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General discussion

What are the benefits of a curved TV?

Mar 18, 2016 4:33PM PDT
http://cnet2.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/2013/05/01/2334b231-fdbd-11e2-8c7c-d4ae52e62bcc/a7a5c8647e1c04b1ce30f590aee1adb3/lg-tv-2013_1.jpg

This isn't a computer-related question, but a TV question. My wife and I will be looking at buying a new TV soon to replace my old plasma that has a burn-in spot. I have seen a couple of these curved TVs at Costco and was wondering, what are the benefits of having it curved? I really couldn't tell the difference comparing it. Does it have a better picture quality or is it better for the eyes? Or is it just cool-looking and a gimmick? The curved TVs are definitely more expensive, but if it produces a better-quality picture, I'm willing to fork out the extra money. I'm hoping to get some opinions from people on what they think of these new curved TVs, especially if you've bought one. Are they worth it or should I pass? Thank you for any help.

--Submitted by: Thomas B.

Discussion is locked

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Curved 55" LG OLED 4K TV
Mar 19, 2016 9:19AM PDT

I have a curved 55" LG OLED 4K TV. Just had a group of 8 people sitting around my livingroom. They all said that they could see fine no matter where they sat They did not even notice it was a curved screen. All said my TV had the best picture they had ever seen. It has a sharp picture with depth and superb color. Happy that I bought it.

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Curved 55" LG OLED 4K TV
Mar 25, 2016 5:55PM PDT

it must not be curved much if they could see it well off axis.

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OLED is different
Mar 25, 2016 8:04PM PDT

OLED TVs are very different (and much more expensive) than the LCD/LED that most of you are talking about. The light output of LCD/LED TVs drops dramatically when seen off edge.

OLED TVs (manufactured only by LG at this time) are millions of individual pixels that are self illuminating. They are view-able from any position.

I will say, though, that I bought a 4K flat $3000 OLED, then got buyers remorse and traded it for the $1000 less curved 1080p version. I hated that one so much that I paid a 15% restocking fee to hurry up and get my flat version back.

The curved screen made me seasick.

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Good point..
Mar 28, 2016 12:53PM PDT

many LCDs and especially DLP TVs have a very bad viewing angle that make the curved screen look like a winner! In the last three years, LCD TVs have improved dramatically. My DLP is easily seen off angle because the screen is frosted, and the image reflects off of it, so the "Fresnel" effect is not noticed with my set. The image only fades if you are very tall or get on top of a ladder and look down on it, or lay on the floor and look up and it from a close distance. So the only fading is bad from reasons relating to vertical position and not horizontal. Only the kids that insist on laying on the floor directly in front of the set notice a problem, and even they are willing to put up with it. Having a subdued surface is a big advantage, and I can't see why all TVs don't use it - as it keeps glare and reflections to a bare minimum and accent the light striking it from the projection of the image from the TV light source - seems like a no-brainer in engineering, but almost all the makers refuse to do it - forcing us to put our TVs in a cave with no light at all, or we can't even see the screen. I've never understood the stupidity of that - unless the brightness is so low that it hurts - but that shouldn't even be on the market if it sin't at least 5000 to 1 .

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or they are a tight knit group
Mar 26, 2016 8:28AM PDT

all sitting in the center of the viewing area, or they just didn't want their friend to think he wasted his money. I had a roommate who insisted he could hear a much better sound from his $100 gold plated monster cables than from the standard cables. He got so mad when I said I hear no difference.

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Self Bais Justification
Mar 26, 2016 12:07PM PDT

Wow, talk about explaining about something not even there to see, just to justify own bais... I see forum editor didn't delete that statement...wonder why?

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It's "Bias"
Mar 27, 2016 6:27PM PDT

I don't understand anything you just said....

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Notice: They ...
Mar 28, 2016 4:49AM PDT

... say they didn't even notice it was curved - why bother, then?

