TCL 43S405 + OSSC

[Bahn Yuki]

Just picked this set up for a low price of $313. It is a 4K panel that can do true 4:4:4 and supports HDR10. Input lag is really low and motion blur is quite good. I've tested out the TV with the OSSC and here are my results.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... sOn8yhrtHD

[Guspaz]

Are you sending 1080p or 1200p? It seems like 4K televisions generally have excellent support for the OSSC, which is fantastic.

[Fudoh]

You guys (as in North Americans) are quite lucky with your budget TVs. First Vizio and now TCL, which both are of course not available over here in Europe.

[Hoagtech]

Are you sending 1080p or 1200p? It seems like 4K televisions generally have excellent support for the OSSC, which is fantastic.

My visio M70 series does not work past 2x. It's similar to the D series input lag 13ms but sports a 70" screen.

I would love it if I could use past 2x but realistically I would love a 9x support feature when the latest revision comes out hopefully in the next year or two.

Not all 4K sets support the OSSC.

I am more curious about the dvdo edge green to solve my issues on both my Sony and my Visio set.

[orange808]

Very interesting. I read the write up at rtings and it fascinated me. Can you clarify something?

They speculate that the backlight only performs strobing at one rate: 120 strobes per second.

If true, does that mean the panel performs frame rate conversion on all sources to get a steady 120Hz output when backlight strobing is enabled?

They mention some judder. Have you observed that?

I'd be fascinated to hear about the Neo Geo.

[Blair]

@Bahn Yuki

what's the de-interlacing quality like? (especially in "game mode") if you feed it 480i from the OSSC's pass through function, how does the quality stack up to something like a frame Meister at preserving details and motion ? any detectable combing artifacts? (or excessive softness and interpolation) I usually test a pretty quick fighting game or racing game (has to be 60fps) along with a few 2D/3D RPGs to assess interlaced performance.

any major difference in input lag? (versus progressive content)

[Uzumaki]

Looks like a great budget set, but the PWM LED frequency worries me. I'm sensitive to flickering and I imagine that it would give me eye strain. I wish it wasn't an issue for me!


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[nmalinoski]

Is it a pretty safe assumption that this model's larger siblings, the 49S405 and 55S405, perform the same or similar?

[Bahn Yuki]

@Bahn Yuki

what's the de-interlacing quality like? (especially in "game mode") if you feed it 480i from the OSSC's pass through function, how does the quality stack up to something like a frame Meister at preserving details and motion ? any detectable combing artifacts? (or excessive softness and interpolation) I usually test a pretty quick fighting game or racing game (has to be 60fps) along with a few 2D/3D RPGs to assess interlaced performance.

any major difference in input lag? (versus progressive content)

Give me an example of a game you'd like me to try. I have a PS2 connected via SCART so Hokuto No Ken could be a decent test. The only thing I've tried that was 480i was the menu for the SD2SNES which seem fine with no perceivable combing.

[Bahn Yuki]

Looks like a great budget set, but the PWM LED frequency worries me. I'm sensitive to flickering and I imagine that it would give me eye strain. I wish it wasn't an issue for me!


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The strobing is the main reason I stopped using my Vizio D series. I am also sensitive to the flicker and I could only game on my Vizio with Clear Action on for a 30 minutes max. Using it as a monitor wasn't great either as everything in the PC world defaults to white and there's when the strobing was really apparent.

Thanksfully the TCL strobing isn't really noticable. I've been using it as a monitor for the past couple of days and it's really great so far. The only negative I have on this set vs. the 55P605 is that the P series gets much brighter. I'll make a video of the S series with PS4 Pro in HDR so you folks can see what I mean. HDR is supported and it does give you the "peaks" but it's nowhere close to the 55P605.

[Xyga]

You mean PWM flickering. people usually say 'strobing' when it's about controlled/intended flicker used in optional blur reduction.

[Blair]

Give me an example of a game you'd like me to try. I have a PS2 connected via SCART so Hokuto No Ken could be a decent test. The only thing I've tried that was 480i was the menu for the SD2SNES which seem fine with no perceivable combing.

