The Mohu Vibe has a gray fabric front panel. (Image credit: Future)
The Mohu Vibe indoor TV antenna is unlike most other TV antennas in that it actually looks good. Only three things about the best indoor TV antennas really matter: Does it pull the stations you want at your location? Is its size and style compatible with your room? Is its price/performance in your range?
Mohu’s new Vibe claims a 50-mile range; it sports a decor-friendly form factor (about the size and shape of a supermarket sushi tray) and a discreet gray tweed-like finish, and at a $50 list-price – typically sold for half that amount – it’s going to fit a lot of budgets.
Setup couldn’t be easier: you can hang the Vibe on a picture hook or a screw (Mohu provides the latter, plus a sheetrock anchor), or do as I did and use double-sided tape (not supplied) against a window pane or smooth wall. A captive 12-foot cable leads from the antenna to the “Jolt” amplifier module – about the size of a box of TicTacs – but the coax whip from the amp is only six inches, so unless you supply your own, longer coaxial extension cable you’ll have to site the antenna within two arm-spans of your TV. A second cable attaches the amplifier to a USB port for power. This one is much longer, in case the TV has no free USB jack (you have to supply your own USB charger).
A screw and sheet-rock anchor are included for wall-mounting the Vibe antenna. (Image credit: Future)
Visually, the Vibe is about as unobtrusive as an antenna can get: it could be a motion sensor, or at a stretch, an arts & crafts decoration. As to performance, first our usual disclaimer, and it’s a very important one to understand and accept: Any TV antenna’s real-world reception depends enormously on two factors: its elevation, and what obstructions, natural or man-made, intervene between it and the desired signal(s) transmission towers. So our results, as always, represent one location only, and a pretty idealized one at that: a semi-rural spot at about 700 ft. above sea level, in a second-story window with a clear line-of-sight southeast, from whence a variety of signals emanate from the east, south, and southwest, at distances ranging from 17 miles to more than 75.
In this arrangement, the Mohu Vibe pulled in 27 stations (9 primary channels, such as 5.1, and 18 sub-channels like 27.2, 56.4, and so on). This is about 25% fewer than we obtained from Mohu’s slightly larger and bulkier Arc model – but note that atmospheric conditions will vary results from day to day and time to time. (In truth, antenna technology really hasn’t changed much since the Eisenhower years.) Only the one weakest station (a lower-power one a bit north of east, and thus well off the Vibe’s aimed axis) suffered the occasional picture blocking of a marginal signal strength; the others were all rock solid.
The Vibe should perform well in typical suburban and urban locations, and, given some elevation and lack of obstructions, even in more rural/distant locations, like our test site.
The included “Jolt” amplifier module attaches to the antenna and to your TV's USB port for power. (Image credit: Future)
Mohu Vibe: Price and release date
First available: September 2023
Price: $49.99
The Mohu Vibe’s $50 list price is reasonable, given its somewhat more attractive form and finish. (A seemingly perpetual 20% off deal cuts the price to around $40, and we’ve seen it for $25.) That said, there are myriad competing antenna designs, in a dizzying range of shapes, sizes, and forms, that will probably perform similarly, for prices from a bit less to a whole lot more.
The antenna's “Jolt” amplifier module. (Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Mohu Vibe?
Buy it if...
You live in an urban/suburban area: The Vibe is a good option for receiving stations from stations located mostly within 25-40 miles or less.
You want a maximally unobtrusive antenna: The Vibe’s very compact form factor and gray fabric front panel allow it to virtually disappear in almost any environment.
Don't buy it if...
You live in rural/edge location: If you need to “pull” signals much beyond 40 or 50 miles, or are surrounded by hills or tall buildings, a raised (roof or mast/tower), outdoor (or high-attic-mounted) unit is still the best, and sometimes the only answer.
You want a setup app to optimize reception: Some pricier indoor antennas come with a custom setup app to help point the antenna for best possible reception, but no such app is provided with the Mohu Vibe.
Mohu Vibe review: Also consider
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested the Mohu Vibe
Tested at semi-rural location
Compared with powerful "reference" antenna
I test indoor TV antennas at a semi-rural, hilltop location with good elevation and a clear line-of-sight over nearly 360 degrees to TV transmitters ranging from about 15 to about 70 miles. This testing environment gives me the ability to evaluate models catering to a full spectrum of indoor antenna needs.
For the testing process, I first place the antenna high up in a south-facing window and run the tuning process on a TV with an ATSC 3.0 “next-gen TV” tuner. I then record the number of carriers tuned, along with the total number of sub-channels. A powerful inside-the-attic rooftop-type antenna at the same location is also used as a reference for comparison.
The Sanus VLT7 is a premium tilting TV wall-mount bracket with swivel functionality designed to cover a range of TVs from 42-90-inch sizes, holding up to 150 bls (68Kg) in weight. The Sanus VLT7 is almost identical in spec, but is cheaper. For our tests, however, we used the VLT7.
Installation of the VLT7 is incredibly easy, with a simple three-step process suggested by Sanus taking close to the 30 minutes suggested. The instructions provided are easy to follow and the construction and installation process ran smoothly. You'll need your own tools (mainly a screwdriver and socket wrench) and two people to carry out installation.
The VLT7's build quality is strong, with both the brackets and wall plate feeling reassuringly sturdy and robust. Most of the materials are made from a quality black metal which again feels premium and tough. The covers used to help hold the bracket hooks to the wall plate feel a little cheap and plasticky in comparison to the rest of the bracket, but this is the one complaint in an otherwise solid wall mount.
The VLT7 carries 15 degrees of tilt, and even with the weighty 20kg of the 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED feels comfortable at full tilt. A useful 15-degree swivel and 6.8 inches of extension means connections such as HDMI are easily accessible and changeable. Even when not in tilt mode, the VLT7 sits snug to the wall at 2.1 inches distance.
The VLT7 is priced at roughly $189.99 / £89 / AU$225, meaning its decent value for money in the UK, but pricey elsewhere. Although it caters to a large range of sizes, more affordable options are available such as the Mounting Dream MD2268-LK-02, one of the best TV wall-mounts, which also caters to a similar range 37-82 inch TVs, and is priced at $35 / £35 – a quarter of the price.
Sanus VLT7 review: Prices and release date
Priced at $189.99 / £89 / AU$225
First available 2021
Available from major online retailers
The Sanus VLT7-B2 is a tilting and swivel wall mount that fits 42-90-inch TVs. Available from online retailers for $189.99 / £89 / AU$225, it sits at the more premium end of the tilting TV bracket market.
The version we tested from Amazon is referred to as the VLT7. It's the same product but pricier in the UK and Australia, retailing for $189.99 / £129.99 / AU$269.99, so you're best getting the VLT7 if you're in those regions.
Sanus VLT7 review: Specs
Installation of the Sanus VLT7 TV wall-mount is a breeze. (Image credit: Future)
Sanus VLT7 review: Ease of installation
Easy installation process
Two people recommended
Simple instructions
Sanus says that the installation for the VLT7 takes 30 minutes and uses a 3-step process, and during my testing, this was pretty accurate. For our setup, we placed a wooden board onto a stud wall and used the four included lag bolts to hold the back plate in place. A clear template for how to measure is provided.
Installation of the lag bolts and back plate uses a 0.5-inch (13mm) socket wrench and was easy. Two people were required during installation – one to hold the back plate in place, while the other tightened the lag bolts.
The brackets are easily installed onto the back of the TV, with varying height options for different sizes in its vast 42-90 inch range. Included in the box were a large number of M6 and M8 screws (compatibility will vary from TV to TV). For our tests, we used the 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED, which worked with the provided M6 12mm screws. Spacers are also included in the box if required.
It’s worth noting that you will require your own tools for installation, with the most vital being the socket wrench and screwdriver. Within the instructions, Sanus recommends other tools including a tape measure, pencil and various drill bits depending on the wall type.
Ease of installation score: 4.5 / 5
The Sanus VLT7 feels comfortable even with larger TVs at full tilt (Image credit: Future)
Sanus VLT7 review: Build quality
Premium metal materials
Solid, sturdy feel
Cover on back plate feels cheap
Straight out of the box, the VLT7 feels weighty and premium. Its two brackets and back wall plate are made of a black metal that feels solid when held. Although the rear brackets were light, they still felt reassuringly sturdy during the installation process.
When installed on the wall, the 65-inch Omni QLED, which weighs 45 lbs (20 kg), felt secure on the VLT7 bracket. At full downward tilt, the Omni QLED didn’t feel like it was moving anytime soon. One thing I did notice, however, was that the plastic cover on the back plate (designed to cover the rear hooks) felt a little on the cheap side in comparison to the rest of the metal materials, but this was the only complaint I really had.
The VLT7 may be at the premium end of the wall-mount market, but its durability and solid, secure design make it worth it.
Build quality score: 4.5 / 5
The Sanus VLT7's back plate is large enough to allow space over in-wall plug sockets (Image credit: Future)
Sanus VLT7 review: Design
Good level of tilt and swivel
Wide back plate gives more installation freedom
Fairly snug to the wall
The VLT7 is designed to support larger, weightier TVs. Despite this, it hits a sweet spot of good extension and tilt, and can also fit snug to the wall when not in tilt mode.
With 15 degrees of downward tilt available, the VLT7 will prove useful to those who need to install their TVs high up on the wall. As we’ve already said, you can feel safe knowing that the VLT7 is ready to take the full weight of a TV even at full tilt. When not in tilt mode, the TV will only sit 2.1 inches from the wall and during my testing, that was the case with the 65-inch Omni QLED (although with a large depth overall it did stick out a little more). Another design advantage of the VLT7 is that its tilt function is more ‘automatic’ and doesn’t require manual adjustments each time, something that a budget tilting or full-motion wall-mount such as the Perlesmith PSSFK1 requires.
The VLT7 can also extend by 6.8 inches, giving plenty of access to the rear of the TV to swap any cables or manage connections. With the VLT7 extended and swiveled (again 15 degrees available here), the Omni QLED felt solid. I also tested whether moving a larger TV was doable on my own and thankfully the Omni QLED never felt unsecured.
Another useful design feature is the VLT7’s larger back plate. Although it initially looks cumbersome, the larger design is made with freedom of installation in mind, allowing enough room to accommodate any in-wall plug sockets or devices.
Design score: 4.5 / 5
The Sanus VLT7 with the 65-inch Omni QLED attached. (Image credit: Future)
Sanus VLT7 review: Value
Premium design and materials
Somewhat pricey
Cheaper alternatives available
As the VLT7 is a tilting bracket with swivel that holds 42-90-inch TVs, it requires a robust design and as such sits at the more premium end of the TV wall-mount market. While its design and build quality justify the price to an extent, it’s hard to ignore that there are cheaper alternatives.
The VLT7 retails for $189.99 / £89 / AU$225. Compare that with the Mounting Dream MD-2268, one of the best TV wall-mounts available, and its price becomes a bitter pill to swallow. The MD-2268 doesn’t offer the same features as the VLT7, with a 32-80-inch size range, 8 degrees of tilt, and no swivel, but it’s priced at $35 / £35 – a quarter of the VLT7's price in some regions.
Despite its more premium price, it’s hard to overlook just how sturdy and solid the VLT7 felt, even with the weightier 65-inch Omni QLED attached, and how easy it was to use.
Value score 4 / 5
Sanus VLT7 review: Should you buy it?
Buy it if...
You have a large or heavy TV The VLT7 is compatible with a large range of TV sizes – up to 90 inches – and when tested with a heavier 65-inch set felt reassuringly solid.
You want a good range of tilt With 15 degrees of downward tilt, the VLT7 will be useful in several situations, whether placed up high or compensating for glare in brighter viewing environments.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a budget
The VLT7 is a premium tilting TV wall mount and as such comes with a higher price tag – even higher than some full-motion TV brackets.
You need a full-motion bracket Although the VLT7 can tilt and swivel, it doesn’t have the same level of movement as a full-motion wall-mount for angled viewing.
The VLT7 comes with everything you need except tools. (Image credit: Future)
How I tested the Sanus VLT7
Tested with 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED
Tested on a wooden stud board on drywall
Two-person installation
The Sanus VLT7 was installed on a wooden stud board placed over drywall, with holes made using a drill. The back plate was held to the board using a set of lag bolts installed with a socket wrench and the back brackets were installed using a basic Philips screwdriver.
