TVs are an essential home appliance for nearly every family. In addition to providing family-friendly entertainment through traditional broadcasting, modern TV sets have evolved into smart systems that combine various functions such as Internet access and video streaming. As such, not only would consumers care about the sound and picture quality, as well as the maintenance and repair services, but they would also pay heed to the smart system’s interface design and ease of use. The Consumer Council conducted its first test on 9 models of 55-inch Ultra HD (4K) smart TVs, covering the technical performance and an expert panel review. The results revealed that models in the higher-priced OLED category had higher overall rating for picture quality, with 2 models receiving 4.5 points. However, the expert panel found that the 3 types of screens among the tested models did not vary greatly in picture quality for digital TV broadcast viewing, suggesting that the lower-priced LED or mid-priced QD/Mini LED categories would be sufficient to satisfy the needs of general users, whereas OLED TV sets would be more suitable for those pursuing better picture quality. In terms of the smart TV functions, the performance of the models varied drastically, ranging from 3.5 to 5 points in rating. 1 model had outstanding performance across various aspects including the system interface, user registration and login, and app store, yet had poor performance for elderly-friendly accessibility features, needing improvement for the contrast of the interface. Consumers should try out the relevant functions in person before making a purchase. Regarding cyber security, only 1 model performed satisfactorily and was rated 4 points. Smart TVs should be treated like other smart devices such as smart phones or computers, with due consideration given to their cybersecurity performance before purchase, so as to mitigate risks of personal data leaks. The Council also reminds consumers that some more expensive 8K TV models are available, yet most of the common streaming platforms and online videos have yet to reach 8K resolution, meaning that the 8K display is not fully utilised. Therefore, consumers should not pursue models with higher specifications than needed.
The Council tested 9 models of 55-inch 4K smart TVs, covering 3 types of display technologies, including 3 OLED, 4 QD/Mini LED and 2 LED models, ranging from $3,890 to $21,980 in price. The performance and panel viewing tests were coordinated by International Consumer Research & Testing (ICRT) and conducted by a European testing centre. Test items included picture and sound quality, ease of operation and various aspects, in addition to review and analysis of the cyber security and accessibility features. The Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) also appointed an independent laboratory to conduct energy efficiency and product safety tests, and all models passed the relevant safety tests
TVs are an essential home appliance for nearly every family. In addition to providing family-friendly entertainment through traditional broadcasting, modern TV sets have evolved into smart systems that combine various functions such as Internet access and video streaming. As such, not only would consumers care about the sound and picture quality, as well as the maintenance and repair services, but they would also pay heed to the smart system’s interface design and ease of use. The Consumer Council conducted its first test on 9 models of 55-inch Ultra HD (4K) smart TVs, covering the technical performance and an expert panel review. The results revealed that models in the higher-priced OLED category had higher overall rating for picture quality, with 2 models receiving 4.5 points. However, the expert panel found that the 3 types of screens among the tested models did not vary greatly in picture quality for digital TV broadcast viewing, suggesting that the lower-priced LED or mid-priced QD/Mini LED categories would be sufficient to satisfy the needs of general users, whereas OLED TV sets would be more suitable for those pursuing better picture quality. In terms of the smart TV functions, the performance of the models varied drastically, ranging from 3.5 to 5 points in rating. 1 model had outstanding performance across various aspects including the system interface, user registration and login, and app store, yet had poor performance for elderly-friendly accessibility features, needing improvement for the contrast of the interface. Consumers should try out the relevant functions in person before making a purchase. Regarding cyber security, only 1 model performed satisfactorily and was rated 4 points. Smart TVs should be treated like other smart devices such as smart phones or computers, with due consideration given to their cybersecurity performance before purchase, so as to mitigate risks of personal data leaks. The Council also reminds consumers that some more expensive 8K TV models are available, yet most of the common streaming platforms and online videos have yet to reach 8K resolution, meaning that the 8K display is not fully utilised. Therefore, consumers should not pursue models with higher specifications than needed.
The Council tested 9 models of 55-inch 4K smart TVs, covering 3 types of display technologies, including 3 OLED, 4 QD/Mini LED and 2 LED models, ranging from $3,890 to $21,980 in price. The performance and panel viewing tests were coordinated by International Consumer Research & Testing (ICRT) and conducted by a European testing centre. Test items included picture and sound quality, ease of operation and various aspects, in addition to review and analysis of the cyber security and accessibility features. The Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) also appointed an independent laboratory to conduct energy efficiency and product safety tests, and all models passed the relevant safety tests
