85-Inch TVs: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

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85-Inch TVs: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Hey guys! So, you're thinking about diving into the world of 85-inch TVs, huh? That's awesome! You're in for a real treat. These massive screens are like having your own personal movie theater right in your living room. But with so many options out there, it can be a little overwhelming trying to find the perfect one. Don't sweat it though! This guide is here to break everything down for you, making your decision a whole lot easier. We'll cover everything from the best brands to what features you should be looking for, and even how to make sure your room is ready for a TV of this size. Let's get started!

Why Choose an 85-Inch TV? The Perks of Going Big

Alright, let's talk about why an 85-inch TV is such a game-changer. First off, the sheer immersion is incredible. Imagine watching your favorite movies or playing video games on a screen that's practically the size of a small wall! It's a completely different experience compared to smaller TVs. You'll feel like you're right in the middle of the action. The picture quality on these bigger screens is usually top-notch too. Most 85-inch TVs are 4K or even 8K, which means super-sharp images with incredible detail. Plus, the extra screen real estate lets you really appreciate the stunning visuals of modern content. Not only that, but these TVs often come packed with the latest technology, like HDR (High Dynamic Range) for vibrant colors and deeper blacks, and smart features that let you stream all your favorite shows and movies with ease. An 85-inch TV is an investment, but it's an investment in a truly amazing entertainment experience. You're essentially bringing a premium home theater experience into your living space. And let's be honest, it's pretty impressive to have a TV that size! It's a statement piece that immediately elevates the look and feel of your room. Plus, they are great for large rooms or spaces where you want everyone to have a great view, no matter where they are sitting. Think about family movie nights, big game days, or just cozy evenings where you want to lose yourself in a captivating show. An 85-inch TV enhances all of those experiences in a major way. The larger screen makes everything feel more engaging and exciting.

The Immersive Experience

When it comes to the benefits of an 85-inch TV, the immersive experience is arguably the biggest draw. Think about it: a screen this size completely dominates your field of vision, pulling you into the content like never before. Forget about squinting or missing out on details; every image is displayed in vivid detail and breathtaking clarity. This is especially true with modern content, which is often designed to take advantage of larger screens. From the sweeping landscapes of nature documentaries to the epic battles of action movies, everything feels more grand and spectacular. Video games are another area where an 85-inch TV truly shines. The larger display allows you to appreciate the intricate details of game worlds and react more quickly to the action. It's like being right in the middle of the game. For sports fans, an 85-inch TV is an absolute must-have. You'll feel like you're actually at the stadium, with every play and every moment of action unfolding before your eyes in incredible detail. The size of the screen makes it easy to follow the ball and keep track of all the players, even if you are sitting far away. Overall, the immersive experience is what sets an 85-inch TV apart from the rest. The ability to completely lose yourself in your favorite content is something truly special.

Key Features to Look for in an 85-Inch TV

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of an 85-inch TV. Awesome! But before you rush out and buy the first one you see, there are a few key features you need to consider to make sure you're getting the best possible experience. One of the most important is resolution. Look for a 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) or even an 8K (7680 x 4320) resolution for the sharpest picture quality. Next up is HDR (High Dynamic Range). HDR enhances the contrast and color of images, making them more vibrant and realistic. Make sure the TV supports HDR10, HLG, and ideally, Dolby Vision. The type of panel is also crucial. OLED TVs offer the best picture quality with perfect blacks and incredible contrast, but they can be pricier. QLED TVs are a great alternative, offering excellent brightness and color. Then there's the refresh rate. A higher refresh rate (120Hz or higher) is better for fast-moving content like sports and video games. A smart TV platform is another must-have. This lets you stream all your favorite apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video directly on your TV. Consider the number of HDMI ports, especially if you have multiple devices like a game console, Blu-ray player, and soundbar. Finally, think about the sound quality. While most TVs have decent built-in speakers, you might want to consider a soundbar or external sound system for a truly immersive audio experience. These are the main points you'll want to think about as you start shopping around!

