Sony’s X950B is a class-leading 4K LED TV, but does it make sense to buy one?

By Caleb Denison Published December 15, 2014

Sony’s flagship X950B 4K LED television has a good chance at earning our recognition as the best 4K LED TV for 2014, but its top-notch performance comes at a stiff price: $7,000. In 2013, that kind of price would be considered a good deal for a 4K TV, but 2014 is a very different year for what is still thought of as a new breed of television technology. Thanks to Vizio, top-tier 4K/Ultra HD television prices are plummeting, and they’ll be even lower soon enough. That makes Sony’s 4K hero a super-premium option, and dangerously close to the cost of a 4K OLED television, which offers vastly superior picture quality over LCD-based televisions, even one as awesome as the X960B.

With all that considered, the X950B, and Sony on the whole, deserve some recognition. It’s been several years since Sony offered up a flagship that gave the other big players in the TV market a big-time run for their money. And boy does this TV compete.

With a full array of locally-dimmed LED backlights, stellar black levels and contrast, industry-leading video processing, and access to Sony’s vast array of streaming content and games along with everything Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant, and others have to offer, this TV delivers a premium experience to back up that premium price tag. In addition, its svelte exterior design is bound to look good in any home entertainment room. Oh, and did we mention it isn’t curved?

Take a closer look at one of the best TVs this year as to offer in our hands on video, and let us know what you think about the primo price and proximity to next-gen 4K OLEDs, due out later this year.

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Editor at Large

Digital Trends Editor at Large Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched…

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Best Samsung TV deals: Save on 4K TVs, QLED TVs, OLED TVs, 8K TVs

A person watching a Samsung TV.

Samsung is almost always considered to be among the best TV brands, and while there are plenty of Sony TV deals, TCL TV deals, LG TV deals, and Vizio TV deals out there, here we’re taking a look at the savings a new Samsung TV has to offer. You’ll find both OLED TV deals and QLED TV deals among the best Samsung deals available to shop, as well as a variety of sizes such as 65-inch TV deals, 75-inch TV deals, and 85-inch TV deals. Below you’ll find all of the best Samsung TV deals going on right now — many of which compare well against the best TV deals overall — as well as some information on why each TV might make a good centerpiece for your home theater.
Samsung 65-inch QN85C QLED 4K Smart TV — $1,500, was $2,000

We find the QN85C to be sitting at just about the perfect price for a TV right now, while still maintaining the qualities and freshness of a much more quality TV. While it is 4K, it uses mini-LED tech, which allows for fine-tuned light control. Remember that the best QLED TVs are typically renowned more for their brightness than contrast; this tech can tip that need for contrast in the QN85C's favor. Other great features of this TV include audio with Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound, 4K upscaling, and motion acceleration to keep fast moving content smooth.

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This 50-inch 4K TV is only $200 right now, and people love it

A Pioneer Xumo TV from Best Buy.

If you’re looking for one of the cheapest TV deals around, take a look at what Best Buy has to offer. Right now you can buy a Pioneer 50-inch 4K TV for just $200. It normally costs $300, so by buying it today you’re saving $100 off the regular price. Even better, the TV has reviewed surprisingly well by many of Best Buy’s customers. If you’re keen to know more about how good it is, keep reading while we take you through its offerings.

Why you should buy the Pioneer 50-inch 4K TV
You won’t see Pioneer on our look at the best TV brands but that doesn’t automatically mean you should write this TV off. Instead, check out the user reviews for this TV. One reviewer explains that the “picture is surprisingly clear for a television at this price point” while another says that “the picture and sound quality is fantastic” referencing how their kids use it while playing on their PS5 and Xbox Series X. Sure, it won’t compete with the best TVs for extensive features but the Pioneer 50-inch 4K TV has the essentials.

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Best Buy just discounted this 65-inch Samsung 4K TV to $400

The Samsung 75-inch LED 4K Smart TV on a media cabinet.

If you want a reliable 4K TV that’s just the right size for your living room, check out the TV deals going on at Best Buy right now. Today, you can buy a Samsung 65-inch TU690T 4K TV for just $400. It normally costs $480, so you’re saving $80 on a TV that is already a great value. If you need a new inexpensive TV for your home but you want something from a reliable brand, this is your chance. Here’s everything else you need to know about it.

Why you should buy the Samsung 65-inch TU690T 4K TV
From one of the best TV brands, the Samsung 65-inch TU690T 4K TV is an ideal TV to enjoy plenty of benefits without breaking the bank. It has a great 4K picture with a PurColor Crystal Display which provides fine-tuned colors how they’re meant to be seen. It’s also Direct Lit so that blacks and whites are fine-tuned for enhanced contrast and there’s HDR for a wide spectrum of colors and visual details.