For our testing, we opted to use the Amazon Omni QLED 65-inch to test the build quality and functionality of the VLT7. The Omni QLED is on the heavier side for a 65-inch TV, weighing 45 lbs (20kg) and sits roughly at the midway point of the VLT7's support range.
The VLT7 comes with screws and spacers to attach the bracket to the TV. For the Omni, the relevant sizes were M6 screws12-15mm in length, but this will vary from TV to TV. We had two people work on this installation as this is the safest approach, regardless of TV size.
The Zvox AV157 soundbar is a tough little sucker to review. That’s because it has one main purpose and doesn’t do much else compared to other soundbars, though it does that one thing well.
If you’re in the market for one of the best soundbars to enhance your TV viewing, the Zvox AV157 soundbar is not the one. However, if you need something to simply accentuate voices in your favorite shows or movies because they seem to get buried in the mix, then the Zvox AV157 is for you. People who are experiencing hearing loss will appreciate this small soundbar the most.
Similar to the Soundfun Mirai I recently reviewed, I found the Zvox AV157’s price a bit off-putting given that it's mostly a one-trick pony. But if you can’t hear what the heck Robert Pattinson is saying in Tenet, you’ll probably be willing to spend for it, though you could get a good mid-range soundbar such as the Sony HT-S2000 for not too much more money.
The Zvox AV157’s design is about as unobtrusive as it gets. It’s a small, black rectangular unit measuring just 17 x 3.3 x 2.9 inches with a front grille that indicates volume, input (indicated by the puzzling “In1d” and “In2A”) and Accuvoice and PhaseCue virtual surround (aka virtual surround sound) levels using an orange alphanumeric LED display.
Port-wise, the Zvox AV157 is very basic, offering just 3.5mm analog and optical digital audio inputs and a subwoofer/headphone output. It would have been nice for Zvox to also include an HDMI port with ARC capability since optical connections can be finicky.
For instance, I’ve had issues where I had to turn on a TV and connected speakers or soundbar in a particular order when using an optical connection. Considering this soundbar is aimed at older people who might find it difficult to troubleshoot connection issues, including an HDMI port would have been a good idea.
The Zvox has three 3-inch full-range drivers being fed 24 watts from a Class-D amplifier under the hood, so it will get loud enough for most people in a small to medium-sized room. Since this is a smaller unit, I wouldn’t recommend it for larger rooms, even if you need the dialogue-boosting capability.
I appreciate the AV157’s remote control, which is straightforward with large buttons that don’t require a hard press to register changes. Its size is substantial enough that you shouldn’t have issues losing it, at least not more than any other remote.
The Zvox AV157's alphanumeric LED display provides visual feedback to remote commands. (Image credit: Future)
As far as the soundbar’s performance goes, different people are going to feel differently about it. Again, that 24 watts offers more than enough power for smaller setups. And it provides an upgrade to normal budget flat-panel TVs that typically sport small, downward-firing speakers (a big reason why modern TVs sound worse than ones from a few decades ago) even without any special boosting or surround sound mode activated.
Since the AV157 is small, there’s not much in the way of bass and the high-end is nothing special. You have six levels at your fingertips when using the AccuVoice dialogue boosting feature, with each one pushing up the mid-range where voices sit, while six levels of SuperVoice tech simultaneously minimize background sounds.
The Zvox AV157 does a good job doing what it advertises. However, the more accentuated that mid-range gets, the more unnatural the audio sounds. In fact, voices end up sounding boxy. In a way, it’s kind of like a hearing aid in that they don’t make things sound better, just more audible.
Another Zvox feature, “PhaseCue virtual surround,” uses processing to, as its name suggests, deliver virtual surround sound. It has three levels and, like most virtual surround sound, it makes the sound just a bit more spacious. Still, it might be something you appreciate, since it gives a bit of depth to the AV157’s very mid-range-forward sound. An additional feature, Output Leveling, is used to modulate overall volume levels so TV commercials don't sound blaringly loud, for example.
If you have issues hearing dialogue, the AV157 can improve your TV viewing experience. Keep in mind, though, that TV speakers generally are subpar, so, if you wish you could hear dialogue a little bit clearer (and don’t have serious problems with your hearing), just upgrading to any decent soundbar will help.
The Zvox AV157's remote contains a full set of control buttons. (Image credit: Future)
Zvox AV157 Soundbar review: Price and release date
Price: $249 / £159 / AU$458
Released May 2020
The Zvox AV157 is on the pricey side for a diminutive soundbar, listing for $249 / £159 / AU$458. Just like the Soundfun Mirai ($299) which fills a similar need, I find the price a bit much for a soundbar that mainly boosts the frequencies where dialogue resides. But at least the Zvox also comes with virtual spatial audio to spice things up. It also can frequently be found on sale for less than $249.
Of course, there are cheaper soundbars out there that have a dialogue mode or the ability to boost mid-range frequencies such as the Roku Streambar, which costs $130 / £130. The Streambar has a whole host of extra functionality including the built-in Roku platform and HDMI ARC support, but not the Zvox’s precision voice boosting, which is something people who are hard of hearing will appreciate.
Both optical digital and analog audio inputs are provided, but no HDMI. (Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Zvox AV157 soundbar?
Buy it if...
You want something easy to use Navigating its features is easy thanks to a remote with big buttons and clear labeling. You won’t have issues adjusting the various features to your liking.
You want something compact The Zvox AV157 is petite. If you’re tight on space, you won’t have to worry about fitting it into your setup.
Don't buy it if...
You want natural-sounding dialogue While its dialogue-boosting feature works well, it doesn’t retain the natural timbre of your media’s audio. If you’re even something of an audiophile (even with some hearing loss), you’ll have trouble enjoying the sound.
You need an HDMI port It’s unfortunate that there’s no HDMI port, especially since optical connections can be finicky to deal with.
Zvox AV157 Soundbar review: Also consider
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested the Zvox AV157 Soundbar
I used the Zvox AV157 Soundbar for a week
Tested with both TV and movies
I used the Zvox AV157 Soundbar regularly for a week, viewing TV, movies, and Youtube videos. I compared it to just my TV’s speakers to see what kind of improvement it offers and found that, as I’ve stated in the review, it’s good at what it’s designed for. If you’re hard of hearing, this is a good but slightly pricey option. I
I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.
The Hisense U8N is the company’s next-to-top mini-LED TV series for 2024, slotting in between the Hisense U7N and Hisense U9N. This new series follows the same path as the Hisense U8K, one of the best TVs of 2023, by boosting brightness over its predecessor and refining picture processing with a focus on local dimming performance.
While most TVs provide only incremental improvements over last year’s model, the new Hisense U8N takes a dramatic performance leap, specifically in its peak brightness, which is nearly twice what I measured on the Hisense U8K. Local dimming has also been improved, and even the TV’s sound quality seems better. Many of these performance boosts mirror what I found on the new TCL QM851G mini-LED model that rivals it – perhaps not surprising given the determination both brands have shown in recent years to not just break through, but dominate the US TV market.
The Hisense U8N has mostly similar gaming features to the U8K, with two HDMI 2.1 ports that support up to 4K 144Hz, VRR including FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming, Those features, plus a Game Bar menu for on-the-fly tweaking of picture settings, make it a great TV for gaming, although we really want to see four HDMI 2.1 ports in the best gaming TVs. Google TV is used for the U8N’s smart TV platform in the US, and Hisense’s own VIDAA platform in the UK, Australia, and elsewhere.
Along with video and audio performance, design is an area where Hisense made some tweaks for the new series. The U8N has an adjustable-height pedestal stand as opposed to the U8K’s adjustable-width support feet. And Hisense’s full-size, backlit remote control is also a big improvement on the cheap-feeling compact one included with last year’s U8K. It also has an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving next-gen broadcast TV channels in the US.
Hisense TVs continue to be high-value options, and that includes the new U8N. At $1,499.99 / £1,799 / AU$2,699 list for the 65-inch model and with price drops in the US since launch, the U8N provides formidable competition to mini-LED offerings from traditional premium brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG, and is even priced lower than the TCL QM851G while providing mostly similar features and performance, making it an incredibly tempting option.
The U8N's full-scale remote control features a backlit keypad. (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U8N review: Price and release date
Release date: April 2024
55U8N: $1,099.99
65U8N: $1,499.99 / £1,799 / AU$2,699.99
75U8N: $1,799.99 / £2,299 / AU$3,699.99
85U8N: $2,799.99 / AU$4,999.99
The Hisense U8N series was released in April 2024 in screen sizes ranging from 55 inches to 85 inches. All sizes are available in the US, while the 65- and 75-inch models are sold in the UK and the 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes in Australia.
Prices for all models have dropped in all markets for the U8N series since launch, with the 65-inch model I tested selling for $1,299 in the US at the time of writing. Prices tend to fall fast on Hisense models in the US than in the UK and Australia, so the TV may be better value there than in other countries – I'm based in the US, and I'll be making my value judgments on the aggressive US pricing.
Hisense U8N review: Specs
Hisense U8N review: Benchmark results
Connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports and an ATSC 3.0 tuner input (US only). (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U8N review: Features
2x HDMI 2.1 inputs with 144Hz support
Built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner
Low-reflection screen
Hisense U8N series TVs feature a new Hi-View Engine PRO processor that, according to the company, “leverages deep learning” to deliver AI-fueled dynamic HDR tone mapping, face detection, and detail enhancement. The mini-LED backlight in U8N series TVs is specified as having twice as many local dimming zones as last year’s U8K series models. It also has an anti-glare low-reflection screen, a 50W 2.1.2-channel built-in speaker system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, Wi-Fi 6E for streaming, and an ATSC 3.0 tuner in the US to receive next-gen TV broadcasts.
For high dynamic range support, the U8N series handles Dolby Vision (IQ), HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats, and there’s a Filmmaker Mode for an accurate, director-approved picture out-of-the-box without having to play with picture settings. The U8N series is also IMAX Enhanced certified.
Gaming features on the U8N series include two HDMI 2.1 ports with support for up to a 144Hz refresh rate, VRR including FreeSync Premium Pro, and 4K Dolby Vision gaming. The Google TV smart TV platform is used for US models and Hisense’s own VIDAA platform in the UK and Australia. AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are onboard for wireless streaming, and Google voice assistant is supported, with the option to use either the remote control’s built-in mic or the TV’s internal mic for hands-free control.
Features Score: 4.5/5
Google TV's screensaver options include a wide range of colorful abstract and nature images. (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U8N review: Picture quality
High brightness
Powerful local dimming
Just-average motion handling
I've mentioned it a few times already, but this TV is astonishingly bright. Measured in Filmmaker mode at the default picture settings, the 65-inch U8N essentially matched the peak brightness numbers (in Movie mode) of the TCL QM851G, which had earned a designation as the brightest TV TechRadar had yet tested at the time of our review. An HDR white window pattern covering 10% of the screen yielded 2,851 nits, and a full-screen pattern measured 805 nits. The U8N also had outstanding brightness in Standard mode with both HDR and standard dynamic range sources, measuring 2,920 and 2,770 nits, respectively, on a 10% pattern.
The U8N also had strong measured results for color, hitting 96.3% of UHDA-P3 (the color space used for mastering 4K Blu-rays and digital cinema and streaming releases) and 81.9% of BT.2020. Color accuracy in Filmmaker mode was below the margin of error threshold we use for a benchmark (ie, if it were any more accurate, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway), though grayscale accuracy came in slightly above that point – a situation helped by changing the Gamma preset in the TV’s picture Brightness settings sub-menu to 2.2, bringing it to a high-enough level of accuracy.
What did all of the above equate to when watching TV with the Hisense U8N? Pictures were wonderfully bright and punchy, with impressive detail and depth. Watching a broadcast of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the powerful effect of overhead lights beaming on the athletes brought the games to life, while colors in the uniforms looked rich and robust. Mind you, this was a regular high-definition broadcast, though it was carried with Dolby Vision HDR in the US on ATSC 3.0 broadcast TV channels.
(Image credit: Future)
I generally found the Hisense U8N to be a great TV for viewing sports, with its high brightness complemented by a low-reflection screen that made quick work of any would-be glare induced by my room’s overhead lights. The one weak point was the U8N’s off-axis uniformity – when viewed from a far off-center seat, both color and contrast noticeably faded.
