Here is a tidbit of information you may want to research before you start streaming 4K or any other high def programs.

We have Comcast and stream all our TV using Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, Youtube, and Apple TV. During the pandemic we were using the TV more than usual and we starting using up our allotted data each month.

Turns out that Comcast has a ceiling limit on how much data you can receive each month on their lower tier plans. It is a lot of data but their is a limit unless you are on an "unlimited" plan which is more expensive. We received several warnings that we were close to exceeding our data limit and would be switched to a higher plan or be charged for the overages.

After researching the issue I found that most of the streaming channels stream at the highest definition level by default. None were at 4K but the highest definition available. The higher definition, the more data is used for a given program. If your streaming provider is set to deliver the highest definition for all you programming you will be using significantly more data. Depending on your TV you may or may not even be able to tell the difference between the highest def available and a lower def setting.

I adjusted each provider's video to a lower definition with little change to the quality of the programming. I adjusted it to a mid level and neither of us noticed a much change. Now as each month's internet bill arrives we are well below our data limit with no danger of overage fees.

I imagine going to 4K would be great if your TV supports it but be aware that if you are on a metered or measured internet plan you could go through your data allotment much quicker than a lower definition.

But if you are paying for an unlimited data and your provider can deliver the higher data rate then try it out!

A simple google search will provide data rate usage of various resolution streaming. Depending on your home viewing habits, blowing through your max is definitely something to consider. “Normal” unlimited Comcast/Xfinity gigabyte internet starts costing more money if you blow through 1.2 terabyte (I believe). There is a tier that is true unlimited that I believe is $11 more. Assuming availability, that rate probably varies depending on location, etc.

As for whether to go 4k or not…. I think it would be shortsighted to buy a 1080p or UHD TV in today’s world. The cost delta IMHO is well worth it. Now, that that’s settled, start thinking OLED vs LCD. 🤔😎

My 55" Panasonic TV is an HD tv without any of the smart TV features. After hanging it on the wall in my new house, it looked too small. I use a FireTV Stick which gives it the smart TV features. But I started wondering what a larger TV would look like on the wall so I bit the bullet and got an 82" Samsung. A friend is coming over later today to help me hang it. I might have to move the bracket up a few inches. It weighs 98 pounds. Ugh! But it's 4k, and Costco delivered it free and they gave me a free 5 year warranty. The first year is by Samsung, the second is by Costco because they double the manufacturers warranty on TV's and most other stuff they sell, and then they gave me a 3 year extended warranty thru Allstate. I don't know when Allstate got into the electronics warranty business, but they've done well for my auto insurance. I hope I never need them but if I do I hope they are as good as they are at car and home owners insurance.