Samsung can remotely disable stolen TVs. Here's how it works
Samsung recently revealed that all its TVs have a security feature that lets the company stop people who steal a TV from actually using it.
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Samsung TVs come preloaded with a feature that lets the company remotely disable them if they're stolen.
Did someone steal your TV? If it's a Samsung, the company may be able to help by remotely locking it, preventing the thief from using it.
In light of several TVs getting stolen from a Samsung warehouse in South Africa, the electronics giant said it would activate a feature called TV Block on all those devices. It's a remote security solution that can detect if a TV has been activated without purchase.
TV Block is already preloaded on all Samsung TV products, according to the company. The goal is to stop bad actors from stealing TVs and trying to resell them, knowing they won't work without valid proof of purchase.
Here's what to know about Samsung's TV Block feature, and how it works.
Read more: What are the best TV picture settings for you? 9 tips to boost your image quality
How does Samsung's TV Block work?
When a person with a stolen TV connects to the internet to set up the device, the TV's serial number will be identified on Samsung's server. This will trigger the blocking system, which will disable all the TV's functions, rendering it useless.
If someone's TV is blocked accidentally, Samsung will restore it once the person can share proof of purchase and a valid TV license with a legitimate retailer. You can send proof of purchase to zaservicemanager@samsung.com for validation and can expect to hear back within 48 hours.
So if my TV is stolen, can Samsung remotely lock it?
It's not clear if Samsung is planning to use TV Block only for larger-scale commercial theft, as opposed to individual users who may be victims. We've reached out to Samsung asking about this and will update once we hear back.
For more, check out our picks for the best 4K TVs of 2021, and the differences between QLED and OLED.
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Why You Can Trust CNET Best TV Deals: Serious Holiday Bargains for Every Living Room and Budget
Retailers are slashing prices ahead of the holidays, so you could score your new TV for as much as $1,200 off the usual price.
With the cold winter weather in full swing, it's the perfect time of year to stay in and get cozy with a good movie or a new show. It's also the perfect time to upgrade to a new TV, with major retailers like Best Buy, Amazon and others slashing prices for the holidays. You'll find bargains on every kind of screen -- whether you want something small and affordable or you're looking to go big.
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No matter what size and specs you're after, there's no reason to spend more than you have to. That's why CNET deal expert Adam Oram and other members of our dedicated shopping team have rounded up some of the best bargains on TVs from top brands like Samsung, LG, TCL, Toshiba and more. If you're not sure where to begin, be sure to check out our handy TV buying guide to help you decide.
And if you've already got an idea of the size and specs you're looking for, head below for the latest and greatest TV deals from around the web.
What is the best TV deal right now?
The best TV deal for you will ultimately depend on several variables, like your budget, room size and preferred media. But we think Amazon's TCL QM8 offer deserves some special attention. We named this model the overall best TV in 2024, and the 65-inch model is currently on sale for $900, which is a substantial $600 discount. It's equipped with a stunning mini-LED display with exceptional brightness, automatic AI optimization, Dolby Vision IQ support and tons of other convenient features that make it one of the best TVs you'll find in this price range.
Just be aware that this TV will not be delivered in time for Christmas.
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Best TV deals
Below, you'll find some of the best bargains available on TVs from major brands like Samsung, LG and more. We'll continue to update this list as offers come and go, so be sure to check back often for the latest discounts. We also have other guides to smooth your TV-buying process, like articles on the best 4K TV deals and the best cheap TV deals, to break down the details of what's out there and the differences between each.
Samsung
This 77-inch Samsung S90D TV has 4K visuals, an OLED screen for incredible colors and plenty of smart features as well. You'll be able to watch your streaming services with ease on this TV, and it can even be used with Amazon Alexa. It's a hefty $1,200 off right now, an impressive savings.
- 43-inch DU7200 4K TV: $230 (save $40)
- 55-inch DU7200 4K TV: $350 (save $30)
- 55-inch Q60D QLED 4K TV: $500 (save $200)
- 55-inch DU6900 4K TV: $280 (save $150)
- 65-inch Q70D QLED 4K TV: $800 (save $400)
- 65-inch DU7200 4K TV: $430 (save $40)
- 75-inch QN900D 4K Tizen TV: $4,500 (save $1,500)
LG
Thanks to their self-lit OLED pixels, which provide sharp contrast and vibrant colors, LG's C Series TVs are among our favorite high-end TVs on the market. The LG C4 is the latest model in this lineup, featuring an Alpha 9 AI processor to automatically upscale your content, as well as Dolby Vision and Atmos support for immersive picture and audio. It's also great for gamers with NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support, four HDMI 2.1 ports and three USB ports.