I know that Fudoh Likes to use use Dragon Blaze (PS2) as a good benchmark, but whatever 480i/60 games you'd like to test are fine with me. here's my list of test games (I play these a lot, lol)
240p test suite (wii) in 480i mode (Scrolling test)
Mega Man 9 (wii) I've noticed that most processors have difficulty with this game, even on some of the best processors I'll see combing artifacts and other anomalies.
Dead or Alive 1 (psx) this is a fast-paced fighting game, Main gameplay is 480i, cinemas and transitions are all 240p. so it can give a good idea of how quickly a display can switch resolutions.
OutRun 2006 Coast 2 Coast (PS2) 60 FPS gameplay should be pretty easy to spot combing artifacts and loss of texture detail
Virtua fighter 4, (should be pretty easy to see if characters lose definition during fast motion, )
Soul caliber 2/3,( same idea, fast motion should be fairly well preserved.)

other games i've used to test 480i
[Devil May cry 3, Viewtiful Joe, Twisted Metal Black, Onimusha 2, Odin Sphere, Contra Shattered Soldier, Metal Slug Anthology].

Also, I believe that every single game on the original Xbox has a 480i mode, you just have to set the console to that video mode. so that could also be used for testing 480i processing quality. Whatever you have time for Bahn, since you have a frame Meister, I'd like to hear what you think about this televisions interlaced processing versus the FM. thanks!

[FinalBaton]

Nice, a 43 incher. That size is the best fit for my place.

What did you think of the TVs performance with movies(blu ray) and sports(or other fast panning content), Bahn?

[lechu]

I had been eye balling this particular TV for some time now. Good price, low lag in every review I've seen. So-so picture quality in general. I was on the fence about diving in on this one or waiting for something new to come along. But since it supports the OSSC at 5X, that was the turning point. Found a seller who'd ship it to Canada and put in an order right away. This will be my first 4K TV.

The quality probably isn't amazing on movies or TV, but it'll be a huge difference compared to my 32LG30 I've had since 2006/2007 (which actually supports OSSC 4X on everything I've thrown at it). Probably can't compare to the higher level 4K TVs, but it'll be night and day from that old TV.

[FinalBaton]

Let me know your impressions of the set once you get it, Lechu.

[Hoagtech]

@Bahn Yuki

what's the de-interlacing quality like? (especially in "game mode") if you feed it 480i from the OSSC's pass through function, how does the quality stack up to something like a frame Meister at preserving details and motion ? any detectable combing artifacts? (or excessive softness and interpolation) I usually test a pretty quick fighting game or racing game (has to be 60fps) along with a few 2D/3D RPGs to assess interlaced performance.

any major difference in input lag? (versus progressive content)

Give me an example of a game you'd like me to try. I have a PS2 connected via SCART so Hokuto No Ken could be a decent test. The only thing I've tried that was 480i was the menu for the SD2SNES which seem fine with no perceivable combing.

Final fantasy vii would be cool on ps1 scart output.

[lechu]

Let me know your impressions of the set once you get it, Lechu.

My TV just came in. I haven't played around with it too much, but I have nothing but positives to say.

I tried Horizon Zero Dawn on the PS4 Pro and it looks like sex.

I used the N64 with the Ultra HDMI mod. Best I've ever seen the N64 look.

I played Mario + Rabbids on the Switch, and it looks perfect.

I played Mario Galaxy 2 on the Wii through the OSSC in Line 2X. Best I've seen the Wii.

I played Simpsons Road Rage on the Xbox through the OSSC in Line 2X. Looks great.

I haven't tested any Scart games because all my consoles are hooked up through the Extron and I need to add a 470 Ohm resistor to the sync lines.

Tested Better Call Saul on Netflix (in 4K) and it looks amazing. I actually said "holy fuck" when that picture came on.

