You want a living room TV that looks modern, performs reliably and fits the way you watch. This guide compares the latest smart TVs across picture quality, smart platforms, gaming features, connectivity and value so you can pick the set that matches your room and habits.

If you prioritize brightness and HDR for movies, choose a Mini‑LED or high‑brightness QLED. If you want the simplest setup and the most intuitive interface, lean toward Roku or Amazon Fire models. Read on to find the TV that will meaningfully upgrade your viewing experience and give you better picture, fewer setup headaches, and the right inputs for your devices.

Top Picks

How We Chose These TVs

You get recommendations built from hands-on features and real-world value. We prioritized five areas that matter most to how you actually use a TV: picture performance (resolution, HDR and peak brightness), smart platform and ease of use, inputs and gaming support (HDMI versions, VRR, low latency), onboard audio and expandability (soundbar or optical/eARC support), and overall value for the screen size.

We also weighed user feedback on software stability and setup experience so you can avoid models that require constant troubleshooting. The result is a diverse list so you can choose based on budget, space, and primary use—streaming, gaming, or home theater.

If you want a straightforward, budget-friendly upgrade for your living room, this 40-inch Fire TV is an easy pick. You get Full HD 1080p with HDR10 support, built-in Fire TV OS and Alexa voice control, plus Bluetooth for headphones — all without needing a separate streaming box. It’s compact and light enough to move between rooms or mount on the wall, and the two HDMI ports plus HDMI ARC make it simple to hook up consoles or soundbars. For everyday watching and casual gaming it performs well, and when you’ve got guests over it’s nice to have everything consolidated so you can switch from streaming to live TV quickly.

If you value convenience and a clean, all-in-one setup, this TV delivers strong value for the price.

What People Say

Most buyers appreciate the value: a solid picture, straightforward setup, and the convenience of Fire TV already built in. People commonly mention the Alexa remote and Bluetooth headphone support as helpful features, while a smaller group notes occasional software updates, app-loading quirks or sluggishness until the device is fully updated.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease Of Use

What It Fixes

This TV helps you cut down on clutter — one device handles streaming, live TV and basic smart-home voice controls. It’s a practical fix if you’ve been juggling multiple remotes or a separate streaming stick, and it’ll get most people up and running for everyday viewing without needing extra gear.

Key Benefits

• Built-in Fire TV and Alexa so you don’t need an extra streaming device
• Clear Full HD picture with HDR10 for sharper-looking shows and movies
• Lightweight, easy to move or wall-mount
• Simple inputs — two HDMI ports plus HDMI ARC for sound systems
• Bluetooth listening for private audio without extra adapters

Current Price: $149.99

Rating: 4.4 (total: 13312+)

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This 50″ Fire TV is the kind of upgrade that makes your living room feel fresher without a lot of fuss. You get 4K UHD with HDR10 and HLG for brighter, more detailed images, Dolby Digital Plus for cleaner audio output, and the Fire TV interface with Alexa built in so you can search, launch apps, and control basic smart-home features with your voice.

It’s light enough to mount or move between rooms, has multiple HDMI ports for consoles and soundbars, and pairs with Bluetooth headphones for private listening. For everyday streaming, family movie nights, and even sports, it’s reliable and straightforward — just be aware the speakers are on the softer side if you don’t plan to add external audio.

What People Say

Buyers frequently praise the picture quality and how easy the set-up can be, especially if you already use other Amazon devices. People like the Alexa-enhanced remote and the convenience of having apps built in, though a number of reviewers note soft built-in speakers and occasional sluggishness until updates finish or the system is warmed up. Many call it a great value for the features you get.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease Of Use

What It Fixes

This TV simplifies your streaming life by combining a smart platform, voice control, and multiple inputs into one screen — so you can ditch a separate streaming stick and reduce remote clutter. It’s especially handy if you want a plug-and-play setup for everyday viewing or guest-ready movie nights.

