We can consider TCL 55R617 and TCL 55S517 if we are looking for affordable 55-Inch 4K LED TV that support HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Both of TCL 55R617 and TCL 55S517 are introduced as part of TCL’s 2018 TV lineup. We can find that TCL 55R617 is the model that positioned higher than TCL 55S517. What’s the reason to choose TCL 55R617? To answer that question, it’s a good idea to talk about the differences between TCL 55R617 and TCL 55S517. Let’s talk about that in this article.
What You Should Know about TCL 55R617?
TCL 55R617
TCL 55R617 comes as the smaller screen size option of TCL’s 2018 6-Series. It comes with LED display technology that completed with NBP Photon Technology. NBP Photon Technology is able to deliver wide color gamut so that we can enjoy rich and accurate color details. We can also enjoy brilliant picture quality from both of original 4K content and non 4K contents since it’s completed with upscaling technology. TCL 55R617 comes with 96 Contrast Control Zones that works as Full Array Local Dimming to bring enhanced contrast vibrancy across the TV screen. We can also find IPQ Engine and HDR Pro Gamma in TCL 55R617. IPQ Engine deliver more accurate color reproduction, while HDR Pro Gamma is able to adapt the screen with the brightness of the environment. We can also enjoy enhanced details with expanded contrast from both of HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR contents since both of them are supported by this TV. With 120Hz CMI, we can enjoy smooth fast motion images from our favorite action movies and sports, while we can also enjoy fluid gaming scenes when we use this TV as our gaming monitor. The Smart TV Platform of TCL 55R617 is Roku TV that can deliver premium entertainment from wide range of premium content providers. We can enjoy fast and stable internet connection with 802.11ac dual band wireless attached to this TV. We can also find Voice Enabled Remote Control RC580, that help us control the TV more conveniently with voice. The speaker system of TCL 55R617 is quite basic with 2Ch 16W speaker system. Although it can deliver good sound quality with Dolby Digital integrated on it, you may need to attach your soundbar to enjoy more powerful surround sound to satisfy your ears. You can check today’s price of TCL 55R617 on Walmart here…
What You Should Know about TCL 55S517?
TCL 55S517
We can find TCL 55S517 as one of four screen size options of TCL’s 2018 5-Series. TCL 55S517 comes with 4K UHD Resolution that completed with 4K upscaling technology so that It can deliver brilliant picture quality from both of original 4K content sources or non 4K contents that upscaled into near 4K picture quality. TCL 55S517 is completed with TCL’s NBP Photon Technology that can bring wide color gamut so that we can enjoy rich and accurate color details. TCL 55S517 also comes with IPQ Engine that deliver more accurate color reproduction and HDR Pro Gamma that can adjust the screen brightness according to the environment. TCL 55S517 support HDR10 and Dolby Vision so that we can enjoy enhanced details with expanded contrast from those two HDR content sources. The refresh rate technology of TCL 55S517 is 120Hz CMI that can deliver fluid motion images from our favorite action movies and sports, while also bring fluid gaming experience when we use it as our gaming monitor. We can also find Roku TV as the Smart TV Platform of TCL 55S517. Roku TV allow us to enjoy wide range of entertainment from our favorite content providers with fast and stable internet connection from 802.11ac dual band wireless attached to this TV. We can also find Roku TV RC580 remote control that help us to control the TV with our voice. The speaker system of this TV is 2Ch 16W speaker system. It indeed can deliver good sound quality with Dolby Digital, but I’m quite sure that you need to attach your soundbar for more powerful surround sound quality. You can check today’s price of TCL 55S517 on Walmart here…
TCL 55R617 and 55S517 Table of Similarities & Differences
It’s a good idea to know the specs & features of TCL 55R617 and TCL 55S517 before we can talk more about their differences. The key specs and features of those two TVs can be found in the table below with similarities and differences format.
| TCL 55R617 | TCL 55S517 | |
| Similarities | ||
| Introduced | 2018 | 2018 |
| Screen Size | 55-Inch | 55-Inch |
| Resolution | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| Display Technology | LED | LED |
| Upscaling Technology | YES | YES |
| NBP Photon Technology | YES | YES |
| Dimming Technology | Supreme UHD Dimming | Supreme UHD Dimming |
| IPQ Engine | YES | YES |
| HDR Pro Gamma | YES | YES |
| HDR Support | HDR10 and Dolby Vision | HDR10 and Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate Technology | 120Hz CMI | 120Hz CMI |
| Smart TV | Smart Hub | Smart Hub |
| Processor | Dual-Core | Dual-Core |
| Remote Control | RC580 | RC580 |
| Speaker System | 2Ch 16W | 2Ch 16W |
| Built-in Wifi | 802.11ac dual band | 802.11ac dual band |
| HDMI/USB | 3/1 | 3/1 |
| Differences | ||
| Contrast Control Zones | 96 Zones | NO |
| Price |
More Expensive |
Less Expensive |
TCL 55R617 and 55S517 Differences
The differences between TCL 55R617 and TCL 55S517 can be found in the table above. Let’s talk more about their differences together.
1. Contrast Control Zones Technology
Contrast Control Zones technology can be found in TCL 55R617 while It can’t be found in TCL 55S517. We can find 96 Contrast Control Zones in TCL 55R617. Contrast Control Zones works as Full-Array Local Dimming that can bring more vibrant brightness on TCL 55R617 screen.
2. Price
TCL 55R617 that positioned as the higher model is usually offered at more expensive price than TCL 55S517. How much is their price difference? Since TV prices often change from time to time, we need to check the price of TCL 55R617 and TCL 55S517 so that we can find their latest price difference.
Why Should You Choose TCL 55R617?
We can find that TCL 55R617 is positioned as the higher model than TCL 55S517. As the higher model it’s usually offered at the higher price. Why should we choose TCL 55R617? If you don’t mind to spend more for better contrast vibrancy, then you should choose TCL 55R617 since It comes with 96 contrast control Zones that works as the Full-Array Local Dimming for this TV. Where should you order TCL 55R617? We recommend you to Order TCL 55R617 from Walmart here…
TCL 55S517 is the more affordable choice that you should choose if you have more limited budget. It’s one of the best choice for 55-Inch 4K UHD TV that support Dolby Vision and HDR10. So if you are looking for 55-Inch 4K UHD TV that support HDR10 and Dolby Vision while also can deliver excellent picture quality (although It’s less in vibrancy as it’s not completed with contrast control zones), then you should choose TCL 55S517. Where’s recommended place to order one? You should Order TCL 55S517 from Walmart here…
617: Contrast Control Zone technology delivers incredible contrast between
light and dark by individually optimizing the picture across up to 120 zones
(NOT 96).
517: No mention of Contrast Control Zone technology.
However, Only the 517 lists Motion Interpolation: 240 Natural Motion,
although both list Panel Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Also
Only the 617 lists a composite input; there is none listed for the 517.