Since I started covering TVs, the TV manufacturers have promoted the idea that people like larger screens. This is a fairly safe assumption. That’s why they continue to introduce larger and more powerful screen sizes to satisfy demand.
That was a huge push for 75-inch TVs a few years back. Then came 85 inches. We’ll be seeing 97-inch displays from Samsung, TCL, LG, and TCL this year.
Are we really ready to take on large screens? Are these TVs only for the super-wealthy or do we have the space and budget to support them?
These Spectacular Maps Will Change The Way You See The World Here are the hidden problems with purchasing a screen that is too large for your wall.
2022 will be the year of mass production 100-inch TVs
Cinephiles have been blessed by the steady rollout of larger and more powerful screens. For the past few years we have been able to purchase 65- and 75-inch TVs under two grand. Now, we are seeing 85-inch TVs close to that price.
This has resulted in a drop in the price of 55 inch TVs as well as 40-inch TVs.
It is reasonable to expect the same when the new monstrous 100-inch TVs go on sale. They will drive down the price of other TVs in their lineup which is unquestionably a good thing.
We got our first glimpse at these hyper beasts at and CES 2022. TCL unveiled a QLED TV measuring 98 inches, and LG a G2 OLED measuring 97 inches. Samsung’s MicroLEDTV will be now available in three new sizes that are “consumer-friendly”, namely 110, 101 and 89 inches.
These TVs are exciting for many reasons, including the fact that they serve as incubators to help develop new technologies such as MicroLED. However, I doubt most people will be ready for them.
The true cost of owning an inch-thick wall-sized TV
What’s the problem then with larger-screen TVs? If you can get them delivered and installed in your Hollywood home’s screening room, then it is not a problem.
However, this is probably not true for most people. There are 43 million households in the US that rent rather than own their home. Nine of the country’s estimated 67 million inhabitants live in London. These places are not big enough to accommodate a 97-inch screen, so the lease must be canceled at the end of each month.
It is also assumed that most people can afford these TVs, even though they cost five figures.
The exact price of the LG 97 inch G2 OLED is not known, but it is likely to be very affordable. The 77-inch G1 OLED is on sale for $3,999 / PlayStation4,799 (around AU$6,000). However, the 97-inch OLED will likely be twice or three times as expensive considering the difficulty of producing OLEDs at the larger screen size.
Even the more budget-friendly TCL XXL Series doesn’t come cheap. We’ve found that the 98 inch R754 QLED TV is $7,999, which is around PS5,900, AU$11,000. This includes setup and warranties.
These TVs will be costly, no matter what you do, at least for the near future.
Perhaps ultra-short-throw projectors are a better option, truly
Okay, 100-inch TVs aren’t necessarily the best solution for most people due to their size and price restrictions. But you know what else might work? Laser TVs and ultra-short-throw projectors are options.
Ultra-short-throw projectors offer the same picture quality as traditional projectors, and can be mounted directly against the wall without the need for a ceiling mount.
Models such as Samsung’s The Premiere offer all the features and modern conveniences that you would expect from a 4K smart television. You get a maximum screen size 120 inches and a 2.2 channel speaker system for $3,500 / PlayStation3,999 (about AU$4,900). Although you won’t get the same color vibrancy as a QLED TV, it’s impossible to beat this screen size at that price.
There are some concepts that might solve the space problem I pointed out, like LGs new rollable OLED TV. But those designs aren’t yet ready to go mainstream.
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There is always a compromise to be made when purchasing a new technology. You have two options: you can choose something new and more expensive or something older and more affordable. Either you spend a lot on a large-screen TV, or you can save money by purchasing something less expensive. However, you can’t change your location to fit a 100-inch television. Neither is it possible to change your budget from $2000 to $10,000.
This is a wonderful option if you have the financial stability, space, and budget to buy these super-sized TVs. For the rest of us, however, 100-inch TVs may not be the future we are ready for yet.
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