I know shopping for a new television can be complicated and stressful. With so many brands, technologies and features to consider today, making the best choice to suit your needs isn‘t easy!
As a tech enthusiast and avid TV and film buff, I‘ve tested many televisions over the years. In this guide to the top 5 best TVs under $1700 available now in 2023, I‘m excited to pass along my insider knowledge to help you upgrade your home entertainment experience.
We‘ll explore the latest display innovations you should understand, key specifications that determine real-world picture quality, gaming-centric capabilities to know about, smart TV ecosystems and special features to consider along with your specific needs. My TV recommendations below cover outstanding models sized from 55 to 75 inches utilizing high-performance technologies like QD-OLED and mini-LED.
Rather than focus just on core specifications, my analysis will provide contextual insights so you can better understand how specific capabilities like contrast ratio, next-generation HDMI inputs or advanced processor-based picture adjustments benefit your enjoyment across movies, streaming, sports and gaming.
Let‘s cut through marketing lingo and complex model names to determine which 2023 TVs deliver stunning image quality, future-proof features and excellent value given your budget of $1700 or less. Follow along and together we‘ll identify the ideal television to fulfill your needs!
Overview: Latest Display Innovations Taking Center Stage in 2023
We are living in a golden age of television technology. While high standards like 4K resolution, OLED panels and quantum dots moved from premium to more mainstream over the last several years, 2023 brings a new slate of advancements to further enhance image quality.
Self-lit quantum dot OLED (QD-OLED) panels uniquely combine OLED‘s per-pixel lighting control with the vivid, expanded color afforded by quantum dots. This year at CES 2023, manufacturers like Samsung wowed attendees by unveiling dazzling QD-OLED TVs delivering unparalleled contrast, perfect blacks and extremely high brightness through precision pixel-level lighting dimming and no backlight required.
For LCD/LED models, mini-LED backlighting comprising up to tens of thousands of tiny LED zones enables extreme lighting control never before possible. Sections of the screen can be dimmed to pure black for maximum contrast adjacent to intensely bright, colorful elements. 2023 mini-LED TVs like Samsung‘s Neo QLEDs illuminate the screen with a shocking level of detail.
Combined with continued processor enhancements powering real-time contrast and color optimizing through artificial intelligence learning, these latest advancements aim to faithfully recreate artistic intent for a true cinematic experience at home.
How do QD-OLED, mini-LED and processing breakthroughs over the last year translate when choosing among our best TV recommendations today? Let‘s explore key specifications you should understand…
Contrast and Black Level – Foundational to Picture Quality Enjoyment
Contrast ratio indicating a display‘s range between the brightest whites and the deepest blacks lays the foundation for image quality. Standard dynamic range TVs (SDR) deliver contrast up to 5000:1 while high dynamic range (HDR) content can approach 1 million-to-1 thanks to brighter highlights and pixel-precise dimming technology.
OLED panels excel here with effectively infinite contrast since each self-lit pixel switches completely off. This enables stunningly dark blacks. Conversely, LCD/LED screens utilize a shared backlight, so cannot go fully black without dimming large areas of the screen.
For LCD/LED models, full-array local dimming (FALD) divides the screen into zones whose brightness can be independently controlled. More dimming zones allow finer-grained control – from a few hundred to many thousands for mini-LED models. Combined with extremely high brightness levels like 1500+ nits, deep blacks can still be achieved adjacent to intensely bright elements to emulate high contrast. When optimized effectively via processing like AI-based algorithms, contrast between zones appears seamless without halos or blooming.
While standard dynamic range contrast still impresses for everyday viewing, HDR content mastered to 4000 or 10,000 nits can only be displayed in its full glory on TVs reaching 1000+ nits brightness. All models recommended here support both industry standards for high dynamic range video: HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Top-end displays additionally support HDR10+ incorporating dynamic metadata and Dolby Vision IQ which tailors picture settings to your room.
Panel Bit Depth – Billions of Colors Determine Reality
Today‘s best displays output video at 10 bits per color RGB channel versus 8 bits traditionally. This superseded standard quadruples the number of addressable shades from 16.7 million to over 1 billion colors. More colors prevent banding artifacts in gradients and enable astonishing realism with nuanced tones.
Flagship televisions now support processing at 12 bits or higher then dither down to 10 bit output. This expands the number of colors managed through internal rendering pipelines enabling smoother, artifact-free color and luminance transitions after processing.
