Unfortunately, I think we’re trapped in planned obsolescence. I’ve been taking the approach of looking at cost as a primary driver.
The difference between a crappy 4K tv and a quality 4K tv is hard for me to distinguish in most cases. Especially, if they’re not side by side.
Let’s say I set my max price at $550.
You can find a cheap brand Onn or TCL in a 70” range size. If you go smaller you’ll likely find “better” brands.
I don’t think there’s much that makes one brand better than others. 5-7 years is probably max life of anything you’ll buy today. Unless you’re willing to open it up and start trying to find the bad capacitors and re solder to the board.
Rule #1. The tv never connects to internet Rule #2. Rule #1 never gets broken Rule #3. Use another device to play signal (fire stick, Apple TV, cable box, Xbox, PlayStation, pc, etc) Rule #4. Use a sound system not the tv speakers. Go big with surround systems or don’t. Anything is better than tv speakers. I’ve used a 2.1 setup for decades. A soundbar with sub is simple to setup and use.
I’ve heard Roku is one to potential avoid now as I’ve heard they may require Internet connection on setup of some new tvs.
A good tv has an acceptable picture, size, and plays a video source.
There’s a lot of correlation and speculation going on along with deflecting potential liability.
It would seem if you have one of these drives, make sure the firmware is current, and you should be fine. (Prerelease firmware and heavy load seem to be the “triggers”)
If you don’t plan for hard drive failure, you’ll learn that lesson eventually…