- 48-inch B4 Series OLED 4K TV: $700 (save $100)
- 55-inch Class UT70 4K TV: $300 (save $200)
- 55-inch Class 80 QNED 4K TV: $675 (save $75)
- 65-inch B4 Series OLED 4K TV: $1,300 (save $200)
- 65-inch Class 85 QNED 4K TV: $800 (save $200)
- 77-inch C4 Series OLED 4K TV: $2,200 (save $600 + $100 gift card)
- 86-inch Class 90 QNED 4K TV: $1,800 (save $1,000)
TCL, Sony and others
Thanks to its stunning mini-LED display, best-in-class brightness and relatively affordable price, the TCL QM8 series claimed the top spot as our overall favorite TV of 2024. This QM85 model is a pretty great value when you grab one at a discount like this. It's packed with all kinds of convenient features, including Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 built-in and an AI processor that automatically optimizes your picture settings. Plus, it supports Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos for a seriously immersive watch experience.
- 43-inch TCL Q5 QLED 4K TV: $178 (save $100)
- 50-inch Insignia Class F30 4K TV: $200 (save $100)
- 50-inch Amazon Omni Series 4K TV: $330 (save $150)
- 55-inch Sony Bravia 3 4K TV: $600 (save $100 + $50 gift card)
- 55-inch Sony Bravia 8 4K OLED: $1,398 (save $401)
- 65-inch Sony Bravia 8 OLED 4K TV: $1,700 (save $300 + $100 gift card)
- 70-inch Insignia Class F50 4K TV: $370 (save $130)
- 75-inch Sony Bravia 3 4K TV: $850 (save $150)
How we choose TV deals at CNET
This list primarily highlights deals from major brands like Samsung, LG, TCL and Sony, which have consistently performed well in our tests and earned spots on our lists of the best TVs of the year. We account for more than just the price and brand when selecting deals. We also evaluate the size, year, display type, smart platform, number of inputs and built-in features like HDR support and AirPlay compatibility to ensure that each deal is actually a good value.
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Why You Can Trust CNET Pick Up a Refurbished Amazon Fire TV From Just $130 While You Still Can
It's time to ditch that old TV for something a little bigger and better while this deal is still running.
As we edge our way to 2025, it's time that you ditched that older TV and picked up a new 4K TV instead. If you're still using an older model it's probably also time to get something a little bigger, too. Thankfully buying a new TV isn't as expensive as it once was, but you can pay even less when the right TV deal pops up. Right now Woot is offering a number of Amazon Fire TVs ranging from 43 to 55 inches with prices starting at just $130.
These Woot deals often don't hang around for long and that means that you should consider ordering your new TV sooner rather than later. Woot says that the deal ends in a little more than a week but it'll end even sooner once all of the TVs are sold out.
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All of these TVs are refurbished models, which means that they have been tested and certified to look and work like new. They don't come with a remote in the box, but Woot does offer a remote that can be added for $30 -- a $30 discount will then be applied at checkout so the remote is effectively free. Just make sure to add that remote to your cart before checking out.
No matter which size of TV you choose, you'll get a 4K display with support for HDR 10 and HLG while the Amazon Fire software means you can get your hands on apps for all of your favorite streaming services.
In terms of connectivity, these TVs come with three HDMI ports and support for HDMI eARC, which means you can easily add audio gear to upgrade your sound experience.
Best last-minute gifts, according to CNET readers
Based on their popularity, here are the holiday deals that you should be considering:
- Apple AirPods Pro 2: $190 (save $59)
- Roku Express 4K Plus: $25 (save $15)
- Govee smart LED light bars: $40 (save $10)
- Meta Quest $50 gift card: $45 (save $5)
- Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum cleaner: $160 (save $40)
- Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker: $90 (save $40)
- Apple AirTag (4-pack): $70 (save $29)
- Baseus car vacuum cleaner: $25 (save $75)
Will this item arrive in time for Christmas?
