Manufacturers Discount Big-Screen TVs Ahead Of The Big Game

The big game is a great time for a TV upgrade.

They say the best seat in the house is on your couch, and it's even better on a new, upgraded screen. Many consumers are looking for the best picture possible for the big game, and the experts say the good news is that it's a great time to score a winning deal.

"The thing about the Big Game time is that this is when manufacturers and retailers discount their TVs," said David Katzmaier, editorial director of personal tech with CNET.

Prices can be better than what's offered on Black Friday as retailers try to offload last year's TV models. But 2023 versions can still be a big upgrade, literally.

"The recommendation that I give is that your TVs are too small," said Katzmaier.

"A lot of people are watching on a 43" or 55" TV. And I would say go up to a 65" or look for a 75". They're surprisingly affordable."

Nearly all TVs on the market have at least 4K resolution. Katzmaier tests models for image quality and usability and says the TCL QM8 is currently the best TV for the money.

"For a 65", that size is $900. So really affordable," Katzmaier said. "And its picture is spectacular. It's really, really bright."

The TCL QM8 model is only available in screen sizes 65" or larger, so if you're looking for a smaller screen, Katzmaier suggests the Hisense U8K as an alternative, his choice for a 55" screen.

TCL also makes its pick for the best budget TV, the TCL 4 Series. A 50" screen sells for just $248.

"These are brands that have come into the market and been really aggressive with the pricing," he said.

If cost isn't a concern, the LG OLED C3 is Katzmaier's current top choice for high-end screens. A 65" sells for about $1600.