To 4K or not to 4K, that is the question?

[ack_bak]

Background:
A little background (because I think it is important for context). Currently have a media room with a 125" screen and an 3 chip DLP 1080p Optoma projector (3D). I have been using 1080p projectors for the last 8-9 years and have been very happy in terms of overall PQ. I own about 800 Blu-Ray TV shows and movies and also watch a lot of sports and, lately, have been streaming more and more TV shows on Netflix and Amazon streaming. That said, we still buy and watch lots of Blu-Ray movies with 2D being the majority.

I bought my last Optoma 1080p projector a few years ago as a stop gap until 4K projectors become more prevalent and are priced closer to $3-5K range.

The ask:
Just found out that my family and I are being relocated for work and our house will be on the market next month and we will be starting the hunt for a new house. Our current home is about 4500sq ft and I would like to downsize the next house, our most important criteria for the new home is being in a specific school district for our kids.

Many of the homes we are seeing are not going to be optimal for an expensive projector (i.e uber dark bat cave) and I am also discouraged by what I am reading in the projector threads regarding 4K and HDR support. I think they are still years away from figuring it out and having sub $5K projectors.

So the question is, do I go with a 70-75" 4K HDR supported TV (Sony, Samsung, LG, etc) and give up the 100"+ screen size in order to get in on some of the latest and greatest? As more content moves towards streaming I feel I may be missing out. In terms of timing, most likely am looking at Jul-Sep to pull the trigger so I still have time to research the new TV's hitting the market. I am also waiting on Dolby Vision support to see where that goes too.

TLDR summary:
The way I see it, I have three options:
1. If we find the right house for a projector, go that route again with a sub $1K projector in hopes of 4K projectos being 2-3 years away.
2. Go with a 65-75" 4K set that supports HDR and has good black levels and contrast. My DLP projector is pretty good with both (it is much better than my 52" 1080p LED LG set), but I am certain a good $3K+ TV would be better. I would need to sit closer but I am still leery of going with the smaller screen..
3. Go with an 80"+ cheaper 4K set (like Vizio M series) that does not support HDR but is much cheaper and in a few years reevaluate.

Personally I am leaning towards option #2. I am sitting 12.5' away from a 125" screen, but our room is massive and suspect the next room will be much smaller and I can sit 8-10' back.

Would really like to hear from those who have made a similar move or are contemplating similar. It seems like one step forward (4K/UHD+HDR) and one step back (losing screen real estate and that immersive big screen feeling).

Obviously much of this depends on the house we buy but even if the room works with a projector I am still on the fence. There are things about a projector which are limitations as well (my wife likes white ceilings and grey/blue pain on the walls, and if there are windows/ambient light the PJ picture is greatly affected).

Sorry for the long thread but I feel like I am hitting a wall thinking about this...

[bruceames]

Hi Ack, I would recommend option 2. The new format is all about HDR and if you don't get an HDR TV then I think you'll regret it. 75" should be plenty. If you get an 85"+ low end model then you'll be wanting to upgrade sooner than two years if you're interested in HDR. The 75" set with HDR you can just bid your time without missing out and pass it to another room when you upgrade. And yes, the solution to smaller displays is just to sit closer. Good luck in your house search!

[ack_bak]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

Hi Ack, I would recommend option 2. The new format is all about HDR and if you don't get an HDR TV then I think you'll regret it. 75" should be plenty. If you get an 85"+ low end model then you'll be wanting to upgrade sooner than two years if you're interested in HDR. The 75" set with HDR you can just bid your time without missing out and pass it to another room when you upgrade. And yes, the solution to smaller displays is just to sit closer. Good luck in your house search!

Thanks Bruce, yeah really leaning towards option two. I suspect your right and I would just eliminate option #3. I value audio as much (if not more) than video so I will be also looking to do an Atmos surround setup (most likely 5.4.4, or 7.4.4).

One concern I do have is Dolby Vision support. I am hoping that if I buy a TV later this Summer into Fall, that it would have Dolby Vision support as well, but there is little info out there right now about the DV. I just don't want to drop $3-5K on a TV and then turn around and find out it won't support DV. I know there is no such thing as future proof but ideally I would like to get 3-5 years out of the TV before having to upgrade again.

If for some reason we do find a house with a big media room that has good light control I will have to reconsider front projection again. But the projector scene is not so great for 4K/HDR right now.