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Viewing Angle??
Mar 19, 2016 9:45AM PDT

I just had to purchase a new TV, my not so old 6 yr old Vizio Razor died on me. I loved that Vizio because you could see a clear, bright, non-faded picture from absolutely any angle. This is important to me since I use this particular TV in an open style floor plan area where the living space, kitchen, and dining room are all in one open space. I had to return 2 new smart 4K TVs - including a Vizio - because of the terrible washed out, faded picture when viewed from the slightest angle - I mean if you aren't sitting directly in front of the TV well forget it! So...I'd be cautious about the curved TV - the salesman told me to stay away from it as it served no purpose but to drive up the price.

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I Like Mine!
Mar 20, 2016 2:47PM PDT

I purchased a 60" flat and 48" curved last year. The flat is on the wall in an open floor plan, and is..good...but the 48" curved on a stand in a smaller space is my favorite. I don't THINK about the curvature, but I do feel a bit more "immersed"...and I OFTEN watch off-center...with NO visual problem. In fact, because I'm not in the "sweet spot" my AV receiver is calibrated for, there is a greater diminution of audio than video. I did pay a premium, but the combo of size and space it would occupy made it worth while. I have thought I would have liked a curved screen for the space occupied by the 60", but I was (and still am) unwilling to pay THAT premium. Bottom line for me: I like mine very much, don't feel it was as much a gimmick as 3D (which I am glad I passed on) and IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT (quality manufactured, well reviewed set from LG/Samsung/other major manufacturer that doesn't keep you from screen size you really want)...I would suggest enjoying one.

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Best description yet
Mar 27, 2016 6:30PM PDT

Practical points....
Teddy_B Cool

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It's a Subjective Decision
Mar 22, 2016 6:25AM PDT

Hi Thomas

Flat Screen versus Curved which is better?

Here’s the short answer – Trust your eyes and what looks pleasing to you. In most instances it’s a subjective not an objective decision. As has been said “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”…or something to that affect.

The theoretical hype on curved vs. flat is that a curved screen is supposed to provide an illusion of greater depth. Even so it depends on whether or not you can actually perceive the difference (or at least convince yourself you can). Bottom-line it’s a subjective decision with very little objectivity. The only exception to allow for objectivity would be to decide between a flat and curved panel with identical specifications. Click the link for information on HDTV specifications.

http://lifehacker.com/5865431/what-all-of-the-specs-on-hdtvs-mean-and-when-to-know-when-it-matters

The only factors missing from the article are 4K resolutions and OLED screen technology. However, you must still compare “Apples to Apples”.

You should know that the video feeds (loops) running on showroom sets are mastered at the highest quality possible and the sets they are calibrated to a showroom setting. So what you see in the store is most likely not what you’ll see at home. That’s especially true for OTA and even Cable/Satellite broadcasts - the video resolution falls short of what you see in the showroom. Blu-Ray discs come close, but not every disc is mastered to the same standards. 4K discs are rare and especially rare for programing that is streamed. The aforementioned require either a 4K player or gigabit internet speed respectively and of course a set that can display the content natively.

You are absolutely correct in your assessment that curved screens are more expensive than their flat screen counterparts. However, I have actually priced a curved screen that was more expensive than a flat screen even though the latter had better specs! Go figure??? Kind’a proves my point about an “Apples to Apples comparison.

It’s been stated that viewing angles on a curved screen are not as great as those on a flat screen (i.e. left to right). That’s really going to depend on how close the seating position is to the screen and the angle of position of the viewer left to right. Those factors can also affect viewing on a flat screen but probably to a lesser degree. Most stores have a liberal 15 – 30 day return policy so that aspect can be evaluated rather quickly. On a personal note I’ve noticed that reflections (curved screen) seem to be greater; but that’s probably due to showroom lighting. Just a thought.

In conclusion; all the hype and specs aside, if you honestly see a difference wherein a curved screen affords a better viewing experience versus a similar flat screen (and it’s within your budget) then go for it. If not…well you know the answer to that. Good luck in making the right decision!

