PICTURE QUALITY Picture quality fell short, overall. Reproduction of fine image detail was excellent. Color accuracy was acceptable, but below that of most models. Contrast—the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites—in dark scenes was okay, so images had some depth, but it was not the best. Black levels were OK and maintained some contrast in darker scenes, but they fell short of the better TVs. Image brightness was adequate (with the brightness at max), making it a suitable choice for all but the sunniest rooms. Its reproduction of smooth edges on image content. Deinterlacing of 1080i video was excellent. Its frame-rate compensation for 1080i film-based content was excellent.
VIEWING ANGLE This TCL model has a narrow viewing angle overall, below-average performance. Only those viewing at center position will see the best picture quality. Our examination at various angles saw its image quality degrade when viewed anywhere but on-center. When we viewed the TV from the sides image quality degraded significantly. the picture showed a moderate loss of color, so flesh tones looked a bit washed out. Black levels brightened slightly. Lastly, we viewed the image from above and below center screen, and noticed good vertical viewing angle performance, with only slight changes in color, contrast, and black level.
MOTION BLUR In our motion tests, this TCL LCD (LED) had only fair motion performance, with significant blurring.
SOUND QUALITY We got sub-par sound quality, with below average performance. It could be acceptable for typical programming, but its shortcomings would be obvious with movie soundtracks and music. In our listening evaluations, we found the bass (low frequency sound) was absent and very well defined. Treble (high frequency sound) lacked detail. The treble was neutral though a bit bright, notably closed in. This TV should be OK if the room isn't too noisy—we found the speakers could produce a good volume level. If sound quality matters to you, you might want to add a soundbar or other external speaker system.
EASE OF USE Consider the TV's stand is 33 inches wide when choosing a table top to place it on. The remote controls the TV via an IR light beam which must be pointed at the TV. It has a simplified design with a reduced set of buttons.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV provides internet functionality via its "Google TV" portal, with access to a library of applications. Movie streaming services that can be downloaded to this TV, or are built-in, include Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, BET+, DirecTV, Disney Plus, Freevee, Fubo TV, Hulu, Max/HBO Max, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Sling TV, Starz, The Roku Channel, Tubi, YouTube, YouTube TV. It includes a built-in Google Assistant virtual assistant, which allows you to use natural speech to ask questions, launch applications, and search programming by talking to the TV.
CONNECTIONS This model has 2 HDMI inputs one USB port, an optical digital audio out, headphone out, an Ethernet port, and 802.11n/WiFi 4 wireless networking.
WHAT'S INCLUDED A remote control.
