Hi all,
I moved to Japan few months ago and have no idea what TV brads are good around here and I have a few requirements that are hard to find out before buying. My budget is about 100,000円, my place can fit max 50″ screen. I don’t need fancy picture, or sound. It’s mostly for kids to watch movies/shows in their 2nd and 3rd language. What I need is:
* stable – the more it can withstand two toddlers the better (if you have any tricks, like a tether – we have a small TV board/stand that even has a shelf above the TV)
* doesn’t have to be top model, mostly because kids and being temporary in the current place, also I do love amazing colours&black watching movie at night, but don’t remember last time I had time to do that 😉
* must play various format (MKV, AVI) from USB stick/drive – we have a lot of stuff in our minority language that can’t be found anywhere nor streamed
* I prefer Google/Android TV simply because it’s easier to play stuff/install apps again in minority languages, but as long as it has the combo of Netflix, Prime, Youtube, Disney+, USB playback it should be fine
Terrestrial TV recording is a nice plus.
I used to have a Samsung TV that was pretty good but wouldn’t play AVI. Also doesn’t seem like a popular brand around here.
I also have a FireStick that I can use instead, but I prefer if everything was built in. The exception would be buying an older TV, but my area is not very popular, less chances to snatch a good old TV.
Any advice appreciated!
3 comments
About AVI, it’s a legacy format and will be kind of a gamble on any TV depending on various factors (mostly the codec in use, they might support AVI, but not all codecs that can be baked in), so easiest is if you just convert to MP4 to bypass those factors and remove that requirement.
I believe most TV will come with tethers for earthquake protection. Definitely use them. Most TV will be Android as well.
I have a Sony Bravia that I’m happy with. LG and Sharp are solid choices too. Easiest is probably to go into a shop and check if you find something you like.
If you don’t plan on watching domestic local OTA channels, head to Costco or Amazon.
TVs in japan with cs & bs connections of the size you’re looking for most likely will be over your budget.
For usb or internet based Costco or Amazon are you best bet for bang for buck.
Why not just stream from your computer via Chromecast or similar? I have a huge library of all kinds of formats, including AVI, organized with Plex, and I generally just click the “cast” button and sit back and enjoy movies and tv shows on my TV.