A: You are referring to the TCL Q6 QLED 4K Smart TV, which uses the Google TV operating system. I did not review the entire TV but mentioned it had the best TV tuner I had ever seen, and by a very large margin. The Q6 replaced a TV that pulled in 45 channels with an outside antenna. Using the same antenna, the Q6 pulled in a stunning 121 channels, and all but a few of those were crystal-clear and displayed solidly without breakup or pixelization.

Having such a wonderfully effective tuner is a real boon to cord-cutters. A lot of the subchannels that are broadcast with the major network affiliates are really fun, and I can easily spend an evening watching them rather than tuning in to my satellite/cable channels.

Since then I was able to complete a full evaluation, and it is a fantastic TV and a standout value. The Q6 is one of the lowest-priced TVs that uses a QLED panel for better colors and contrast, and it achieves that value price by using edge lighting rather than a fancy backlit panel with multiple zones. While a serious videophile will prefer a backlit TV because of the darker blacks and overall superior performance, in the real world most consumers will be delighted with their Q6.

I watched regular 1080P Blu-ray movies using an inexpensive Blu-ray player with the Q6, and it served up a wonderfully cinematic performance. Watching Blu-ray with the Q6 displayed well-rendered skin tones and hair color, a lovely blue sky, as if I were watching the movie in a theater.

You can see the Q6 at Best Buy, and the 75-inch version currently can be had for a lot less than $1,000. Checking tcl.com showed the 75-inch Q6 list price of $1,099 reduced 38% to $679.99. Other Q6 sizes and prices range from $249.99 for the 43-inch to $1,999.99 for the 98-inch, both reflecting a 50% discount. I must admit that as I write this, I find myself extremely interested in that 98-inch set for under $2,000. That is a tremendous value.

If you get a Q6, I strongly recommend using the “Vivid” or “Movie” picture mode, then set the color temperature to warm and turn off all the motion correction settings. This will provide the best, most realistic picture without a lot of fiddling with the settings.

Thinking small

On the other side of the size spectrum is an innovative small set for on-the-go viewing. The Skyworth Companion Portable is a 24-inch Google display with a built-in three-hour lithium battery. I see a lot of possibilities for this TV for tailgate parties and summer barbecues and picnics, as well as anyone displaying a trade show presentation at a small table. You can see it at skyworthusa.com.

Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.