The U8N’s powerful local dimming delivered deep blacks and refined shadows in shows such as House of the Dragon on Max. When I watched the season 2 finale, scenes that take place in dark chambers revealed plenty of detail in the backgrounds and the characters’ clothing. Candles illuminating these spaces popped out briskly against the dark backgrounds, giving pictures a strong sense of dimensionality.
Checking out a few segments from the demo reel section of the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc that I use to evaluate local dimming, there were virtually no backlight blooming artifacts to be seen in high-contrast images. A starfield test sequence indicated that the TV’s local dimming was a bit too aggressive at its High setting (the default in Filmmaker Mode), however, obscuring bright pinpoints of light that were otherwise visible with the local dimming set to Low or Off.
Motion handling on the U8N is one of its weaker points. When I watched a scene from No Time to Die where James Bond walks across a craggy hillside cemetery, the texture of the landscape and the monuments lining it both lost detail and took on a “smeared” quality as the camera panned horizontally. Setting the Blur and Judder adjustments in the Custom Motion Enhancement sub-menu to a low setting (I settled on 3 for both) fixed this, however, and didn’t introduce any noticeable soap opera effect.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
That's a subwoofer on the U8N's back panel, in case you need it spelled out for you. (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U8N review: Sound quality
2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker system
Extensive sound adjustments
Very good sound quality
The Hisense U8N’s 2.1.2-channel built-in speaker system supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive sound formats. A subwoofer on the TV’s back panel (a slightly protruding, vented section that’s actually labeled “subwoofer”) adds a good dose of bass to soundtracks and there are upfiring speakers for height effects.
Hisense provides plenty of settings to tweak audio quality in the TV Sound Effect menu. There are seven sound mode presets, including Theater (the one I mainly used) and Intelligent Sound. An Advanced Settings sub-menu offers Auto Acoustic Tuning, a process that uses the mic built into the remote control to adapt the sound to the space the TV is set up in, along with Equalizer, left-right Balance, and subwoofer level settings.
I was very impressed with the U8N’s sound quality. Dialogue was clear and full, and the built-in subwoofer made bass effects sound surprisingly weighty. The sound level was plenty loud in my space even with the volume at a relatively low setting. When I watched a chase scene through a village in No Time to Die, directional effects such as the trajectory of the cars and motorcycle came across vividly, extending well beyond the screen, and Atmos effects such as the clanging of a church bell had an impressive sense of height as well. Although we usually recommend adding one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars to a TV, I think plenty of people will be happy with the U8N’s built-in speakers.
Sound quality score: 4.5/5
The U8N's adjustable-height aluminum pedestal stand. (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U8N review: Design
Basic, pleasing design
Four HDMI ports (2x HDMI 2.1)
Backlit remote control
The HIsense U8N has a basic, but pleasing design. Metal is used for the TV’s frame and pedestal stand and the screen is surrounded by a 0.25-inch thin bezel.
Connections on the TV’s side panel include food HDMI ports (2x HDMI 2.1) and an optical digital audio output, headphone jack, and a 3.5mm analog composite video/stereo audio input. There are also two powered USB type-A ports, along with Ethernet and serial data connections.
The Hisense U8N comes with a better-than-average remote control. Although comprised of plastic, it has a faux-brushed aluminum surface and sits well in the hand. The keypad is backlit, and there are direct access buttons for the Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, YouTube, and Tubi streaming apps.
Design score: 4/5
The U8N's Google TV interface. (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U8N review: Smart TV and menus
Google TV with hands-free voice assistant
AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in support
Extensive picture and audio settings
The U8N series uses the Google TV smart TV platform in the US, and Hisense’s own VIDAA platform in the UK and Australia. Google TV on the model I tested was similar to my experience with other TVs that use the same platform, including models from Sony and TCL. Google TV has a fairly simple main screen layout, with a large top window and a central row displaying suggested content, with some suggestions drawn from your viewing and Google web browsing history. A bottom row lists apps you’ve subscribed to, and you can edit the order of apps or remove them from the row altogether.
Tabs at the top of the screen let you switch between the main Google TV interface and Live, Apps, and Library screens, with the latter showing movies and shows you’ve purchased or rented from Google TV. The Live TV program grid can be sorted by a range of channel categories (Google TV, Popular, Movies, News & Opinion, Kids, and more) and also lets you view only broadcast TV programs pulled in by the built-in tuner. A separate broadcast TV guide provides a more detailed view of broadcast listings and it provides extended data for ATSC 3.0 channels (US models only). Using this, I was able to determine that the Summer Olympics in Paris was being broadcast in HDR with Dolby Atmos audio, both of which are features of the next-gen ATSC 3.0 broadcast format.
As with other Google TVs, picture settings are easily accessed by pressing the gear icon on the remote control and then selecting the picture menu. Another, more convenient, option on the Hisense U8N is to press the Menu button on the remote, which calls up a scrolling horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen that provides quick access to preset picture and sound modes. The bar layout can also be customized, letting you add settings like brightness, local dimming, and more for easy access.
Smart TV & menus score: 4/5
The U8N's Game Menu lets you make quick gaming-related picture adjustments. (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U8N review: Gaming
2x HDMI ports with 4K 120Hz, VRR up to 144Hz support
Game Bar menu
13.1ms measured input lag
The Hisense U8N features two HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K 120Hz, VRR up to 144Hz (including FreeSync Premium Pro), ALLM, and Dolby Vision 4K gaming. A Game Bar menu can be accessed when the TV is in PC/Game mode, giving you quick access to gaming-related adjustments.
Input lag measured with a Bodnar 4K input lag meter was 13.1ms. That’s a slight improvement on last year’s Hisense U8K, and while higher than some of the best gaming TVs, it’s below the 15ms threshold that serious gamers look for.
Gaming score: 4/5
Google TV's Live TV guide incorporates free streaming and broadcast TV channels. (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U8N review: Value
Great value
Price drops since launch
Less pricey than traditional premium TV options
The 65-inch version of the Hisense U8N that I tested lists for $1,499.99 / £1,799 / AU$2,699.99 and is currently selling for $1,299 in the US. That’s an excellent deal for a TV with great overall picture quality plus high-level gaming features.
Looking over the competition, the TCL QM851G, another 2024 mini-LED model, hits even higher brightness peaks than the U8N, and also features an anti-reflection screen for daytime viewing. The QM851G pretty much matches the Hisense when it comes to gaming features, though it has more powerful 2.1.2-channel built-in speakers.
And then there’s the Samsung factor. The Samsung QN85D, the company’s least expensive mini-LED model, currently sells for $1,599 at 65 inches. It has lower peak brightness than the Hisense, a noticeable degree of backlight blooming, and similar limitations when it comes to off-axis viewing. Where the QN85D shows advantages over the U8N is its more sophisticated Tizen smart TV platform and comprehensive set of gaming features, including four HDMI 2.1 ports and a Gaming Hub that provides convenient access to cloud-based gaming apps from Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, and others.
Another TV that competes with the Hisense U8N is the Samsung QN90C (currently $1,399 for the 65-incher). Although it’s a 2023 model, the QN90C is still rated as our best TV for sport in that guide, has higher brightness than the Samsung QN85D (though it’s not as bright as the Hisense), better off-axis viewing uniformity, and the same suite of gaming features. At just $100 more than the Hisense U8N, it’s a tempting choice for sports fans and gamers while stocks last.
But that just emphasizes what fantastic value the Hisense is – even Samsung's previous model still isn't being sold as cheaply as the U8N, let alone any of the Hisense's 2024 competition. You can't get more TV for your money than this right now.
Value score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Hisense U8N?
Buy it if…
Don't buy it if…
Also consider...
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested the Hisense U8N
Tested over two weeks
Measurements made using Calman color calibration software
Movie picture mode used for subjective tests
When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or weeks of casual viewing to assess out-of-box picture presets and familiarize myself with its smart TV menu and picture adjustments. I then select the most accurate preset (typically Filmmaker Mode, which was the case with the Hisense U8N) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.
Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources.
For the Hisense, I used the Calman ISF workflow to assess its picture accuracy, which was good in the default Movie mode, though it required some calibration to achieve a more perfect result.. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with 4K HDR shows and movies streamed from Max, Netflix, and Hulu.
The BenQ W5800 provides a strong reminder that there’s nothing quite as dazzling as a home theater, especially one with a specialized projector, a screen that covers a full wall, cozy chairs, and a top-notch speaker setup. At $5,999 (£4,599, AU$8999), the W5800 is aimed at hardcore cinephiles who demand very few compromises on visuals and do not need on-board speakers or built-in smart TV platforms. To that end, the W5800 is a display and nothing else.
Make no mistake – the BenQ W5800 is a fantastic display. It provides hardware adjustments for image placement and sizing to make it easy to get a perfect image wherever the projector is set up. And as you'd expect from the best 4K projectors, it has a dazzling, color-rich picture that looks great with a broad variety of content. Many cheaper projectors offer automatic image adjustment, but they almost invariably do so by simply cropping or distorting the image digitally – compromises the BenQ W5800’s manual hardware adjustments avoid.
Still, the BenQ W5800 suffers from the diminishing returns of many a premium product. You can get brighter projectors for the price, but you might miss out on some of the professional setup flexibility found here. For example, an ultra short throw projectors like the Epson EpiQVision Ultra LS800 easily beat it when it comes to brightness, but they can be fussier to set up for a geometrically perfect image.
If you already have a big home theater that’s aching for a projector upgrade, the BenQ W5800 will be a fantastic option. But for most people, other, cheaper solutions should suffice.
BenQ W5800 projector review: price and release date
Release date: May 2024
MSRP: $5,999 (£4,599 / AU$8999)
The BenQ W5800 was launched in May 2024 at a starting price of $5,999 (£4,599 / AU$8999). Given the W5800’s premium status and relative newness, it’s unlikely to see major price changes anytime soon.
BenQ's W5800 supports the HDR10+ high dynamic range format (Image credit: Future)
BenQ W5800 projector review: Specs
Input connections include two HDMI ports (one with eARC) (Image credit: Future)
BenQ W5800 projector review: design and features
Sizable, with a stylish design
Lacks built-in sound and streaming
Motorized zoom, focus and offset
The BenQ W5800 immediately lets you know it means business. It’s a large, regal projector, nearly every bit as large as the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000, with a symmetrical design and a massive lens sitting at the center. This is flanked by loads of air intakes and ventilation slots that occupy much of the surface area. The benefit here is that the projector’s cooling fans are low-pitched and practically inaudible from even just a couple of feet away.
Around back, the projector features a small handful of ports. For many, the two HDMI ports, one of which supports eARC, and the S/PDIF audio output will be doing most of the work. Two USB-A ports can power streaming devices, and there are LAN and RS-232 ports for more specialized setups. The projector’s 3D Sync Out port may come in handy, too, as it supports a variety of 3D formats.
For many, the W5800’s HDR support will be most crucial. You get the basic HDR10 and HLG, but BenQ also steps up with HDR10+ support. Dolby Vision isn’t supported, unfortunately.
The projector has some handy hardware for setup, with motorized control over zoom, focus, and horizontal and vertical offset. This allows you to shift the projection to perfectly fit your space, which is incredibly convenient. Keystone adjustments are digital, but they are thankfully less necessary because of the adjustable offset. All adjustments can be made with the included remote, which has a backlit keypad and convenient shortcuts to many settings in the projector’s menus. Several controls are also available directly on the projector.
Even with its conveniences, the BenQ W5800 lacks many that other popular projectors offer. There’s no smart TV operating system, so you’ll have to source media from a separate device, and there are no built-in speakers. The W5800 is not the complete solution that something like the BenQ X3100i is, and that can make it a tricky proposition for many more casual users.
Design and features score: 3.5/5
With 100% DCI-P3 coverage, images on the W5800 have rich, detailed color (Image credit: Future)
The BenQ W5800 is an excellent projector for home theater. It shines big and bright and readily adapts to a great many installation situations. It provides impressive color, though the occasional rainbow effect – a common artifact of the projector’s DLP imaging tech – can mar the viewing experience for those sensitive to it.