If you're ordering this as a holiday gift, you probably want to know if it's going to arrive on time. With Christmas and Hanukkah both taking place on Dec. 25 this year, and Kwanzaa kicking off the day after, it's important to note shipping deadlines for USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon and others.
Guaranteed shipping deadlines at some of these delivery companies passed on Dec. 16, with others offering expedited services that may allow you to order as late as Dec. 23 or even Dec. 24. Where delivery is no longer possible, be sure to assess your in-store pickup options or check out these great digital deals for the holidays.
Unfortunately, your new TV won't arrive before Christmas, according to Woot's website.
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Why You Can Trust CNET Best Cheap TV Deals: Save Up to $180 on Top TVs From Amazon, LG and More
These TVs are all under $500, so you can get a great upgrade at an even better price, just in time for those holiday movie marathons.
If you really want to knock it out of the park this holiday season, gifting a TV will surely do the job. A gift that grand seems like it will likely break the bank, but it doesn't have to. Right now, there are big discounts on affordable TVs from Hisense, Roku, Sony, Samsung and more, getting you a great TV for less. We've rounded up the top TVs of all sizes for $500 and under.
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These TVs are all packed with the modern features you're likely hoping for and more. Additionally, if you're willing to compromise in some areas, like not having something like HLG -- the HDR standard that broadcasters use -- the more you can save.
Here we've collected the best deals on inexpensive TVs you're likely to find, so all you have to do is pick the one that's right for you. We haven't tried all these sets ourselves -- there are enough configurations and options to keep us occupied for a century. Even so, based on their specifications and our own experiences with various brands, we're confident in recommending these models.
Read more: 23 Great Tech Gifts Under $100
We'll be updating this list as new models arrive and as prices change. Be sure to check out our main TV deals roundup if you're looking for something a little bigger or with specific features.
LG has proved time and time again that it's the best brand in the TV business so to get anything this inexpensive is a win. Better yet, to get a 4K smart TV is great. At $60 off, this might not be the largest discount, but for well under $300, the TV is still top value for the money.
This is a solid offer for a solid TV just in time for the NFL season. This is a 2024 model with an LED display, 60Hz refresh rate, Motion Xcelerator and HDR 10+. Don't miss out.
Insignia is Best Buy's brand of budget TVs that typically come with solid features and are well-priced, even when they're not discounted. This one is a generously sized 65-inch 4K TV with HDR10 that is compatible with all of the Amazon Fire devices.
The Fire TV 4 series is a basic 4K TV compared with its Omni series sibling, but that doesn't mean it should be dismissed. It landed a spot on our best budget TV list because it has a lot to offer.
There are some trade-offs any time you opt for a budget set, but this one might be worth it at the lower price, especially while it's discounted by 38%. It lacks some higher-end specs like Dolby Vision and gaming features such as AMD FreeSync, and it doesn't have a built-in microphone. But this TV does deliver a brilliantly bright image. It has one of the best pictures of any entry-level model, and it's a great fit for anyone already using the Amazon ecosystem.
The retail price of this 4K HDR Roku TV is $248, and there aren't any dramatic deals to bring the price that much lower. But at less than $230, it's an excellent budget option. The TCL 4 series was ranked among the best budget TVs on our list of 2024's best televisions.
Given Amazon's growing selection of smart devices and streaming sticks, it was only a matter of time before the company started manufacturing its own smart TVs. The Omni series is the midrange model, and it comes with a microphone built into the TV for truly hands-free voice control. It also boasts 4K resolution.
Sneaking in just under the $500 mark, this 2024 Sony model has received a $100 discount. Considering it's been on the market for less than a year and the Bravia series of TVs are known for offering good quality, this is not a bad price cut. It's also one of the cheapest ways to get a Sony TV right now.
A Samsung 4K TV for $250. That's one of Best Buy's deals of the day, thanks to an $80 discount. It's not expected to last long, so if you fancy getting one of the best brands with an LED screen in a 50-inch size, this is a great option.
This is a cheap way to get a modern 40-inch screen, with this particular TV from TCL launching in 2023. While it only offers 1080p full HD, it does have all the smart TV capabilities you've come to expect with models today, and it's only a few dollars off its lowest-ever price.
