The screen makes the theater. While a blockbuster sound system and leather reclining seats are nice additions, the television, in all its 4K Ultra HD glory, is always going to be the real deal. Thankfully, it’s 2016, and a great, big screen — say, 55 to 65 inches — is attainable and, arguably, affordable.
55-Inch
The Baseline of the Modern Home Theater
TCL 55US5800
TCL and Roku teamed up in 2016 to create a number of smart TVs. This 55-inch TV is simple to operate, even for those unfamiliar with Roku. And once users download the accompanying app, any smartphone or tablet can be used as a TV remote.
Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Panasonic TC55CX800U
The TC55CX800U produces a beautiful 4K ultra HD resolution, with a super-fast 240Hz rate. When watching in either 2D or 3D, the picture is immaculate.
Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
LG Electronics 55UH8500
LG’s 4K ultra HD smart TV has a super-enhanced HDR display, allowing for a phenomenal range of contrast and color (as long as you’re watching HDR content).
Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Samsung UN55KS8500
Samsung’s 8-Series televisions have built-in wi-fi and crisp, vibrant HDR. That said, the real selling point here is the full-immersion experience of a curved screen.
Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 240 MR (Motion Rate)
Sony X930D
Sony’s TVs always draw a heavy price tag, but that’s because they’re so damn powerful and beautiful. Their X930D is an Android TV, which supports voice search and Google Cast, all in an extremely thin form factor.
Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
65-inch
Expanding Horizons
Hisense 65H7B2
Hinese’s are the most affordable 65-inch 4K TVs you’re likely to find, and you won’t sacrifice features: The 65H7B2 comes with built-in smart technology, no streaming device required.
Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Panasonic TC-65CX420U
Panasonic’s CX420 Series of 4K ultra HD TVs have a fast refresh rate (120Hz) and come with built-in smart apps for easy streaming.
Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Sharp LC-65UB30U
Part of Sharp’s AQUOS 4K ultra HD UB30 series, the 65UB30U comes with a Sharp’s proprietary “revelation upscaler,” which helps improve picture quality of lower-resolution programs to near-4K quality.
Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Sony XBR-65X850C
This 2015 release narrowly makes the under-$2,000 bracket. It has a powerful 4K Processor X1 that creates a pristine picture while minimizing blur.
Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Vizio SmartCast P-Series
Ultra HD display, check. Dolby Vision’s high dynamic range, check. And Vizio’s P-Series also utilizes Google Cast and comes with a six-inch Android tablet that works as a remote (and a full-function tablet).
Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