I have been reading up a lot lately and appreciate all your insight into HDR and the pros and cons. At this point it seems like there is nowhere for the format to go but up

[bruceames]

I'm a little confused about the likelihood of DV support too on UHD BD. Only a few models will be sold this year and anything 75"+ will be extremely pricey. My take is to just get HDR10 for now and see what develops. I'd rather get the 75" and HDR10 then settle for 65" just to get DV (and pay a lot more as well).

Another thing is that I want to eventually get an OLED 75"+ with DV so the combo of those two features at a reasonable price (under $5k) is still 2-3 years away, IMO. By that time we'll know if DV is the real deal. I just got the 940C for that reason. I want the size now and after all not everything on it is going be HDR. I have my Blu-ray collection too. It's like we're in an inbetween zone for purchasing right now. But I can tell you that HDR10 looks very very good and I don't think DV will be that much of an upgrade from that. But it will be nice to have that upgrade to look forward (if it comes about, which it should).

[ack_bak]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

I'm a little confused about the likelihood of DV support too on UHD BD. Only a few models will be sold this year and anything 75"+ will be extremely pricey. My take is to just get HDR10 for now and see what develops. I'd rather get the 75" and HDR10 then settle for 65" just to get DV (and pay a lot more as well).

Another thing is that I want to eventually get an OLED 75"+ with DV so the combo of those two features at a reasonable price (under $5k) is still 2-3 years away, IMO. By that time we'll know if DV is the real deal. I just got the 940C for that reason. I want the size now and after all not everything on it is going be HDR. I have my Blu-ray collection too. It's like we're in an inbetween zone for purchasing right now. But I can tell you that HDR10 looks very very good and I don't think DV will be that much of an upgrade from that. But it will be nice to have that upgrade to look forward (if it comes about, which it should).

Bruce, you make a lot of sense. I agree I am not going to sacrifice going from 75" to 65" just for DV. I am still hoping it can be added to the mid tier 4K+HDR sets for little cost increase, but to your point, it most likely won't be the case.

I don't know if I can hold out this long, but I suspect there might be some nice deals too towards black friday... But doubt I can wait that long. I am also interested in waiting to see what some of the other UHD Blu-Ray players offer.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by ack_bak

Bruce, you make a lot of sense. I agree I am not going to sacrifice going from 75" to 65" just for DV. I am still hoping it can be added to the mid tier 4K+HDR sets for little cost increase, but to your point, it most likely won't be the case.

I don't know if I can hold out this long, but I suspect there might be some nice deals too towards black friday... But doubt I can wait that long. I am also interested in waiting to see what some of the other UHD Blu-Ray players offer.

I'll be getting the Oppo when it comes out. The Samsung is just to hold me over until then and then I can use it on my BR TV (which is also HDR). Look forward to reading your impressions Ack when you get one!

[bruceames]

Not sure about Vizio, but they just listed the prices for their P series TVs and the 75" model is under $4000 and it has Dolby Vision.

http://www.vizio.com/catalog/product.../category/249/

[ack_bak]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

Not sure about Vizio, but they just listed the prices for their P series TVs and the 75" model is under $4000 and it has Dolby Vision.

http://www.vizio.com/catalog/product.../category/249/

Damn. That's a lot of features for under $4K. I have looked at the M series and found it to be a good set for teh money, this is the next step up and has local dimming.

Gonna watch this one for sure. If I can get it for $3500 or so, that's a good value.

Thanks Bruce!

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by ack_bak

Damn. That's a lot of features for under $4K. I have looked at the M series and found it to be a good set for teh money, this is the next step up and has local dimming.

Gonna watch this one for sure. If I can get it for $3500 or so, that's a good value.

Thanks Bruce!

Yeah, a great value. Now I almost wish I would've waited. With these prices and FALD it looks like they're gonna take over the HDR market. I still have a few days to return the 930C...

[Atom156]

Originally Posted by ack_bak

Damn. That's a lot of features for under $4K. I have looked at the M series and found it to be a good set for teh money, this is the next step up and has local dimming.

Gonna watch this one for sure. If I can get it for $3500 or so, that's a good value.

Thanks Bruce!

This is mine and as soon as in April guys. I am very concerned about the movies and how the special effects will look like, but you cannot deny progress. I am going for it and this will be a huge upgrade from a Samsung 1080P 65" smart TV. I hope no strings or stuff like that will be visible and regret my decision but let's see....

[ray0414]

You can't go wrong with the new vizio P. Feedback too that vudu dolby vision hdr is jaw dropping.

