CHOICE TV testing has just begun for 2020 with our labs recently reopened and testers back on board (observing all relevant social distancing measures).
The COVID-19 crisis has impacted our lives in so many ways, and it's also dramatically affected the release of new TV models, with the traditional launches in March and April now scattered throughout the year, depending on the brand.
With this in mind, expect to see a mix of 2019 and 2020 models available instore and online. But if you know what models were released when, you might be able to bargain when getting a new TV.
When are new model TVs on sale?
The latest range of 2020 LG and Samsung TVs have only just been released – in limited models and ranges, with many online retailers showing 'coming soon' banners for 2020 TV models, even though it's already June.
Sony's latest and greatest have arrived later than usual and may not make it into stores before this year's EOFY sales. We've tested the latest X8000H series (55-inch model) and expect more models to arrive later this year. So for Sony, expect some great deals on TVs that were released in 2019 – from now until the rest of this year.
Panasonic no longer sells TVs in Australia so if you see one of their TVs for sale, it's a 2019 model or older. They will continue to offer warranty support for units bought in Australia but if you're considering them, we recommend you either get an absolutely fantastic deal or avoid altogether.
How to get the best deal on a TV
The bargaining process may be more difficult this year because the current year's models are being released so late. Ordering online and not being able to drive a bargain with the salesperson in front of you may also be an issue.
The trick is to know which TVs are 2020 releases and which ones are older – from 2019 or earlier.
1. Using our reviews
In addition to new releases, our TV reviews also feature older models that are listed as discontinued (just ensure you've ticked the box in the Related Content field to see them). Sometimes these models suddenly reappear in the EOFY sales at a drastically reduced price and this could be very common this year.
When shopping online, make sure your searches include the exact model name that is in the CHOICE product finder and size so you can determine the online retailer with the best price. Also, make sure you don't simply click on a retailer on the first page of the search as the top few results often pay for the privilege of appearing at the top of the page.
The Sony X7000G series from 2019 has the 49-inch model on sale at some retailers for $1095, and the 65-inch size for only $200 more.
2. Using a TV's product code
Major retailers will be promoting very good deals from now through to August and beyond, often with stacks of large-screen TVs piled up at the store entrance, or with big star bursts in the catalog or online. Most of these TVs will be 2019 models, or even the occasional 2018 model.
How do you find out the age of the TV? The secret is in the product code. Not only does it tell you the size and specifications, it contains information on the year of release – if you know how to read it.
Here's our brand-by-brand guide to cracking the code:
LG has three ranges to consider – the premium OLED TVs, Nanocell (mid to high range models) and UN models (value range). All LG TVs offer 4K (UHD) picture resolution, with the increase in price based on the quality of the screen as well as more powerful processors and extra smart features.
If it has NANO in the product code, it's a 2020 LG TV. If it has UN at the beginning of the code it's one of LG's entry level range for 2020. If the product code has OLED and X in the name, it's a 2020 LG OLED TV. Read on for more detail.
Value LG range
- Starting with the UHD range, the UN8100PTB series is available in either big (75-inch) or really big (85-inch) and while we haven't tested them yet, they will be available at a substantial discount on the official recommended retail price (RRP) The 85-inch model can already be found at some retailers at under $4000, which is $1000 less than the RRP.
- The UN7300PTC range covers the display sizes below 75-inches (65, 55, 50 and 43-inch) with price ranges from well under $1000 to $1600.
- The first letter in the series indicates the resolution of the TV and the second the year of release so the UN7300PTC is a UHD TV and the N shows that it is a 2020 TV.
- If you find a 55-inch LG TV for sale under $1200 and it isn't a 55UN7300PTC, it's last year's model.
Nanocell LG TVs:
- The Nano cell series replaces the previous years SUHD series and could be considered the best price performance LG TV in terms of screen size and features on offer. There are four 8K LG TVs in this series, although none have appeared on the retail shelves yet. There are no models in this range with a display smaller than 55-inches. If you want a small LG TV, your only options are within the UN7300 range.
- The Nanocell series offers the largest choice in terms of display sizes and price range, from the 75NANO99TNA which is an 8K 75-inch model at just over $10,000 down to the 55NANO80TNA a 55-inch model at around $1800. The first two numbers in the product code indicate the display size in inches, and the two numbers after NANO indicate the position in the range – the higher the number, the better the TV – according to LG, although we can't comment on whether you are getting value on the extra dollars you spend until we get the TVs into the labs.
