My wife and I would appreciate independent, informed advice on a suitable Smart tv for our adult son who has an intellectual disability and lives in supported accomodation. The Smart tv is for him and his housemates. (House support staff are on hand to assist if required) - 65" is the size we are considering, and TCL and Hisense are brands currently on our short list.
Main priorities are:- (i) ease of use (e.g. a non-complex Remote Control) for Basic Smart functions (e.g. ABC iView), (ii) sound quality from internal speakers (Sound Bar adds complication), (iii) reliability.
Price is not really an issue, as he has access to funding. However, a very basic, stand alone Smart tv is all that's required. For example it won't be used for Gaming, or have a 4K Blueray player or any similar high-res device connected. Therefore, it needn't necessarily be a 4K panel and OLED is certainly not required. A limited number of input ports and a slower response time panel is OK.
Which Easy to Use Smart TV (Eg. 65") Should We Buy?
Comments
Thanks boomramada, - been there, done that. However, as we all know, the store environment is always crowded and busy, with salespeople recommending their preferred brand/model. And, you certainly can't evaluate inbuilt speaker sound quality in the store with multiple tv's blasting away. Unbiased advice from Ozbargainers who own/use the tv is what we'd appreciate.
Well don't go on weekends, go on a quite day. eg. 10am on Monday?
You are buying for your self not for sales person, ask all the questions that you got, check the look and feel of the remote, how easy to navigate the menu etc. Play with them. If you don't trust the sales person, go talk to another in same store, usually few around.You don't need to buy from them. You are thinking too hard, TV sales persons aren't that bad. You can ask them, which is the best selling model and which isn't. If you don't trust them, get the model number and google it.
Unbiased advice
How do you get unbiased advice here? eg. I got a Panasonic tv, I bought it it fit my budget and my requirement, that doesn't mean it satisfied yours.
Edit: Next visit to them, write down some make and models that you prefer. Google it or ask questions here to get some comments.
Thanks boomramada, By "unbiased" I meant non-sales person advice from someone with a little more expertise than many sales people. Maybe I should have said "non-salesperson advice" in the post.
I'm not sure if I could get any salesperson at any time of day to turn off ALL extraneous sound sources for an extended period of time to enable us to evaluate sound quality. However, as you propose, review sites are a good option - thanks for the reminder.
What kind of TV is he using now? If you want ease of use, probably one where he already knows how to work the remote might work best?
Thanks geek001, He's using an old non-smart 42"Palsonic. For some time I've been reading comments from Ozbargainers about various tv's when they've been posted here. e.g. comments on the Smart functions, Remote layout and button function, the tv's OS etc . Much of this is info that my wife and I can't really asses in the store. Maybe we should be asking for Brands/Models to avoid.
Another option is to add an apple tv. Most tv manufacturers have woeful smart tv operating systems in comparison
This is a good idea. Something simple like an apple tv or fetch mini box would be a consistent experience and is unlikely to go out of date and start breaking as quickly as a smart tv OS. They don't even really need to be turned off, so it wouldn't add too much complexity either.
Thanks thatonethere, We're trying to keep the setup as simple as possible with no additional devices with extra remotes to navigate, learn, lose, or damage. So, a stand-alone Smart tv with one simple, easy to use remote is what we're aiming for. One remote, and only one device to learn to use. That's why we don't want a Sound Bar, and consequently require better quality sound from the tv's inbuilt speakers. Two or more remotes add complications/confusion - not just for the guys in the house, but also for new/relief support staff.
I currently have a series7 Hisense and the remote control is real easy to use. It has 3 buttons down the bottom for Netflix, Youtube and Live TV (FTA)
Thanks Dean1, Looks like it might be a shootout between Hisense & TCL. Both have 3yr warranty
Seems you may have already limited your remote control choices by TV brand. Wonder if there is a suitable third party remote?
This may be beyond your project, Logitech used to have programable one button operation remotes.If you haven't already, try places like LifeTec Australia for advice, https://lifetec.org.au/
I would leave simple trouble shooting instructions in a Permanent location for house support staff, possibly keep a pic of the remote on your mobiles along with support detail & contacts. Web connection support?
Sounds like a huge step forward. Can only imagine the stress you are about to create & experience.
GoodLuckExcellent suggestions, sincere thanks
What about a google home with Chromecast? Can use voice to control it and it will even turn the tv on.
Thanks MikeKulls, but he has a speech impairment and both of his housemates are non verbal
Sincere thanks to all Ozbargainers who responded. We decided on the Hisense 65P6 - Picked it up @ JB HiFi for $1196 (another Ozbargain deal) Went for the Hisense because we believe the sound from inbuilt speakers is better than TCL.The Hisense remote is a little larger than the TCL's - therefore easier to handle/navigate.
How about visiting your local harveynorman or jbhifi and experience your self to see how easy to use they are?