Don't even bother with a new Smart TV.Just get a powerful device (Dune or Shield or FireTV Cube), a custom launcher app, get an universal remote (preferably with numbers and works with the device of your choice) and you'll be fine
I got a Roku TV and its hot garbage outside of using their app and the TV channels. Don't bother with these low powered walled guardians or anything thats low powered
I agree with everybody about not using the "smarts" of a TV.
In my opinion, a TV should not be smart, it should just be a nice monitor.
Let the streaming be done by an external device that's actually designed properly for the sole purpose of streaming.
My 2 cents.
So im sure you discovered u cant really by a Non Smart TV now BUT if u go the Android TV route or even an Android TV box (ONN etc) look into Projectivy Launcher its replaces stock Google crap and works great on my stock tv and newer Onn Box....just my $.02 worth of info.
50-55 inch. Budget is probably around $1k. That sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. Those three are the ones that I found when I did a search, but I figured I would ask the community as well, just in case those wouldn't work. My Husband is VERY skeptical that TCL and/or Hisense is a good brand and with Sony, I feel like your paying for the brand.
I have experience with Apple TV and have no problems with using it, other than the fact that we are trying to reduce the number of "devices" we use to accomplish our entertainment goals. We use a Harmony Remote rather than any original remotes, so the remote is not an issue for us and we only use 2 apps on our smart tv, Channels and Plex.
Thank you for your advice and all the information!!
Yeah, the biggest reason is that I live in an RV and we are trying to cut down on "devices" and cables!
Thank you all for the great information and advice. Looks like I have some decisions to make!!
I mount my AppleTV on the back of the TV, use a short HDMI cable, and just consider the whole thing “one device.”
https://www.amazon.com/TotalMount-Apple-Mount-Compatible-including/dp/B017K17PQ8
The AppleTV is the brains behind the whole operation — the TV itself is just a dumb display — and we use the simple AppleTV remote to control it all. We don’t even need the extra complexity or programming of a “universal remote” anymore. Why do you still need the (long discontinued) Harmony?
We use the harmony because it also controls the radio which is also our sound system for the TV. The harmony also controls our smart lights in the RV and runs scenes for us when we go to bed and wake up. It's been a valuable tool that we have yet to find an equal to replace it! We were very dissapointed when they stopped making them!
Ah that makes sense, I hear ya, the Harmony is still great for that. Enjoy it until its wheels fall off, I suppose 
In the meantime. One other idea, if it’s possible with the TV you choose, is to use this for power to the AppleTV mounted on the back: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Splitter-Power-Cable-Directly/dp/B0BTK6NNDT
That's definitely the plan! 
Oh, see, now that could help at least with the cables!! Thanks!
Yes just make sure that plug is also compatible with the back of the TV you choose. Not all are, not all have removable plugs, etc.
“Works with all TVs with a C8 style power connector (most Samsung, Vizio, Sharp, LG, Hisense, Insignia models)”
Once you decide, realizing that the AppleTV provides the best Channels DVR experience, you can ignore any of the “smarts” or extraneous feature promised by any TV you choose too.
Just get the one with the best picture in your budget, and let the AppleTV do all the heavy lifting, behind the scenes. You’ll probably end up spending less $$ overall with this strategy too.
I’m guessing “Dune” is a typo here but I’m not sure what you meant? Maybe Onn?
If AppleTV is ruled out for whatever reason the Google route I’d choose next is the new Onn 4K Pro.
Sweet! Thank you again! You've been very helpful!!!
Nope, I meant this
Interesting, thanks, glad I asked, I’ve not heard of those.
For ease of use we have Insignia sets with built-in Fire TV here. The Channels client app works great on my 50", which I see listed on BestBuy. Over on Amazon I only see other sizes at the moment.
I'll second the OLED TV's. The motion and color quality is extraordinary, best television I've ever owned. Be sure that it's refresh rate is at least 120hz.
I have an older 4th gen AppleTV with the older style remote but one of the things that drove me crazy was the remote was too small and slipery that I was always dropping or losing it. I got one of these cases (link below) and it made the AppleTV remote so much more enjoyable to use. Get the red color and it will be easier to see than the grey/black color.
Projectivy Launcher is great, run it on our chromecast 4k's for travel and it is so much better than stock.