Of course, I'm coming off a 10 year old TV. This TV probably isn't even remotely close to as good as the higher end TVs. But if you're on a budget or just want to dip your toes in the 4K world, this is a good start.

[neorichieb1971]

Don't think i've seen smaller than 55" in 4k. Must be like 1080p in 24".

[FinalBaton]

Let me know your impressions of the set once you get it, Lechu.

My TV just came in. I haven't played around with it too much, but I have nothing but positives to say.

I tried Horizon Zero Dawn on the PS4 Pro and it looks like sex.

I used the N64 with the Ultra HDMI mod. Best I've ever seen the N64 look.

I played Mario + Rabbids on the Switch, and it looks perfect.

I played Mario Galaxy 2 on the Wii through the OSSC in Line 2X. Best I've seen the Wii.

I played Simpsons Road Rage on the Xbox through the OSSC in Line 2X. Looks great.

I haven't tested any Scart games because all my consoles are hooked up through the Extron and I need to add a 470 Ohm resistor to the sync lines.

Tested Better Call Saul on Netflix (in 4K) and it looks amazing. I actually said "holy fuck" when that picture came on.

Of course, I'm coming off a 10 year old TV. This TV probably isn't even remotely close to as good as the higher end TVs. But if you're on a budget or just want to dip your toes in the 4K world, this is a good start.

Thanks a lot for the writeup lechu. looks like a very nice 4k set for such a low cost

[lechu]

Let me know your impressions of the set once you get it, Lechu.

My TV just came in. I haven't played around with it too much, but I have nothing but positives to say.

I tried Horizon Zero Dawn on the PS4 Pro and it looks like sex.

I used the N64 with the Ultra HDMI mod. Best I've ever seen the N64 look.

I played Mario + Rabbids on the Switch, and it looks perfect.

I played Mario Galaxy 2 on the Wii through the OSSC in Line 2X. Best I've seen the Wii.

I played Simpsons Road Rage on the Xbox through the OSSC in Line 2X. Looks great.

I haven't tested any Scart games because all my consoles are hooked up through the Extron and I need to add a 470 Ohm resistor to the sync lines.

Tested Better Call Saul on Netflix (in 4K) and it looks amazing. I actually said "holy fuck" when that picture came on.

Of course, I'm coming off a 10 year old TV. This TV probably isn't even remotely close to as good as the higher end TVs. But if you're on a budget or just want to dip your toes in the 4K world, this is a good start.

Thanks a lot for the writeup lechu. looks like a very nice 4k set for such a low cost

One more update for you.

I got the resistor for my Extron. So now I tested my retro consoles. No issues at all. Any 240p console I threw at it worked flawlessly in Line 5X mode on the OSSC. PS2 Sync on Green games worked perfectly. If you want a gaming TV on a budget, I'd highly recommend it.

[Blair]

One more update for you.

I got the resistor for my Extron. So now I tested my retro consoles. No issues at all. Any 240p console I threw at it worked flawlessly in Line 5X mode on the OSSC. PS2 Sync on Green games worked perfectly. If you want a gaming TV on a budget, I'd highly recommend it.

lechu, do you have any thoughts on the TLC's deinterlacing quality? if you run 480i (ps2 games) with the OSSC's pass-thru function, how does it look?

[Wolf_]

I have the 55" p model and it looks absolutely fantastic. Not as good as $3000 oleds but it cost literally 1/5th the price, is a strong second in the looks department, and doesn't have burn in or color degrading like oleds so it will last if I end up using it for a few years.

It is my opinion that oled tech has not yet matured and if you agree or don't have the cash to cycle through them every few years then this is hands down the best option on the market and at an incredible deal.

Edit: Picture of it being used as a monitor for my computer -


(Naturally a lot of detail and color is lost based on my camera and the monitor being used to view the picture but trust me it is freaking amazing)

[lechu]

I have noticed one annoying issue, and it has nothing to do with picture quality.