To guarantee color accuracy, top-tier TVs get extensively factory calibrated and incorporate dedicated hardware like color management systems and look-up tables. Models here labeled as supporting "quantum" dots actually utilize precisely manicured nanoparticles that narrow light wavelengths for purer red, blue and green output free from white bleed or loss of saturation at high brightness. Quantum dots expand the DCI/P3 color gamut by over 50% for remarkably more vibrant, realistic imagery.
So when analyzing specifications, look for quantum dot technology, 10 to 12 bit color and wide DCI/P3 or BT.2020 color gamut coverage to ensure your next TV renders every shade and hue with nuance and accuracy.
Refresh Rate and Response Time – Maintaining Clarity for Motion
While all TVs recommended here deliver native 120Hz refresh rates for smooth, clear motion clarity, appreciating why this matters requires us to briefly discuss response times. LCD pixels exhibit slower transitions from black to white then back to black compared to instant-on/off OLEDs. This creates temporary ghosting or smearing artifacts around moving objects.
Faster refresh rates help mitigate visible blurring by inserting black frame inserts between content‘s native frames. Top models also incorporate high-performance variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low latency mode (ALLM) minimizing input lag to imperceptible levels when gaming.
For LCD/LED TVs, response times nearing 0.1ms represent outstanding performance characteristic of many newest mini-LED models. When considering streaming sports, gaming use or enjoying films with extensive camera panning, we will pay special attention to these capabilities ensuring buttery-smooth clarity.
Smart TV and Gaming Features Add Convenience
Given streaming services dominate home entertainment alongside gaming, investing in a television naturally brings expectations of excellent smart connected experiences out of the box. Modern smart TV interfaces grant intuitive access to popular apps. Considerations include:
Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant offer helpful hands-free control. Casting allows instant streaming from mobile devices. Support for HDMI CEC enables turning devices on/off in tandem from a single remote.
Gamers should ensure their next TV sports HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 4K gaming at 120fps, VRR eliminating tearing/stuttering and ALLM engaging low latency modes automatically when required.
I will highlight models excelling in these areas for satisfying daily entertainment and gaming. With deeper insight into core capabilities and features differentiating today‘s TVs, let‘s examine the top recommended options showcasing breakthrough new display technologies!
Best Overall: Samsung 65-Inch S95B QD-OLED 4K TV
Representing Samsung‘s quickest selling new television ever following rave reviews for its self-lit QD-OLED panel, the 65-inch Samsung S95B brings phosphorescent OLED emitting more natural light combined with precisely tuned quantum dots producing intensely saturated, accurate color.
With pixels directly emitting light then dimming to perfect black, its OLED foundation guarantees effectively infinite contrast. Quantum dots then ensure high peak brightness over 1000 nits for stellar high dynamic range performance without sacrificing deep blacks when they appear on screen simultaneously. Reviewers praise extremely impressive contrast with specular highlights that make images almost jump off the screen.
Its Neural Quantum 4K processor powered by 20 neural networks optimizes upscaling of lower resolution content to 4K. It also performs intelligent analysis tailoring color, contrast and clarity to varying scenes and lighting conditions on the fly. For gaming, hardware improvements slash response times to 0.1ms with VRR eliminating tearing or stuttering.
Summary of key features:
– Self-lit QD-OLED hybrid display technology
- Infinite contrast ratio with per-pixel lighting control
- 1000+ nits peak brightness with deep, uniform blacks
- DCI/P3 99% wide color gamut at high brightness
- Anti-glare coating improves brightness/clarity
- Neural Quantum processor for AI-based picture optimization
- Dolby Atmos decoding; Object Tracking Sound
With its trailblazing QD-OLED pixels setting a new bar for contrast, color and brightness paired with aggressive AI-based processing, Samsung earns our Best Overall recommendation showcasing leading display technology under $1700 for future-proofed picture quality that pushes OLED to new heights.
Best Shade: SunBriteTV 55-Inch Horizon Pro Outdoor TV
Stationed outside on your patio escaping the summer heat? SunBriteTV specializes in weatherproof televisions built for full shade or indirect sun environments where humidity, rain dust and insects abound. This 55-inch Horizon Pro model offers SunBrite‘s most advanced outdoor display technology in 2023.
It shares a commercial-grade LCD panel and LED backlight system with SunBrite‘s Signature series then enhances sealing to achieve weatherproof certification. The durable aluminum exterior housing resists corrosion and handles temperatures from -40° to 140°F without issue.
700 nits peak brightness utilizes a directed LED backlight and anti-glare screen finishing for better sunlight readability. Stream TV via Wi-Fi or wired ethernet to access connected services. Available protective accessories like a weatherproof soundbar, outdoor speakers and vinyl covers guarantee enjoyment for years.
