You asked: LG 42-inch OLED TV as a monitor? Plus Samsung TV repairs and TCL QM6K Pro tips

In this Q&A episode, we address viewer questions about using the LG C4 as a PC monitor in 2026, adjusting grayscale settings on Samsung TVs, getting the best performance from the TCL QM6K Pro, and connecting a satellite box to a Sony Bravia TV using Google TV.

Is the LG C4 still worth using as a PC monitor in 2026?

@1おっさん0 asks: Guys is this (LG C4) still worth it in 2026? I might get a 42 inch as a PC monitor

To that, I will say yes if you can find it. I think they can as they ask the question. But I also think it depends on the use case.

If you’re playing, absolutely. The C4 has a refresh rate of 144 hertz, and it’s straight to the point of looking OLED. The wow factor you’ll get from gaming on it, especially in HDR, is great.

It’s the same as watching movies. It will be something that the TV will handle much better than a traditional monitor.

Another thing that works for you is the stand. A central footrest is good to have so you don’t need to lean on the desk or the placement of the desk is wide enough to support the legs on each side.

The only drawback, I think depending on your viewing angle or setup, is that 42 inches might be too big. That will mainly come down to user preference. Otherwise, I can’t see many negatives, especially if you got it for a good price.

Also, make sure you know how long it works and stays behind, just because of being burned with the same things on the screen for a long time.

Why are picture modes grayed out on Samsung S85F?

@ronhyde asks: I have a new Samsung s85F 77inch. I can’t find the picture mode option and I can’t find the smart mode. Some sections are grayed out. Any advice? Thank you

Hi Ron, you’ve probably figured this out by now, but if you do, I think this is a case of being on the wrong screen. I’ll show you what I mean.

On the home screen, if you go to change the Picture Mode, you can’t. It’s gray and locked in Normal mode because it’s only the home screen and not the actual content.

However, when you open YouTube or another app that shows shows or movies, it’s available, and you can scroll through the picture options as you normally would.

As for Smart Mode, that’s where you want to make sure you’re not in a special mode like Movie or Movie Maker or Game Mode. In Normal Mode, at least for me on the QN90C, I can access Smart Mode, even from the home screen.

Also, make sure your TV’s light sensor isn’t disabled or turned off as Smart Mode relies on that to measure the ambient light in your room.

And the last thing I’m going to say, Ron, and this is a personal preference. You don’t want to go the Intelligent Mode route. Go with Movie Mode and for 99 percent of the content you’ll get a more accurate and consistent picture, but full and bright with what you’re watching.

I just couldn’t let that go unsaid. I’m sorry. Enjoy your TV the way you want.

Why the TCL QM6K Pro might not feel like a big improvement from the Samsung KS8000

Harman asks: Q: Why doesn’t the TCL QM6K Pro feel like a huge improvement from the Samsung KS8000? I recently went into Costco intending to buy an OLED TV, but I couldn’t resist buying a 77″ TCL QM6K Pro for $699 for my parents to replace their old 65″ Samsung KS8000. I compared the picture quality on both TVs using SDR YouTube content and HDR content from 4K Blu-ray. I honestly couldn’t tell much of a difference. I know the QM6K Pro is a more budget TV, but shouldn’t there be more of a difference in picture quality since it’s been 10 years since the KS8000 was released?

That’s interesting. It sounds like you did a solid side-by-side test, but if you don’t see a difference, I think it’s because you’re using the QM6K Pro straight out of the box instead of dialing in some key settings to get the most out of it.

Also, for those wondering, the QM6K Pro is a Costco exclusive model that is almost identical to the regular QM6K, except for its special panel that handles the display better.

Anyway, here are some basics to get you on the right track and make that QM6K Pro shine.

First, if you haven’t already, take that TV out of Power Saver mode. It puts a lid on how bright TV can be. I’m thinking of limiting it to 60 percent, if I’m not mistaken. It just plays with one hand tied behind the back.

You’ll also want to turn off Smart Settings. Like Power Saver, another mode that takes control out of your hands. Instead of letting the TV decide the brightness and color temperature and all that, we’ll do it ourselves.

For photo mode, try Movie. It will give you an accurate and warm image without exaggerating the color. You’ll also want to adjust your exposure in SDR and HDR mode, but this next setting is what I think will give you the most help.

I’m not sure what the correct menu path is on the QM6K Pro, but within Picture Settings, find Advanced Settings and Brightness Settings. Then go to Local Contrast. I recommend setting this to High.

This allows the TV to push up the bright areas and keep the dark areas dark, basically increasing the contrast, which is important because it’s the first thing our eyes notice when looking at a TV screen.

From there, go back to your brightness settings and see what you prefer. The TCL QM6K Pro is an upgrade for a TV, but it might need a little help to get it to where it needs to really stand out.

Can you connect a satellite box to Sony Bravia 8 Mark II with Google TV?

@bargeutube asks: If we’re looking at buying a Bravia 8 2, we get our live tv through a satellite box, will I be able to connect to that if I choose Google TV in setup?

Finally, a viewer asks: I’m looking to buy a Sony Bravia 8 Mark II. We get our live TV through a satellite box. Will I be able to connect that if I choose Google TV in setup?

Yes, you will absolutely agree. As you would normally, connect the satellite box to the TV with an HDMI cable, then you will be able to select the HDMI input you connect to to access live TV.

And don’t skip this step. Go into the menu and find the Power On behavior, and set that last input instead of the Google TV home screen.

That way, if you turn off the TV after watching live TV, when you turn it back on, it goes back to that instead of the Google TV home screen.