Starting to look at a new TV - how do I work out which overseas models reviews relate to NZ model numbers?

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Starting to look at a new TV - how do I work out which overseas models reviews relate to NZ model numbers?

timbosan

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#268328 12-Mar-2020 15:32

So I am starting to look for a replacement for my 65" plasma (seems to be a thing with geekzone members lately) and would like something bigger, ideally > 80" but cannot afford the 5 digit figures for OLED that size, so looking around my best (current) option seems to be the Samsung UA82RU8000SXNZ. But of course this is a NZ model number. Is there any easy way to find out how this relates to either USA or UK models and hence the reviews for these?

For example, I see this and it LOOKS similar, but I cannot tell https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Electronics-UN82MU8000-82-Inch-Ultra/dp/B072Q1ZF3M/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Of course, I am open to suggestions on other models around the same size.

Spyware

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#2437008 12-Mar-2020 16:20

MU series are from 2017, NU 2018, RU 2019.

Spark Max Fibre using Mikrotik CCR1009-8G-1S-1S+, CRS125-24G-1S, Unifi UAP, U6-Pro, UAP-AC-M-Pro, Apple TV 4K (2022), Apple TV 4K (2017), iPad Air 1st gen, iPad Air 4th gen, iPhone 13, SkyNZ3151 (the white box). If it doesn't move then it's data cabled.

ShinyChrome

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#2437032 12-Mar-2020 16:45

Quite a few manufacturers use the convention of screen size in inches / alphanumeric model/year code, in Samsung's case, 82RU8000, so just ignore the letters on either side.

I won't rattle on about the OLED vs LCD debate, but I think an equivalent sized OLED would be a much better replacement for your Plasma than a bigger but inferior LCD TV. Especially since your budget puts you well over 65" OLED territory.

If you are definitely set on > 65", I would see if you can get something like the 75" Samsung Q80r or the 75" Sony X950g run-out. Both will be much better quality than the RU8000.

timbosan

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#2437412 13-Mar-2020 10:30

Thanks for the info ShinyChrome - I also read your short (but-not-short) post on another thread about OLED vs. LCD, moving from Plasma to a new set.

I think I am down to 2 options, and both being Sony's the model numbers seem easier to compare across regions, and Sony's NZ site also shows which sets have received awards. And interesting comment re budget for OLED - it looks like I can get a decent 65" OLED for my budget range, or a 75" FALD Sony, or a 85" edge lit Sony. And that's probably also in order of decreasing picture quality.

I think Geekzone needs a dedicated "choose your new TV" function that collates all the threads, all the reviews (NZ and overseas) and all the product info into one handy product selector!

ShinyChrome

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#2439918 17-Mar-2020 12:41

If you can get something like a 65" Panasonic GZ1000 or the Sony A8/A9 for ~$3400 or LG B9/C9 for slightly more if you want HDMI 2.1, I'd call it a win. Unfortunately until LG brings online their 10.5G OLED plants, >65" OLEDs will be out of reach for most here. Fingers crossed for 2021!

Otherwise, yeah the Sony X950G (also seen here as the X95G and X9500G) is a good VA FALD set I'd consider looking at for it's price (seen it go as low as $2500 odd for the 65"). Then again, the 75" and up do make use of their X-wide angle layer, which gives better off-angle viewing (which typically VA sucks at) at the expense of contrast. Also, weirdly 85" Sony's X850g is actually a VA panel, but only has crappy frame dimming, so YMMV depending on if you don't mind the backlight blooming.

You could always wait for the X900H to launch, which will feature both a VA FALD panel and HDMI 2.1 and no x-wide angle layer for all sizes if you are not in a hurry or don't mind the high price-tag. The X950H is supposed to have more dimming zones, but all sizes will feature the x-wide layer, so... meh... Buuuuuuuuuut, its also quite dicey what we will see here as well from Sony, given how HN dropped them and more Chinese OEMs are appearing on the market.

I have been meaning to do a write-up, but ACTUALLY getting around to it is another story...

Maybe when we start getting more info about what is actually gonna be sold here for 2020, I will if no-one else has.

timbosan

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#2439946 17-Mar-2020 12:59

ShinyChrome:

I have been meaning to do a write-up, but ACTUALLY getting around to it is another story...

Just take all your Geekzone posts and put into one post, solved! But seriously, it would be a GREAT help to myself, and I am sure many others. Happy to chip in :-)

I have tried to find info about the 85" X850G, looks like an interesting set, could be worth tracking down one in person to see so I will have a look around. I have been going back through the HDTVTests channel on Youtube (love that guys humor!) but he only seems to cover the higher-end sets.

I am not sure I would want to change to another 65" set just to get 4K and OLED. With my viewing distance it wouldn't offer anything (?) over my VT Plasma. I would rather move up in size AND move to 4K. I would be happy with a good FALD VA set over OLED as well. Personal priorities. Until of course I actually go shopping for sets (now that I know the model numbers better, thanks for this thread).

ShinyChrome

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#2439967 17-Mar-2020 13:50

timbosan:

Just take all your Geekzone posts and put into one post, solved! But seriously, it would be a GREAT help to myself, and I am sure many others. Happy to chip in :-)

I have tried to find info about the 85" X850G, looks like an interesting set, could be worth tracking down one in person to see so I will have a look around. I have been going back through the HDTVTests channel on Youtube (love that guys humor!) but he only seems to cover the higher-end sets.

I am not sure I would want to change to another 65" set just to get 4K and OLED. With my viewing distance it wouldn't offer anything (?) over my VT Plasma. I would rather move up in size AND move to 4K. I would be happy with a good FALD VA set over OLED as well. Personal priorities. Until of course I actually go shopping for sets (now that I know the model numbers better, thanks for this thread).

My biased ramblings might need a bit of editing first I think haha.

Might be tricky to find a demo for the 85" 850g, I never did myself when I was curious. Mostly all I could find on the 85" is a few reddit or forum posts. You may have more luck though.

Fair enough, viewing distance does make quite a difference; I myself sit about 3-4m away from a 55" set and might as well not bother with anything letterboxed in 4k.

I would have recommended checking out some Samsung QLED sets (bar the Q60R) as well, but they are quite a bit pricier or just unavailable. They do only have HDR10+ instead of Dolby Vision and depend on your mileage with the Samsung brand, but they do get bright and have good VA FALD panels with higher dimming zone counts than Sony's lineup.