How I turned this 98-inch TV into an immersive entertainment system (and it's $1,200 off)

[ad_1] ZDNET's key takeaways TCL's 98-inch Class S5 Sequence TV is likely one of the most accessibly-priced TVs of its dimension, and it is at present on sale for $1,500 off. Watching films and TV exhibits on such an enormous show is as near a theatre-like expertise as one can get at house. With such a big TV, setting it up generally is a battle, particularly if you do not have a large enough console or wall house extra shopping for selections

TCL makes some spectacular TVs utilizing superior show applied sciences, specs, and optimizations for the very best image high quality attainable. But typically, they put all that apart and say, "Hey, let's simply make a extremely large TV for the sake of creating a extremely large TV." And that is what this 98-inch set is all about.

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This TV, a member of TCL's lower-end S5 sequence, is at present on sale for $1,200 off its regular worth of $3,000. It at present sits at $1,800 on Finest Purchase. TCL was sort sufficient to let me learn about this deal in an e-mail a couple of weeks in the past, and I used to be wildly intrigued, to say the least. "A 98-inch TV for lower than $2,500?" I believed to myself. That appeared unattainable.

I have been dwelling with the 98-inch TCL S5 Sequence, and this is how the expertise has been.

Establishing a 98-inch TV The largest problem this TV poses is becoming it in your house. This factor is gigantic; it is 85.7 inches broad, 49.1 inches tall, and the toes are 68.5 inches aside. When you have a wall large enough to mount it on, then you definitely're all set. However should you do not, you is likely to be scrambling to seek out an leisure middle large enough to accommodate this behemoth.

TCL's 98-inch S55 sequence TV subsequent to my 65-inch LG TV. Yeah, this factor's a monster.

Max Buondonno/ZDNET The latter was me, by the way in which -- I used to be the one scrambling. My brothers helped me unbox the TV (which felt unattainable since our drop ceilings stopped us from lifting the lid straight up within the air), and after we ripped via all of the Styrofoam and plastic wrap, we would have liked to determine a spot to set it up in our comparatively small front room.

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My first thought was to go away it on the bottom, however who needs to look down to look at TV? Then we thought-about ditching our present leisure middle and shifting our 65-inch LG TV someplace else to caddy nook it (once more, on the bottom), however that meant we would should dismember our whole front room.

So, we got here up with a compromise: we arrange two folding catering tables, pushed our sofa and loveseat in opposition to the wall, and plopped the 98-inch mammoth proper in entrance of our hearth. Is it excellent? Not likely, nevertheless it works for the sake of this assessment.

Probably the most immersive expertise obtainable (until you discover one larger) None of us have been fairly ready for simply how large this TV is. Certain, I had a way of how large it was earlier than we plugged it in, however as soon as that 98-inch display screen lit up, we have been all stunned. Many individuals dream of getting a movie show of their house to take pleasure in their favourite cinema flicks and video games, and shopping for a TV like TCL's 98S550G will get you as near that actuality as attainable.

Possibly it is as a result of we're sitting so near it, possibly it is the swap from watching on a 65-inch TV for thus lengthy, however regardless of the motive, the sensation of immersion you get from watching this 98-inch TV by no means appears to fade away. All the things you tune into will really feel extra lifelike than you possibly can think about -- that goes for films like "Oppenheimer" and "Spider-Man: No Means Dwelling" to cable TV exhibits like "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives".

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My solely want is that I had gotten to see this yr's Tremendous Bowl on it. That stated, I can already inform this TV would be the excellent match for anybody who makes use of multiview via NFL Sunday Ticket.

I imply it once I say that your jaw can drop at any second whereas watching this TV present. When you have a favourite film or TV present, it merely makes it higher because it's simply so large. It is simple to see regardless of the place you might be within the room, and it ensures there is not a nasty seat in the home.

Atypical specs, however strong image high quality nonetheless My 4K HDR Oppenheimer DVD regarded superb on this factor.

