On today’s episode of You Asked… Is it still worth it to buy a plasma TV? Why is YouTube TV not lagging while streaming? And… what options do you have for a wireless HDMI connection?

Replacing a long HDMI cable with wireless options

Dionicio asks: I have an HDMI cable running from my bedroom to my closet to have surround sound. Is it possible to connect a device to where I can ditch the cable? Thanks!

There is… but it isn’t cheap… but is it worth it? I think so? I’d probably buy it with the future in mind as well. It’s a little easier to stomach that way.

The option that looks best to me is available for special order from B&H and a few other places as well. It’s the Tripp Lite UHD 4K60 HDMI Wireless Extender… and it’s rated for sending a signal up to 65 feet using a five gigahertz wifi band, which is really impressive. Not to mention, it’s plug and play with no software needed to get started.

However… what’s less than ideal is the price tag of $450. That’s why I say it’s a little easier to stomach if you think about it as an investment. Lord knows with all the devices we could or would want to plug into the TV, a wireless HDMI connection could come in handy.

I will also say though… my own reasoning to buy it would be not risking the devices I have plugged in with a long HDMI cable… because replacing them might be more expensive than buying this wireless extender.

Judging by the picture you send in, that cable runs toward the ground and probably at a level where someone could trip over it. And I’m sure you’re not the only one running cables across floors or through vulnerable areas. Hell, I have a toddler at home. So if it were me, I would have to find a better solution ASAP.

All that to say… there are solutions. That one from Tripp Lite is expensive but looks solid.

IOGEAR also makes a wireless receiver and transmitter kit for $200 less, but the reviews are a mixed bag. So wherever you buy from, make sure there’s a good return policy for whichever device you go with, especially if you notice any audio lag or loss of quality that bothers you.

Troubleshooting YouTube TV lag on TCL TVs

Marty asks: I have a 75-inch TCL LED TV, model number 75S551F, that seems to struggle with YouTube TV, lagging and glitches. I’ve run the various troubleshooting to no avail. Other apps don’t seem to struggle as much. My internet is supposed to be up to 1000 megabits per second. However, I question that. Other TVs in the house don’t seem to struggle with this particular app as much. Is the issue the TV, the internet or the app itself? I was thinking about an upgrade, but don’t want to spend the cash if the issue is not the TV. Have you seen lower end TCL TVs struggle with YouTube TV in particular? Or am I misguided? What brands in general have the best processors for streaming apps if there is such a thing?

Thanks for the question Marty because I think this is one that can help a few people. There are a few different things to get to here, but given the information you shared, I’m pretty comfortable saying it’s not the internet. I have a similar speed at home, and when I run a speed test, while it comes in under the rated speed, which probably requires a wired connection, it’s still plenty fast enough for all of our streaming needs, including YouTube TV on my Samsung TV while using multiple phones, laptops and network attached storage to back up files.

And in your case, if you’re not having the issue with other TVs in the house, that’s pretty telling. But to get down to whether it’s the TV or the app, I think it’s worth doing a bit of a test.

First, run YouTube TV on all the TVs you have available and see if it does indeed perform better on everything but your struggling TCL TV. You can also get all the information from the streaming speed and resolution and a whole lot more by checking the “Stats for Nerds” within the YouTube TV app. While streaming, press down on your remote and navigate over to the three dots on the far left. Then navigate over to “Stats for Nerds” and toggle it on.

That’s where you can view things like dropped frames, video resolution vs. optimal resolution, the connection speed and how well the stream is buffering. I’d make note of these numbers for both TVs. And if the stats you see from the TCL represent slower speeds or more dropped frames, there’s your answer.

It looks like the model you have supports Wi-Fi Five, which should be fast enough to handle just about everything the standard YouTube TV plan would throw your way. Maybe if you’re streaming in 4K within YouTube TV and have multiple other devices doing the same, you should see an issue. But if you’re having trouble just doing basic streaming, I’m gonna say it’s the TV. I’ve never seen that issue pop up on the TCL TVs we’ve tested.

In fact, in our review of the TCL QM6K, one of their most budget friendly but still highly capable Mini LED TVs, we streamed the Super Bowl just fine in a format and resolution that I think was more taxing than your average 720p or Full HD 1080p.

So, look, I hate to tell you to spend money, I really do. I wish our dollars went a lot further than they do right now, especially with electronics, but given the sales going on this month, that QM6K might be a good option for you to save and still get a great TV. You’ll find a better processor and better image than what you currently have, and your YouTube TV worries should be a thing of the past.

Are plasma TVs still worth buying?

@thedevilpanther asks: I’m considering buying a plasma screen TV. Is it worth it? Or should I buy a more modern one? I need a new bedroom TV.

So let me start by saying this… I’m far from an expert when it comes to plasma TVs. I don’t have much experience with them, but from what I hear from those that did enjoy the plasma TV era, they have a cult following for a reason.

However… the fondness they may hold in your memory is likely far from reality when it comes to how they stack up against modern TVs… especially OLED. In both SDR and HDR… but especially in HDR, the difference is significant to say the least.

Then there’s the fact that the tech is just older. A lot of the features you’ll have in modern TVs, even more budget models, will be more user friendly and advanced. Not to mention, if you’re buying used, you may not have a warranty if anything goes on a TV that could very well fail at any time because it’s an older model.

I know the motion clarity on plasma TVs is great. And I’m sure Team Plasma will have some valid arguments against me. That’s fine. Again, not as experienced there.

But when it comes to buying electronics, it’s gotta be a great deal or a unique experience for me to take the risk of a used product that’s clearly inferior.

And in your case, Mr. Panther, bedroom TVs tend to be left on for longer hours if you fall asleep. So you should also consider the risk of burn-in if that’s the case.

Not trying to yuck your yum, as my wife would say, but I’d say go with a more modern TV. The Samsung S90F and LG C5 are both are excellent OLEDs for the price that come in a lot of sizes suitable for bedrooms of all types.