LG OLED TVs:
- The first two numbers in the product code indicate the display size in inches, and the last number indicates the year of release. So LG OLED65CXPTA means it's a 65-inch OLED TV and a 2020 model (the X indicates 20 after the 9 was used in the 2019 series and 8 in the 2018 series).
- The letter between the numbers for the display size and year of release indicates its position in the range. The CX series is the mid range and the BX is the most affordable OLED LG TV range. As the letter rises in the alphabet, so does the price. For example, the OLED65GXPTA is more expensive than the OLED65CXPTA and the OLED77ZXPTA is the most expensive OLED range and doesn't even offer a 65-inch TV. Your options are either a 77-inch model for around $35,000 or an 88-inch monster TV for $72,000. Both the 77-inch and 88-inch models are the only 8K OLED TVs on offer from LG.
LG LCD TVs before 2020
- The second letter in the product code indicates the release date. So for the LG 55SM8600PTA, Mindicates a 2019 model. Also, the S in the code means Super UHD while U means UHD resolution.
- A 2019 model will have the letter M such as LG 55SM8600PTA.
- Avoid codes with the letters K, J, H, F or G (unless the TVs are being given away) as these are 2018 or older.
CHOICE Tip: Expect to see some substantial LG OLED bargains for the 2020 range as 2019 stock is running out. Already there is evidence that thousands of dollars are being taken off premium OLED TVs that have just been released.
Samsung and LG seem to be the most prepared TV makers this year, with enough new models hitting the shelves despite the challenges of COVID-19 on imports.
As with last year, the Samsung TV offerings include a QLED TV range (which is Samsung's answer to the OLED TV) and an LCD range.
For the 2020 QLED range:
- The product code should show a Q followed by two or three numbers indicating their position within the range followed by a T to indicate a 2020 QLED model. For example, the Q60T range is the most affordable QLED TV while the Q95T range is the top of the range 4K QLED TV. The Q60T and Q95T range is available in 55, 65 and 75-inch models while the Q70T and Q80T range adds an 85-inch TV to the mix.
- The 8K offerings for Samsung are the Q800T and Q950T series with options from 55-inch up to 85-inch if you have a spare $19,000 to slap down on the counter.
- What about the large product names you often see in the catalogue or online? For example, the Samsung QA65Q80TAWXXY is a 65-inch QLED TV in the mid range series 80T. So the most important figures to consider are those immediately after the number indicating the size of the TV.
For the LCD TV range:
- The 2020 standard Samsung LCD range is shown as the TU8000 series, with models ranging from 43-inch all the way up to 82-inch. For example, a 65-inch TU8000 TV may also be shown as UA65TU8000WXXY in a sales catalogue.
- When looking at 2019 models R is the indication that it is last year's TV. So the Samsung UA65RU8000WXXY is a 65-inch display from 2019.
- The 8000 series denotes the premium range, while the 7100 series is entry-level.
- 2018 models generally have an N after the display size number (e.g. Samsung UA55NU7000).
- If you see a Samsung TV instore with an M after the display size, it's a 2017 model and you should be able to negotiate a much lower price.
There are no new Panasonic TVs for 2020. The following information is to identify any older models still for sale. Basically, if you can't get a Panasonic for at least 50% of the retail price, don't bother.
Panasonic indicates the release year by the first letter after the display size, G being a 2019 model (e.g. Panasonic TH-65GX850A), F being a 2018 model and E indicating a 2017 model (e.g. Panasonic TH-65EX780A).
- The numbers in the series indicate the increase in quality and price, from the lowest 32-inch TH32F400A through to the FS500A series, FX600A series and so on, up to the top of the line 4K FX800 series with all the bells and whistles.
- Panasonic also have a few OLED models that still seem to be around both online and in some stores as of the middle of 2020. For example, the GZ1000U, 55 or 65 inch, as well as two premium priced 65-inch OLED models (TH-65GZ2000 and TH-65GZ1500U), are very good TVs but should be available at a great discount if you can find one.
- If the Panasonic TV you're looking at has an E after the display size number, tell the salesperson you know it's a 2017 model. They should basically pay you to take it.
- If it has a D after the the display size, it's a 2016 model and must of fallen off the back of a truck.
The Sony releases for 2020 will appear even later this year, so expect to see 2019 models on the shop floor during this sales period and even the Christmas sales.
- The 2020 models use a code ending with H (Sony KD-55X8000H or X80H ). CHOICE currently has the 55-inch version of this TV in the lab and the X8000H series is the first 2020 model from Sony as of early June, with other display sizes including 43, 49, 55, 65, 75 and 85-inch.