Key Benefits

• Built-in Fire TV and Alexa so you don’t need an extra streaming box
• 4K UHD with HDR10 and HLG for clearer, more vibrant picture quality
• Multiple HDMI ports (including HDMI 2.1 with eARC) to hook up consoles and soundbars
• Bluetooth headphone support for private listening
• Lightweight and easy to wall-mount or move between rooms

Current Price: $249.99

Rating: 4.4 (total: 2067+)

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If you want a TV that punches well above its price, this Hisense U8 is worth a look. You get a Mini‑LED Pro backlight with up to 5,000 nits and dense local dimming for dramatic contrast, plus QLED quantum‑dot color that makes HDR pop in well‑lit rooms.

It’s built with gamers in mind too — a native 165Hz panel, wide VRR range and gaming tools that keep motion smooth. The Google TV smart platform is familiar and easy to use, and the built‑in 4.1.2 audio adds real depth for casual movies and sports.

For everyday streaming, big game nights, and even hosting a movie evening, it’s a solid all‑rounder; just plan on using an external sound system if you want full cinematic audio.

What People Say

People often highlight how sharp and vibrant the picture is — reviewers like the bright HDR and deep blacks that Mini‑LED delivers. Lots of buyers praise the gaming features and value for the performance you get.

A recurring note is that the built‑in speakers are fine for casual viewing but some users prefer adding external audio, and a few mention quirks with the remote or audio stability.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease Of Use

What It Fixes

This TV brings high‑end brightness, deep contrast and fast refresh rates together so you don’t need separate displays for gaming and movies. It’s a good choice if you want one screen that handles bright rooms, sports, and fast gameplay without juggling multiple boxes — though you might want a soundbar if you expect truly immersive audio.

Key Benefits

• Extreme peak brightness and many local dimming zones for strong HDR highlights
• QLED quantum‑dot color for richer, more accurate hues
• Native 165Hz panel with VRR and game‑focused features for responsive gaming
• 4.1.2 multi‑channel audio with up‑firing drivers for fuller TV sound
• Google TV smart platform and lots of connectivity for consoles and devices

Current Price: $697.99

Rating: 4.5 (total: 225+)

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If you want a large 4K screen without spending a fortune, this Insignia 50″ Fire TV is an easy pick. You get HDR10 4K clarity, Fire TV’s app ecosystem and an Alexa voice remote so you can jump straight into shows, movies or live channels.

It works great for everyday streaming, weekend sports, and laid‑back movie nights with friends — and it doubles as a simple smart‑home hub if you use AirPlay or compatible devices. If you care about richer sound, plan to add a soundbar, but otherwise it’s a practical, budget‑friendly upgrade for your living room.

What People Say

You’ll find lots of shoppers mention the picture quality and value — many feel the 50″ screen looks far more expensive than the price suggests. People also like how simple the setup and streaming app access are, and several note the built‑in speakers are fine for casual viewing but that a soundbar improves the experience.

A few buyers point out occasional menu lag and awkwardly placed inputs, so expect a couple of small usability quirks.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease Of Use

What It Fixes

This TV solves the common problem of getting a big, modern 4K screen without a hefty price tag: it delivers clear HDR streaming, easy app access and voice control in one package. It’s ideal for everyday viewing and hosting casual movie nights; just add an external audio setup if you want theater‑level sound.

Key Benefits

• 4K UHD with HDR10 for sharper, more detailed images
• Built‑in Fire TV platform with access to major streaming apps
• Alexa voice remote for hands‑free navigation
• AirPlay and smart‑home compatibility for easy device pairing
• Versatile ports including 3 HDMI inputs and eARC support
• Wall‑mountable VESA pattern for flexible placement

Current Price: $169.99

Rating: 4.3 (total: 4,276+)

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You get a lot for the price with this Roku Select Series 50″ 4K TV. It puts sharp HDR10 picture and a clutter‑free Roku interface on a big, frameless screen that makes shows and games feel more immersive. Setup is the kind you can hand off to a roommate — plug in, connect to Wi‑Fi and your streaming apps appear — and the enhanced voice remote makes searching painless.