Together Everyone Achieves More - T.E.A.M.

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Curved Screens? BS!
Mar 22, 2016 8:22PM PDT

Curved screens are a marketing ploy like hemlines and lapel widths to make you dissatisfied with whatever you currently have...ignore it.

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2nd best comment
Mar 27, 2016 6:35PM PDT

Key point is SO logical and subjective:
" Trust your eyes and what looks pleasing to you. In most instances it’s a subjective not an objective decision."

Five super-models at a party, all gorgeous, but you're always going to like one better and I'll like one better too.

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Some experiences from our CNET editor David Katzmaier:
Mar 25, 2016 12:14PM PDT
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Immersive?
Mar 28, 2016 7:18AM PDT

If nobody can see it, is this not a new version of The Emperor's New Clothes?

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One note on link article..
Mar 28, 2016 2:02PM PDT

Many years ago I had a big curved TV screen because the CRT projection geometry mandated it. However - the first thing I watched on it, was a flying sequence inside a pilot's cockpit, and WHOAAA! I about threw up it was so realistic!! Now this was with the poor resolution of the old comb filtered 480 lines vertical ancient technology.

Would I notice the same affect on ta new, larger set? Maybe if it was the same type of sequence. I suspect curved screens come into play, when viewing something that beckons to fish eye lenses on intense action filming, like my jet pilot example. With the exception of gaming, that may not be an advantage very often in entertainment. However, I suspect that I probably wouldn't notice it anyway, because big screens are not a big deal any more, and the mind's eye is not attuned to new experiences as much. I fear, that curved screens would only be noticed as a visual enhancement by very few people now - unless they have never viewed a big screen TV much at all before now.

Note: Post was edited by Forum admin to fix typo

Post was last edited on March 28, 2016 2:38 PM PDT

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Correction to post..
Mar 28, 2016 2:04PM PDT

CRT projection technology - sorry for the typo! Blush

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(NT) Fixed it for ya :-)
Mar 28, 2016 2:39PM PDT
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No benefit
Mar 25, 2016 5:15PM PDT

Unless the TV is gigantic, like 25' long, there is no advantage. The only curved screen I would consider is a curved monitor. Since you sit only a few feet away from it, there are advantages to it like being closer to the edges so you don't have to twist your neck as much.

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Truly BS with such a small screen
Mar 25, 2016 5:31PM PDT

What is the history of the 'curved screen'? When movies expanded the 4:3 aspect ratio with Cinerama, CinemaScope and all the other widescreen formats, the theater screen got wider. To cover the wider screen with the same brightness, and from the same film frame size, the projection lenses had to be 'faster'; that is, larger-diameter optics for the same focal length... not an easy task, especially with anamorphic lenses. What this meant was that the depth of focus suffered. So the new, wider screens were made such that the edges were the same distance to the projector as the center of the screen. A curved screen... not to 'immerse the audience,' but to assure sharp focus across the width. You don't need that with a TV screen, it's just a gimmick. What bugs me is that the curved-screen TVs are very reflective for some reason, so lights in the room are more apparent than with a less-reflective flat screen.

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Curved TV
Mar 25, 2016 5:52PM PDT

It might give some benefit if only one or two people are watching from directly in front and at just the right distance. However if anyone in a larger group is off center very far it will make the quality of the picture on their side noticeably worse because it makes them seem even more off to the side. All-in-all, I think it is a bas idea and certainly not more immersive unless you are sitting just a few feet directly in front. Color it a gimmick.