At the heart of the BenQ W5800 is a laser light source shining through a 0.47-inch DLP micromirror array, and this is responsible for the sharp, 4K visuals and 2600 ANSI lumens brightness. BenQ rates the projector for a full 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, and I’ve seen little lack of color to make me doubt the rating. Animated programs like X-Men ‘97 benefit greatly from the wide color gamut, appearing thoroughly vibrant, but the same applies to just about any content.
Between its color and sharp 4K picture, the BenQ W5800 has a lot to work with, and it’s bright enough to look good in well-lit rooms and excel in dark ones. Shadows sink to a satisfyingly deep level, and they can maintain that depth alongside bright visuals elsewhere on the screen.
Thanks to the W5800’s hardware controls, it is exceedingly easy to get an image squared up perfectly onscreen with sharp detail from edge to edge. A long-throw projector like the W5800 is less sensitive to small surface imperfections and misalignment than short-throw and ultra-short-throw projectors. I noted a similar level of flexibility with the Epson LS12000, which is a long-throw projector the BenW W5800 competes with.
The BenQ W5800’s full DCI-P3 color space coverage gives it one critical edge over the Epson LS12000, which is rated only for 100% sRGB coverage. Of course, this still leaves room for improvement next to triple-laser projectors like the Hisense PX2-Pro, which is rated for 100% coverage of the even wider BT.2020 color space.
Nevertheless, the BenQ W5800 is a brilliant performer. It handles fast-motion content with aplomb and presents a colorful image that looks plenty vibrant. There are a few ways it could be even better, but it is nonetheless excellent.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
The BenQ W5800's fully backlit remote control features shortcut buttons for key picture adjustments (Image credit: Future)
BenQ W5800 projector review: value
Expensive for a projector that does one thing
Performance and installation features help justify price
At $5,999 (£4,599 / AU$8999), the BenQ W5800 is expensive for a consumer-grade projector, though it’s less than half the price of the JVC DLA-NZ800, the premium pick in our best 4K projectors guide. Even so, that’s a lot of money to ask for a projector that only provides a display and nothing else.
The W5800 makes sense for the right audience. Its visuals are brilliant, and its flexible installation features provide a great picture with minimal fuss. Also, with many projectors that do feature built-in speakers and streaming platforms, those features often are just enough to make do, but not equal to their picture.
BenQ’s W5800 sits alongside the exceptional Epson LS12000, which is $1,000 cheaper while offering similar brightness and capabilities, including a 120Hz refresh rate option. If a long-throw projector isn’t a must, the Hisense PX2-Pro ultra short throw model is also a stunning system with admirable speakers and even more brilliant color at half the price. And if you aren’t too picky, you might find something like the $2,399 (around £1,900 / AU$3,690) BenQ X3100i to be more than good enough.
Value score: 3/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the BenQ W5800 projector?
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
BenQ X3100i The BenQ X3100i is a gaming projector that also does an excellent job displaying movies. It lacks the long-throw capability of the W5800 and isn't as adept with handling HDR, but it's a significantly less expensive and more flexible projector option.
Hisense PX2-Pro The Hisense PX2-Pro is an ultra short throw projector designed to beam a big image from close up to a wall as opposed to from the longer distance the W5800 is capable of. It's less expensive and nearly as bright, and features both built-in speakers and the Android TV platform for streaming.
Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
Presented with a variety of media and formats
I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade
I tested the BenQ W5800 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows and in-room lighting as well as darkened conditions. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with both HDR and non-HDR streamed content.
My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models that I and my colleagues at TechRadar have tested.
I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.
The Hisense U6N is an affordable mini-LED TV, and though its budget price means there are limitations, there is still plenty to like here thanks to its solid overall picture quality and gaming performance.
Picture quality is generally good across the board for the Hisense U6N, with its detail and vibrant, punchy colors being the strongest highlights. Black levels and contrast are solid, although blacks can sometimes look more of a gray-ish tone. Motion is one area where the U6N struggles, requiring some settings adjustment to accurately display action movies and sports. (Viewers may generally find they need to tweak picture settings to get satisfactory performance from the U6N.)
Sound quality is one of the U6N’s low points. Its limited speaker array delivers clear dialogue and a generally meaty bass, but its soundstage is limited, feeling contained to the screen itself. Some may find the built-in sound fine, but I’d recommend adding one of the best soundbars to this TV.
Although the U6N lacks 4K 120Hz support, a key feature of the best gaming TVs, gaming on the Hisense is still an enjoyable experience overall. Dolby Vision gaming, VRR and ALLM are on offer and there’s a Game Bar menu for those looking to quickly adjust settings.
The U6N uses the VIDAA smart TV platform in the UK and Australia and Google TV in the US. VIDAA is easy enough to navigate, although the home menu can be cluttered with too many recommendations (some unnecessary) and this can affect performance. Menus, however, are well organised and there are a good number of picture settings. US readers can check out our recent TCL QM851G review for an idea of how Google TV works.
Value is a highlight for the U6N – although this is less so in the UK. Mini-LED TVs come at a premium, but with the U6N you can get a 65-inch set for as low as $599, a price that rivals budget options such as the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED. It’s bested by the Hisense U7N, one of the best TVs of 2024, in terms of value, but the U6N stands out as a cheap option in a crowded and competitive mini-LED TV market.
The Hisense U6N has better-than-expected detail (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Prices & release date
Release date: 2023
50-inch Hisense U6N: N/A/ £899 / N/A
55-inch Hisense U6N: $599 / £999 / AU$995
65-inch Hisense U6N: $799 / £1,299 / AU$1,295
75-inch Hisense U6N: $1,199 / £1,699 / AU$1,495
85-inch Hisense U6N: $1,799 / N/A / AU$2,995
Serving as the entry-level model in Hisense’s ‘ULED’ range, which uses mini-LED backlight tech, the U6N sits below the Hisense U7N and Hisense U8N. It’s available in a wide range of sizes from 50 to 85 inches, but some model availability depends on region. The smaller 50-inch model is available in the UK only, but the UK misses out on the larger 85-inch model, available in both the US and Australia.
Already competitively priced in a crowded mini-LED TV market, particularly in the US, the U6N’s price has dropped since its release, with the 65-inch model I tested available for as low as $599. There have even been discount codes in the UK, where prices for Hisense TVs usually take longer to reduce.
Hisense U6N review: Benchmark results
Contrast fades on the Hisense U6N when viewed from an angle (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Features
QLED panel with mini-LED backlight
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
VIDAA / Google TV Smart TV platform
The U6N uses a QLED panel and a mini-LED backlight with full-array local dimming to provide improved contrast over standard LED TVs. It has complete HDR support, with the ability to display both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats.
For gaming, the U6N’s features are limited compared to its more premium U7N and U8N counterparts, with no HDMI 2.1 ports included, though the U6N still features VRR and ALLM support and a Game Bar menu for settings adjustments. Support for 120Hz is available at 1080p resolution (without VRR) but those looking for 4K 120Hz will miss out.
The U6N has a 2 x 10W built-in speaker array with Dolby Atmos and DTS: Virtual X support. There are preset sound modes for different categories – Movie, Standard, Sport and more – plus an Enhanced ACR mode that creates a sound profile based on content.
Hisense’s smart TV platform varies depending on your region – in the US it’s Google TV, and in the UK and Australia it’s Hisense’s own VIDAA platform (the 65-inch U6N I tested used VIDAA). You'll have access to major apps such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video regardless, but in the UK, VIDAA hosts Freely, a live TV streaming platform that requires no satellite or antenna for live viewing. It’s backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five and plays host to their catch-up services – BBC iPlayer, ITVX and more. In the US, the U6N features an ATSC 1.0 digital TV tuner, a step-down compared to the U7N’s next-gen ATSC 3.0 tuner.
The U6N’s design is pretty basic overall, favoring simplicity. It has solid build quality and uses two support feet as opposed to the pedestal stand used for the U7N. It also has a mixed metal and plastic frame compared to the U7N’s metallic frame. The included remote is a cheaper-feeling, button-heavy design, whereas the U7N has a smaller, rechargeable remote.
Features score: 4 / 5
The Hisense U6N has good contrast and strong overall picture quality when viewed front-on (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Picture quality
Refined detail
HDR sources look great
Inconsistent motion handling
As the U6N is an entry-level mini-LED model, I didn’t expect high levels of brightness overall but was still surprised by the results it yielded, which were low for a mini-LED TV. Measuring peak HDR brightness on a 10% window, it gave a result of 651 and 612 nits in Filmmaker and Standard picture modes respectively. That puts it around the level of the LG B3, LG’s 2023 entry-level OLED TV. It’s also significantly dimmer than its more premium sibling, the Hisense U7N, which yielded results of 1074 and 809 nits in Filmmaker and Standard picture mode respectively.
Full-screen brightness results were much better. The U6N yielded HDR brightness results of 580 and 572 on a 100% window, making it a good budget choice for daytime viewing. During testing, the U6N did suffer from mirror-like screen reflections from our testing room’s overhead lighting, but very few TVs have successfully nullified these – the Samsung S95D being the best example.
Starting with lower-resolution sources, the U6N’s upscaling struggled to improve the fuzzy textures and dull colors of standard-definition broadcast TV compared with more premium sets. However, it did a good job with HD broadcast TV, maintaining clear textures across its 65-inch screen.
I next moved on to 4K and HDR sources. Starting with the demo footage section of the Spears & Munsil UHD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray, the U6N demonstrated good detail. Textures gave animals and nature shots good depth, and although they didn’t rival that of a premium mini-LED TV such as the Sony X95L, they were better than anticipated. Colors were also bright and punchy, as shown by images of butterflies and exotic birds.
Contrast overall was good l and although some backlight blooming was present, black levels were deep enough for an entry-level mini-LED – even during night sequences with dark skies, and in studio shots with black backgrounds.
Switching to reference movie scenes I use for testing, the U6N performed solidly when displaying The Batman’s gritty, dim tones. Since The Batman is a Dolby Vision disc, there were several Dolby Vision picture modes to choose from, and I switched between Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Vision Dark.
Black levels weren’t naturally as good as you’d find on the best OLED TVs, but they were decent overall, only taking on a slightly gray hue when in Filmmaker Mode. Contrast was surprisingly good, with the U6N demonstrating a solid balance between light and dark tones in The Batman’s opening crime scene.
Another pleasant surprise was the U6N’s ability to show details in these dark scenes, such as in Batman’s armor and Jim Gordon’s clothing. I found Dolby Vision Dark to have a more accurate picture here, but for those looking for a brightness boost, Dolby Vision IQ will do the job.
The Hisense U6N's colors are punchy and vivid (Image credit: Future)
Moving onto Ready Player One, the U6N demonstrated dynamic colors throughout, handling the shimmering blues of the OASIS and Parzival well and giving the fireworks and gold coins during the opening race a glistening punch. Watching a stream of Star Wars: The Last Jedi on Disney Plus, the throne room fight scene showcased the U6N’s control of bright colors, with the vibrant reds within the scene maintaining a natural look while still appearing vivid.
Motion handling is where things get complicated for the U6N. As it's a 60Hz panel, it benefits from motion settings including blur and judder reduction, but I found that these had to be experimented with heavily. I generally found placing both blur and judder at the lower-end to mid-way settings to be best. Watching the Batmobile chase from The Batman, the U6N initially struggled on long, panning shots and swerving vehicles, but the above settings helped with this.
The same motion settings were very much necessary when watching a stream of a soccer game on Prime Video. Of the motion presets, I generally found Smooth to be the best for handling the quick motion of the camera trying to keep up with the ball, while Film or Standard were the best for movies. There is an AI Sports mode to aid with clarity, but while it helped with motion, it oversaturated the greens of the field and bright colors of the uniforms. The Standard picture setting with the above motion clarity settings seemed to suit sports viewing the best.
Like other mini-LED TVs, the U6N is subject to backlight blooming. Viewed off-angle, this became more noticeable, and contrast and black levels also faded when viewed from off-center seats.
While the U6N doesn’t wow in any area, it has a good overall picture for a budget TV.
Picture quality score: 4/5
The Hisense U6N has a modest 2.0 speaker array (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Sound quality
Good dialogue clarity
Average directional sound
Limited soundstage
With a 2 x 10W speaker array, the U6N isn’t going to sit amongst the best TVs for sound. Dolby Atmos and DTS: Virtual X processing is a welcome feature here, but the U6N’s speakers limit the impact of both.
