HD PICTURE QUALITY. HD picture quality falls short, mainly due to image detail and texture that is compromised by active noise reduction processing which can’t be turned off (see ease of use). We also noted some added edge enhancement processing but it isn't distracting. Color accuracy is very good, with flesh tones in particular, looking natural. Lack of contrast gives images a somewhat flatter appearance with little depth. Depth of black level is below average, with darker scenes in particular looking hazy, with little contrast. Image brightness is only fair, dimmer than most even with the backlight turned up, and is not the best choice for a bright room. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the model does an excellent job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands. There is notable display non-uniformity that creates brighter cloudy areas, most visible on very dark scenes (or in the black bars of a letterboxed movie). We routinely see this issue with LCDs and severity can vary from model to model. Film mode operation for HD film-based content is excellent, with no visible jaggies along the edges of objects during motion scenes. Deinterlacing is very good, with minimal jaggies visible when converting 1080i video content, such as from cable, to the display's native resolution.
VIEWING ANGLE. This Sanyo has a wide viewing angle overall, better than that of most TVs. It will provide the same picture quality, with fewer problems than most TVs, for typical viewing conditions—say, if your family is seated across a long sectional or in chairs off to the sides. With dark scenes this model doesn't fare quite as well. When viewed from the sides, the depth of black levels vary depending on the vertical position of the viewer's head. As we moved closer to the screen this limitation became even more apparent, especially if seated on the floor looking upward where black levels brighten significantly.
MOTION BLUR. This Sanyo TV has good motion performance, with some blurring on our motion tests. This model does not include a blur reduction feature.
SOUND QUALITY. This model's sound quality falls short with below average performance. It's acceptable for typical programming, but shortcomings become obvious with movie soundtracks and music. Bass is notably absent and treble lacked detail, and the overall sound is on the bright side, thin and closed in. The speakers produce a good volume range so this model should play sufficiently loud in typical room environments, but quality does degrade at the highest settings. If sound quality matters to you, you might want to add a soundbar or other external speaker system—but if this smaller-screen set is a secondary TV, you might find its sound quality acceptable.
EASE OF USE. The dark labeling of the connections on the TV console makes them very difficult to read. On first power up there is an on-screen guide that helps you through setting up the TV. Roku-based TVs have been leaving noise reduction image processing (which compromises image detail) turned on by default and you can't turn it off via the supplied remote. Downloading a Roku app to your mobile device typically provides access to this feature, but not on this TV. The remote has a simplified design with a reduced set of buttons that support on-screen navigation. It also provides convenient direct button access to streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and Sling. Consider the TV's stand is 20 inches wide when choosing a table top to place it on.
INTERNET FEATURES. This Smart TV provides Internet functionality via its "Roku TV" portal with access to a library of applications. Movie streaming services that can be downloaded to this TV, or are built-in, include Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and HBO Now. Support for external voice assistants (not built in to the TV) include: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant.
CONNECTIONS. This model has two HDMI inputs—one supports ARC (Audio Return Channel), one composite input, and no component input one USB port, an optical digital audio out, WiFi wireless networking; DLNA, to access files within your home network; Casting, which allows you to send streaming content from your mobile device to the TV via your home network; Screen mirroring, where the image on your smartphone or other compatible device can also appear on the TV.
WHAT'S INCLUDED. A quick start guide. An electronic user guide via the TV's menu. A remote control with batteries. No printed manual is included.