Use Bluetooth headphone mode for late‑night viewing, rely on built‑in live channels for casual news or sports, and tuck the lost‑remote finder to the back of your mind. For everyday streaming, weekend movie nights or catching the big game with friends, this is a practical, budget‑friendly option worth considering.

What People Say

Most shoppers point to the picture quality and overall value — many feel the 50″ picture punches above its price. People also appreciate how quick and intuitive the Roku interface is, the convenience of the voice remote and the private listening via Bluetooth.

A number of buyers note the built‑in speakers are fine for casual viewing and that advanced picture controls or peak brightness aren’t as strong as pricier models.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease Of Use

What It Fixes

If you want a modern 4K screen without spending much, this TV delivers clear HDR streaming, a fast smart platform and convenient extras like Bluetooth private listening and voice search. It fixes the need for a simple, no‑fuss living room upgrade while leaving room to add a soundbar if you want richer audio.

Key Benefits

• 4K HDR10 for clearer detail and more vibrant colors
• Roku OS with thousands of apps and free live channels
• Enhanced voice remote with shortcut buttons and lost‑remote finder
• Bluetooth headphone mode for private listening
• Fast, simple setup and regular automatic updates
• Frameless design that suits modern living rooms

Current Price: $258.00

Rating: 4.6 (total: 1,587+)

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If you want a solid living‑room upgrade without paying for 4K, this Samsung 40‑inch F6000 hits a nice sweet spot. You get a clear Full HD panel with HDR for punchier contrast, a slim bezel that looks tidy on the wall and an intuitive Tizen smart platform that gets you into Netflix, Prime Video and free Samsung channels quickly.

The Object Tracking Sound Lite gives audio a more immersive feel than typical small‑screen speakers, so you may not rush to buy a soundbar. For everyday streaming, background TV in a kitchen nook, weekend movie nights or a casual watch party with friends, it’s practical, easy to set up and dependable — just be aware some users mention minor software quirks with channel lists and a limited number of HDMI/optical ports if you plan a fancier home‑theater setup.

What People Say

You’ll see a lot of shoppers compliment the picture clarity and value — people often say the Full HD image looks sharper than they expected on a 40‑inch screen. Reviewers like the smart platform and the wealth of free Samsung channels, and many mention the Object Tracking Sound Lite as a welcome improvement over tinny small‑screen speakers. Common gripes focus on occasional software glitches with channel ordering and limited audio/HDMI ports if you want to hook up external gear.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease Of Use

What It Fixes

If you want a clean, modern TV that handles streaming, casting and basic smart features without a big price tag, this model solves that need. It gives you better‑than‑average sound for its size, solid HDR contrast and a straightforward smart interface — and it leaves room to add a soundbar or external devices if you want a fuller home‑theater setup.

Key Benefits

• Crisp Full HD (1080p) picture with HDR for improved contrast
• Object Tracking Sound Lite for more immersive on‑screen audio
• One UI Tizen smart platform with major streaming apps and 2,700+ free channels
• Samsung Knox security to protect accounts and connected IoT devices
• Slim, near‑bezel‑less design that fits modern interiors
• Mobile to TV casting and sound mirroring for phone content

Current Price: $147.99

Rating: 4.2 (total: 1,273+)

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If you want a big, bright centerpiece for your living room, this Samsung 65‑inch Q7F feels like a solid choice. You get QLED color that really pops thanks to quantum dots and AI upscaling that improves non‑4K sources, plus HDR10+ tone mapping for punchier contrast. It’s great for everyday streaming, weekend movie nights, and casual gaming through the Gaming Hub — Alexa is built in so voice control is handy around the couch. The built‑in Object Tracking Sound Lite helps with everyday TV audio, but if you’re planning movie nights or immersive gaming you’ll probably add a soundbar to get the most out of it.

