{"id":13283,"date":"2024-11-09T15:35:49","date_gmt":"2024-11-09T15:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topat10.com\/?p=13283"},"modified":"2024-11-09T15:35:49","modified_gmt":"2024-11-09T15:35:49","slug":"tcl-qm7-tv-review-great-picture-suspect-software","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topat10.com\/?p=13283","title":{"rendered":"TCL QM7 TV Review: Great Picture, Suspect Software"},"content":{"rendered":"


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If you\u2019re looking<\/span> for a TV that maximizes picture performance with a minimal hit to your budget, you may want to keep the lucky number 7 in mind. For the past few years, Hisense\u2019s U7 series TVs have offered some of the best performance you can get for the money, including this year\u2019s punchy U7N (8\/10, WIRED Recommends<\/a>), while TCL\u2019s 2023 Q7 and the upgraded QM7 are similar top performers.<\/p>\n

The QM7 usually costs more than the U7N, but it rewards you with a classier design and a slightly more-refined picture. From a pure performance perspective, you\u2019ll have a hard time getting more without spending up, especially if you find it on a good sale.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the software that drives the experience is harder to stand behind. During my initial evaluation, adjusting the TV\u2019s SDR picture modes also affected the HDR modes, which is problematic for a variety of reasons. TCL provided a fix for me, but there\u2019s no broad update for buyers yet, and at least one other reviewer had a similar issue<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Otherwise, there\u2019s very little to complain about in a TV that adds to its great performance with top-line gaming features and one of my favorite smart interfaces. If you don\u2019t mind rolling the dice on TCL\u2019s potential software bugs, the QM7 could pay off handsomely.<\/p>\n

A Slick Setup<\/h2>\n

Cobbling the QM7\u2019s long pedestal stand together takes a bit more effort than rivals with dual-leg stands, and its 4-pound heft brings the 65-inch model I reviewed to a weighty 50 pounds. The payoff is a sturdy and stylish base, matched by slim chrome bezels and a checkered backside with a center woofer for a classy, if not altogether distinctive aesthetic.<\/p>\n

The right-side input hub includes four HDMI inputs, two of which offer HDMI 2.1 support for gaming features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) at up to 144 Hz and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Like the U7N, TCL provides a separate HDMI eARC port, meaning you won\u2019t lose a precious gaming port when connecting a soundbar<\/a> or receiver. That\u2019s always appreciated; the QM7’s Onkyo sound system is decent, but I still recommend a separate audio setup<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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