SEPTEMBER 2019 HOME CINEMA CHOICE2
Although I expect this fl aw to be addressed via fi rmware
in due course.
Video-on-demand comes via Freeview Play for catchup
TV, and Netfl ix, Amazon and YouTube apps within TCL's
Smart TV hub (accessed via Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Somewhat
frustratingly, across the Channel TCL sells a step-up
version of this TV with the slicker (albeit more intrusive
in the way it dominates the whole screen) Android 9 OS.
Even more curious is this set's lack of Dolby Vision and
HDR10+ support, something also found on the European
55EP680 iteration. But such talents do bump up the price
tag to €799, which is an entirely diff erent price point. HDR
support here is HDR10 and HLG.
At the 55EP668's core is TCL's IPQ (Intelligent Picture
Quality) 2.0 processing engine, which covers a range of
image parameters including local contrast, 3D LUT colour
mapping and HDR processing.Steady as she goes
The TV's strongest picture quality attribute is its solid
delivery of 4K HDR10 content, albeit without the major
brightness zing off ered by more intense LED designs
that reach far in excess of the 400-nit peaks here.
That said, the combination of the set's global (as
opposed to local dimming) engine brings a stability to its
illumination that avoids the distracting leaps in brightness
and backlight pooling found on other models, and
engenders a decent performance with dark content.
Blacks don't approach the Stygian levels of OLED or
multi-zone dimmed LED rivals, but are respectable.
The raid on the Umbrella HQ (Chapter 2, Resident Evil:
Afterlife, Ultra HD Blu-ray) benefi ts from the balanced
approach. As Alice (Milla Jovovich) appears behind the
amassed goons, she's dressed entirely in black and hidden
in the shadows; she steps forward, and light catches onPriced around £500, this 55-incher continues in the
same vein as the 55DC748 [see HCC #289]. It's a fairly
nice-looking telly. Gone from last year's model is the
cylindrical JBL-branded soundbar that was that TV's
standout design feature; for 2019, TCL has adopted
a less is more approach. The 55EP668 features a jet-black
thin bezel, wider along the bottom edge to accommodate
the speaker array. Slightly letting down the black vibe is the
open stand, which is a lighter shade.
Two remotes are included, a long thin wand and a
smaller one that cuts buttonry down to the bare essentials.
Both are well designed and the TV's menus are fairly
fast, by virtue of there not actually being that much
customisation available.
For example, as before, there's no frame interpolation
tool, leaving you at the mercy of the panel's native talents.
This can be problematic on occasion. You may not
have the option of super-smoothness, but the top
of the submarine scrap between Aquaman and Orm
(Chapter 13, Aquaman, Ultra HD Blu-ray) maintains clarity
as the characters chuck tridents at each other and salt
water sprays around. Yet trickier shots, such as the zoom in
to the Sicilian village across the sea that opens Chapter 9,
sees the fi ne detail of the cliff edges and buildings breaking
up. Be prepared for some distractions.
It doesn't make the set ideal for sports fans either; the
zipping white ball during the cricket World Cup (Sky UHD)
posed it some problems.
Other features that point to the TV's budget nature
include its suite of connections, where you'll only fi nd
three HDMI inputs (one ARC-enabled) rather than four.
All support 4K HDR, although pay attention to an option
in the TV's menus that allows you to switch 'HDMI 2.0'
between On, Off or Auto – I had to select On, rather
than the Auto default, for the TV to recognise a 4K signal.
Last issue we reported from the IFA Global Press Conference,
and the continued drive by Chinese TV brands to spread their
wings around the globe. TCL is one such company. In 2018
it debuted in the UK with its entry-level DC series. And this
year, while we wait for its more enticing MiniLED and OLED
technologies to arrive, it's once again targeting budget buyers
with the 55EP668.
REVIEWS 61
Does this budget 55in 4K LCD have the picture chops
to fl oat Mark Craven's boat?
TCL aims low
with 4K HDR
PRODUCT:
55in 4K HDR TV
with Freeview Play
POSITION:
Currently TCL's most
advanced UK model
PEERS:
Toshiba
50VL5A63DB;
Hisense
H50AE6100UKAV I NF O
- TCL claims peak
brightness of 400 nits
for this HDR screen - The TV bundles two
remote controls