What size TV do I need to justify switching to 4K movies?

[JG85]

I have a 4K UHD TV but it’s a 43” TV. Would I get any benefit from switching to 4K movies on that size TV compared to Blu-Ray?

[cheez avenger]

55" and up. I'm thinking about getting either a 65" or 75" one when I upgrade.

[koberulz]

Depends how close you sit.

[nick4Knight]

I would say it depends on manufacturer... Generally yes but I'd argue all 4K will outdo blu-ray content. Meaning you shouldn't be buying a 4K TV to play SDR on it. I guess if you really don't care for quality but you're on a forum like this...

TCL it should be a P617 55" (which is only 600 odd $USD anyway) and is one of the best price/size/performance displays for competent Dolby Vision capable screen and zingy HDR

Sony it would be the 900F 49" which you can get reburbished on Amazon for like 700-800$. And this would give you a decent HDR/WCG set an IIRC it's FALD like the 55" and 65" versions without paying 1300$ or 2000 something respectfully.

Samsung, LG, Panasonic and others is tougher as their medium range sets all gatekeep the best specs in the 1300-2500$ range and most those lines start at 55+ inches. So you will have to spend that kind of money just to enter the game of HDR and WCG and only some brands like Vizio have DV of those.

I personally wish more brands would carry "performance" sets in the sub 1000$ cost that weren't all just edge lit lines from them, but this is how it is. Horde the features you really need for 4K content for the customers paying for size.

[JG85]

Originally Posted by koberulz

Depends how close you sit.

I sit about 8 feet from my TV.

[Geoff D]

A lot of the improvement on UHD is about High Dynamic Range as well as higher resolution, if you get a giant 4K TV that does crap HDR then you're going to run out of road real fast.

[Wingman1977]

From 55"-80". What's your budget BTW?

[nick4Knight]

Originally Posted by JG85

I sit about 8 feet from my TV.

I've watched a 43" Panasonic lower tier edge-lit TV with 4K content and it smashed blu-ray content handily. The sharpness uptick alone -- I've watched pretty much every type of display chain at least 5 titles worth of "critical" viewing... hundreds on a brilliant FALD set, as well as a few months dedicated to the above mentioned setup.

Personally I would upgrade to 55" sitting where you do, but if money is a factor that makes sense not to be an option I initially confused your thread you already have a TV. I always recommend people move the couch closer vs getting a size upgrade as that is just wasting money for the same visual experience as is moving a couch closer (free). Especially the 55" vs 65" pricepoints.

[ROSS.T.G.]

The biggest you can afford.

[JG85]

Originally Posted by Wingman1977

From 55"-80". What's your budget BTW?

Well, the issue is my living situation is complicated right now so I only watch movies on a 43” 4K TV right now. I probably won’t be able to upgrade for another year or so to something bigger. I can afford something better just my own living situation is really lame at this current moment.

[Wingman1977]

Originally Posted by JG85

Well, the issue is my living situation is complicated right now so I only watch movies on a 43” 4K TV right now. I probably won’t be able to upgrade for another year or so to something bigger. I can afford something better just my own living situation is really lame at this current moment.

Sitting from where you are, you're not getting a huge benefit of 4K. The recommended distance for a 4K sete in your size in is 4.3ft - 6.8ft.

[nick4Knight]

Well if your situation will improve in a year I'd get a 55" OLED or FALD Samsung/Sony at that time.

And use the interim time to start upgrading your 4K library so when you DO get a better set you'll be able to watch so many of your current collection in a better quality...

The above link is your blu-ray.com collection that you have on SDR blu-ray (which have upgrade path to 4K) and imo all but a handful are vastly better as 4K titles! Especially these;

- The Dark Knight/Rises
- Mad Max Fury Road
- Escape Plan
- Fury
- Halloween
- Mission Impossible movies
- Jason Bourne
- Sicario
- Sully

[KcMsterpce]

I would take a 55" with really good HDR and black levels over an 88" 4k TV that isn't as pretty with colors.
The actual resolution factor is much less important to me than HDR. Did I mention HDR?

As for recommended viewing distances... Some people are quite eagle-eyed and can discern clarity in ways that the average schmoe might not recognize. And vice/versa. I'd say, over the next year spend time looking at reviews, different TVs at different price ranges. Start to get a feel for what the pros and cons are of each "tier" of televisions. There will always be some kind of compromise, but it has a lot to do with knowing what you feel is most important for you and looking for the best match.

[halloween5309]

your 43' is just fine

[JG85]

Originally Posted by halloween5309

your 43' is just fine

I was planning on buying Cliffhanger as my first 4k movie to test it out on my current TV.

[spider-neil]

In my experience HDR/Dolby Vision is far more noticeable than resolution. I only really notice resolution when I'm sat really close to the TV.

[tcripe]

I watch my movies on my 55 inch Vizio, and play my Xbox One X on my 43 inch TCL. Either way I can tell a drastic difference from 1080p to 4k/HDR.

[jibucha]

absolutely :: without a doubt

• however, 'just how aware you are' - you will have to determine yourself
• UHD vs HD? :: there are 'significant improvements/standards differences'
• question :: it's unclear whether you already have both a UHD display/player (perhaps a clarification?)
• but it’s a 43” TV :: regardless, 'you will notice the difference'
• interesting? :: while i currently enjoy owning/viewing an 55" OLED, i am looking forward to replacing it next year with a smaller (43"/49" OLED) when they become available, as i am expecting

Originally Posted by JG85

I have a 4K UHD TV but it’s a 43” TV. Would I get any benefit from switching to 4K movies on that size TV compared to Blu-Ray?

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by halloween5309

your 43' is just fine

Yes -- if he's running a 43-FOOT display, he's DEFINITELY more than fine...

And finer than most here!

[AKORIS]

I thought it was generally agreed upon that the higher the resolution, the bigger the TV is needed.

Go for a 65 inch minimum.... it's not like TV's haven't dropped in price to absurd levels.... and don't waste your time saving a hundred or two with TLC or Vizio sets... name brands are not a whole lot more these days... and yes they usually deliver a better picture. Samsung, Sony, LG are the ones to look at. (consider going to Costco where the prices.. and the warranties (if you want one) are considerably lower.