What People Say

You’ll notice most shoppers rave about the picture — colors are frequently described as bold and HDR content looks lively. People also appreciate the AI upscaling and smart platform for easy access to apps and free channels. On the flip side, many mention the built‑in speakers aren’t enough for true home‑theater sound and the remote or hidden settings can be frustrating during setup.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease Of Use

What It Fixes

If you want a large, bright TV that makes standard definition and 4K content look better without spending OLED money, this model delivers. It solves the need for punchy color, smart streaming access and a tidy modern look, though you may pair it with external audio for fuller sound.

Key Benefits

• Vivid QLED color and wide color volume for bright, accurate pictures
• Q4 AI Gen1 processor that upscales non‑4K content smoothly
• HDR10+ dynamic tone mapping to reveal more detail in highlights and shadows
• Gaming Hub and low‑input features for casual console play
• Alexa built in for hands‑free control and smart‑home convenience
• Security features like Samsung Knox to protect personal data

Current Price: $497.99

Rating: 4.3 (total: 1,002+)

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If you’re looking to upgrade your living room with a big, sharp centerpiece, this Samsung 65‑inch Q8F is a practical pick. You get QLED color that pops thanks to quantum dots and 100% color volume, while the Q4 AI processor cleans up non‑4K sources so older shows and streams look better. The AirSlim design keeps the TV low‑profile on the wall and Alexa built in makes voice control convenient when your hands are full. It’s great for daily streaming, kickoff‑to‑finales sports days and weekend movie nights, and it supports high‑refresh gaming modes if you plug in a PC or compatible console.

For fuller, cinematic sound you’ll probably pair it with a soundbar, but out of the box it’s a reliable, modern TV that blends smart features and strong picture performance.

What People Say

Most shoppers praise the picture quality—colors, brightness and HDR are frequent highlights—and many like the free channels and smart platform for easy streaming. Users also mention the helpful AI upscaling and the slim design.

Common gripes focus on the packaged speakers not being very punchy and the remote or some menu settings feeling fiddly during setup.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease Of Use

What It Fixes

If you want a large, bright TV that improves older content, offers a rich color palette and gives easy access to free streaming channels, this model delivers. It solves the need for a modern, slim display with smart features, though you may add external audio for fuller home‑theater sound.

Key Benefits

• Vivid QLED color and 100% color volume for accurate, bright pictures
• Q4 AI processor that upscales non‑4K sources for better clarity
• Access to thousands of free channels and built‑in streaming apps
• AirSlim design that sits neatly on a wall or cabinet
• High refresh support for tear‑free gaming (up to 4K 144Hz with compatible PC)
• Alexa built in for hands‑free control and smart home integration

Current Price: $663.09

Rating: 4.4 (total: 378+)

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If you want a reliable, all‑around 65‑inch TV that makes shows, movies and games look consistently better, this Sony BRAVIA is worth a look. You get Sony’s 4K Processor X1 and XR‑Reality upscaling to bring older content closer to 4K, Motionflow tech to keep sports and action scenes from blurring, and Google TV to pull all your streaming apps into one place (it also supports AirPlay 2 and Google Cast).

Sony packs in a few neat extras for gamers too — Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode that work hand‑in‑hand with a PS5 — and there’s a built‑in Sony Pictures CORE option for bonus movies. Daily use is straightforward: streaming, weekend binge sessions and game nights all feel polished; for movie nights or big audio moments you might add a soundbar, but the built‑in speakers are serviceable. Setup is mostly smooth, though some people note you’ll need a Google account for full access.

Overall, it’s a practical pick if you want strong picture performance, smart features and gaming-friendly tweaks without jumping to OLED prices.

What People Say

Shoppers frequently highlight the TV’s picture quality and color accuracy, saying it makes streaming and games look noticeably better than cheaper options. People also like the PS5‑focused features and easy access to streaming apps through Google TV.

Common downsides mentioned are the requirement of a Google account for full functionality and that the built‑in speakers are fine but not as full as a dedicated soundbar.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease Of Use

What It Fixes

If you want a large TV that improves older content, delivers vivid HDR color and gives you gaming‑friendly picture modes for a PS5, this model handles all of that. It cleans up streams, smooths motion for sports, and consolidates apps in one smart interface, though you may still want separate audio for a fuller home‑theater sound.

