Sharp has announced the immediate availability of the competitively-priced HR7 Google TV, which features a QLED display panel and can support 120Hz or 144Hz PC and console gaming.
Sharp has strengthened its presence in the U.K. and Europe in recent years, offering a range of Google TVs at affordable price points in major retailers.
The new Sharp HR7 Google TVs are available in a range of sizes from 43-inches to 65-inches, with prices starting at just 400 euros and maxing out at just 700 euros for the largest model. Unlike previous Sharp Google TVs such as its HP6, HP5 and GL4 TVs, they come with full-fat HDMI 2.1 connections to ensure a superior gaming experience.
The company’s Google TV models help to fill a gap among fans of the platform after Philips abandoned Google’s software for the Titan OS platform. Moreover, another Google TV hardware maker, Thomson, recently went bankrupt. Yet Google TV remains a popular choice among consumers for its familiarity and its extensive range of applications.
HDMI 2.1 connectivity has become a standard feature in premium TVs in recent years, and is now established enough that it’s starting to find its way into much lower cost models. In the case of the Sharp HR7 TV, there are two HDMI 2.1 ports available, with one that enables eARC and both supporting Variable Refresh Rates and Auto Low-Latency Mode, which are increasingly in-demand by gamers.
With the HDMI 2.1 ports, anyone with a console such as the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 can enjoy games at 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second. It’s a significant upgrade over the 4K60Hz limitations of HDMI 2.0, ensuring a much smoother gameplay experience. For PC gamers, the Sharp HR7 supports even faster gameplay at up to 4K@144Hz.
Despite its low price tag, the Sharp HR7 may not be suitable for those who want the best cinematic quality pictures when watching TV shows and movies, for it’s fitted with a fairly standard QLED panel. While it does support Dolby Vision, it lacks the local dimming zones found on Mini-LED models, which are essential for replicating true high dynamic range pictures. For that, consumers may consider the Sharp Aquos Mini-LED JP7000 that launched last year. It’s available in 50, 55, 65 and 75-inches and comes with Dolby Atmos sound too, however its panel is limited by its 60Hz refresh rate, which makes it less suitable for gaming.
Sharp also sells a range of affordable non-Google TVs, including the TiVo OS-powered GM6000 and GK4000 Series and even some Roku TVs.
