Choosing Between Giant TVs: A Complete Guide to 98"+ Home Theater Displays

If you're looking to create a truly cinematic experience at home, today's large format TVs offer incredible options. Let's dive deep into comparing two standout choices: the Hisense 100" U76 Series ($3,000) and the LG 98" QNED ($3,999).

The Current State of Large Format TVs

The home theater landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. While projectors once dominated the 100-inch space, advanced LED technology and manufacturing improvements have made massive TVs both possible and (somewhat) affordable. Both these models were announced at CES 2024, representing the latest in large panel technology.

Picture Quality Deep Dive

Brightness and Contrast

The Hisense U76 employs QLED technology (which uses quantum dots to enhance color) combined with 256 separate dimming zones. This means the TV can precisely control brightness across different screen areas, achieving up to 800 nits peak brightness. In practical terms, this makes the TV excellent for both dark room movie nights and bright daytime viewing.

The LG QNED takes a different approach, using their proprietary QNED technology that combines quantum dots with LG's NanoCell filter. While exact brightness specifications aren't published, testing suggests similar performance to the Hisense. However, the LG generally offers better color accuracy out of the box.

Motion Handling

For sports fans and gamers, how a TV handles motion is crucial. The Hisense offers a native 144Hz refresh rate (meaning it can show up to 144 frames per second) and uses their "480 motion rate" processing. The LG provides 120Hz with their Motion Pro technology. In real-world use, both handle motion excellently, though the Hisense has a slight edge for gaming thanks to its higher refresh rate.

Smart Features and Usability

Operating Systems

The Hisense runs Google TV, which I've found to be one of the more intuitive and comprehensive smart TV platforms. It integrates well with other Google services, offers excellent app selection, and provides helpful content recommendations.

LG's webOS 24 is also excellent, with some unique features like Multi View (splitting the screen between sources) and better integration with LG home appliances. However, Google TV generally offers a more universal experience that works well across different brands and services.

Voice Control and Smart Home

Both TVs offer voice control through multiple assistants. The Hisense U76 supports Google Assistant (built-in) and works with Alexa devices. The LG QNED supports both platforms plus LG's own ThinQ AI. In practice, Google Assistant tends to be more capable for general queries and control, while LG's system excels at TV-specific commands.

Gaming Features

For gamers, both TVs offer impressive specs. The Hisense supports:

• 144Hz refresh rate
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) - prevents screen tearing
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) - reduces input lag
• FreeSync Premium - AMD's technology for smooth gaming
• Dolby Vision Gaming

The LG matches most features but tops out at 120Hz. For most gamers, either TV will provide an excellent experience, though competitive gamers might prefer the Hisense's higher refresh rate.

Home Theater Considerations

Installation and Mounting

These are massive TVs - the Hisense weighs 132.3 lbs without its stand, while the LG comes in at 134.9 lbs. Professional installation is highly recommended. Both support VESA mounting, but verify your wall can handle the weight.

Viewing Distance

For optimal viewing of 4K content at this size, you'll want to sit between 12-15 feet away. Closer than that, and you might notice individual pixels; further, and you lose the immersive effect. Measure your room before committing.

Audio Options

While both TVs include decent built-in speakers (Hisense: 2.1 channel 50W total, LG: 2.2 channel), at this screen size you'll want a proper sound system. Both support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for connecting to modern soundbars and receivers.

Value Proposition

The Hisense U76 typically retails for $3,000 but has been seen as low as $2,000 on sale. The LG QNED maintains its $3,999 price more consistently. Given the similar performance in most areas, the Hisense represents better value for most buyers.

How to Decide

Choose the Hisense if:

• You want the largest possible screen
• Gaming performance is a priority
• You prefer Google TV
• Value is important
• You want a longer warranty (2 years vs 1 year)

Choose the LG if:

• Brand reputation is important
• You prefer webOS
• Color accuracy is paramount
• You're invested in the LG ecosystem
• You value slightly better build quality

Real-World Performance

In practical use, both TVs deliver impressive performance. The Hisense tends to perform better in bright rooms thanks to its high brightness, while the LG often edges ahead in color accuracy and processing. For movie watching, both provide excellent experiences, though proper room setup (controlling ambient light, viewing distance, external audio) makes a bigger difference than the TV choice at this level.

Looking Forward

Both TVs represent 2024 technology, with improvements in brightness, processing, and gaming features over previous generations. The trend toward larger, more affordable TVs seems likely to continue, though these 98"+ sizes remain premium products.

Final Thoughts

For most buyers, the Hisense U76 offers the better package, matching or exceeding the LG QNED in most important areas while costing significantly less. The LG's premium price is harder to justify unless specific features like webOS or slightly better color accuracy are crucial to your needs.

Remember: at these sizes, room setup and viewing distance become crucial factors in your viewing experience. Make sure your space can accommodate these massive displays before making your final decision.

Hisense 100" U76 Series 4K UHD QLED Google TV Deals and Prices

LG 98" QNED 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices