With technology advancing over the years, the price of TV sets has gone down continuously which attracted many households to change to models with better sound and picture quality. Apart from pursuing TV sets that are bigger and slimmer, consumers are spoiled with choices of TVs with resolution upgraded from Full HD to Ultra HD and coupled with 3D technology and multimedia playback functions. Consumers are, however, advised not to blindly chase after the latest audio-visual technology and their functions. On the contrary, for a smart choice, they should spare effort to understand and match the various TV functions with their own requirements and compare prices.
The Consumer Council has conducted its first test on 48- to 50-inch big screen TV sets. A German laboratory was commissioned for the test on 11 models - 7 Ultra HD and 4 Full HD models - to compare their picture and sound quality, ease of use, multimedia playback, functionalities and energy efficiency. Prices of the tested samples ranged from $3,888 to $14,980. The results revealed that not only picture quality of the models varied, their sound quality also varied significantly. Despite the many functions available, they may not be easy to use. Since the price and quality of these models are not directly related, and considering the varied warranty periods, consumers are advised to choose the TV sets which meet their household requirements. In addition to enjoying quality audio-visual cinematic entertainment, consumers can also support sustainable consumption.
In recent years, quite a few TV sets available in the market promotes very high screen resolution of Ultra HD with total pixels 4 times of that in the average Full HD TVs. 7 Ultra HD models achieved higher scores in their overall performance. The 2 top models scored 4 points on a 5-point scale; 3 other models scored 3 points. Comparing the 2 models receiving 3.5 points, 1 model is twice the price of the other – reflecting that there is no direct correlation between price and quality. The overall performance of 4 Full HD models scored 2 to 2.5 points respectively.
Although Ultra HD TV sets possess 4 times the total pixels of Full HD sets and show greater details in picture quality, consumers should take note that the present local digital terrestrial TV broadcast is unable to support Ultra HD reception. The majority of Blu-ray discs or Internet videos available in the market come with Full HD resolution or below. Consumers can consider their needs or wait until the Ultra HD shooting and broadcasting technology become more commonplace before deciding whether to spend more money purchasing Ultra HD TV sets.
Significant Variation in Dynamic Images
Among the Ultra HD models only 1 achieved the rating of 4.5 points in overall picture quality with the remaining 6 models receiving 3 to 3.5 points only. The 2 top models with the highest overall rating scored 5 and 4 points respectively in the test of Ultra HD video playback.
A majority of TV sets in the market is flat screen in design. In recent years, however, manufacturers started to produce curved screens claiming such design caters better to the human field of vision and offers more enjoyment to the viewers in a surround visual environment. In the test, 1 model with curved screen was included. Unless the audience is at the centre front of the screen, picture distortion may occur.
Among the samples, 2 models with 3D function presented clear stereoscopic depth and were both awarded with 4 points, but required different kinds of special glasses for viewing. For 1 model designed with active 3D, the glasses require battery recharging before use, which may cause inconvenience. The other model with passive 3D requires viewers to wear only 3D polarised glasses which are lighter and more comfortable.
The test also found among the 7 Ultra HD models, 4 scored 4 points for their HD digital broadcast performance but only 2 models could receive 4 points for their HDMI high definition input rating. In Full HD models, 3 scored a low 2 points for their performance in HD digital broadcast and HDMI high definition input, due to unsatisfactory picture quality including unnatural colours, loss in details in dark picture parts or unbalanced grey shades.
Often when the TV is showing panning and motion picture, the image may appear to be less than clear or smooth. Some TV sets are equipped with dynamic picture enhancement function to create a smooth feeling. 4 of the test models with this enhancement function, 1 was rated 5 points and the other 3 scored 4 points.
Great Disparity in Sound Quality
Evaluation on sound quality was based on the rating of 3 experts listening to classical and pop music, and male and female voices in dramas. 4 of the Ultra HD models scored 4 points or above as they were found to have clear sound definition, smooth and mellow tone with impactful bass. On the other hand, the 4 Full HD models were all judged to be thin and flat without details in either the low-frequency or high-frequency sounds and were given a mere 1.5 points each for their disappointing sound quality.
Multifunctional May Not be Easy to Use
Smart TV are claimed to have Internet access and video streaming function; but user experience has indicated that they are far less user friendly than smart phones or tablets. For instance, among the 8 test models with smart TV function offering web browsing, 6 of them scored only 2 points on grounds of extreme inconvenience when using the TV remote control to input text while web browsing as well as difficulties in mouse simulation operation and clicking for links in web pages, etc.
Furthermore, smart TV require regular upgrade of the apps and system to ensure smooth operation but manufacturers would generally cease to provide system upgrade one year after the product launch, making the smart TV less useful. The Council suggested that the most important consideration in choosing a TV set is its picture quality. If one wishes to have smart TV functions, they can consider buying a separate smart TV box or, alternatively, connect your smart phone to the TV set.
Wide Variation in Warranty Period
All models are offered full maintenance for a period of 1 to 5 years by their manufacturers or agents, during which is provided free inspection and maintenance service at home. Out of the 11 models, 1 is offered maintenance for 5 years which gave better protection to users while 3 others only 1 year all of which were priced under $5,000; but in the event the machine should breakdown after 1 year and need replacement of a new set, its cost will become probably higher than the more expensive models and is not compatible with the sustainable consumption principle.
Some advices for the choice and use of TV sets in the following:
- Always give consideration to the home environment in relation to the size of the TV set. The trade has recommended a distance of 2.5 times of the size of the screen i.e. the suitable distance for a 48-inch TV is 3 meters. According to the recommendations of the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, viewing distance guideline being 5 times of the TV screen size, the distance should be 6 meters;
- Default setting may not be the best. Contrast and brightness should be adjusted according to the household environment;
- Pay attention to the place or spot where the TV set will be installed to ensure it can securely support the set. If it is to be installed on the wall, hire an experienced mechanic to do the job;
- The new TV set models use narrow frame in design and the protection to the screen is relatively weak. So if the set needs to be moved around, be careful to handle it gently and avoid bumping or colliding with other objects;
- Take heed of the warranty period, the scope of the service, inspection and maintenance service.
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