PICTURE QUALITY This model had very good high-definition picture quality. It generally did a very good job displaying fine detail, though some unwelcomed added edge enhancement was noted. Color accuracy was acceptable, but below that of most sets with reds somewhat stronger than other colors, while color temperature slightly on the cool side, lending images a bluish tone. Contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites--was good, so images had depth and dimension, typical of most models we test. The brightness level was good, making it a suitable choice for most rooms. Black levels were generally good, though not as dark as better performers on the darkest scenes. There was visible banding (unnatural contours) on scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, rather than smooth transitions. Film mode operation for HD film-based content was only good with visible jaggies along the edges of objects during motion scenes on movies. Deinterlacing on the other hand had excellent performance with no visible jaggies when converting 1080i video content to the display's native resolution.
VIEWING ANGLE This Hisense has a moderate viewing angle overall, decent, but not quite as good as the better-performing LCD sets we've tested. The optimal seating position for best picture quality is directly in front of the TV. If your family is seated in chairs off to the side of the TV, they'll see decent but compromised image quality.
When we moved off to the sides the horizontal viewing angle was good; the picture showed a moderate loss of color so flesh tones looked washed out, along with a slight color shift. Black levels brightened significantly, making dark scenes look hazy. When viewing the image from above or below eye level to the screen, the vertical viewing angle was very good. The picture showed minimal change in color, contrast, and black level.
ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE This Hisense UHD TV delivers full 4K picture detail, along with excellent HD-to-UHD upconversion, but overall performance is limited by its 4K viewing options. All native 4K content we played on this model, including movies and test videos from our Sony FMPX10 player, was presented in full detail with excellent image fidelity when played back via the TV's HDMI input. This model supports video streaming of 4K programs via Netflix, but not YouTube, with images that were clean and finely detailed with no visible over-sharpening. Using the TV's USB port, we were only able to play back 4K videos stored on a flash drive which were encoded only in the MP4 format, with no support for HEVC or VP9 encoded files. High-resolution photos were displayed in full 4K detail taking full advantage of UHD's extra resolution. With regular HD content, the TV's HD-to-UHD upconversion processing was generally excellent with the edges along diagonals of image content looking very smooth with minimal jaggies, though a bit edge enhanced. All four of the TV's HDMI inputs failed to accept any 4K content that was HDCP 2.2 protected, which means you won't be able to connect to emerging 4K play back devices such as a 4K Blu ray player. This greatly limits this TV's connectivity and 4K viewing options. HDMI 3 and 4 are HDMI 2.0 compatible for play back of 4K at 60Hz.
MOTION BLUR This Hisense TV has only fair motion performance, with significant blurring on our motion tests. Though it claims to have a higher frame rate than 60Hz, a feature designed to reduce motion blur, it could not be found in the menu, and performance was worse than on models with an effective similar feature. On typical program content, the blurring effect is often fleeting and may not bother most people. However, keen-eyed viewers may detect the loss of texture and detail on scenes with movement, especially in high-quality video such as a Blu-ray movie.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY Though not as mirror-like as on some LCDs, this screen surface is glossy and therefore susceptible to reflections from a nearby lamp or window. The screen is dark so it does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains contrast even in a bright room.
SOUND QUALITY This TV has good sound quality; about average among the TVs we've tested. When watching a movie blockbuster, a concert, or TV show, it delivers decent performance but falls short of the better performers. With movies, dialog was generally clear sounding, though a bit muffled, while remaining well balanced with respect to background music and other sounds. Though base extension was lacking, what was present was a bit boomy, but treble was nicely detailed, while the overall sound was on the bright side and a bit closed in. It has a good volume range so the TV should play sufficiently loud in typical room environments. Most will find this sound quality acceptable.
EASE OF USE Overall, we found the set easy to use. Setting up the TV for the first time was fairly straightforward, as was access to features and controls you'll probably adjust only once. Ease of access to features you typically use more often was very good. Also, the remote is very good, and the on-screen menu is moderately easy to navigate.
It lacks a dedicated menu button on the television console, so you can't access the menu if you lose the remote. The remote's major function buttons were sufficiently large and have high-contrast labeling, making them easier to see and navigate.
STAND ASSEMBLY Mounting the support stand to the TV is straightforward. The TV's stand extends to the far ends of the display, which means the table top you'll be setting the TV on will need to be at least as wide as the display itself.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV provides advanced Internet capability. Features include access to a library of applications via "Opera TV Store" and a full Web browser. Movie streaming services include: Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora.
CONNECTIONS This TV includes four HDMI inputs, one shared connection between the component and composite inputs (which means you can only use one type or the other at a time), optical digital audio out, three USB ports, an Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi. Wireless connectivity includes: DLNA network file sharing. HDMI and analog cable connections made to the rear-facing panel will protrude beyond the panel's slim depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX The TV comes with: a printed user manual, an electronic manual in the TV's menu, a quick start guide, and a remote with batteries. ABOUT FIRMWARE VERSION: Our test results and picture settings are valid for the version of firmware indicated. If your TV's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version of firmware. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the TV's firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your TV via a wired or wireless network (if internet capable), USB port, or memory card, depending on your TV's capability. You can check your TV's firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website if further guidance is needed.