Of available sound presets, I generally found Theater to be the most consistent across all sources and suited movies best. Viewing both the Batmobile chase in The Batman and the opening race in Ready Player One, the U6N demonstrated solid, punchy bass and good dialogue clarity even throughout these intense sequences.
Unfortunately, the U6N’s speakers struggled in other areas. There was a decent sense of directional sound, but Atmos effects like the pounding rain in The Batman were inaudible. The soundstage was also very limited, with sound never extending beyond the confines of the screen. I’d strongly recommend using a soundbar with the U6N.
Sound quality: 3 / 5
The 65-inch Hisense U6N's uses support feet (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Design
Solid build quality
Mix of plastic and metal materials
Basic, safe design
The U6N’s design is safe – in both good and bad ways. Its build quality is solid enough and the mix of plastic and metal materials on the rear means it feels slightly more premium. However, there is no denying that the plastic elements of the screen are on the cheaper side.
Hisense uses support feet for the U6N as opposed to the pedestal stand found on the step-up U7N. These are sturdy enough when placed on furniture, although once again the feet feel a little on the cheap side.
The U6N has a trim enough bezel and frame, but is undoubtedly thicker than other sets in its price range. I’d have expected a slimmer design given its modest speaker array. Finally, the U6N’s supplied remote is basic and feels on the cheap side compared to the slim, streamlined remote supplied with the U7N.
Design score: 3.5 / 5
The Hisense U6N uses VIDAA (pictured) as its smart TV platform in the UK and Australia, but Google TV in the US (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Smart TV & menus
Google TV (US), VIDAA (UK & Australia)
Numerous picture settings
Basic and sometimes cluttered layout
The U6N comes with Google TV in the US and VIDAA in the UK and Australia. As I’m based in the UK, I will be focusing on the VIDAA smart TV platform, but if you're based in the US and want an idea of how Google TV works, check out our recent TCL QM851G review (although some settings and options will differ).
VIDAA has access to all major apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus, as well as Freely, a relatively new service that enables live TV streaming without the need for a physical antenna or satellite connection for both HD and SD channels. It also hosts the UK-based streaming apps BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and Five and even bases recommendations on viewing history.
The VIDAA home menu looks cluttered, with a large banner ad at the top of the screen and a long list of recommendations underneath that can affect scrolling speed and navigation, giving it a clunky feel. It is packed with settings for tweaking the TV's picture, however, and the menus are well laid out and user-friendly, with settings neatly organized.
Smart TV & Menus score: 3.5 / 5
Although it has only a 60Hz refresh rate, gaming on the U6N is still an enjoyable experience, and VRR is supported (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Gaming
Dolby Vision Gaming, VRR, and ALLM
No HDMI 2.1 ports
13.2ms input lag
The U6N has limited gaming features compared to more premium sets. There are no HDMI 2.1 features (except for eARC) such as 4K 120Hz support, though it does support Dolby Vision gaming, VRR and ALLM. There is an option to play at 120Hz with a lower resolution, although VRR is unavailable with this setting. It also features a Game Bar menu where settings such as Dark Detail and FPS Viewing can be adjusted.
Despite having fewer features, gaming on the U6N is still a fun experience. Playing Battlefield V, intense combat sequences felt smooth. From scanning the environment to sprinting to avoid incoming enemy fire, everything was seamless and felt suitably fast-paced despite being locked at 4K 60Hz.
The U6N also delivered strong picture quality while gaming, with the desert sections in Battlefield looking sufficiently bright. The U6N’s picture in darker sections demonstrated solid black levels overall, but a gray wash sometimes appeared. Textures and details were also refined, although they looked a little softer than on the Hisense U7N and Samsung QN85D.
The U6N’s input lag was average compared to other TVs in this range, yielding a result of 13.2ms. However, this is still below the 15ms threshold that most gamers look for.
Gaming score: 4/5
The Hisense U6N's supplied remote feels on the cheap side (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Value
Brilliant value in the US and Australia
Competitive mini-LED market
Significantly cheaper than some rivals
The U6N’s value is affected by region. In the US, the 65-inch model I tested has fallen as low as $599 and the 55-inch model has dropped to a staggeringly low $449. That’s very affordable for a mini-LED TV and even cheaper than some regular LED sets. It may not come with all the gaming features we look for, but you’re unlikely to find those elsewhere at this price.
In the UK, the U6N doesn’t demonstrate the same value. For example, the 65-inch model is priced at £1,299, which puts it only slightly below the Samsung Q80D, a TV that delivers impressive QLED performance and a wider range of gaming features.
It’s worth remembering that the step-up Hisense U7N is also excellent value, offering more local dimming zones, better contrast, and superior gaming features for $200 more in the 65-inch size ($799).
Still, the U6N mini-LED TV delivers good performance at a price you'd usually expect to pay for a standard LED model.
Value score: 4/5
Should I buy the Hisense U6N?
Buy it if
You want mini-LED for cheap Good mini-LED pictures are on offer here for the same as you'd expect to pay for a basic LED TV.
You want a good picture for less Crisp textures, rich detail and punchy colors are just some of the U6N's picture quality highlights.
You want a good budget gaming TV VRR and ALLM are on offer here, as well as decent performance and a solid picture, all at a budget price.
Don't buy it if
You're looking for good built-in sound The U6N's speakers sound thin, with a limited soundstage and lacking bass. A soundbar is recommended for this TV.
You need a complete gaming TV With no HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming, 4K 120Hz isn't an option here, though you'll find it on the step-up Hisense U7N.
You'll be watching off-center The U6N's picture falters when viewed from an angle, losing contrast and displaying obvious backlight blooming.
How I tested the Hisense U6N
Hisense U7N The U7N is the step-up model from the U6N and offers better picture quality, more gaming features and is overall better value for money. If you can stretch your budget that little bit further, it's worth opting for the U7N over the U6N. Check out our Hisense U7N review to see what the step-up gets you.
Samsung QN85D The Samsung QN85D delivers more than the U6N in every area – picture, sound, design, gaming – but comes at a significantly higher price. Opt for this if you're a Samsung fan and can spend the extra money. Check out our full Samsung QN85D review for more info.
Samsung QN90D The Samsung QN90D is a more premium option than the U6N, U7N and QN85D and from what we've seen so far is set to have the strongest picture of the group, while also offering a full list of gaming features. But the QN90D's high price tag is hard to justify against more budget options, so this really comes down to how much more you're willing to spend for a better picture.
I started the testing process of the U6N with some casual viewing to determine the most accurate picture mode, in this case, Filmmaker, which would be used during both subjective testing and objective testing for measurements.
Starting with subjective testing, I viewed standard-definition broadcast TV and DVDs, and 4K HDR ones, such as Blu-ray and streaming, to test picture quality, judging based on contrast, color, black levels, shadow detail, motion processing and more.
I played reference scenes from 4K Blu-rays (using the Panasonic DP-UB820, the best 4K Blu-ray player available) I am familiar with to determine how accurately the U6N displayed them.
After subjective testing, I moved on to objective testing, taking measurements using specialized equipment – a test pattern generator and colorimeter – and recorded the results using Portrait Displays' Calman calibration software.
I also used an Xbox Series X to test the U6N's gaming performance and a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI input lag tester to test its input lag.
The Ultimea Poseidon D50 is another super-cheap sound solution from a company that's really nailing this area. For just $119.99 / £149.99 (about AU$180), you get a soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers – which isn’t bad at all. Not only that, but the quality on offer is pretty solid, making the Poseidon D50 a viable budget option for those interested in adding surround sound to their living space.
This sound system will supply considerably bolder audio than you’d expect to get from your TV alone. With a total power output of 400W, your favorite movies, TV shows and games will fill the width of your room pretty effectively. Surround sound was accessible swiftly, too, thanks to the Poseidon D50’s straightforward setup process. I simply connected the soundbar – which is wirelessly pre-paired to the included subwoofer – to my TV via HDMI, and then connected the subwoofer to the rear speakers via stereo RCA to RCA cables.
This means you don't need a cable running from the soundbar across to the rear speakers – but you'll need to position the subwoofer somewhere convenient near the rear speakers. Of course, this wired connection isn’t going to be the easiest on the eye, nor the most practical, but it’s what you’d expect from a sound system with such a small price tag.
I’ll be upfront: you’re not getting astonishing quality with this product. There’s HDMI ARC, but not eARC (which can transmit lossless audio), no groundbreaking feature set, and no Dolby Atmos or DTS:X to create truly three-dimensional sound. So if you’re looking for next-level spatial audio or superb quality sound, you may be better off checking out some of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars and speakers instead.
(Image credit: Future)
With that said, the sound you do get is definitely adequate. When watching Top Gun Maverick on Netflix, I was impressed at the three-dimensional sound of soaring aircraft, especially in the absence of Atmos or similar tech. Sure, audio wasn’t the most dynamic or expansive, but for the price you pay, the surround sound certainly surpassed expectations.
I also put the Poseidon D50 to the test with live sport, and found it offered an imperfect, yet relatively enjoyable performance. Similar to when I reviewed the Ultimea Nova S50, I didn’t get particularly clear-cut commentary over the clamor of the crowd, but whistles from the rear speakers and beating drums from the subwoofer helped to immerse me in the viewing experience.
At those times when speech wasn’t competing with similarly pitched background noise, it usually sounded pretty clear, which is ideal for watching the news or listening to podcasts. However, I did feel that higher-pitched voices sometimes sounded a bit tinny, especially when I sat closer to the soundbar, which means speech isn’t always very natural-sounding.
Nevertheless, there are times when vocals are pretty faithful. For instance, when playing Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance on PlayStation 5, one deep-voiced character gave a monologue in a wide-open indoor space, and the Poseidon D50’s surround sound helped to emulate the setting effectively, with his bellowing tone carrying without too much distortion.
(Image credit: Future)
I also connected my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 to the Poseidon D50 over Bluetooth, and tried listening to some music via Spotify. I wasn’t particularly shocked to find that songs didn’t sound amazing played through this soundbar; it's not tuned that way. When listening to St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins, the saxophone’s high notes didn’t sound the sweetest, and percussion was harsh-sounding at times, especially at higher volumes. Such harshness was more apparent when I sat close to the rear speakers and, sometimes, to the soundbar itself. If you have an especially limited space, this could get a little grating.
The balance of sound in movies is pretty good. At times, I felt that the rear speakers were just a bit too quiet, but, thankfully, the Poseidon D50 has a feature that lets you adjust the weighting between the surround speakers and the soundbar. This was pretty useful when I found myself thirsting for a bit more volume from those rear speakers, and I often found myself setting the system to “Surround +1”. If you ever find yourself wanting to dull the surround speakers, you can set the Poseidon D50 to “Surround -1”, and you can also turn them off entirely with “Surround -2”.
(Image credit: Future)
There aren’t too many other features to play with here, although the Poseidon D50 does come with Ultimea BassMax technology. This enables you to apply a boost or reduction to low-frequency sounds. I didn’t feel particularly inclined to crank up the bass, mainly because I didn’t want low-frequency levels to become overbearing, but dampening it was effective if I wanted to make vocals sound clearer.
The Poseidon D50 also has three sound modes: Movie, Dialogue and Music. All have distinct enough audio profiles to make them worth using. However, the soundbar actually displays a variable between 1-3 when switching between them, and I wasn’t initially clear on which number represented which setting – a slight inconvenience, although you can keep the user manual at hand if you forget which is which.
If you’re looking for a super-sexy soundbar that’s going to wow your guests, the Poseidon D50 may not be it. Don’t get me wrong – it doesn’t look too bad, but you can tell it’s budget tech. Like I mentioned in my Ultimea Nova S50 review, these are ultra-affordable products, so it’s no surprise that they have a pretty cheap-feeling and plasticky look. The Poseidon D50 comes with a remote (without the required AAA batteries) that serves its purpose well, and you’ll need to use it if you want to flick through the different sound modes, or alter BassMax levels and surround sound settings.
With the Ultimea Poseidon D50, you’re getting a solid overall package. Its sound quality does waver at times; it doesn’t have a stunning design, nor does it arrive with Atmos or DTS:X. Nevertheless, the Poseidon D50 is still worth considering if you’re in the market for a budget 5.1 soundbar – after all, you get adequate surround sound from it, it's a lot more powerful and expansive than the speakers on any budget (or even mid-range) TV, it's easy to set up, and it offers some simple yet effective features.
