In an interesting strategic move, Hisense has announced that its first TV incorporates the Fire TV OS, the UH6F series. The first model is being offered in a 50-inch screen size, but more screen sizes are expected.
Although this is a first for Hisense, it is not the first “Smart Fire TV” as Amazon markets its own branded sets, and Toshiba and Insignia (Best Buy’s house brand) also have the Fire TV OS in select models of their TVs.
However, what makes this significant, is that Hisense is emerging as a top brand, on par with TCL, with some models even holding their own against the king of the hill, Samsung.
Another reason that this is important, is that Hisense is now the only TV brand that offers the choice of 3 smart TV platforms in the U.S., Roku, Google TV, and now Fire TV. There are no indications that Hisense will abandon Roku or Google TV, but it will be interesting to see if each platform will be favored by consumers in the long run.
NOTE: Up until this point Google has not allowed its TV partners to offer different Android variants, such as Fire TV in their product lines. There is no word as to when Google may have relented on this demand.
What the Fire TV OS Offers
All of the capabilities of a Fire TV Stick are actually built into the TV. This means you don’t have to plug in a separate Fire TV stick to access thousands of streaming apps.
For U.S. buyers, more than 1 million TV episodes and movies from apps including Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max, as well as streamable popular ad-supported content for free from Pluto TV, and Amazon Freevee, and more are accessible. In addition voice, search, and app launch (100 so far) using Alexa are provided.
In addition, just like Amazon Echo products, you can use the TV’s built-in Alexa capability to control other smart home devices such as lights, doorbells, and cameras and added ability to view compatible camera devices right on your TV screen.
Other TV Features
The Hisense U6HF includes more than just smart Fire TV features, it also packs in a lot of TV tech.
4K ULED: At its core, the U6HF is a 4K UHD LED/LCD TV. ULED is a trademark label that Hisense promotes as its combination of 4K resolution and other technologies optimize image quality, such as boosting color, contrast, brightness, and more.
Quantum Dots: A layer of quantum dots is placed between the LED backlight and the LCD chip layer to support a more accurate color.
Full-Array Local Dimming: The LED backlight includes up to 32 local dimming zones (may vary depending on screen size) for more accurate control of bright objects against dark backgrounds.
Peak Brightness: 600 Nits. Although it is not as bright as many higher-end TVs (1,000 Nits is ideal), the UH6F provides enough brightness to display HDR-encoded content that would please most viewers.
HDR Format Support: HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision
Refresh Rate/Motion Processing: 60Hz Native Refresh Rate with additional support provides 240 motion rate processing.
Tip: When watching movies, the 240 motion rate may result in the “soap opera effect” which makes film-based content look more like live video. If you find this distracting you can disable the 240 motion rate (aka motion smoothing) feature.
Bluetooth: This allows you wirelessly connect Bluetooth-compatible soundbars, headphones, or stereo components to U6HF.
Inputs: HDMI (4 – 4K/60Hz compatible, 1 is also ARC-enabled), AV-in (1), Ant/Cable (1), USB (power enabled).
Outputs: Digital Optical (1), Headphone (1 – 3.5mm).
Network/Internet: Ethernet/LAN and Built-in WiFi
Bezel-less Design: A bezel-less design provides “a screen only” look without a large distracting frame that makes the TV blend in with almost any decor.
Metal Stand: A metal stand is included for sturdy support.
What You Get
This is what comes in the box with the TV.
- TV
- Power Cable
- Remote Control with Batteries
- Quick Start Guide
Pricing & Availability
The 50-inch Hisense 50U6HF 4K TV is available for pre-order for $529.99 exclusively on Amazon.com, and it will start shipping May 24, 2022.
Tip: A 58-inch model is expected to become available in early Fall 2022 for $599.99.
Related Reading: Buying a New TV: Everything You Need to Know