Max Buondonno/ZDNET Past its magnificent 98-inch dimension, the remainder of the 98S550G is fairly fundamental, no less than in relation to high-end TVs. It makes use of a QLED panel, which helps ship brighter colours and higher distinction. I can confidently say it is the most effective LED TVs I've ever seen. Nevertheless, you will not get the identical luxuries as one thing like an OLED or Mini LED TV with native dimming, richer distinction, and elevated brightness. On the brilliant facet, you will not get any mild haloing round your content material because it makes use of one big backlight.

The TV has a 4K decision and helps refresh charges as much as 120Hz, which is a pleasant contact for any avid gamers who need to take pleasure in silky-smooth gameplay on the panel. I'll say, although, 4K on a 98-inch panel would not really feel the identical because it does on a 65-inch panel; pixel density is not practically as excessive since they're scattered throughout a a lot bigger canvas, and should you get near the TV, you possibly can undoubtedly see particular person pixels. It is not a difficulty by any means, however I discovered it fascinating nonetheless.

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The image high quality is respectable general. "Oppenheimer" regarded nice taking part in off the 4K HDR DVD I bought, whereas 1080p upscaled cable exhibits weren't too shabby, both. You could have loads of choices to regulate how all the pieces appears within the settings menu, and when you set it up, I might extremely advise turning off movement smoothing. On a 98-inch tv, the added frames don't do most content material justice.

Max Buondonno/ZDNET With the 98-inch S5, TCL made positive to incorporate lots of specs and options prospects is likely to be involved in, together with HDR Extremely (consisting of Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ, Open HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG), a devoted Sport Accelerator 240 for 240 VRR help, Dolby Atmos, AirPlay, Chromecast, voice assistant integration, and even dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi. There are 4 HDMI ports to reap the benefits of, together with optical audio and Ethernet ports.

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Its sound high quality can be strong. At greater volumes, mids and highs can begin to screech, however the built-in subwoofer helps anchor all the pieces with a stunning quantity of bass, which may be tuned within the settings if you would like roughly growth throughout your films. I might nonetheless go for a devoted sound system if you would like a real movie show setup, however my household and I have been pleased with what the TV kicked out.

ZDNET's shopping for recommendation At $1,799, it is laborious to disregard TCL's 98-inch Class S5 Sequence TV for lengthy. When you have a spot in your house the place you possibly can match a TV of this dimension and magnitude -- and you do not thoughts dropping a cool $1,800 -- I can see this TV making lots of sense for an immersive leisure setup. Granted, you will not get the very best image high quality on the market, nevertheless it's vital to do not forget that something higher than what TCL offers you'll run you $5,000 to $10,000 -- possibly extra.

In the long run, I had lots of enjoyable reviewing this big 98-inch TV, however I am able to ship it again. For our house, it's kind of too intrusive and will get in the way in which most of the time. (Let's do not forget that it is blocking my whole hearth.) However in case you have the house for it, a part of me needs to inform you to hurry out and seize one whereas the deal's taking place. I feel you will dig it, and your whole family might be hooked on taking a look at it. And on the finish of the day, is not that what we're all after when shopping for a brand new TV?

How we check TVs Whereas testing and researching the TV featured on this assessment, I and different ZDNET specialists stored these standards in thoughts:

Worth: Not all budgets are created equal. And should you're working with a restricted finances, that should not imply it's important to accept a sub-par TV. Every TV mannequin we assessment has been chosen throughout quite a lot of worth factors to assist accommodate totally different wants.Display screen dimension: An important issue to think about, after worth, when looking for a brand new TV is whether or not or not it would match into your house. Whereas this particular display screen dimension is outstanding, the QN90D is offered in all kinds of smaller sizes to go well with totally different rooms.Image and audio high quality: A brand new TV does not imply a lot, even when it prices an arm and a leg, if it would not present an ideal image and clear audio. Every TV on this record has been ensured to help numerous HDR codecs, together with HDR10+ and Dolby Imaginative and prescient, in addition to enhanced audio software program like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and object-tracking sound. For a extra detailed look, try our intensive TV testing methodology.