When the TV is powered off, I can hear noise coming from it. I don't know how to describe it, but it's like white noise. When I unplug the TV, the noise goes away. But when I plug it back in, it comes back instantly. I don't know if this is normal, or there's something wrong with my TV, or something with my set up. I actually have my TV in my bedroom, so this is rather annoying. I decided to hook it up to a powerbar and turn the powerbar off when I'm done with the TV just so I don't hear the noise. Maybe in a bigger space it's not an issue, but I find it annoying. I've emailed TCL about it. I hope it's normal, because it'll be a pain in the ass going through the red tape after having to order this TV internationally.

If anyone else who has this TV can tell me if they do/don't have this problem, that would be appreciated.

[Bahn Yuki]

I have noticed one annoying issue, and it has nothing to do with picture quality.

When the TV is powered off, I can hear noise coming from it. I don't know how to describe it, but it's like white noise. When I unplug the TV, the noise goes away. But when I plug it back in, it comes back instantly. I don't know if this is normal, or there's something wrong with my TV, or something with my set up. I actually have my TV in my bedroom, so this is rather annoying. I decided to hook it up to a powerbar and turn the powerbar off when I'm done with the TV just so I don't hear the noise. Maybe in a bigger space it's not an issue, but I find it annoying. I've emailed TCL about it. I hope it's normal, because it'll be a pain in the ass going through the red tape after having to order this TV internationally.

If anyone else who has this TV can tell me if they do/don't have this problem, that would be appreciated.

Do you still have the white led on when powered off? I turned mine off in the menus.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[lechu]

I have noticed one annoying issue, and it has nothing to do with picture quality.

When the TV is powered off, I can hear noise coming from it. I don't know how to describe it, but it's like white noise. When I unplug the TV, the noise goes away. But when I plug it back in, it comes back instantly. I don't know if this is normal, or there's something wrong with my TV, or something with my set up. I actually have my TV in my bedroom, so this is rather annoying. I decided to hook it up to a powerbar and turn the powerbar off when I'm done with the TV just so I don't hear the noise. Maybe in a bigger space it's not an issue, but I find it annoying. I've emailed TCL about it. I hope it's normal, because it'll be a pain in the ass going through the red tape after having to order this TV internationally.

If anyone else who has this TV can tell me if they do/don't have this problem, that would be appreciated.

Do you still have the white led on when powered off? I turned mine off in the menus.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

I turned mine off too. I just sort of learned to live with the noise. I complained to TCL (multiple times), but they did nothing about it. It only lasts about 12 minutes after the TV powers off. I'm assuming it's in a power saver mode and then after 12 minutes it turns completely off (since the TV boots on quicker in the period with the noise).

[Dochartaigh]

Bahn Yuki, it's been a couple months since you got this - what are your thoughts now? Do you still love the TV? Any better models around this price range you've seen? I'm highly considering this model (either the 43 or 49" - I'm assuming their features are near identical) to be used as my gaming monitor (in conjunction with BVM/PVM CRT's) - probably only for Xbox 480p (with OSSC 2x probably), and other 8/16/32-bit retro systems on the OSSC or XRGB-mini - will probably run my regular 60" flatscreen in the living room for my Xbox One S (since I don't have the Xbox Scorpio or whatever to take advantage of running 4k graphics natively).

My only negative I see so far is that you said the TCL P series gets much brighter than the 43S405 which does worry me. Have you been able to work on the brightness/contrast/etc settings on this TV to get the brightness to an acceptable level? My biggest complaint of running my OSSC/XRGB on my 60" now is the 60" (a run-of-the-mill Vizio E601i-A3) gets nowhere near as bright as my BVM-D20F1U CRT monitor (which has been calibrated recently so it has correct white/brightness levels) - and even my D20 is a lot less bright than my other non-calibrated BVM/PVM's, yet the Vizio (specifically in 4x or 5x mode on the OSSC, or 720p on the XRGB - BOTH with scanlines fairly pronounced which I know does kill the brightness but I HAVE to have scanlines STILL doesn't get anywhere even close to the brightness of the D20.