TCL TVs: features, best models, customization

TCL TVs can hardly be called a common brand. But still, products under this brand are sometimes used and have their own characteristics. Consumers should familiarize themselves with the best models of this technique and how to set it up.

The firm that manufactures TCL TVs is based in China... It is also engaged in the production of other types of electronic equipment and household appliances. It is interesting to note that the literal translation of the brand name means “happy life”. The company began its journey in 1981 with the production of tape cassettes. In 2008, she introduces a liquid crystal panel, and in 2014, a TV with quantum dot technology.

What has been said is enough to understand: this brand is dynamically developing and during its existence has achieved significant success. TCL has over 75 thousand employees.

Contrary to popular stereotypes, the quality of the products of international Chinese enterprises is already quite decent. This circumstance is fully typical for the products of TCL. True, in large retail chains, products of this brand are rarely found. And sellers aren't trying too hard to promote them. Therefore, we can say about such a disadvantage as a relatively low popularity.

TCL TVs' matrices are very good - especially when you consider that the products themselves are in the middle price category. The concern produces all components independently, without resorting to the help of external suppliers. TCL TV receivers are one of the world market leaders.

The advantages and disadvantages can be more fully characterized using the example of individual rulers. Most budget products already support all major broadcast standards. The picture is consistently juicy and bright, and the viewing angles are large enough. The connectivity is also commendable. But at the same time:

• Smart TV option is poorly thought out and implemented;
• outdated HDMI 1.3 is used;
• there is no way to process ivi files;
• the quality of technical support is unsatisfactory.

More advanced TCL TVs can even fully support Smart TVs. The FHD range is characterized by eye-catching colors and excellent color rendering. Some models boast the presence of a satellite tuner, and the ability to view analogue and digital broadcasts will be a must. Also worth noting:

• good viewing angles;
• decent screen refresh rate;
• successful work with popular audio and video formats;
• full set of inputs;
• the likelihood of a slight flare of the corners of the screen;
• not the best sound;
• poor quality of the back wall.

Now TCL is actively promoting the Ultra HD line. These models support all existing television broadcasting standards that can be found in our country. Image detail is at the highest level, as are contrast and brightness.The technical "stuffing" is also done as competently as possible, its practical possibilities are maximum. Smart TV is built on the advanced Android OS, and not outdated Linux, as in other versions.

In addition, it can be noted:

• high speaker power;
• advanced connectivity;
• confident work with widespread options for audio and video files;
• acceptable cost;
• excellent contrast;
• increased level of electrical safety;
• insufficiently high frame refresh rate;
• slowed down playback of 4K files from a flash card;
• inability to use Yandex. Browser;
• the need for a wide stable pedestal.

But giving the characteristics of TCL TVs in general is not very justified.... It is much more correct to make an individual rating and analyze the properties of specific models. A good option in this regard is the L65P8SUS modification. This TV shows an Ultra HD picture. Modifications with 3 screen sizes are available to users - 50, 55 and 65 inches.

In all such versions, including the 55-inch model, a digital tuner of the DVB-T2 standard is required. The 16 to 9 screen format fully complies with modern requirements. Also worth highlighting:

• progressive scan;
• child lock;
• composite connector;
• the option to write to USB media;
• headphone jack.

You can also choose a TV L40S60A with a screen diagonal of 40 or 32 inches. Of course, this device supports DVB-T2, HDTV. The screen refresh rate reaches 60 Hz. There is a special sleep timer. Users can apply Bluetooth and parental control options.

Any expert will respond positively to the following nuances:

• progressive scan;
• 16: 9 format;
• TCL digital noise suppression system;
• EPG (special program guide);
• Android 8.0 OS.

When choosing a 43-inch TV, you should take a closer look at L43P8US. This model also boasts an EPG option. A NICAM decoder is provided. There are 2 antenna inputs and 3 HDMI class connectors. The presence of CI + also deserves approval.

TV Receiver L49S6400 can be equipped with a 32 ", 40", 43 "or 49" screen. The horizontal and vertical viewing angles are 178 degrees. There is an internal Wi-Fi unit. Teletext option is supported, there is a USB media player, DLNA.

To tune in digital channels, analogue broadcasts and other features, the first time you start your TCL TV, you must use the Setup menu. In the non-Russian version - Installation. Users choose the country of location or the bordering state (if they want to receive broadcasts coming from there). Then the language of the main menu is assigned and automatic search is started. After its completion in the "Regrouping" menu the following is performed:

• naming broadcast stations;
• change of these names;
• deleting certain TV channels from the device's memory.