So if you’re on a tight budget, this is a decent option for cheap surround sound. But if you have a bit more cash to play with, I might suggest picking out an alternative from our guide to the best soundbars instead, such as the highly rated and well-priced Hisense AX5125H.
(Image credit: Future)
Ultimea Poseidon D50 review: Price and release date
$119.99 / £149.99 (about AU$180)
Launched in September 2023
The Ultimea Poseidon D50 initially launched at $219 / £169, but it’s now available for $119.99 / £149.99 (about AU$180) on the official Ultimea website. This is low for a four-box soundbar system, especially with HDMI support.
It's not hard to find single-unit soundbars for this kind of price, but we'd usually be suspicious of anything offering multiple units – Ultimea has proven itself to be capable of quality products for a low cost, though.
Ultimea Poseidon D50 review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Ultimea Poseidon D50?
Buy it if...
You want a super-cheap entry into the world of surround sound Ultimea has a knack of offering soundbars at obscenely low prices, and the Poseidon D50 is no exception. To get a soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers for just over $100 / under £150 is an absolute steal.
You’d like to add more powerful bass to your TV setup One of my favorite things about using the Ultimea Poseidon D50 was the added bass compared to my plain TV audio. If you’re watching a movie with an ambient soundtrack or booming sound effects, this soundbar does a decent job at providing some added power and punch.
Don't buy it if...
You’re an audiophile I never expected high-quality audio from the Ultimea Poseidon D50, especially at its super-low price, so I can’t recommend it if you’re an audiophile. This soundbar doesn’t supply awful sound by any means, but if you’re hoping to find a 5.1 soundbar that delivers a big step up in quality, you’ll likely have to stretch your budget a fair bit further.
You’re looking for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X If you’re seeking out top-drawer spatial audio, this isn’t going to cut it. Ultimea does have some other soundbars with Dolby Atmos, though, including the Nova S50 and Poseidon D60, both of which also have pretty low price tags.
Ultimea Poseidon D50: Also consider
Roku Streambar Okay, this might not be a 5.1 channel soundbar, but if your top priority is to get an upgrade over your TV’s audio for a low price, this is a good option. The biggest boost this soundbar offers over the Ultimea Poseidon D50 is its larger feature set, which includes voice controls, bass boost settings, sound mode options, and even a built-in Roku streaming player. It's compact, making it ideal if you’re limited space-wise, but if you do crave surround sound, then you can purchase a subwoofer and rear speakers separately from Roku and pair everything together. See our full Roku Streambar review.
Ultimea Poseidon D60 We haven’t yet got our hands on the Ultimea Poseidon D60, but it's clearly very similar to the D50, but with some noticeable improvements. For instance, you get HDMI eARC, which means you can access a higher caliber of sound quality. However, the real draw is Dolby Atmos. I wasn't blown away by the Atmos on offer from Ultimea’s Nova S50 model, but you still get relatively decent depth there – so I'm willing to bet it elevates the D60 just beyond the S50. If you have the extra cash, it’s likely that the D60 will outperform the D50.
Ultimea Poseidon D50 review: How I tested
Tested for three weeks
Connected to my Hisense U7K TV at home
Predominantly used the HDMI ARC connectivity option
I tested the Ultimea Poseidon D50 at home over the course of three weeks. I mainly used HDMI ARC when connecting the soundbar and subwoofer to my Hisense U7K TV.
I put the Poseidon D50 to the test watching a variety of TV shows, videos and movies across streaming services, including Netflix and YouTube. I also played multiple video games on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch consoles, and listened to music from the TechRadar testing playlist on Spotify by pairing my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 with the Poseidon D50 via Bluetooth.
The JVC DLA-NZ800 is the latest high-end projector from the brand, combining its existing BLU-Escent laser light source with a redesigned D-ILA 4K chipset that delivers deeper blacks, brighter images, and improved uniformity. As a result, this excellent beamer builds on JVC’s established strengths, maintaining the company’s position as a preeminent maker of the best 4K projectors.
The JVC DLA-NZ800's native 4K images are crisply detailed, while the upgraded 8K/e-shiftX processing makes great content look even better. The overall picture accuracy is superb, the SDR images impressive, and the HDR performance state-of-the-art thanks to JVC's proprietary dynamic tone mapping and Theatre Optimiser features, along with support for HDR10, hybrid log-gamma and HDR10+.
Key improvements for this newly evolved model include an increased claimed brightness of 2,700 lumens and native contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1. The 8K/e-shiftX upscaling is now more sophisticated, and quieter, while the laser power setting offers greater control. The new features include a Deep Black function, a Balanced dynamic laser mode, and a Vivid picture setting.
The NZ800 supports 3D, with pictures that are bright, punchy and free of any crosstalk, and it has two HDMI 2.1 inputs with support for 8K/60p and 4K/120p. There’s an effective remote, intuitive menu system, and flexible installation – although whether stand or ceiling mounting, bear in mind that this beamer is very big and heavy.
The NZ800 is also rather expensive, although the pricing remains unchanged from the previous generation. As with the earlier NZ8 it also has no direct competitor, so if you want exceptional cinematic performance, peerless HDR tone mapping, comprehensive features and a high degree of future-proofing, this remarkable high-end projector is in a literal class of its own.
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: price and release date
MSRP: $15,999 / £15,999 / AU$24,999
Release date: May 2024
The JVC DLA-NZ800 (DLA-RS3200) is the mid-range model in the brand’s 4K laser-powered line-up. It’s available now and retails for £15,999 /$15,999 / AU$24,999. The NZ800 replaces the outgoing DLA-NZ8 (DLA-RS3100) and sits below the flagship DLA-NZ900 (DLA-RS4200), which has also been given an upgrade and replaces the discontinued DLA-NZ9 (DLA-RS4100). The entry point remains the DLA-NZ7 (DLA-RS2100), which is retained from the previous generation.
JVC's proprietary dynamic tone mapping and Theatre Optimiser features bring out the best in 4K movies with HDR (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: Specs
The projector has basic control buttons (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: design and features
Gen3 0.69in 4K D-ILA device
Gen2 8K/e-shiftX
Gen2 Frame Adapt HDR
The JVC DLA-NZ800’s big new feature is the third generation of the brand’s proprietary D-ILA 4K chipset, which has been redesigned to be more efficient. These refinements allow for brighter images, deeper blacks, and improved uniformity. It’s also the reason why the NZ800 has an increased claimed brightness of 2,700 lumens and an improved contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1.
The NZ800 includes JVC’s second generation 8K/e-shiftX device, which physically shifts each pixel by half a pixel in four directions (up, down, left and right), thus allowing the projector to deliver a full 8K (8,192 x 4,320 resolution) image. This updated version of the proprietary feature uses sophisticated 8K upscaling for improved sharpness and detail across a wide range of content.
In addition to the improved black levels offered by the upgraded D-ILA chipset, JVC has added a new Deep Black function that employs a revised algorithm to further enhance the contrast without crushing shadows. In addition, the dynamic laser control adds a new Balanced setting for even punchier pictures without introducing the annoying brightness fluctuations seen on earlier models.
Speaking of brightness, JVC has improved the sliding scale setting on the laser power control, and while it still goes from 1 to 100 it’s now more granular, which means you can gradually boost the brightness without a sudden increase in fan noise, thus making it more useful. JVC has also added a “Vivid” mode for watching SDR sports or gaming in a room with some ambient light.
The NZ800 retains JVC's BLU-Escent laser diode light source with its claimed 20,000-hour lifespan and greater consistency. Other features include motorised focus, zoom and shift controls to simplify installation, plus lens memories for different screen aspect ratios. There’s also a Filmmaker Mode, along with extensive ISF-certified calibration controls.
JVC’s tone mapping is state-of-the-art, with the latest proprietary Gen3 Frame Adapt HDR dynamically analysing HDR10 content on a frame-by-frame basis to optimise the image, while 18-bit gamma processing results in smoother and finer gradations. JVC also includes the Theatre Optimiser which enhances tone mapping by taking into account the size, shape and gain of your projection screen.
In addition to the existing analysis of an incoming HDR signal, the NZ800 now reads the Display Mastering Luminance (DML) metadata. This tells the projector’s tone mapping function the peak brightness of the display on which the content was originally mastered and is useful because the more metadata the tone mapping has to work with, the better the results in terms of the displayed HDR images.
Design and features score: 5/5
Rear-panel ports include two HDMI 2.1 connections (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: picture quality
Detailed and cinematic 4K delivery
Bright and punchy HDR images
Exceptional image processing
The JVC DLA-NZ800 impresses right out of the gate, with the redesigned D-ILA chipset delivering images that are sharp, well defined and free of any uniformity issues. On the review sample I was testing there were also no signs of the dreaded ‘bright corners’ that have been apparent on some JVC projectors in the past, even when staring at a black screen in my dedicated home cinema.
The perceived black levels also appear slightly better when compared to my NZ8, the NZ800’s predecessor, and this was borne out by actual testing, with the NZ800 delivering contrast measurements of up to 100,000:1. The peak brightness approaches the claimed 2,700 lumens, although this was in the Vivid mode, and in the Filmmaker mode or calibrated Natural mode this is closer to around 2,000 lumens.
Out-of-the-box SDR accuracy is excellent with the white point close to the industry standard of D65, an even greyscale, and colours hitting close to their saturation targets for BT.709. This can be improved through calibration, and I was able to get a reference level accuracy, so if you’re spending this kind of money you really should get your NZ800 professionally calibrated.
This accuracy also extends to HDR, and the NZ800 covers 100% of DCI-P3 with its colour filter in place. This filter reduces the brightness by about 20% – so those extra lumens come in handy – but if you’d rather not use the filter (and with HDR10+ you don’t have a choice) then the brightness increases but the gamut coverage drops to around 90% of DCI-P3 instead.
Where JVC projectors are streets ahead of the competition is in terms of HDR tone mapping with the NZ800 not only accurately tracking the PQ curve standard, but also using dynamic tone mapping to get the best out of content based on the available metadata and real-time analysis of the HDR signal. The ability to read the Display Mastering Luminance also helps in this regard.
The new Deep Black feature certainly adds value, teasing a touch more detail out of shadows while keeping the blacks suitably inky. A Balanced dynamic laser setting also helps, creating more depth at the lower end while also boosting the brightness at the other without any ‘pumping’ in the image itself. The NZ800’s superior tone mapping ensures the highlights are also free of clipping.
Processing is also superb, taking lower resolution content and flawlessly upscaling it to the 4K panel, while the 2nd generation 8K/e-shiftX device is a revelation, shifting pixels to create images with the perceived resolution and detail of 8K. While I like the effect of e-shift I don’t use it on my NZ8 because I can hear it in operation, so I was delighted to discover it’s nearly silent on the NZ800. In addition, the 65mm all-glass lens delivers all these pixels with perfect geometry.
The NZ800 can read Display Mastering Luminance (DML) metadata in sources to optimize its tone mapping function (Image credit: Future)
The NZ800 is equally impressive with motion handling, producing smooth pictures that are free of blurring and unwanted artefacts. An ability to handle frame rates up 120p adds to the beamer’s motion prowess, and its 36ms input lag – low for a projector that’s not specifically designed for gaming – and longer-life laser light source make the JVC a great choice for the well-heeled big screen gamer.
JVC’s NZ800 is a cracking performer with SDR content, producing detailed and natural images that enjoy added depth thanks to the awesome contrast ratios. Watching Gravity on Blu-ray revealed a remarkable image, where the whites of the space suits are juxtaposed against the black backgrounds, and every pixel of the computer-generated effects is rendered with precision.
Moving on to HDR, the NZ800 proves to be a stellar performer, delivering all the specular highlights of the sun-bleached desert landscapes of Dune Part Two, pulling out every detail in shadows during the nighttime action of The Crow, and reproducing the rich and saturated colours of La La Land, helping to replicate the Technicolor musicals to which it pays homage.
The projector’s dynamic tone mapping is very adept at optimising the performance of the NZ800, and the resulting HDR is often comparable to high-end video processors that cost more than the projector itself. When able to use the dynamic metadata of HDR10+, the results are equally impressive, and the bright flares in the nighttime scenes of 1917 are precisely rendered against the dark sky.
