On today’s episode of You Asked… Is it still worth buying a plasma TV? Why doesn’t YouTube TV lag when streaming? And… what options do you have for a wireless HDMI connection?
Replacing a long HDMI cable with wireless options
Dionicio asks: I have an HDMI cable from my bedroom to my closet to have surround sound. Is it possible to connect a device where I can leave out the cable? Thanks!
There is… but it’s not cheap… but is it worth it? I think so? I would probably buy it with an eye on the future too. It’s a little easier to digest this way.
The option that seems best to me is available as a special order at B&H and a few other places. It’s the Tripp Lite UHD 4K60 HDMI Wireless Extender… and it’s designed to transmit a signal up to 65 feet over a 5 gigahertz Wi-Fi band, which is seriously impressive. Not to mention, it’s plug-and-play and requires no software to get started.
What’s less than ideal, however, is the $450 price tag. That’s why I say it’s a little easier to stomach if you look at it as an investment. Lord knows, with all the devices we could or would connect to the TV, a wireless HDMI connection could come in handy.
However, I would also like to say that my own reason for purchasing it is to not endanger the devices that I have connected with a long HDMI cable, as replacing it may be more expensive than purchasing this WiFi extender.
Judging from the picture you sent, this cable runs towards the ground and probably at a height that someone could trip over. And I’m sure you’re not the only one running cables across floors or through vulnerable areas. Damn, I have a toddler at home. So if it were me, I would have to find a better solution as quickly as possible.
All in all, there are solutions. The Tripp Lite one is expensive, but looks solid.
IOGEAR also offers a wireless receiver and transmitter kit for $200 less, but reviews are mixed. So make sure any purchase has a good return policy on the device you’re using, especially if you notice any audio lag or loss of quality that bothers you.
Troubleshoot YouTube TV lag on TCL TVs
Marty asks: I have a 75″ TCL LED TV, model number 75S551F, that seems to be struggling with YouTube TV, lag and glitches. I’ve tried the various troubleshooters, to no avail. Other apps don’t seem to have such big problems. My internet should have up to 1000 megabits per second. However, I doubt that. Other TVs in the house don’t seem to have as much trouble with this particular app. Is the problem with the TV, the internet or the app itself? I’ve been thinking about upgrading, but I don’t want to spend the money if the problem isn’t with the TV. Have you seen lower-end TCL TVs struggling with YouTube TV in particular? Or am I wrong? Which brands generally have the best processors for streaming apps, if such a thing exists?
Thanks for the question, Marty, because I think this is one that may help some people. There are a few different things that can be accomplished here, but given the information you’ve shared, I can pretty confidently say it’s not the Internet. I have similar speeds at home, and when I run a speed test, while the speed is below rated speed, which probably requires a cable connection, it is still fast enough for all of our streaming needs, including YouTube TV on my Samsung TV, while I use multiple phones, laptops, and network storage to back up files.
And in your case, if you don’t have the problem with other TVs in the house, that’s pretty telling. But to find out whether it’s the TV or the app, I think it’s worth a little test.
First, run YouTube TV on all available TVs and see if it actually performs better on all devices except your struggling TCL TV. You can also get all the information about streaming speed and resolution and much more in the “Statistics for Nerds” in the YouTube TV app. While streaming, press on your remote and navigate to the three dots on the far left. Then navigate to “Statistics for Nerds” and turn it on.
Here you can view things like lost frames, video resolution compared to optimal resolution, connection speed, and stream buffering. I would note these numbers for both TVs. And if the stats you see in the TCL show slower speeds or more dropped frames, that’s your answer.
It looks like your model supports Wi-Fi Five, which should be fast enough to handle just about anything YouTube’s standard TV plan gives you. If you’re streaming in 4K on YouTube TV and multiple other devices are doing the same, you might run into an issue. But if you’re having problems even with simple streaming, I’d say it’s the TV. I’ve never seen this problem on the TCL TVs we’ve tested.
In fact, in our test of the TCL QM6K, one of their most affordable yet powerful mini LED TVs, we streamed the Super Bowl quite well in a format and resolution that I found to be more taxing than the average 720p or Full HD 1080p TV.
So, look, I hate to tell you to spend money, I really do. I wish our money went a lot higher than it currently does, especially in electronics, but given sales this month, the QM6K could be a good option for you to save and still get a great TV. You’ll get a better processor and a better picture than what you currently have, and your YouTube TV worries should be a thing of the past.
Is it still worth buying plasma TVs?
@thedevilpanther asks: I’m thinking about buying a plasma TV. Is it worth it? Or should I buy a more modern one? I need a new bedroom TV.
First, let me say this: I am far from an expert when it comes to plasma TVs. I don’t have much experience with them, but from what I hear from those who enjoyed the plasma TV era, they have a cult following for a reason.
However… the preference you may have in your memory is probably far from reality when it comes to how they compare to modern TVs, especially OLED. With both SDR and HDR, but especially with HDR, the difference is significant to say the least.
In addition, the technology is simply older. Many of the features you have in modern TVs, even lower-priced models, will be more user-friendly and advanced. Not to mention, if you buy a used TV, if something breaks on a TV that could fail at any time, you may not have a warranty because it is an older model.
I know that motion sharpness on plasma TVs is great. And I’m sure Team Plasma will have some valid arguments against me. That’s okay. Not the same experience here either.
But when it comes to buying electronics, it has to be a great deal or a unique experience for me to risk buying a used product that is significantly inferior.
And in your case, Mr. Panther, the television in the bedroom often stays on longer when you fall asleep. Therefore, in this case you should also consider the risk of burn-in.
I’m not trying to tease you, as my wife would say, but I would say get a more modern TV. The Samsung S90F and LG C5 are both excellent OLEDs for the price, available in many sizes and suitable for bedrooms of all types.