Automatic configuration is subsequently launched from the "Overview" menu with the "Installation" item. You can select the required picture size using the Zoom buttons or using the "Image" menu. Important: when working in the cable range, all picture parameters are set at the transmitting station.

The designation of the buttons on the remote control of a specific TCL TV is indicated in its instructions. However, in general, the DVN / VCR button is not used and you can forget about it.... The ON key can be used to switch the device on and off. Pressing Menu displays the main settings menu. The cursor allows you to set and change various values ​​(numeric or in the form of a list); the same key will help you navigate between two menu items.

Presets are pre-setting of operating parameters.Return, as with many other devices, is used to revert to a previous position or undo changes.

It is also worth pointing out the keys:

• Exit (exit, cancel);
• number buttons (channel selection or indication of numbers where they are needed);
• List (viewing the general list of TV channels);
• Analog / Digital - switching between the two main signal options;
• Info - issuing information about the status (only in analog mode);
• Rev (rewind the recording);
• Play (start playback of video information from USB);
• FWD (change of teletext display modes);
• Rec (recording the received image on a connected USB flash drive);
• Stop, Pause (video commands not needing comments).

Sometimes it becomes necessary not only to study the control scheme using the remote control, but also to connect the phone to the TV. To connect devices remotely, they use the Wi-Fi interface. The easiest way, however, is to use a direct connection via HDMI. Then there will be no need for additional settings, except for specifying the signal source. However, this is only possible if if the corresponding connector is on the smartphone or tablet of interest.

Another possibility is using a USB port. On the TV screen, it will not be possible to duplicate the actions that are performed on the smartphone screen. But it becomes possible to play audio and video files. The downside is that you need a dedicated USB cable. In addition, you cannot play games or run other applications with output to a television screen.

The USB port is traditionally used for flashing TCL TVs. Important: it makes sense to take on this procedure when there is not only a programmer, but also a clear idea of ​​what will happen and how... Regardless of the workmanship, the warranty is automatically void. Professionals advise using officially released service packs for firmware.

Sometimes there are complaints that TCL TV does not turn on. If it just worked (or is turned on after a long period of inactivity), you should first check the power supply in the house. Sometimes an anecdotal situation turns out to be the cause of the malfunction - the plug is not inserted into the outlet. It is also useful to check the outlet itself and all the wires - including the TV itself. It is worth remembering that the problem can also be created by damage to the remote control or depletion of its batteries. Only when these factors are discarded can one look for the problem inside the device.

Sometimes it helps to turn off the TV from the network and turn it back on after a while. In this case, the memory of a failure due to network overload or short circuit is reset. If that doesn't work, you can assume:

• failure of the main board;
• failure of the signal receiver from the remote control;
• disturbances in the operation of electrical circuits;
• problems with the power supply.

But unless there is a picture, the problems can be just as serious. In the worst case, it is a screen defect or a video failure. It is imperative to check all network and data cables, as well as device connectors. Sometimes the problem is related to the deformation of individual plugs. If the TV falls or receives a strong blow before the picture disappears, the matrix is ​​most likely damaged.

It is also useful to figure out how to turn on the sleep timer on a TCL TV. In the L43P8MUS model, this option is not provided - there is only an auto-off mode. The instruction strongly recommends placing the TV on tall pieces of furniture only on condition that it can be firmly fixed.

The power cord must first be connected to the TV itself and only then to the outlet.Avoid connecting through extension cords and multi-plugs, or using a socket without grounding. The TV receiver itself must be grounded and placed where water does not accumulate. Its ventilation openings must be kept open at all times. Before using Smart TV options, you need to properly configure your network settings.

Here are some more directions from the instructions:

• in case of problems with access to external content, first find out the situation with its suppliers;
• in case of problems with access to digital cable television, it is recommended to call the provider;
• the parental control password (except for the super password) can be arbitrarily changed;
• it is impossible to interrupt the operation of the device during the firmware;
• the TV can work normally only on AC power;
• it is better to turn it off during a thunderstorm.

On the whole, experts and buyers evaluate TCL equipment positively. The appearance of such products immediately attracts attention to them. No wonder, because the designers adhere to the concept of impeccable high-tech. The image when playing files from various devices is flawless. The mass of TCL TVs is relatively modest. They are equipped with a sufficiently long power cord for increased mobility.

But some consumers criticize this technique for:

• lack of voice control;
• relatively poor settings;
• not always high build quality;
• limited internal memory;
• lack of the Play Market program;
• the ability to view photos only in Full HD format.

Video review of 4K TV TCL L65P2US, see below.