Finally, the 3D performance is excellent with plenty of depth and pictures that are bright, accurate, and free of any ghosting. You’ll need to purchase the optional RF transmitter and glasses, but if you’re a fan of 3D you’ll be rewarded with wonderfully layered images such as when you’re down in the streets of Iron City in Alita: Battle Angel, or floating inside the ISS in Gravity.
Picture quality score: 5/5
The JVC DLA-NZ800's remote control (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: value
It’s a significant investment
There’s no direct competitor
The JVC DLA-NZ800 represents significant value for money, which might sound like a mad statement to make when you consider its price, but I’ll explain. The range-topper in JVC’s range is the DLA-NZ900, which costs $25,999 / £25,999, but in terms of features and performance, the NZ800 is very similar with the only real difference being the NZ900’s larger 100mm lens.
The NZ800 also doesn’t have a direct competitor, and the closest is the Sony VPL-XW7000ES in the UK (£12,999) or VPL-XW6000ES in the US ($11,999). While the XW7000ES is rated at 3,200 lumens, the XW6000ES only hits 2,500 lumens, and neither has support for 8K, 4K/120p or HDR10+, nor do they have HDMI 2.1 inputs. In addition, the NZ800 has better black levels and superior HDR tone mapping, making it the ideal choice for any discerning film fan.
Value score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the JVC DLA-NZ800 projector?
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
BenQ X3100i The BenQ X3100i is a gaming projector that also does an excellent job displaying movies. It lacks the long throw capability of the JVC and isn't as adept with handling HDR, but it's a significantly less expensive and more flexible projector option.
As with all my TV and projector reviews I use a combination of subjective viewing and objective measurements against the industry standards. For projectors, I also do all my testing in a dedicated home cinema with a completely blacked-out environment and high-quality screen.
The subjective testing is based on watching a variety of familiar scenes, primarily sourced from 4K, 3D and 1080p Blu-rays, plus the Spears & Munsil UHD Benchmark 4K disc. These scenes have been specifically chosen to evaluate a display’s black levels, contrast performance, colour accuracy, upscaling, image processing, motion handling, and HDR tone mapping.
For the objective testing, I measured the NZ800’s brightness, greyscale and colour gamut in SDR, before doing the same in HDR. I also evaluated the accuracy of the HDR tone mapping, along with the colour gamut coverage for DCI-P3 and BT.2020. To do this I used a pattern generator and colour meter combined with Portrait Displays’ Calman calibration software.
I measured the NZ800’s input lag in milliseconds using a Leo Bodnar tester with the low latency mode switch on.
Finally, because I currently use the JVC DLA-NZ8 as my reference projector, I was able to directly compare the NZ800 to its predecessor.
In the US, Saiyin sells a similar product, the DS6345, that comes with a subwoofer. Please note that this is not included with the DS6305, available for purchase in the UK and Australia. This review was conducted in the UK and covers the soundbar only, although specs and dimensions for the subwoofer will be included.
The Saiyin DS6305 is an extremely cheap soundbar that aims to provide a bit more depth for your home viewing experiences. At just £39.99 (about AU$75), you won't find many cheaper alternatives out there, but you will, inevitably, have to make some sacrifices in terms of features and sound quality.
With the Saiyin DS6305, you get decent enough audio without any bells and whistles. There’s no Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or anything like that – so don’t expect spatial, ultra-dynamic sound. The overall quality is actually quite good for the price, with the main draw being the relatively powerful bass output. I was impressed by the added depth it offered compared to the plain old TV audio from my Hisense U7K TV, which, for reference, has a built-in subwoofer to bolster low-end frequencies.
When streaming Dune (2021) via Netflix, the film’s deep, atmospheric score and sound effects were far more impactful with the DS6305 than just my TV. Bass was still not super clean or intricately detailed, but it was delivered with a solid amount of power nonetheless, especially considering the absence of a subwoofer. The movie’s dialogue was sometimes a little lacking in clarity, but totally passable – just don’t expect the kind of quality you’d get from one of the best soundbars.
I then tested how the DS6305 fared with sport by tuning into a UEFA Euro 2024 match. The commentary wasn’t crystal clear amidst the booming crowd noise – which was emulated a lot more faithfully than in standalone TV audio – but it wasn’t totally drowned out, resulting in an adequate listening experience.
To measure the soundbar’s gaming performance, I played Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance on the PlayStation 5. Jumping in an open, echoey area sounded a lot more natural than on my TV audio, especially the depth of the character’s feet against the concrete floor. The game has a very ambient, atmospheric soundtrack, which was complemented by the DS6305, but, again, the bass was a little muddied at times. This really sums up the audio quality on offer here: you’ll get more power, bass, and full-bodied sound than from just your TV, but don’t expect impeccable quality or game-changing expansiveness.
(Image credit: Future)
When watching videos, TV, or films, I made sure to use the Movie EQ mode – one of the three available options alongside Music and News. When listening to some music on Spotify, I switched between Music and Movie mode to gauge the key differences, but surprisingly, I couldn’t make out any discernible change. I also tuned into BBC News to test out the News mode, and apart from a very slight increase in volume, I didn't hear anything strikingly different. As a result, I’d have to say that changing between the 3 EQ ‘modes’ is barely worth your time.
Looping back to my Spotify listening session, I wasn’t anticipating something that would produce beautiful-sounding audio and I honestly felt that the DS6305 didn’t perform too badly. When tuning in to I Want You by Moloko, I will admit that the opening vocals – intended to have a pure, breathy sound – weren’t particularly clear, perhaps less so than my normal TV audio. Beyond that, though, the overall listening experience was far better with the soundbar, which wasn’t bad at capturing the various instruments entering into a densely layered, exciting mix. Sure, it did tend to lean more heavily on bass and I couldn’t make out every last detail of the track, but this is pretty typical for the price.
I also wanted to get a sense of how high-frequency sounds came through, so I listened to Rains Again by Solji. This song has markedly high-pitched vocals throughout and I found that these certainly didn’t have the sweetness or delicacy that really make it pop, but the audio wasn’t particularly tinny or grating. If you do want to use this soundbar for any kind of music, it will do the job – just don’t expect great quality.
(Image credit: Future)
The DS6305 is very cheap, and unsurprisingly, it looks cheap. It’s enclosed in standard black plastic housing and has a relatively feeble foam material protecting the speaker. The soundbar has an LED light strip that fills up depending on volume level and changes color depending on the connectivity option being used – a neat inclusion (though it simply flashes off and back on when you flick between the different EQ presets, which isn’t the clearest way to show you’ve switched to a new mode). The shape is perhaps a little unorthodox – due to its triangular form, I couldn't fit it under my TV stand – so ensure you have enough space to play with if you’re planning on purchasing this soundbar.
The DS6305 comes with a remote, which requires two AAA batteries (not included). It may seem like a small thing, but I was disappointed by the quality of the controller – particularly because lower-case 'i's on the buttons have backward-leaning accents (for some reason), and the use of capitalization across the different buttons is sporadic, to say the least. Grammar issues aside, the remote is responsive and enables you to adjust volume levels and switch between connectivity options (including digital optical, AUX, and Bluetooth). There are also button controls on the soundbar itself for ARC coaxial, which is a bit odd because it doesn’t come with a cable to support this.
There’s no option to connect the DS6305 via HDMI, meaning you won’t be able to use your standard TV remote to control the soundbar’s volume levels. The lack of an HDMI port also means that setup isn’t optimal, but it was fairly straightforward to connect the soundbar to my TV via the included digital optical cable instead.
(Image credit: Future)
The Saiyin DS6305 soundbar impressed me in some departments but failed to inspire in others. If you want a super cheap solution to add a bit of bass and power to your setup, this could be worth taking a look at. The build quality is, of course, pretty unimpressive and the soundbar’s awkward shape makes it a little less ideal for those working with limited space, not to mention there’s no HDMI connectivity option, which is a shame.
If you want a soundbar that offers slightly better audio quality at a price that’s easy to stomach, you’ll be better off selecting a product from our guide to the best cheap soundbar deals.
(Image credit: Future)
Saiyin DS6305 review: Price and release date
$59.99 for soundbar with subwoofer (US) on Amazon
£39.99 (about AU$75) for soundbar only (UK & Australia) on Amazon
Launched in March 2023
Saiyin doesn’t have its own online store, but you can purchase the DS6305 from Amazon – prices are, of course, subject to change. In the US, the DS6305 comes with a subwoofer and costs the ultra-low price of $59.99. In the UK and Australia, however, you purchase the soundbar on its own for what is still a very modest price of £39.99 (about AU$75).
Saiyin DS6305 review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Saiyin DS6305?
Buy it if...
You want a super-cheap soundbar At £39.99 (about AU$75) you won't find many cheaper soundbars out there. The Saiyin DS6305 isn’t a phenomenal product, but if you’re on a tight budget and just want an improvement over standard TV audio, this could be worth it for you.
You’re not overly fussy on quality Of course, the DS6305 isn’t going to offer premium sound. In fairness, you’ll have to spend a bit more if you’re someone who values top-quality audio, and there are a lot of strong budget options sitting at around the $100 / £100 / AU$150 mark. However, this soundbar will give you a bit more power, especially in the low-end, so if you want to get a little more enjoyment out of blockbuster movies or gaming experiences, it could be a decent pick.
Don't buy it if...
You want a sleek, stylish aesthetic The DS6305 doesn’t look amazing due to a combination of its slightly awkward shape and cheap build quality. That’s not a massive problem for many, but if you’re the sort of person who prioritizes style, then it’s worth looking elsewhere. A budget alternative that has a more diminutive soundbar and even includes a subwoofer is the Ultimea Nova S50 – more on this later.
You’re on the hunt for spatial audio The DS6305 is a 2.0-channel soundbar so you won't get all the benefits of surround sound. There’s no Dolby Atmos or DTS:X at play either, so if you’re expecting expansive, three-dimensional audio, you’ll be disappointed. If you want to experience Atmos, then it may be worth selecting a soundbar from our guide to the best Dolby Atmos soundbars and speakers.
Saiyin DS6305: Also consider
Ultimea Nova S50 The Ultimea Nova S50 is another super cheap option for those looking to elevate their TV audio setup. It comes with an ultra-slim soundbar as well as a subwoofer, which means it'll be a bit more pleasing in the bass department than the Saiyin DS6305 and can add a bit more atmosphere to your viewing experiences. It doesn’t offer particularly great sound quality, and although it's labeled as Dolby Atmos compatible, you don’t really get three-dimensional audio. However, if you’re not too picky on quality, the Nova S50 could be a decent choice. Read our full Ultimea Nova S50 review here.
Hisense HS214 It may be a few years old now, but the Hisense HS214 is still a solid soundbar for those on a tight budget. It’s a bit wider than the Saiyin DS6305 and has a built-in subwoofer. It doesn't have Dolby Atmos, so you won’t experience massively immersive audio, but you do get pretty clear vocals and decent build quality.
Saiyin DS6305 review: How I tested
Tested over the course of a week
Connected to my Hisense U7K TV at home
Predominantly used the digital optical connectivity option
I put the Saiyin DS6305 to the test for a full week. I used the digital optical connectivity option to connect the soundbar to my Hisense U7K TV at home.
I tracked performance across three key areas: video media; gaming; and music. When testing, I watched a variety of TV shows, videos, and movies on Netflix and YouTube, among others; played multiple video games on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch consoles; and listened to music from the TechRadar testing playlist via the PS5 version of the Spotify app.
The Roku Pro Series is the company’s new flagship TV offering. Roku has been a major player in our living rooms for a long time, starting out with streaming boxes and sticks. Those evolved to soundbars and wireless speakers, followed by last year’s initial foray into TVs with the Roku Select and Roku Plus Series. Building on those models, the Roku Pro Series takes things up a level with some interesting and unique design choices and useful features.
Considering the Roku Pro Series’ relatively affordable prices, starting at $899.99 for the 55-inch model, it’s certainly in the running for best TVs for those who are a little more price-conscious.
While the Pro Series is Roku’s premium offering, there are innovations on hand that make it worthy of consideration over Roku’s budget Select and mid-tier Plus TVs. For one, it offers better picture quality than those models thanks to a mini-LED backlight with local dimming. It also has 4K 120Hz support for gaming and side-firing speakers that provide superior sound quality.