Resolution and Picture Quality

When choosing an 85-inch TV, resolution and picture quality are the most important features to consider. You'll want to aim for at least 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels). This resolution offers a level of detail that will make your content look incredibly sharp and clear, even on a screen of this size. For the ultimate viewing experience, you could consider an 8K TV (7680 x 4320 pixels). While there isn't a lot of 8K content available right now, these TVs are future-proof, and the upscaling technology used to improve lower-resolution content is often impressive. Beyond resolution, you need to consider the type of display panel. OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) TVs offer the best picture quality, with perfect blacks and incredible contrast. This is because each pixel can turn on and off individually, which produces deep blacks and eliminates any light bleed. QLED (Quantum Dot LED) TVs are another great option, especially if you want a brighter picture. They use quantum dots to enhance the color and brightness of the image. LED TVs are generally more affordable, but the picture quality can vary. Look for models with full-array local dimming for better contrast. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is another critical feature to look for. HDR enhances the contrast and color of images, making them more vibrant and realistic. Make sure the TV supports HDR10, HLG, and ideally, Dolby Vision. These formats ensure that your TV can display HDR content from various sources.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Aside from picture quality, smart features and connectivity options are vital for an enjoyable TV experience. A smart TV platform gives you access to a wide range of streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and many more. Popular platforms include Android TV, webOS (LG), Tizen (Samsung), and Roku TV. Each platform has its own interface and features, so it's a good idea to research which one you prefer. Besides streaming apps, smart TVs often come with voice control features, allowing you to control the TV and search for content using your voice. Make sure the TV is compatible with your preferred voice assistant, such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Connectivity is also crucial. Look for a TV with multiple HDMI ports to connect your game consoles, Blu-ray players, soundbars, and other devices. Consider the version of HDMI ports as well (HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard, supporting features like 4K at 120Hz for gaming). USB ports are useful for connecting external hard drives or USB sticks to play media files. Other features to consider are Bluetooth for connecting wireless headphones or speakers and Wi-Fi for easy internet access. Some TVs also offer features like screen mirroring, allowing you to wirelessly display content from your smartphone or tablet on the big screen. Having all of these options will make your viewing experience much more convenient and flexible.

Top Brands for 85-Inch TVs

Alright, let's talk about the big players in the 85-inch TV game. You can't really go wrong with any of these brands, but here's a quick rundown to help you narrow things down:

  • Sony: Known for their exceptional picture quality and processing, Sony TVs often have some of the best color accuracy and motion handling on the market. They usually feature the latest technologies, and are great for home theater enthusiasts and gamers alike.
  • Samsung: Samsung offers a wide range of TVs, including QLED models that deliver vibrant colors and bright images. They are known for their sleek designs and user-friendly smart TV platforms.
  • LG: LG's OLED TVs are the gold standard when it comes to picture quality, offering perfect blacks and stunning contrast. They also produce great LED TVs with good performance, and their smart TV platform, webOS, is highly regarded.
  • TCL: TCL provides excellent value for your money, offering impressive picture quality and features at more affordable prices. They are becoming more and more popular, especially if you're looking for a bang for your buck.
  • Hisense: Hisense is another brand known for offering good value. They provide a range of TVs with competitive features at accessible prices, including their own lines of QLED TVs.

Sony and Samsung: Premium Picture Performance

When it comes to premium picture performance in the 85-inch TV category, Sony and Samsung consistently lead the pack. Sony is renowned for its exceptional picture quality, often praised for its accurate colors, superb motion handling, and advanced image processing. Their TVs are a favorite among home theater enthusiasts and those who value the most realistic picture. Sony's high-end models, particularly those with OLED panels, deliver stunning contrast and black levels, creating a truly cinematic experience. Samsung, on the other hand, is a leader in the QLED technology. Their QLED TVs offer vibrant colors, high brightness levels, and wide viewing angles. Samsung is also known for its sleek designs and user-friendly smart TV platforms. Their TVs are a great choice if you prefer bright, punchy colors and a modern look. Both Sony and Samsung offer a premium viewing experience with their 85-inch TVs. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize accurate colors and superior motion handling, Sony is an excellent choice. If you prefer vibrant colors and a user-friendly interface, Samsung’s QLED TVs are worth considering.

