This is a review of the "TCL 55R617 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV (2018 Model)". And believe it or not, this TV really is the best blend of great technology and incredible performance. And I'm a visual oriented person, who is not easily pleased with mediocre visual performance.
Why read this review?
I am somewhat visually impaired (legally blind in one eye and significantly reduced vision in the other), so surprisingly my impressions actually are based on the need for better picture quality. If the picture quality doesn't support my vision, I can definitely see it. I also have a very strong visual orientation and great color discrimination.
Second, I have a strong technical background. But I spent my career helping others understand technology. So, I hope I can help you understand what's important and what you can ignore.
The short answer
Wowser! This TV is simply incredible. I *HIGHLY* recommend it. If you do a search of reviews throughout the internet, you will find that it garners excellent reviews from many sources. I definitely agree. If you are debating between this TV and another, this one will perform better than most other units in almost every situation.
Yes. Some of the TVs suffer from the vertical banding. Yes some seem to have mottled screens (lots of darker areas). But it seems as if most of us don't have problems. I tested my screen and did find a little bit of vertical banding. But it's so minimal that it simply doesn't matter, regardless of what I watch. So, it seems your mileage may vary. Check it out but remember that most of us will never see the impact of minor visual issues.
Why did I buy this unit?
1. HDMI standards
My previous Samsung LCD TV (an LNT4665F) used the HDMI 1.3 standard. Unfortunately, more current HDMI devices could not communicate with the Samsung TV. For example, my Roku Ultra box could not be recognized on that TV. And about one half of the time I tried my Chromecast device was not recognized by the Samsung TV. Surpassingly, DVDs that changed the picture resolution (such as from 720p to 1080p) in the same video stream would invariably fail.
Don't get me wrong. The Samsung TV was exceptional for when it was manufactured. It was reasonably priced at the time and provided an exceptional video quality.
However, this TCL Roku TV with its use of the HDMI 2.0 standard completely eliminates HDMI compatibility problems. It recognizes all my devices.
2. Need for a larger screen
Unfortunately, as I've aged my vision continues to deteriorate. I can no longer read subtitles. I sit about 10 feet away from the TV at a slight angle (15 degrees or so) left from dead center. This TCL Roku TV helps. It doesn't completely eliminate this issue. But it definitely helps. I can read some of the subtitles, but they are just at the edge of what I can read.
3.. Need to prepare for cord cutting
Finally, I am *very* sick of paying more and more for poor service. It's time for me to consider replacing cable/satellite service with an online video service. My Samsung TV, with the problems it had recognizing HDMI devices, was not adequate for this change in video provider. Once again the TCL Roku TV addresses that issue.
Does 4K make sense?
The shift from HD to 4K UHD is not as stark as the change from the SD to HD standards. But I found that it definitely increases the clarity and sharpness of the visual image. Even at 10 feet away from the screen, the TV provides a noticably sharper image. Between the larger size and the increased image resolution, the TV provides a sharper and better image.
Does HDR make sense?
Is HDR just another marketing term to attempt to separate you from your money? No! Though I fully admit that it can be used that way, the difference depends on how the TV implements HDR. With this TCL Roku TV the increased color contrast and depth of black the HDR video is substantially and noticably better than without it. For example I watched Doctor Strange on both my old Samsung TV and this TCL Roku TV. The image on the TCL Roku TV simply jumps out and provided a stunning visual experience. It is much closer to the visual experience that we see at the theater than what we expect for a TV.
Yes. It makes a difference. I expect that both 4K UHD and HDR are here to stay. With the upcoming implementation of the ATSC 3.0 over the air broadcast standard, more broadcasters and shows will implement 4K and HDR in their shows.
Does Roku TV make sense?
The first assumed question is "Does a Smart TV make sense?". Whether it does or not may be immaterial, since most new TVs incorporate some Smart TV interface. But in fact, it's important to know if it makes sense. And I think it does. Why? Well, a Smart TV interface simplifies the use of features on the TV. For example instead of having to choose the input source on a remote control, you only have to choose the input source on the Smart TV visual interface. I titled the video inputs so they make sense for others. HDMI1 doesn't make as much sense as "Blu-ray". Nor does HDMI2 make as much sense as "DirecTV". So, a Smart TV allows the average, non-technical user to better interact and use the TV.
