Hi, just bought a TCL 55C7K and have tried playing some HDR/DV files off the SSD through the USB port but they look terrible, washed out and artifacted.
Just wondering if I should get something to play them through, to utilise the HDMI ports. (still haven't played extensively with settings yet but will get there, last time I did this was 2017 on my old Sony
Something like this TV/Media Box or this - I don't watch or stream anything, just files off the SSD.
Any experience/opinions?
TIA
If OP cares about lossless audio then it's only really nvidia shield or firestick on your list.
If OP cares about DoVi p 7 then it's none from your list.
Depends as well, are they REMUX files or 4gb compressed files
Also just read the prior post, OP is on a pension so cost could come into play, so Firestick could be good value @ $89
Edit to add that the Firestick requires the external drive to be FAT32, which means 4Gb max file size. This may be very limiting
I'd agree. Personally think the firestick 4k max/firecube is the best streamer on the market if you have no need for DoVi p7.
Although I've read somewhere that the Xiaomi TV box S 3rd gen actually can play all DoVi profiles as well as passthrough lossless audio which would make it the winner. One day I'll get one to test it out.
4GB is too small. Up to 30GB files, depends if it's a keeper or not.
@JH100: You'd be pushing usb speed thresholds so you need to be careful of the device attempting to read it, hence my suggestions for decent proper players
@spackbace: Thanks, am looking into that. Another limitation on streaming here - one reason I don't bother - is the NBN speed, up to 6MBS on a good day.
Thanks, but don't care enough - hearing going a long time now, supplementing with subs.
I don't watch or stream anything, just files off the SSD.
OP depending on the age of the videos, or obscurity, I'm gonna suggest a free option first - Stremio + Torrentio/Comet (and maybe RealDebrid). Guide here
Won't cost you a cent and you can just stream the files directly
Won't cost you a cent
and maybe RealDebrid
I did not know RD was a free service?
Hence why it was in the "and maybe"
But hey, feel free to nit-pick a valid suggestion
Thanks, had a look at the link but haven't a clue what it's about - looks like a complicated streaming setup - maybe not to you. I don't want to learn a new language, and I can find everything I want to watch already, which I then watch and store or delete.
I'm just looking for the simplest and cheapest way to effectively utilise the HDMI ports on the TV - so I have the option, not just to see if it's the USB port that's affecting replay of HDR files - stuff that worked fine on my old Sony through USB.
The steps actually aren't that involved if you go through the steps individually, and would negate the need for another player
You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink
Have you watched some vids about setting the tv up correctly to start with?
Yes, settings from rtings.com, got SDR looking ok - though can't say it's looking as good my old 2017 Sony.
There doesn't seem to be much about on the TCL 55C7K. Plenty of 'reviews' but not much on setting it up.
TV updated to V509 today. Not sure what it did or changed but an overall improvement in PQ, or maybe I'm just getting used to something new.
Settings from here https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/tcl/qm7k/settings#upscalin… are ok. Need playing with to find the best compromise to fit ones situation. More general stuff on TCL settings here - https://www.google.com/search?q=understanding+tcl+mini+led+t… - could be out of date but worth investigating.
Could do with a more comprehensive rundown on settings for the 55C7K specifically but that will do for now anyway.
Thanks guys …
Nvidia Shield
Firestick 4K
Google TV Streamer 4K - Would need a USB hub
Series S/X or PS5
Pick one. Don't pick a $20 device on a $1,000 tv