Sharp has announced a new range of affordable LCD TVs in Europe, and they feature a 144Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming and the Google TV platform.
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Such features were previously only available on the highest-end TVs, but these days they’re becoming more widely available on mid-range TVs, and that’s great news for consumers, as it means they can be had at much lower prices.
Proof of this comes in the shape of Sharp’s new FQ8 and FQ5 (pictured) LCD TVs, which were first revealed by FlatPanels HD. They're basically two iterations of the same model, with only a few very minor differences.
Although Sharp is a widely recognised brand, its TVs are usually always much more affordable than those sold by the likes of LG, Samsung, Sony and Panasonic, so it’s likely they will be a compelling buy for many consumers who’re in the market for a new TV next year.
The Sharp FQ8 and FQ5 both feature 4K resolution panels with a 144Hz refresh rate that makes them ideal for super smooth and slick console gaming. They come with a number of HDMI 2.1 ports that will enable Variable Refresh Rates and HFR, as well as low latency. Other nifty features include a sensor for detecting ambient light, so the TV can auto-adjust its picture and optimise it for the living room’s conditions.
The TVs both come with two 15-watt speakers, delivering reasonable audio, and support surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Wireless surround sound is also supported, giving users the option of purchasing compatible Sharp speakers and a subwoofer if they want. They’re fairly stylish too, sporting a slim bezel and aluminium frame.
The main downside is that the Sharp FQ8 and FQ5 TVs are only equipped with a fairly bog standard VA LCD panel with Direct LED backlights, meaning they lack the local dimming zones required for superior HDR luminance control. As a result, don’t expect such stellar HDR pictures, even though the TVs support Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG.
The company said that the TVs can hit a peak brightness of 450 nits, with 92% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. Both models will run the Google TV platform, whereas other Sharp TVs launching next year will run the new TiVo OS platform.
According to Sharp, the FQ8 and FQ5 TVs will go on sale in Europe and other markets sometime next year, with exact availability and pricing to be announced later.