- The next in line include the X90H and X95H range with some extra processing power and other bells and whistles, available in display sizes from 55-inch to 85-inch.
- The A8H and Z8H models are the premium Sony options with the A8H OLED TV and the Z8H being the top end 8K offering.
- None of these models are available yet and we will provide updates throughout the year on when you can buy these models and when we can test them.
- The 2019 models use a code ending with a G (Sony KD-65X9500G) for 2019.
- If the code ends with an F (Sony KD-65X9000F) then it's the latest model for 2018.
- If the code ends with a D (Sony KD-55X8500D) it's technically an early 2017 model and you should be asking for a much lower price or avoiding it altogether.
Hisense continues to offer good value options but has also improved on its quality with several CHOICE recommended TVs tested in 2019. With Panasonic TVs no longer available in Australia, Hisense is now competing with Sony for the minor placings against the two front runners, Samsung and LG.
- The Hisense code for 2020 is reasonably simple to work out with their premium Q series range at the top with the 85Q8 which is their 85-inch QLED display TV down to the 55Q8 55-inch display. The mid range S series has displays from the large 85-inch 85S8 all the way down to the 43-inch 43S8 display. Hisense also has an entry level series called the S4 series with 32, 40 and 49-inch displays available.
- The Hisense range for 2019 generally has the letter R but there are exceptions.
- The top-of-the-line R9 and R8 series use Quantum Dot Technology which is Hisense's answer to LG's OLED TVs.
- The codes to look out for older 2018 Hisense models are a P (55PX, 65P8, 43P6 etc.).
Tips for your new TV
TVs are getting smarter
One of the biggest changes we're seeing with 2020 models is the move from a smart TV to a TV that's a smart hub and stronger streaming options.
The latest TVs are more likely to interact with other smart devices on your home network, as well as using voice assistants such as Google or Amazon Alexa. Plus, they can answer queries about the weather, turn on your air conditioner, talk to your fridge and order more milk, and turn off the lights when you go to bed.
Streaming
Keep track of your streaming subscriptions. Signing up for the 30-day free trials with Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV and now Binge may sound great, but if you don't cancel them you could easily end up spending more than $100 a month once the free trial period is over.
TV resolutions compared. 8K isn't really in the consumer space right now, but a couple of very expensive TVs with support for 8K are now available.
High-res options
4K, UHD and SUHD are all terms to describe the next top option in TV resolution: 3440 x 2160 pixels. By contrast, a Full HD TV has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
What do all these numbers and letters mean?
- SD is the format you're watching when catching old reruns of Friends on TV and DVD movies.
- Full HD is High Definition broadcast TV (TV shows made in the last few years) and Blu-ray movies on disc.
- 4K/UHD (Ultra High Definition) / SUHD (Super UHD) is the format used for the latest blockbuster movies streamed on Netflix or a 4K Blu-ray disc, which look great on a 65-inch display TV and won't be noticed on a 32-inch display TV.
- The arrival of 8K TV is no reason for you to throw out your 4K TV just yet. While it is true that an 8K TV can offer upscaling of 4K content, this feature is not a big enough reason to move over to the new resolution until more movie and streaming content arrives to take advantage of the higher 7680 × 4320 resolution.
Is your lounge room big enough for your big TV?
It's not just a question of will it fit. You should also consider the optimum viewing distance, as sitting too close to a big screen can be quite uncomfortable.
- A 127cm (50") TV showing HD video should deliver its best viewing experience when you're sitting around two metres from the screen. If you sit closer, you may see the individual pixels (depending on the quality of your eyesight).
- If your room size forces you to sit closer, or if you really want a larger TV, then a 4K TV may be a good option to avoid that pixilation. Although you'll need to be watching 4K video for the best quality picture (and for now most content is still in HD or even SD).
What is HDR?
High dynamic range (HDR) is all about increasing the range of brightness in images to boost contrast between the whitest and the blackest elements. This technology essentially expands the TV's colour palette by displaying high levels of contrast between bright and dark colour.
Almost all 4K TVs support HDR, and you'll find plenty of HDR-compatible movies and TV shows on disc and via streaming services.
When you buy your TV, ask the salesperson if HDR is on by default or whether you'll need to activate it. Some brands require you to turn it on for each HDMI port. Once activated, it should automatically switch on and off when you switch between HDR and non-HDR video and games.