This TV has some tricks up its sleeve feature-wise as well, such as the ability to switch picture modes not just between different forms of content but different scenes. A planned software update will also bring an artmode feature that turns the TV into a showcase for artwork when not in use, similar to Samsung’s The Frame TVs. Of course, the interface overall is a joy to use, as I’ll discuss later.
The TV’s design may be where I’m most impressed. There are TVs with similarly impressive picture quality for under $1,000 (the Hisense U8K Series TV comes to mind). However, no other TV that I know of is made to be intentionally thicker so that it mounts flush against the wall instead of precariously jutting out like most TVs, and there’s cable management to accommodate that installation. The upgraded second edition of the Roku Voice Remote Pro is pretty special as well, and not just because it has backlighting.
Everything about the Roku Pro Series TV follows an ethos that seems to permeate Roku products, and that is convenience. If you care about the absolute best picture quality, you might look elsewhere, though I think the Pro Series’ picture is more than good enough for most people. But setting this TV up, using it and its various features, and even dealing with how it integrates into your space, has been thought out in a way that most products this side of Apple aren’t.
Roku's remote control features a backlit keypad (Image credit: Future)
Roku Pro Series review: Price and release date
Release date: April 2024
55-inch: $899.99
65-inch: $1,199.99
75-inch: $1,699.99
The Roku Pro Series might be the company’s premium offering, but the price tag is in mid-range TV territory. The smallest of the Pro Series – it comes in three sizes (55-, 65-, and 75-inch) – retails for a surprisingly affordable $899.99.
If 55 inches is too small, stepping up to the 65-inch model is an extra $200, coming in at $1,199.99, while the 75-inch goes for $1,699.99. Despite the difference in price between models, they’re all the same other than size.
Roku Pro Series review: Specs
Roku Pro Series review: Benchmark results
The Pro's connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support (Image credit: Future)
Roku Pro Series review: Features
Smart Home Ready
Auto-switching picture settings
Two HDMI 2.1 ports
Roku’s Pro Series TV is feature-filled. You can pair it with wireless headphones or with Roku’s lineup of wireless speakers. You can connect it with Google Home, Alexa, Apple Home, and Roku Smart Home. There’s even a mode that will be rolled out in a future software update to turn the TV into a piece of artwork when not in use.
Even without the smart home stuff, there’s plenty to get excited about. The TV comes with Dolby Vision IQ, which adjusts the picture settings based on the ambient light level in your room when watching. And there’s what Roku calls Smart Picture Max, a feature that automatically changes the picture settings based on the type of content you’re watching and can even make changes on a scene-by-scene basis. It’s also worth mentioning that the speakers are Dolby Atmos-certified.
If you plan on plugging in external devices, Pro series TVs have four HDMI ports including two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support – something next-gen console gamers will appreciate.. There’s also a USB-A, useful in particular for charging the remote, and a USB-C port.
Features Score: 4/5
The Pro Series TV's picture has vibrant color and punchy contrast (Image credit: Future)
Roku Pro Series review: Picture quality
Good overall picture quality
Average peak brightness
Effective local dimming
You’ll see throughout this review that I’ve given the Roku Pro Series pretty high scores above the board. It can’t be perfect, can it? Well, it’s not. And, where it impresses least is in image quality. However, before you write it off, I will say that I found the image quality to be merely very good. That is to say, most people will find it pleasant to watch but will be more enamored by what it can do than by its stunning picture.
Still, the Roku Pro Series supports Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ HDR, and its Smart Picture Max automatic picture mode switching will show whatever content you’re watching in the best possible light.
When watching The Batman, a movie with a lot of shadows in it, I didn’t experience very deep blacks. Because it doesn’t deliver the deep contrast of an OLED screen, the picture could look a little flat at times. But at least I didn’t experience any backlight blooming thanks to the TV’s well-implemented local dimming.
The Roku Pro Series TV works fairly well with sports as well – I had to test with some Olympic Trial diving since I forgot to pay attention during the NBA finals. Colors generally looked good, though skin tones came across as a tiny bit muted in the Movie picture mode. More importantly, the action was crisp and accurate without any blurring issues.
Watching Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (again in Movie mode), this colorful animated movie was done justice, as the transitions between colors, particularly in backgrounds, were accurate and didn’t appear washed out. They could just pop a tiny bit more.
I felt similarly when playing games like Ghost of Tsushima in Game mode. This is a game with a fairly conservative use of color, so when you see something covered in red or purple, it jumps out. That was certainly the case with the Roku Pro series, however, it did seem a little more muted than I’d expect from a flagship TV.
Essentially, the Roku’s performance is nothing unusual for a TV at this price. It has an average peak brightness of 900 nits, for instance. And, if you look at the other benchmarks in our graph, you’ll mostly see average results there as well. There are also plenty of settings available for fine-tuning color saturation, color temperature, and even gamma correction in the TV menus.
Picture quality score: 4/5
Setting up the TV's stand is simple and requires no tools (Image credit: Future)
Roku Pro Series review: Sound quality
Thicker design allows for bigger speakers
Solid sound if a little light on the low end
Good enough to skip adding a standalone soundbar
The sound on TVs is typically thin and hollow. While some premium models try to correct this, there’s only so much you can do with thin display panels. Thanks to the thicker shadowbox-style design of the Pro Series TV, Roku was able to sneak in bigger speakers and it shows.
There’s certainly plenty of volume on tap, and the bigger speakers result in a fuller, less boxy sound. Details in the high frequencies retain body as well as clarity. The mids are nice and full. Really, the only thing missing is deep bass, though you could always pair one of Roku’s wireless subwoofers with the TV to fix that.
It should be noted that the speakers are side-firing instead of downward-firing. This means that, instead of the audio waves traveling down and bouncing off whatever surface is beneath them, they travel outward with a direct path to the listener. This helps with clarity but also results in better steering of effects Dolby Atmos soundtracks.
Now, I’m not saying that the TV’s built-in speakers are going to beat or match one of the best soundbars. But, if your soundbar budget taps out at under, say, $300, you’ll be safe to skip it altogether.
Sound quality score: 4.5/5
The Pro Series TV's cable managment system allows for a neat installation (Image credit: Future)
Roku Pro Series review: Design
Shadowbox design perfect for mounting
Has cable management
New, almost flawless remote
The Roku Pro Series might be the thickest TV to come out in a long time, and that’s by design. Using a shadowbox concept, this TV has about a 2-inch depth so that it can sit flush against the wall when mounted.
The back of the TV is molded to accommodate a cable management setup including straps. That’s not only for a tidy look but to keep those cables in place so that nothing gets in the way of the TV sitting flush when mounted. On top of that, the mounting set includes little kickstands that can be used to raise the TV off the wall for easy access to all the ports, which are situated on the back.
Even if you don’t mount the TV, this thicker design allowed Roku to install bigger speakers and better speakers. Also worth mentioning is that the stand installation is completely toolless, and there’s a button on the side of the TV to help find the remote if you misplace it. Press it and the remote will ping.
Speaking of the remote, the new 2nd-generation Roku Voice Remote Pro is a pleasure to use. First off, it has backlighting that turns on as soon as you pick it up, and turns off when you’re not using it. It also has two additional buttons – a guide button for live TV and a quick launch button. I do wish the quick launch (and really the live TV button as well) could be used to directly load an app of my choosing, instead of bringing me to a menu. However, it’s still more convenient than not. Also, the remote has a hands-free mode that can be toggled on so you can talk to it much like you would a voice assistant.
Design score: 5/5
The simple, elegant Roku TV interface (Image credit: Future)
Roku Pro Series review: Smart TV and menus
Intuitive navigation
Easy access to picture settings
Forthcoming Roku Backdrops turns TV into an artwork
The thing that has made Roku products stand out since day one has been the intuitive interface. Outside of accessing a few key features specific to the Pro Series TV, such as fine-tuning the picture or pairing wireless headphones, the interface is the same as it is on any other updated Roku device.
As far as accessing TV-specific settings, I appreciated that quite a few were available without having to exit the media I was watching or playing. Just pressing the star button on the remote let me adjust all sorts of picture quality settings like HDR and Gamma correction along with picture and sound modes, not to mention accessibility settings.
A feature that has yet to see the light of day called Roku Backdrops is sure to excite anyone who ends up accidentally leaving their TV on all the time the way I do. It will essentially make the screen go into art mode, replacing the screensaver with art, and is an especially nice feature if you plan on mounting the TV as a centerpiece in your living room. Roku Backdrops should be available on Roku Pro Series TVs in the second half of 2024.
Lastly, Roku has a lot of free content available, whether through its live TV portal or its own Roku channel. Yes, it may not be Netflix-level content, but some of it’s pretty good, especially if you’re a Weird Al fan.
Smart TV & menus score: 5/5
Gaming is fluid thanks to the 4K 120Hz support and ultra-low input lag (Image credit: Future)
Roku Pro Series review: Gaming
4K 120Hz support
Automatic switching to console input and gaming picture mode
Good sound for gaming
Since the Roku Pro Series is the company’s premium offering, it makes sense that the company didn’t forget gamers when designing this TV. Unlike many cheaper TVs, Roku’s Select and Plus Series models included, it supports 4K at 120Hz for gaming with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles.
Along with that fast 120Hz refresh rate, VRR and ALLM (including FreeSync) are supported, and input lag clocks in at an ultra-low 9.4ms. If you’re a console gamer, you won’t feel left behind with the Roku Pro Series.
The TV’s local dimming helps deliver a consistent picture no matter how dark the game and its HDR support adds to the contrast and depth. Whether I was playing Red Dead Redemption 2, Ghost of Tsushima, or Uncharted 4, I never had issues making out enemies or details situated in darker parts of the screen.
Since the Roku Pro Series automatically switches picture modes, turning on the PlayStation 5 turns on the Game picture mode.I also appreciated that, when I turned on the console, the TV’s interface automatically switched from the main Roku screen to the PS5’s input – though this feature can also be disabled in the settings.
Since the sound quality on the TV sits above many modern-day TVs with their downward-firing speakers, that benefit extends to the gaming experience. Also, you can wirelessly pair the TV with Bluetooth headphones for late-night gaming sessions.
Gaming score: 4.5/5
The Roku Pro series TV unboxed (Image credit: Future)
Roku Pro Series review: Value
Priced closer to mid-range TVs
Design is unique to the Roku Pro Series
Significant upgrade over mid-range Roku TV
When you consider other mini-LED TVs such as the Hisense U8K Series, which is currently $699 for the 55-inch model, it helps put the Roku Pro Series TV’s pricing, which starts at $899.99 for the 55-inch model I tested, into perspective. Of course, the Hisense doesn’t have the shadow box design or updated remote, though it does have the hands-free voice command as well as smart home integration.
One of the best TVs for most people right now is the Samsung S90C. It comes with a QD-OLED screen with a beautiful picture that offers deep blacks and detailed shadows. But that model costs $1,599 for a 55-inch screen size. The Roku Pro Series might not reach the same picture quality heights as the Samsung, but it does come with things the Samsung doesn’t, such as Dolby Vision IQ, or that much more intuitive Roku interface versus Samsung’s Tizen.
It’s also worth comparing the Roku Pro Series TV to the company’s mid-range offering, the Roku Plus Series. That series also comes in the same range of sizes, but at a much lower price tag, with the 55-inch going for $499, the 65-inch going for $649, and the 75-inch going for $999. While the Plus Series has Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, as well as Dolby Atmos support, not to mention local dimming, it has a less bright standard LED backlight and is capped at a 60Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it doesn’t have the same shadowbox design and front-firing speakers, and also lacks the new remote and useful automatic picture mode switching.
Value score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Roku Pro Series TV?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if…
Also consider...
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested the Roku Pro Series TV
Used the Roku Pro Series TV for a couple of weeks
Tested with TV, movies, music, and games
I used the Roku Pro Series TV regularly for a couple of weeks with TV, movies, music, and games. I tested the various features to see if they work as advertised. I also spent time listening to the audio as well as paying attention to the picture quality.
After spending some time with this TV, it’s my humble opinion that this TV is ideal for two sets of people. The first is people who want a premium TV in a big, but not gigantic size, and therefore don’t want to spend too much. The second are those that hate the way most wall-mounted TVs look.
I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.
