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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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Own one, Love it, but not necessary
Mar 29, 2016 6:39PM PDT

3 months ago (Dec. 2016), I purchased a 65" Samsung UHD with a curved screen from Costco. The difference in price between the flat screen and the curved was about $200. This was replacing a 55" HD Vizio Smart TV that was 3 yrs old. There is more reflection off the curved screen, but it is only noticeable when the TV is turned off. I live on Hawaii island and knew that I was putting the horse before the cart -- Ultra High Def is really not available here -- yet. But the picture is noticeably better even tho' it is only upscaling an HD signal. I view the set from straight on and from the side and have noticed no distortion. If I didn't know that I had bought a curved screen, I would think it flat because it is set inside of a wall opening built to its dimensions -- the curve has even surprised my friends. The curve seems to be for asthetics and I love it. The sound, however, is not terrific. So, if you don't fall in love with the curve, I would put the money saved by buying a flat screen 4KHD and purchase a really good wireless sound system. I fell in love with the curve.

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Curved screen TV
Apr 1, 2016 7:48PM PDT

I'm still using my perfectly performing 42" Hitachi Plasma now 16 yrs old & going strong. This one has great stereo with speaker channels on both sides.

I do have the new 27" Samsung curved screen computer monitor & it is fantastic.

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Are there any benefits of a Curved TV?
Apr 1, 2016 9:24PM PDT

I believe the answer to this question is a resounding, NO!. I may be old, but I feel the curved TVs of today are the same as the Cinemascope and Superscope movies of the 50s, 60, and early 70s. There are fads. Look at the Plasma TVs. They were the thing to have a few years ago, but now nobody makes them. HDTV came out and right behind that was 4K and UHDTV. I have four LED/LCD HDTVs and they work fine. One is even a 3D set, but there is next to nothing in 3D, so that was a waste. My advice is to either wait for a good deal on a top of the line HDTV, or wait even longer until they start making programs and movies in 4K, and then go for that type of set.

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Nothing Apparent
Apr 4, 2016 6:39AM PDT

I purchased (and I quote CNet) "The Best TV Picture Ever" one of those LG OLEDs.

To CNet's credit (and where/how I make MOST of my purchasing decisions) indeed, that TV to this day, STILL has "The" best I personally have ever seen.

The "Curve" - to me, made absolutely NO difference whatsoever no matter where I sat while viewing.

I do have to add that, 21 days AFTER the MFR's Warranty was up, did the unit DIE on me. (LG, you reading?) Thank Goodness AM3X gives their customers double the MFR's warranty (up to a year) and honored it. That TV was 3K$ (when I purchased it) and at least I was able to retrieve MOST of my purchasing $$$.

I replaced the unit with a 65" S@msun 4KUHD withOUT the curve, didn't notice a thing such as "hey, this picture looks too straight" or "I miss the curve look" - didn't notice any difference between EITHER my curved unit or my old-fashioned flat TV.

Side Note: As expected, 4K content is becoming increasingly abundant every single day. Many may not be aware of it - for example when I pull up any one of the "streaming" services I'm a member of on a computer/tablet there isn't any mention of ANY 4K content. (for obvious reasons, you/I couldn't view it on that device) but the UHD4K TV's have a modified version of the apps from those 'streaming' services that displays just how much content is available in 4K format. I subscribe to 3 streaming services and ALL three offer a modified version of their streaming app on my new TV that display their current 4K listings.

N3tflicks alone has quite the number of pages full of (either) up-converted movies to display in 4K format and/or those that were actually filmed natively in the higher resolution. UTub3, too has an excellent selection as well and it should go without saying the @mazon app also has some 4K content listed. (Again, keep in mind you do NOT see those listed if you cannot display them, such as on a tablet/computer/phone, etc..) If you can, I've just not came across or discovered those versions for my computer/tablet/phones, yet.

...so, on that last side note, pay attention to the 4K units if you're in the TV market. It is so much _not_ the hype 3D had, (3D? to me? just an added feature I VERY rarely used) but this 4K is indeed worth investigating to see if you can appreciate the higher 4K definition images. (Me? Those shot natively in 4K? Amazing, just amazing.!!!)

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Researched and viewed them a little.. Not impressed
May 23, 2016 9:15AM PDT

I was really curious about the new Curved screen tech when it came out and couldn't wait till some of the stores began setting up displays. After viewing several, I think they are undoubtedly 'different' but the displays were not especially sharper than OLED or LED screens and do not justify the higher price ranges. They may BE sharper or brighter in some measurable ways... but the common user probably won't be able to see that difference.

IMO... The curved screen aspect is a 'Marketing tool' for an industry that is currently out of Ideas but hopefully will develop exciting, newer and relevant tech... Maybe affordable/reliable VR Tech in our near future.