considered, so thanks for the suggestions.
Holding down the on button as you suggest sounds worth a try. I'm ready to try all options!
Good idea about googling for this brand and hopefully getting some specific info about remote control use/options. I assumed being a cheapish piece of kit that searches would come up dry, but I will give it a go.
"All of us are good at one thing...." , you say......and you're right enough Millymoopoo! However.......it is sadly self-evident, in my case, that DIY is not that thing! But as you say....c'est la vie!????
-
2 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:
Hence, I suggested covering the solar panel as you can test out your options via the remote at your leisure.
Maybe it isn’t designed to turn on automatically at dusk ??, sounds crazy yes but could possibly be that way !! After all why have a remote ?
My lights are far from sophisticated, Lazada/China quality costing 150 baht !! and not very powerful but they serve my purpose and are very easy to use set up, access to the battery is via a screwed in panel , also the battery is in a holder so no messing with soldering wires !.
I bought one for a test and couldn’t believe how good, for the money, it was so bought another 5!
Yours is no doubt a lot more powerful than mine.
Thanks, Andrew. I appreciate the advice. I agree that it would be useful to do as you suggest (covering panel in order to try out remote options) but I had to chuckle cos it took me ages yesterday to securely rig it up at the unreachable end of a huge bamboo pole which is now fastened, via the most overly complex mass of knots, to the outside wall!
The thought of taking it down is way too much for my old bones right now! ????
For now, I'll wait for dusk and then start experimenting with the remote.
I do agree that some solar lights do seem to come surprisingly cheap, but they do the job! ????
-
1
-
-
44 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:
To test the solar light during the day just cover the solar panel or put it face down.
This should replicate nighttime and the light will illuminate.
These lights usually have different modes , I have some that have motion detect and illuminate for 45 seconds when sensing movement ( only at nighttime ) or they can illuminate at dusk and stay illuminated as the battery allows with a couple of strength options.
Yours doesn’t appear to have motion detect ( usually a small white dome on the lamp itself denotes this ).
I should charge the battery with 8 hours of sunlight then put the solar panel face down to test what options you have with the remote.
Obviously if nothing happens then the battery could be dead, but the battery in the remote could also be !!
Thanks for your comment/advice Andrew.
Right now I don't think I need to test the light, as I can now get it working thanks to the remote (I didn't have one for a while, at first).
I guess what's essentially confusing me now is why it won't turn on at dusk by itself. Maybe this model isn't desgned to....but I doubt it. Or maybe I'm not operating the remote correctly. (Btw...remote batteries are new.)
Btw....your lights sound a bit more sophisticated than mine! ????
Smart advice for non-smart duffer re smart TVs
in Audio Visual AV
Posted
Thanks Vinny. Sorry for slow response. I will definitely check out the link. Interesting, because until very very recently I hadn't even heard of brands like Hisense and TCL (or is it TLC?!). I'll check it out. Cheers, and appreciate your recommendations. ????