[ack_bak]

I have been reading the thread at AVS. I am sold. 75" FALD set with HDR, true 10bit panel, HDR, DV? What's not to like? Only thing I am not sure about is the tablet remote.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by ack_bak

I have been reading the thread at AVS. I am sold. 75" FALD set with HDR, true 10bit panel, HDR, DV? What's not to like? Only thing I am not sure about is the tablet remote.

Yeah the early impressions are good. I'd like to see how it stacks up with the other 2016 models and how good the 1080p processing is. After all, most of the time will be spent watching non-HDR content in 1080p or cable/sat. But bang for buck it looks like it can't be beat.

I'm shocked that Vizio comes out with a complete line of affordable FALD sets while Samsung reverts to edge lit for all but their extremely expensive 9800.

[ray0414]

Originally Posted by ack_bak

I have been reading the thread at AVS. I am sold. 75" FALD set with HDR, true 10bit panel, HDR, DV? What's not to like? Only thing I am not sure about is the tablet remote.

It comes with a regular remote and a harmony can be used too.

I seem at least 2 people today on avs that are coming from panasonic plasmas that say they are not missing their plasmas at all with the vizio P.

[ack_bak]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

Yeah the early impressions are good. I'd like to see how it stacks up with the other 2016 models and how good the 1080p processing is. After all, most of the time will be spent watching non-HDR content in 1080p or cable/sat. But bang for buck it looks like it can't be beat.

I'm shocked that Vizio comes out with a complete line of affordable FALD sets while Samsung reverts to edge lit for all but their extremely expensive 9800.

That is my biggest concern with the the set (how it looks with 1080p content and how it looks with sports). Initial posts are positive, but I am waiting for professional reviews and measurements. Also trying to be realistic here. It's still not a top tier set, so Vizio has to cut some corners somewhere. But I also really don't want to pay more than $3500-4000 right now because we simply don't know the fate of DV, HDR, etc.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by ack_bak

That is my biggest concern with the the set (how it looks with 1080p content and how it looks with sports). Initial posts are positive, but I am waiting for professional reviews and measurements. Also trying to be realistic here. It's still not a top tier set, so Vizio has to cut some corners somewhere. But I also really don't want to pay more than $3500-4000 right now because we simply don't know the fate of DV, HDR, etc.

Yeah, good idea to wait for the initial excitement (to put it mildly) to die down and for unbiased reviews and comparisons to come out. One always has to wonder if there's any catch for a value that almost seems too good to be true.

[JoeDeM]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

Yeah, good idea to wait for the initial excitement (to put it mildly) to die down and for unbiased reviews and comparisons to come out. One always has to wonder if there's any catch for a value that almost seems too good to be true.

You have to admit, that when you have the Chief Engineer Matt McRae, replying to questions, and already fixing firmware problems, it gives great confidence in the product.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by JoeDeM

You have to admit, that when you have the Chief Engineer Matt McRae, replying to questions, and already fixing firmware problems, it gives great confidence in the product.

I want the Vizio to be as good as advertised, but not "too much" at the expense of Sony and Samsung. But if the Sony and Samsung high end TVs have been overpriced (which is probable because they sell for half the price in less than a year), then these Vizio offerings will probably do them some good and make them more competitive. I'm particularly worried about the damage it may do to Sony's sales, since there has been talk of them getting out of the TV business altogether if things don't improve.

And yes very good sign that Matt is involved in the threads, but it does make them a little more biased at the same time, so that has to be accounted for.

[JoeDeM]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

I want the Vizio to be as good as advertised, but not "too much" at the expense of Sony and Samsung. But if the Sony and Samsung high end TVs have been overpriced (which is probable because they sell for half the price in less than a year), then these Vizio offerings will probably do them some good and make them more competitive. I'm particularly worried about the damage it may do to Sony's sales, since there has been talk of them getting out of the TV business altogether if things don't improve.

And yes very good sign that Matt is involved in the threads, but it does make them a little more biased at the same time, so that has to be accounted for.

I know what you mean, Panasonic is likely staying out of North America, and Sharp has pulled out of Canada, if this doesn't get better Sony maybe next. Sadly the market is driven by the low end.

[evertec]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

Not sure about Vizio, but they just listed the prices for their P series TVs and the 75" model is under $4000 and it has Dolby Vision.

http://www.vizio.com/catalog/product.../category/249/

If only vizio still supported 3d, I'd get one. Sticking with LG since they're the only ones left with passive 4K 3D