Summary of key features:
- Purpose-built weatherproof construction
- Bright 55-inch 4K 10 bit LCD screen
- Commercial-grade exterior aluminum housing
- Peak 700 nit brightness and anti-glare screen
- Integrated speakers and audio output
- Available weatherproof sound system accessories
For outdoor spaces like a covered patio, SunBriteTV‘s Horizon Pro line stands up to mother nature‘s elements while bringing entertainment outdoors. Its fuller sunlight resistance earns our Best Shade TV recommendation under $1700.
Best Entertainment: Sony 75-Inch X95K mini-LED 4K Google TV
Sony‘s mastery over picture processing married to a Next-generation Cognitive Processor XR that understands how humans see culminates in the X95K series showcasing mini-LED backlight technology for unprecedented control over self-contained lighting zones.
Over five thousand slim LEDs grouped into independently dimmable zones enable lighting levels between inky blacks and blistering peak brightness over 1000 nits surpassing OLED. Sony leverages precision dimming algorithms and XR processing to virtually eliminate blooming or haloing seen on early mini-LED displays.
Google TV delivers extensive app support and voice control. Cutting-edge gaming features like 4K/120fps, VRR and ALLM satisfy PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X owners. Acoustic engineering projects audio within a three-dimensional space for cinematic sound.
Summary of key features:
- Cognitive Processor XR with intelligent analysis
- Mini-LED backlight with thousands of dimming zones
- Brightness over 1000 nits with deep contrast ratio
- Next-generation gaming connectivity (HDMI 2.1)
- Google TV interface with app/casting support
- Acoustic Center Frame and XR Surround Pro
I recommend the Sony 75-inch X95K as the Best Home Theater Entertainment TV under $1700 for its boyantly bright and contrast-rich mini-LED 4K display stunningly complimented by dynamic audio and smart features. Movies and games immerse completely!
Best Budget: Hisense 75U7H Quantum Dot 4K Smart Google TV
Focused on delivering excellent picture quality paired with a gorgeous 75-inch screen yet costing hundreds less than top competitors, Hisense‘s 2023 U7H Quantum Dot series packs incredible technology into an affordable, large-sized package.
Its Quantum Dot layer enhances brightness, color gamut hitting 100% DCI-P3 in Filmmaker mode and contrast. Full array local dimming across 132 zones enables notable HDR pop though cannot match OLED. 120fps gaming includes VRR and ALLM responsiveness. The customizable home screen powered by Google TV surfaces entertainment quickly.
Summary of key features:
– Vibrant, accurate color from Quantum Dot film
- 132 local dimming zones with 1000+ nit brightness
- Google TV platform with app/casting support
- Next-generation gaming connectivity (HDMI 2.1)
- Dolby Vision/HDR10/HDR10+ high dynamic range
- DTS Virtual:X and dbx-tv virtual surround sound
For shoppers maximizing screen real estate within budget, I recommend the Hisense 75U7H. Its Quantum Dot-enhanced performance paired with Google TV smarts and HDMI 2.1 gaming inputs make enjoyable home theater and gaming readily accessible minus a premium price!
TV Shopping Tips: Find the Perfect Model for You!
With deeper insight into the most exciting display advancements this year, how can you approach finding the TV best matching your specific needs among the great options available? Here are key pieces of advice I can offer:
Know your space – Consider seating distance and room lighting when deciding on screen sizes so visual elements appear sharp yet comfortable for extended viewing. Account for glare from windows during daylight.
Streaming and cable – If you mainly watch streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, focus on smart TV capabilities over elaborate tuner systems. OTA antenna connectivity may suit cord cutters.
Movies & shows – Prioritize contrast, color accuracy, brightness and processing power for pristine picture quality with streaming films and cinema. OLED and QD-OLED rule here. Avoid risk of permanent burn-in with precautions.
Sports action – Blazing refresh rates, low response times and stutter/tear-free variable refresh rates keep fast-moving sports energized so look for these gaming-centric specs.
Gaming – Demand HDMI 2.1 inputs, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM and fast response. Mini-LED FALD models provide headroom for future titles. Some TVs offer exclusive features when paired with Xbox/PlayStation consoles.
There are so many great options available today under $1700 matching differentiated needs. I hope unraveling the latest display advancements like self-lit QD-OLED and mini-LED demystifies specifications to consider when purchasing your next television during this exciting time of rapid innovation. Let me know if any questions come up!