One of the best QLED TVs I’ve tested isn’t made by TCL or Samsung (and it’s on sale at Best Buy)

What’s up?

Right now at Best Buy ahead of Black Friday, you can save up to $1,100 on your purchase. Hisense U8N. Available in screen sizes from 55 to 85 inches, you’re sure to find the right screen for your home theater while also being a little more cost-effective.

Why is this deal recommended by ZDNET?

• the Hisense U8N typically retails from $1,100 to $2,800.
• The U8N has a native refresh rate of 144Hz and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, making it perfect for console gaming.
• Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support gives you enhanced picture quality as well as virtual surround sound for a more immersive experience.

If you are a console gamer or entertainment lover looking for a high-quality, dedicated TV for your space then Hisense U8N is a great choice. With a native refresh rate of 144Hz, motion blur is practically non-existent. However, the TV is also equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR to help prevent stuttering and tearing. If those aren’t enough reasons to choose the TV, you can save up to $1,000 when you buy the Hisense U8N now at Best buy.

Also: How I optimized the cheapest 98-inch TV available to look and sound great

Although I’m primarily a PC gamer, I have a PlayStation 5 and a Nintendo Switch, so I can keep up with the platform’s exclusive features and play party games with friends whenever the stars hit. stars match (and we all have free Saturdays.) My main TV is an older 50-inch Samsung TU7000, which is good enough for gaming, and the Hisense U8K I previously tested is worth it. takes pride of place in the master bedroom, where YouTube and Dropout boxes are mostly glorified. Even though last year Hisense U8K has served me well, the U8N certainly beats it.

Right away, you’ll notice the bright, bold colors and deep contrast that the QLED panel delivers, even in Google TV’s dynamic main menu. Setting up the U8N is quick and simple, just like its predecessor. If you don’t initially install the dock upside down like I did, you can go from the box to streaming or gaming in about 15 minutes.

I appreciate the pedestal leg over a traditional TV leg because it definitely feels more sturdy and durable. This is necessary because this is a heavy 65-inch TV, so the 75- and 85-inch models need even more reliable support.

Also: How to calibrate your TV for the best picture quality – 2 easy and simple methods

I have the Switch set up in my office/gaming room and the PS5 in the main living room because I also use it as a Blu-Ray/DVD player for my extensive physical media collection, except music CDs, but that’s a whole other article. While I can easily move consoles around the house, especially the Switch, since it’s designed from the ground up to be a portable gaming device, it’s still a hassle to take everything apart, untangle the cables and move it all around without tripping over the cats.

The U8N helps solve this problem by supporting the PlayStation remote play application. This app lets you play PS5 or PS4 games anytime, anywhere, as long as you have a controller and Reliable Wi-Fi connection.

Since my console was right in the next room and I had a strong network set up to work from, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the remote play app worked. Aside from some visual artifacts at launch when the connection is stable, I would have difficulty telling the difference between remote gameplay and direct console gameplay.

Also: Best Hisense TV: Tested and recommended by experts

And while I’m sure lag would be harder to deal with if I were across the country or traveling internationally, I’m willing to accept it for the novelty of moving around Cyberpunk 2077 in my hotel room after a day at the beach or exploring a real city with a disappointing lack of free trash to pick up and sell for extra money.

Pairing an old PS4 DualShock controller to a Hisense TV via Bluetooth is simple enough. As long as the battery is charged or you’re plugged into a USB power source there shouldn’t be any connection issues. Setting up a remote play connection is easy: just log in [Settings]select [System] tab, then [Remote Play]where you’ll find the toggle to enable remote play for your console.

Also: OLED vs QLED TV: Which panel type is best for your home?

Playing the game on my Nintendo Switch was the perfect opportunity to see what the Hisense U8N’s QLED panel is capable of in terms of color accuracy and contrast. Many Nintendo titles feature vibrant color visuals and distinct art styles that are best appreciated on a full TV screen, and the Hisense U8N does not disappoint. I was finally able to get a digital copy of the Super Mario Bros. Wonderand U8N did an incredible job of showcasing completely different art styles and color palettes. From the deep purples of underground caverns and the deep blacks of space to the warm desert tones and crisp blues of icy passages, the TV handles each level beautifully. great. I spent countless minutes just admiring the background details and flavor animations between badge challenges and collecting every star in the level.

I also did it quickly Hades running on the Switch, helps show off the U8N’s deep contrast to the dark, harsh art style as well as the TV’s built-in sound – very clearly. The built-in speakers handle in-game dialogue superbly, delivering crisp, intelligible audio, even without subtitles. And the game’s gorgeous, sweeping soundtrack and heavy, satisfying combat sound effects help test the limits of your TV’s Dolby Atmos capabilities. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth if you hate wearing headphones to play console games, but I recommend investing in a dedicated gaming speaker system like SteelSeries Arena 9 if you want to get the most out of your audio.

ZDNET Buying Tips

Even if you are not a professional console gamer, Hisense U8N is a great TV for streaming movies, music and TV shows with bold colors and contrast, and vivid sound. With a 144Hz refresh rate, you’ll get smoother motion in fast-paced movies and games, as well as live sports broadcasts. Dolby Atmos support gives you virtual surround sound without the need for headphones or an expensive home audio setup, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR helps prevent tearing and stuttering.

U8N has many screen sizes from 55 to 85 inches, retail price is usually from 1,100 USD to 2,800 USD. Although it’s on the pricier side, the Hisense U8N has plenty of premium features that make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re looking for a TV that you won’t have to replace in five years.