Who makes the consistently best 4k's?

[TJLamb0518]

My 1080p vizio has been giving me a problem forever and the extended warranty company FINALLY came through and approved the claim and is getting me a replacement. Since 1080p is a dinosaur, this means a 4K. But they seem to be focussing on LG and/or Vizio. The vizio they suggested seemed nice, except well....not only do I not want to repeat my mistake with Vizio, but in the reviews for the one they offered someone complained about the eXACT same problem I had with my 1080p. So, I guess I'm asking:

1) Are LG's any good as a 4K TV (smart tv apps are nice, but I have an apple tv and a roku to compensate)?

2) Am I wrong to have no interest in Vizios after seeing my problem was not unique?

3)My 1080p had a 240hz refresh rate. How important is refresh rates when it comes to 4k?

4) What would you recommend for a 43" (shush....the girlfriend has an entertainment center she just will not part with so that's the biggest I can get) 4K tv that will give a display as close to what you see in the store (I know...that's the soap opera effect, right? The one no one but me likes?) and is RELIABLE?

I'm looking to you guys to give me the benefit of your expertise.

[TripleHBK]

At that size you're going to be extremely limited in the quality of the sets available. Even mid-tier level sets often only go as small as 50". I would strongly encourage you to look at, at least 50" sets as it would open up much better product lines for consideration. Most anything you buy at the 43" size is going to be considered entry level and is going to lack features, and more importantly quality. With that said both TCL and Vizio have some very affordable/cheap sets under 50" that provide a good quality picture for a low price. I picked up a 50" D Series Vizio this last November for $298 that is a 4k set that works great. It's not my prime television, but I enjoy it enough that I did consider going with one of their higher end sets to replace my primary set.

My best advice is either go bigger and then make her change the entertainment center, or just be aware that you're going to get a low end model and at that point just buy it with an extended warranty. I'd recommend Wal-mart as their warranty program is essentially them just giving you a brand new replacement product for a very affordable warranty price.

I'm extremely picky when it comes to tv's for my main viewing areas but for my kitchen I bought a 43" element from Wal-Mart last May for $99 and it looks and works fantastic. and I have smaller cheaper sets I enjoy around my home as well. You get what you pay for in some instances, but if you're expectations are kept appropriately in check you can find very very cheap sets that provide exceptional value with the limitations they have.