Recommendations for TV and soundbar

[Paulo_Andre]

I have a (really) old LCD TV in the living room, and recently bought a chromecast with google tv (4k version).

I'm quite happy with it, as it allowed me to continue using my tv but now have a cheap and powerful android device with all the apps I need.

 

However... now I need more. I want to buy something for the bedroom, to be wall-mounted.

I'll stream everything from my laptop or though some app. I have a network share and VLC works great, also my ISP has an android tv app with all the TV channels. Occasionally (rarely) I may need to connect something via hdmi cable.

I don't really like the smart tv's interface and choice of apps, but I do like the freedom of the chromecast I have. And since it's cheaper than most android devices for the tv, I think that part is decided, I'll just buy another one.

About the TV, I'll probably go with a generic 32'' TV (or something bigger, but still in the "very cheap" range), since in the bedroom I don't really need image quality. I give more importance to the sound, but still not too much. For reference, the quality of a JBL flip portable speaker is enough for me, so a soundbar with that quality.

 

And here comes the problem (or problems).

• I need something compatible with chromecast with google tv
• I need to control everything with one remote (preferably the chromecast remote)
• The sound must be handled only on the soundbar
• The soundbar and TV must be wall-mounted

The priority is that everything has to be really really cheap, as long as it meets the minimum standards. The "good setup" will be when I upgrade the living room.

So, I'm asking for references on what to look for on spec cheats, as probably the models will depend on the prices I can get here (Europe, Portugal, if you want to know).

I'm a little confused... Should I search for a tv compatible with hdmi-arc and hdmi-cec, or can that be handled with a soundbar and hdmi-passthrough and the tv can be completely generic... What do you think I should search?

Also, since I need the soundbar to be wall-mounted as well, should I search for a soundbar with explicit mounts or should I ignore that and get an adapter to a vesa mount where I can put any soundbar, what's the best option?

[saintlouisbagels]

1 hour ago, Paulo_Andre said:

I give more importance to the sound, but still not too much. For reference, the quality of a JBL flip portable speaker is enough for me, so a soundbar with that quality.

Hey hey relax I'm a sound nerd and I love my JBL Flip 4. I would say the MBP 16" speakers are on-par or slightly worse than the Flip, and the MBP 16" is considered basically the best laptop speakers that all laptops are judged against.

 

I would just get any Vizio soundbar.

 

Here's one with HDMI ARC and wall-mountable

https://support.vizio.com/s/article/SV200M-0808-Model-Information-EXT?language=en_US

https://www.vizio.com/content/dam/asset-portal/us/en/2024/sb/SV200M-0808_UM_v2.pdf

https://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-2-0-Soundbar-Dolby-Atmos/dp/B0CVCMCL2K

 

For televisions, you can look into whatever cheap TCL fits your budget. You'll hardly save any money looking at 32-inch televisions (and also pretty uncommon). I would recommend at least 43-inch.

 

edit1: hmmm, I think the tech specs of that soundbar is misleading and the "wall-mountable" part only refers to their proprietary QuickFit system. sigh.

edit2: I suppose you could buy a generic mount like this and buy whatever soundbar you want, as long as it still has HDMI-ARC.

https://www.amazon.com/Echogear-Universal-Soundbar-Mount-Bracket/dp/B088FYFMXR/

[TheWutofWat]

TV recommendations:

 

LG regular old LED ones, perfect and run smooth as hell as for the size u can get something about 49" or 50" which would be just perfect for a bedroom PLUS (u can always use the TV's remote to adjust the audio level as well as control the Chromecast with it by enabling HDMI-CEC.

why LG? well they are reliable and run for long, plus u won't get a better interface then them (hate the Samsung one and Sony? oh boy) just get a regular LED one rather than edge lit one (they are not so common these days with LG) and it will last u for long