TCL 32S305 Review 1080p Roku TV 2017

Image result for tcl 32s305 review
First a note about TCL, a manufacturer that few are familiar with in North America. This is a huge company with a $4B panel manufacturing facility in China. They also have a research facility in Silicon Valley and claim to be the third largest manufacturer of TVs in the world.

Strengths

  • Roku Smart TV options
  • Roku Smart TV Interface operation
  • Price/Value
  • Black level and contrast are stronger than expected

Weaknesses

  • Glare/Reflection from the TV screen
  • Remote is limited with no numbers for DirecTV or Cable
  • Lack of Depth from Matte-type milky screen finish/Flat Picture
  • Limited picture setting adjustments
  • Limited Brightness
  • Screen Uniformity (may see brighter and darker areas)
  • Side Angle Viewing
  • 3 HDMI inputs

Neutral

  • Appearance/Design

Picture Quality Rating: 78/100


I can’t honestly say that the picture quality on the 4K UHD version of the TCL Roku TV looks appreciably better than the 1080p version. Black levels and contrast surprised to the upside, while there is noticeable screen glare or reflection at times due to the panel not being extremely bright and also due to the TCL panel not having the highest end light absorption features. From side angles contrast and color saturation degrade worse than the average LED backlit LCD TV, but less than expected. This begins at around 15 degrees off-center. Motion blur is rarely visible, though judder (side to side jerky motion especially present when a camera pans slowly) is present due to the fact that there is no refresh rate smoothing features present in the TV. Even though TCL states that the TV is enhanced to 120Hz, it's actually a 60Hz native panel. Another exception to the specifications is that this is not the full array direct lit backlighting you should compare with top quality and brands. In this case, full array direct lit LED to LCD is just an economical way to produce the TV much like some of the very small inexpensive 32” models we've seen from other manufactures. This is evinced by screen uniformity that is weak especially in gray scale (mid tone colors) This means that you may see some clouding along the edges or corners when displaying a black or very dark screen. From our experience with LCD TVs, it may become more pronounced over time. With a gray or medium color screen you may see some darker shadows in various areas of the screen. When viewing our stock Fifth Element BluRay we noted some inaccuracy in colors with a red push causing flesh tones to look flushed. Greens are also difficult for the TV to produce accurately. On the positive side, I was impressed with the brightness produced.
All of that said, the picture is just a hair better than acceptably decent is the best way I can put it. It's certainly not bad and a bit better than we expected. You aren't spending a lot to get a superior panel or color performance on this TV. That's not its strong suit. For the price, the picture is actually very good.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Samsung Q65Q8FN Review

Image
The QLED series from Samsung builds on the Premium UHD series by adding a wider color gamut via Quantum Dot film and Quantum Dot color. It has excellent black levels and contrast and will capture the intended increased brightness and color of HDR content. This years model focuses more on an anti-reflective screen combined with better contrast through the new Q Contrast Plus technology. Has 240 motion rate. Differences between the Q7 and Q8 QLED TVs One of the key differences between the two series is the inclusion of the high end Ultra Black Panel in the Q8. Ultra Black Elite Panel:  Samsung is marketing this panel feature which is included only in the Q8 and Q9 QLEDs for those of us that do not adjust room light conditions when watching TV. This technology built in the Ultra Black panel increases brightness while decreasing glare by using micro dots on the surface of the panel to help redirect light from surroundings that would otherwise cause glare on the screen. The other
Read more

Panasonic Releases Two New Lumix Cameras, Celebrates 10 Years Of Mirrorless Cameras

Image
Panasonic is adding to its Lumix range with the Lumix DC-TZ220, the latest flagship in the travel zoom series and the latest G model, the Lumix DC-GX9. The company is also celebrating 10 years since it released the first Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1. Paul Reid, Managing Director, Panasonic Australia says in the past 10 years the Lumix G series has had 30 cameras and 34 lenses. The new Lumix DC-GX9 has a 20-megapixel digital live MOS sensor and Venus Engine processor. It also is equipped with a 5-axis dual I.S.technology combining 5-axis internal stabilisation with the optical image stabilisation in selected lenses. Panasonic says this system ensures stabilisation from wide angle to telephoto, allowing shooters to leave their tripod at home and travel light. In addition, the electromagnetically-driven shutter system provides quiet, steady shooting. The GX9’s Live View Finder (LVF) offers 2,760K-dot equivalent resolution for clarity and sh
Read more

Sony XBR-X900E Review

Image
The new XBR-X900E model from Sony has a few minor picture quality downgrades from the XBR- X930E above it in Sony's 2017/2018 lineup. It has a different yet new processor included the 4K HDR X1 engine, which has been redesigned with upgrading content to look more like HDR content in mind. Video signal processing is a particular strength of Sony and has been for years. It has full array local dimming, one of the best features an LED/LCD TV can have when done right (which the X900E does). The last new feature I'll mention here is the X-tended Dynamic Range Pro 5X, which is a contrast enhancement booster mechanism, and not one of my favorite features, due the fact that it usually makes little difference to the viewer and can add flicker to the picture. All three of these features are slightly scaled down compared to the X930E, but are still very robust. Other features included are a Triluminous display, widened color gamut for HDR, Motionflow XR technology, and 4K X-reality Pro
Read more