LG and TCL: Value and OLED Options

LG stands out with its OLED TVs, which are often considered the pinnacle of picture quality. OLED technology provides perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles, leading to an incredibly immersive viewing experience. LG’s 85-inch OLED TVs are a top-tier choice for those who want the absolute best picture quality. They also offer excellent LED TVs with good overall performance. TCL provides excellent value, offering impressive picture quality and features at more affordable prices. TCL’s TVs often include cutting-edge features like QLED technology and HDR support, making them a great option for those seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank. TCL is also making strides in the TV market by pushing technological boundaries and introducing new features. This makes the brand a solid pick for those looking for great performance without the hefty price tag. Both LG and TCL have their own advantages. LG's OLED TVs provide the best picture quality with perfect blacks, while TCL offers great value with impressive features at more affordable prices. This enables consumers to choose between the best viewing experience or great features for a good price.

Room Considerations and Setup Tips for an 85-Inch TV

So, you're ready to bring home an 85-inch TV? Awesome! But before you do, you need to make sure your room is up to the task. First, consider the viewing distance. The ideal viewing distance for an 85-inch TV is typically between 8 and 11 feet. Make sure your seating area is far enough away from the screen to avoid eye strain. You'll also want to measure the available space in your room to make sure the TV will fit. An 85-inch TV is big, so you'll need a large wall or TV stand to accommodate it. You should also consider the TV's weight when choosing a TV stand or wall mount. Most 85-inch TVs are heavy, so make sure the stand or mount can support the weight. Consider the lighting in your room. If you have a lot of natural light, you might want to choose a TV with high brightness to combat glare. If you can control the lighting, you can get away with a TV with less brightness. After you've set up your TV, it's time to fine-tune the settings. Most TVs have picture presets that are designed for different types of content, like movies or sports. You can also customize the settings to your liking to get the best picture quality. Having a well-lit and prepared room is vital to your TV experience!

Viewing Distance and Room Size

When it comes to setting up an 85-inch TV, the viewing distance is one of the most important considerations. The general rule of thumb is to sit between 8 and 11 feet away from the screen for an 85-inch TV. However, this can vary based on your personal preference and the resolution of the TV. If your TV has a higher resolution, like 4K or 8K, you can sit closer without noticing any pixelation. Make sure you also consider the size of your room. An 85-inch TV is a large piece of equipment, so you'll need a room that's large enough to accommodate it. The TV will look out of place if the room is too small, and the viewing experience will be compromised. When determining the right viewing distance, think about how much of your field of vision you want the TV to fill. A closer viewing distance will be more immersive, while a further viewing distance will be more relaxed. Ideally, the TV should fill up a significant portion of your field of view without causing eye strain. Beyond the viewing distance, room size also matters. Make sure your room is big enough to comfortably accommodate your seating arrangement and allow for sufficient space around the TV. A crowded room will detract from your viewing experience, while a spacious room will make you feel relaxed and fully enjoy your television.

Wall Mounting vs. TV Stand

Deciding between wall mounting and using a TV stand is another important aspect to consider. Wall mounting an 85-inch TV can save space and create a sleek, modern look. It also allows you to position the TV at the ideal viewing height. However, wall mounting requires careful planning and installation. You need to ensure your wall is strong enough to support the TV's weight, and you'll need to choose the right wall mount. Make sure the wall mount is compatible with your TV's VESA mounting pattern. Using a TV stand is a simpler option, requiring no drilling or complex installation. TV stands offer flexibility, allowing you to move the TV easily. They also come in various styles to match your décor. However, TV stands can take up floor space, and you need to make sure your stand is wide and sturdy enough to support the weight of the TV. Also, consider cable management. Whether you choose to wall mount or use a TV stand, you'll need to manage the cables to keep them from cluttering up the room. Use cable ties, cable organizers, or other accessories to hide the cables and create a clean, organized look. Your decision between wall mounting and using a TV stand will depend on your room layout, personal preferences, and the aesthetic you want to achieve. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s vital to weigh these carefully before making your choice. If you want a more modern and space-saving look, wall mounting is a good choice. If you prefer simplicity, flexibility, and a more traditional aesthetic, a TV stand is likely your best bet.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right 85-Inch TV

Alright, you've reached the end of our guide. We hope this has helped you get a better idea of what to look for when choosing an 85-inch TV. Remember to consider factors like picture quality, smart features, brand reputation, and room considerations. Do your research, read reviews, and compare different models to find the perfect TV that fits your needs and budget. With an 85-inch TV, you're investing in a fantastic entertainment experience. So take your time, make an informed decision, and get ready to enjoy some truly amazing viewing! Happy watching, guys!