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Curved TV works great!
Mar 25, 2016 5:56PM PDT

Not sure if any benefits arise, but I bought a 65 inch curved screen Samsung UHD TV late last year from Costco and so far am really happy with it. Actually I sit about 12 feet from the screen and don't actually notice that it is curved at that distance. I also sit in my message chair which is about 60 degrees off to the left, and while that is not as desirable as a direct on view, it is still very viewable. I use the chair about 15 minutes every evening. I am happy that I bought the curved screen, but if it was not available, I probably would have bought a regular flat screen. UHD is great when you get it, but as of March 2016, It is only available in a spotty manner. There are no regular channels transmitting in UHD, but you can use the smart TV function and get a wide range of things like You Tube and Netflix and they are great in regular HD, but if you get one in UHD, it will look really great. I have watched quite a few travelogues in UHD, but on Direct TV, most of their available movies cost about $9.99 for 2 days viewing, and have not found any that I wanted to pay extra for. Direct TV already costs me about $70 a month. You can't find out how great the TV is until you have had it for a while and see what it can do. For me at a discounted price of about $1500 it was a good deal for me.,

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not realy
Mar 25, 2016 6:38PM PDT

Old CRT tube TVs had Convex screen, now today it is concave. Both has the same affect on viewers from side. only middle person gets the good view. viewers from side gets half bad viewing angle and half good viewing angle. same as old TVs in 30 years back. Have a try

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viewing angle.
Mar 25, 2016 6:53PM PDT

I took a look at curved panels and frankly could see no advantage. The best picture for viewing angle has always been plasma displays,( which have other advantages also) although progress is being made in other types.
But I am no guru since My current Samsung plasma will do me until the broadcast standard is upgraded. Kind of like the transition from B/W to color, there is so little available.

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I Went With Katzmaier's Recommendation....ASK HIM....???
Mar 25, 2016 6:51PM PDT

Just before the Super Bowl, Costco had two "similar" 65" Samsungs for exactly the same price, give or take, about $1,500...one flat and one curved....after a "test drive", it was a toss up, but after reading David's over-all comments on the pros and cons of each, I felt he made some good points, and went with the FLAT....no regrets after almost 3 months....4K is what really makes the difference, between our old 52" Toshiba, about 7+ years old and a row of "dead pixels running down the right side of the screen that seemed to grow thicker each year....???, and a clean, clear, practically flawless, wider 65" Samsung....!!! I'm going to be 65 this year and thinking, this must might be my LAST....or NOT, "knock on wood"....!!!

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Not necessary....
Mar 25, 2016 7:10PM PDT

Optically, there are NO benefits whatsoever from looking at a curved screen - what you *might gain* by looking at one side of it will me more than offset by what you lose on the other side. From what I can see of it, the ONLY benefit you might gain is if your only placement position is in a corner of the room where it's impossible to view it from an oblique angle.
It's a fad - and an expensive one for what it is - so don't bother; go for a flat panel and mount it in a way that will allow an all-round view from most of the seating positions in the room.

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Curved TV's?
Mar 25, 2016 7:48PM PDT

To Me they are for one person right in the Center of the Curved Screen. The viewing angle is so shallow and the images are compensated because the pictures are all Flat. Also they are jacked up in price to their Flat models with same specs. A waste of $$$$!

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Got me gobsmacked
Mar 25, 2016 7:51PM PDT

When I went to buy a larger flat screen a few years ago, I got one capable of 3D. The meant I had to re-vamp my system so the the amplifier was compatible. We watched #D for ten minutes, and it hasn't been used since.
I feel that curved screens are new ploys to separate us from our money. Have yet to see an enthusiast review, so I am skeptical. When there is ample 4K material, I might just upgrade, and maybe if they can popover a curved screen is better, I might succumb.
Meanwhile, I am still stoked from the change from standard definition of cathode ray tubes to flat screen HD TVs. I doubt that there will be the same amount of difference between HD and 4k, and even more so for curved screens!

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Stupid Gimmick
Mar 25, 2016 8:21PM PDT

They only give that amazingly immersive experience if you're centered directly in front of the thing. Anywhere else and the whole picture just looks freakishly skewed. It's not worth it unless you live completely alone, never have company, and only plan to ever watch TV from a position sitting directly in front of it, centered. Seriously, take the extra money and just get a really freaking big HD one. 3D and curved TVs are really quite stupid.