This Seiki SE50UY04 is an Ultra HD television (also called a 4K set) with 3840x2160 pixel resolution, four times that of a 1080p HDTV. This means it not only functions as a regular HDTV, but it can also display higher-resolution Ultra HD video. Unfortunately there is no commercially available Ultra HD content at this time so we evaluated Ultra HD image quality using the high-resolution video clips supplied by the manufacturer. To evaluate the Seiki's overall performance we ran the TV through all our standard HDTV tests, most of which remain valid regardless of the video type unless otherwise noted. Some comments about Seiki's picture performance using actual Ultra HD content are also provided.
PICTURE QUALITY Using regular HD content from cable or a Blu-ray, this TV's high-definition picture quality, though good, was below that of most other sets. Though it did a very good job displaying fine HD detail, overall HD image quality was marred by aggressive image processing that introduced edge enhancement and noise reduction to the picture. Images looked somewhat pasty and not as finely textured and natural as on better performing models. With no access to a tint control (this setting in the menu is grayed out) we couldn't dial in very accurate color, but this was more notable when we compared it to our calibrated reference TV. Very good contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites--gave images depth and dimension, mainly due to a local dimming feature which enhanced the depth black level. The brightness level was good, making it a suitable choice for most rooms. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the TV did a very good job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands. With HD content the picture has "overscan" applied, which means the outer edges of the picture will be slightly cut off. Though watching a full HD image with no overscan is preferred, the result is not obvious or distracting. Film-mode operation for film-based HD content was poor, with visible jaggies along the edges of objects during motion scenes. Deinterlacing on the other hand was very good, with only slight jaggies visible when converting 1080i video content to the display's native resolution.
VIEWING ANGLE This Seiki 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. Black levels brightened significantly, making dark scenes look hazy. Viewing the screen from above or below eye level we saw no change in picture quality.
ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE Using the Ultra HD video clips supplied by the manufacturer we were able to make some judgments about the Seiki's Ultra HD performance (The content is a mix of animation and short reality videos of varying quality, played back via the TV's HDMI input). The high pixel density on this display clearly adds a new level of image detail and a smoothness to edge definition that is best appreciated when viewed up close to the screen. The supplied animated sequence had very fine detail, beyond HD, but we also detected some oversharpening and edge enhancement that diminished image fidelity. There was no image overscan with Ultra HD content, unlike with HD content, but black levels weren't as good as with regular HD because the local dimming feature was not active when displaying Ultra HD material. Though we didn't have the same content in both HD and Ultra HD formats for a side-by-side comparison, we believe most viewers will have a hard time seeing the additional detail when viewing from even 7 feet back due to the TV's relatively small 50-inch diagonal screen size. (The benefits of Ultra HD's extra resolution are best appreciated on larger screen sizes.) We also viewed high-resolution JPEG photos, stored on a USB flash drive plugged into the set's USB port, that were downsized to the TVs 4K resolution (essentially an 8-megapixel image). The TV was clearly able to resolve finer details in the photo when compared a 1080p version of the same image. On the other hand, the image was again marred by over processing, with strongly oversharpened detail and pasty-looking textures.
MOTION BLUR This Seiki 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 The screen surface on this LCD TV has a near-matte-like finish that does a decent job reducing distracting mirror-like reflections. 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's sound is only fair, acceptable for typical programming but its shortcomings become obvious with movie soundtracks and music. It has a wide volume range, allowing the TV to play loudly, though it is limited by slight distortion at higher volume settings. At more typical listening volume levels the TV's sound lacks bass and sounds closed in. If sound quality matters to you, you might want to add a soundbar or other external speaker system to this set.
EASE OF USE Overall, we found the set easy to use. Setting up the TV for the first time was very easy, as was access to features and controls you'll probably adjust only once. Ease of access to features you typically use more often was good. Also, the remote is satisfactory, and the on-screen menu is very easy to navigate.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV does not have access to the Internet.
CONNECTIONS This TV includes three HDMI inputs, one shared component/component/composite connection (which means you can only use one type or the other at a time), one VGA input, coaxial digital audio out, and two USB ports. This TV has no type of wireless connectivity. The cable connections on the rear panel are recessed with side or bottom-facing ports, so wires don't protrude beyond the display's depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX The TV comes with: a printed user manual, an electronic manual found via the TV's menu, a quick start guide, a remote with batteries, and provided cables (1 HDMI). 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.