Key Benefits

• Rich, detailed 4K HDR picture driven by the 4K Processor X1
• 4K XR‑Reality PRO upscaling that improves non‑4K sources
• Google TV with Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast for easy streaming
• Exclusive PlayStation 5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping
• Motionflow XR for smoother action and sports viewing
• Sony Pictures CORE movies included and an Eco Dashboard for energy settings

Current Price: $598.00

Rating: 4.5 (total: 160+)

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You’re looking at a 65‑inch Mini LED TV that leans into brightness and contrast while keeping daily streaming really easy. Sony’s XR Processor with AI upscaling sharpens older shows, XR Triluminos Pro broadens color, and the 120 Hz panel helps keep sports and fast action from turning into a blur.

Google TV organizes your streaming apps and supports AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, and Sony tucks in a few gamer‑friendly tools like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and an easy Game Menu for a PS5. For everyday use it’s smooth — binge nights, family movie evenings and weekend sports look great — and for special occasions the Dolby Vision/Atmos support gives a more cinematic feel (you might pair a soundbar for fuller bass). If you want a bright, versatile big screen that’s tuned for gaming and streaming without the OLED price, this is a solid option you can feel confident about.

What People Say

Customers consistently praise the picture quality — people notice brighter highlights, deep contrast and rich colors compared with many standard LED sets. Reviews also point out the gaming perks for PlayStation users and how convenient Google TV makes streaming.

A few people mention setup quirks (you’ll need a Google account for full access) and that while built‑in sound is fine, a soundbar improves movie nights.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease Of Use

What It Fixes

If you want a bigger TV that improves dim highlights, tightens contrast and smooths fast motion, this model delivers; it also brings PS5‑focused picture modes and smart streaming into one place, though you may still choose external audio for full home‑theater impact.

Key Benefits

• Mini LED brightness and contrast driven by XR Backlight Master Drive
• XR Processor with AI upscaling for sharper, cleaner images from lower‑res sources
• Google TV with Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast for seamless streaming
• 120 Hz refresh and motion clarity tech for smooth sports and action
• PlayStation 5 optimizations like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode
• Dolby Vision and Atmos support for a more cinematic audio‑visual experience

Current Price: $998.00

Rating: 4.4 (total: 102+)

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FAQ

How Do I Choose The Right Smart TV For My Living Room?

You choose a TV by matching screen size, picture tech and features to your room, usage and budget. Measure your viewing distance and pick a screen size that keeps pixels indistinguishable at that distance; for typical living rooms a 50–65″ set is common while smaller rooms often suit 40–50″. Prioritize 4K resolution and HDR support if you watch streaming movies or HDR-enabled gaming, and prefer a higher native refresh rate if you play fast games or sports. Check HDMI specs and port count — HDMI 2.1 with eARC matters for current consoles and high-bandwidth audio passthrough; a budget example is the Amazon Fire TV 40″ at $149.99 while a step-up 50″ 4K Fire TV runs about $249.99 and premium Mini‑LED or QLED options can reach several hundred dollars more (for example Hisense at $697.99 or Sony models at $598.00 and above).

Evaluate the smart platform (Fire TV, Google TV, Roku, Tizen) for app selection and voice ecosystem compatibility, verify VESA wall‑mount standard for your mount, and factor in sound quality — onboard speakers are often limited so plan for a soundbar if you want fuller audio. Finally, balance features against price: choose the set that delivers the specific benefits you’ll use most rather than paying for every top spec.

Will A Smart TV Compromise My Privacy And What About Software Updates And App Availability?

You should assume smart TVs collect usage data and often require or encourage vendor accounts to enable the full experience (for example Amazon, Google or Samsung accounts), so review privacy settings during setup and disable options you don’t want. Keep the TV’s firmware and apps up to date — apply software updates before heavy use because updates fix stability and security issues and often resolve app problems people report.