But what about Roku? There are some major advantages of the Roku interface. First, it's the dominant player in the online video interfaces. This means you can find just about everything you might want. It also has years of making the interface as usable and as stable as is possible.
Yet there is a downside of using the Roku interface. It's not fancy. It gets the job done, but doesn't provide a visually stunning interface. Other Smart TVs do a better job at this.
Still, in short, I vote for functional over visual every time. It doesn't matter if it looks wonderful. It matters that it's easy to use. I can and do love technical challenges. But my wife doesn't. Simple beats complex EVERY time.
My impressions of the video image
One simple word: Stunning! As I mentioned, I watched Doctor Strange on both my old Samsung TV and this new TCL Roku TV. There's is no doubt that the video presented on the TCL Roku TV is visually awe inspiring. It felt much more like being in a movie theater than older Samsung TV. The colors were brighter. The blacks were deeper. Yet dark scenes remained easy to vote, rather than feeling murky. In a word .. stunning!
My impression of the Roku TV
The Roku TV interface was a pleasant surprise for me. It's not a very sophisticated interface. But its simplicity hides it's greatest strength. You can easily use it to get the job done.
When you plug in a device the Roku TV presents a set of questions to allow you to identify what the device is and to make it if you want. It also allows you to associate an icon with the input device. As I've mentioned, you can name an input as something that makes sense to average issues. No need to decide what HDMI3 is. Just select DVD as the input. Poof! Your done.
If you have a modern device you can even control it through the HDMI interface. Suddenly that simple Roku TV remote becomes the control for the Blu-ray player.
Yes. It's not very sophisticated. But then I don't want to spend my time trying to understand the interface. I want to get onto the job of watching the TV.
Surprises
Pause Live TV -- I'm sure that I read that this TV includes the optional feature of pausing live TV. But I must admit, it was a very pleasant surprise to see just how easy it is to implement it. Plug a 16GB thumb drive into the USB port, answer a question (Yes, I want to use it to implement Pause Live TV), and you're done. Slick!
Optical Audio Output -- Again, while I read this, I had not realized that this would be so helpful. With my previous TV, output over the optical output was for audio that only originated in the TV (essentially from the TV tuner). This TV outputs any and all audio signals that it receives. So, select a source, if it includes an audio signal, it outputs j that signal over the audio optical output. This, if my DVD player outputs to the TV, my TV outputs the sound to my receiver, and voila ... I no longer must change the input source in my receiver. Just set it to my TV and get the sound. Stereo or Dolby surround sound. Yes!!
HDMI with ARC -- If your receiver includes the ability to handle an audio return channel, you can use just an HDMI cable between to TV and the receiver. It drops the need for even the audio optical cable.
CEC and Roku remote -- You can also set the options to allow your TV to control and be controlled by other devices. As an example, if I put a Blu-ray or DVD disc into my Blu-ray player and close the tray, it causes the TV to turn on, switch to the Blu-ray input source and away we go. I don't have to do anything with the TV or the TV remote to start watching the disc. I love it when it gets easier to use!!
Tuner -- The TV tuner is stronger than my previous TVs. I receive more channels. I'm certain this is just improvements in the timer technology that occurred during the past ten years. Still, while TCL may not have engineered this improvement they did take advantage of the better technology.
Streaming integration -- One feature that I really like is the integration of the streaming technologies into the TV. It's just one more input. Select the Roku "channel" and away you go. Simple and effective.
Roku app -- Along with the Roku environment we also get the Roku app for either an Apple or Android smart phone. This allows me to use my smart phone as a remote for my TCL Roku TV. And that means my Bluetooth wireless headset can be issued to privately listen to the TV.
Private listening -- This one should be emphasized more by TCL. Being able to listen to the game without bothering your partner. Priceless. I'm a real night owl. With the Roku app an my headphones I no longer drive my wife up the wall at night.
Tablo DVR -- Finally, using a Tablo OTA DVR, I can watch recorded OTA shows. With ATSC broadcasts, many TV stations now show many more movies and series. Of course, friend Murphy guarantees that the shows I want to watch are not on when I want to watch them. But with a Tablo OTA DVR, I just select the Tablo "channel" and then watch to my heart's content.
| Brand Name | TCL |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 38.2 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 48.5 x 10.7 x 30.9 inches |
| Item model number | 55R617 |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Color Name | Black |
| Item Weight | 38.2 Pounds |
| Standing screen display size | 55 Inches |
