The Bigger, the Better: TCL’s 98-Inch S5 Series TV Brings the Theater to Your Living Room
Improving the 98-inch TV on a budget for top-notch visuals and audio.
Introduction: Experience the Silver Screen at Home
When it comes to TVs, TCL is known for their advanced display technologies and picture quality optimizations. However, sometimes they decide to break the mold and simply create something massive—like their 98-inch Class S5 Series TV. This behemoth is currently on sale for $500 off, making it the most accessible option for its size. But what’s it like to have a TV that’s nearly eight feet wide in your living room? Let’s dive in and find out.
Setting Up the Godzilla of TVs
If you’re considering bringing this TV into your home, be prepared for a challenge—the biggest one being finding a space for it. This TV measures 85.7 inches wide and 49.1 inches tall, with its feet a staggering 68.5 inches apart. If you have a wall large enough to mount it on, you’re in luck. But for those without that luxury, finding an entertainment center big enough to accommodate this mammoth TV might be a struggle. Trust me, I’ve been there.
In my relatively small living room, I resorted to setting up two folding catering tables and placing the TV right in front of the fireplace. It’s not perfect, but it works for the purpose of this review—although my fireplace might feel a little neglected. So, prepare yourself for some creative thinking when it comes to placing this TV in your home.
The Most Immersive Viewing Experience (Unless You Find Something Bigger)
One thing is for sure: this TV is impossible to ignore. Once you turn it on and see that 98-inch screen come to life, you’ll be blown away. Whether you’re watching movies, TV shows, or even playing games, the immersive experience is nothing short of amazing. The sheer size of the screen brings everything to life, making you feel like you’re sitting in a movie theater.
Imagine watching your favorite action-packed movie or thrilling sports event on a screen this huge. The sense of immersion is unparalleled, and it doesn’t matter where you sit in the room—there’s not a bad seat to be found. It’s like having your own personal theater, right in your living room.
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Specs That Don’t Overwhelm, Quality That Impresses
Beyond its massive size, the TCL 98S550G boasts some decent specs. It features a QLED panel that delivers bright colors and good contrast, making for an immersive visual experience. While it may not have all the luxuries of OLED or Mini LED TVs, its one huge backlight ensures an absence of light haloing around your content.
With 4K resolution and support for refresh rates up to 120Hz, gamers will appreciate its silky-smooth gameplay. However, it’s worth noting that the pixel density is not as high on a 98-inch panel compared to a smaller one, so you may notice individual pixels if you get too close. But let’s not nitpick—it’s still an impressive display.
Additional Features and Solid Sound Quality
TCL didn’t skimp on the extra features with the 98S550G. It includes HDR Ultra with various standards like Dolby Vision IQ, Open HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, ensuring a vivid and dynamic visual experience. Gamers will appreciate the dedicated Game Accelerator 240 that supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and the built-in Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio immersion. Plus, the TV supports AirPlay, Chromecast, voice assistant integration, and has dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity.
When it comes to sound quality, the TV holds its own. While mids and highs can get a bit screechy at higher volumes, the built-in subwoofer delivers a surprising amount of bass. You can fine-tune the audio settings to suit your preferences, but if you’re looking for a true movie theater experience, a dedicated sound system is still recommended.
The Verdict: Is it Worth the Investment?
At $2,499, TCL’s 98-inch Class S5 Series TV is a steal. If you have the space in your home and don’t mind the investment, this TV can transform your living room into an immersive entertainment hub. While you won’t get the absolute best picture quality available, it’s essential to remember that comparable TVs from other brands will cost you at least $5,000 to $10,000. So, if you have the opportunity, snatch up this TV while it’s on sale—you won’t be disappointed.
Q&A: Addressing Additional Concerns
Q: Is the setup process difficult for such a large TV?
A: Setting up the TCL 98-inch TV can be a challenge, especially finding an appropriate space for it. If you have a wall large enough, mounting it is your best bet. However, if you don’t, you may need to get creative with your furniture arrangement or consider investing in a larger entertainment center.
Q: Will the pixel density be noticeably lower on a 98-inch TV compared to a smaller one?
A: Yes, due to the larger canvas, the pixel density on a 98-inch TV is not as high as on smaller screens. If you get close to the TV, you may be able to see individual pixels. However, it’s not a significant issue and won’t affect your overall viewing experience.
Q: Can I get a true movie theater setup with the built-in sound quality?
A: While the TCL 98-inch TV has solid sound quality, including a built-in subwoofer for enhanced bass, it doesn’t compare to a dedicated sound system. If you want the authentic movie theater experience, consider investing in external speakers or a soundbar.
The Future of Big-Screen TVs
As technology advances, TVs will continue to offer larger screens and more immersive experiences. We can expect innovations in display technologies such as MicroLED and improved picture quality with advancements in Mini LED and OLED panels. With the growing popularity of streaming services and gaming, TV manufacturers will also focus on incorporating features that cater to these entertainment mediums.
Keep an eye on TCL and other leading brands for upcoming releases, as they push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of TV entertainment.
Reference List
- TCL’s 98-inch Class S5 Series TV on Enble
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- LG releases prices, availability for 2024 TVs – and one model costs as much as a small car on Enble
- TCL’s 115-inch QM8 TV looks absolutely massive in person on Enble
- I tested the ‘Free TV’ that got the internet buzzing and it was far better than expected on Enble
- The best TVs to buy in 2024 on Enble
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