Be aware that apps and content availability vary by region and can change over time; some services also require separate subscriptions. If privacy concerns you, disable voice features or the microphone if possible, create a separate network or VLAN for your TV, and change default account passwords.

Retain proof of purchase and know the warranty terms (many mainstream models include a 1‑year limited warranty and vendors often sell optional extended plans) so you can get service if an update or hardware issue arises.

How Do I Get The Best Picture And Sound, And What Accessories Should I Consider?

You’ll get the best results by completing a short setup routine: install any pending firmware, select a calibrated or movie picture mode, turn off aggressive motion smoothing if you dislike the “soap opera” effect, and enable Game Mode when using a console to reduce input lag. Use an HDMI cable rated for your needs (HDMI 2.1 for 4K@120Hz gaming), connect audio through eARC/HDMI or optical to a soundbar or AV receiver for much better sound than built‑in speakers, and consider Bluetooth headphones or the TV’s private listening feature for late‑night viewing.

Match your wall mount to the TV’s VESA pattern (for example the 40″ Fire TV uses 200 mm x 100 mm) and double‑check the distance between TV legs if you keep it on furniture. Label HDMI cables and inputs so you (or voice assistants) can switch sources quickly, and keep spare remote batteries handy. A short practice of these steps will dramatically improve everyday viewing and gaming performance.

Top Customer Picks

You typically prioritize screen size, picture performance and budget: choose the 40‑inch Fire TV 2‑Series if you want a compact, budget‑friendly set with seamless Fire TV integration, the 50 Fire TV 4‑Series for a larger 4K panel with a solid value/feature balance, and the Hisense 55 U8 Mini‑LED when superior brightness, contrast, HDR and gaming performance matter most. Ultimately your choice comes down to whether you value price and the Fire OS ecosystem or premium mini‑LED picture quality and advanced features for a high‑end living room upgrade.

Wrapping Up

You now have a clear roadmap to upgrade your living room with the TV that fits your priorities. If you want peak brightness and cinematic HDR, the Hisense U8 and Sony Bravia XR are the best choices.

If you need simple setup and the cleanest smart interface, pick the Roku or Fire TV 50 models. If you care most about budget and value, Insignia and the Amazon Fire TV 40 deliver excellent picture for the price. Before you buy, measure your space, check HDMI and eARC needs for your audio system, and plan for a firmware update during setup so the TV runs smoothly. Use the categories above to match a model to how you watch—streaming, gaming or home theater—and you’ll get the most value from your new living room centerpiece.

Product	Image	Rating	Resolution	Display Type	Special Highlights	Price
Amazon Fire TV 40″ 2-Series, HD Smart TV		4.4/5 (N reviews)	1920 x 1080	Full HD	Fire TV OS HDR10, HLG support Voice control with Alexa 2 HDMI, 1 USB port	$149.99
Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV		4.4/5 (N reviews)	3840 x 2160	4K UHD	Fire OS HDR10, HLG support Voice control with Alexa 3 HDMI, 1 USB port	$249.99
Hisense 55″ Class U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Smart TV		4.5/5 (225 ratings)	3840 x 2160	Mini-LED ULED	Dolby Vision IQ, Atmos VRR support up to 288 Hz High peak brightness up to 5000 nits Strong gaming features	$697.99
Samsung 65-Inch Class QLED Q7F Series Smart TV		4.3/5 (1,002 ratings)	3840 x 2160	QLED	Quantum HDR Object Tracking Sound Lite Gaming Hub support Alexa Built-in	$497.99
Sony BRAVIA 2 II 65 Inch 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TV		4.5/5 (160 ratings)	3840 x 2160	4K HDR	Google TV integration Exclusive features for PlayStation 5 DTS-X audio support AI-enhanced picture quality	$598.00
Sony BRAVIA 5 65 Inch Mini LED 4K Smart Google TV		4.4/5 (102 ratings)	3840 x 2160	Mini LED	AI Technology 120Hz refresh rate Perfect for PlayStation 5 Built-in mic switch for voice commands	$998.00

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