Competition in the TV space is intense and while we hear a lot about the tension between Samsung and LG, there is no shortage of excellent TVs for consumers to select from. However, there is a lot of confusion as to what the different TV technologies are and what is the right choice for specific consumers.
One TV brand that is becoming a big market disrupter is Hisense, which is now the number 2 shipper of TVs worldwide as a result of aggressive marketing and pricing. However, they don’t sacrifice technologies that bring performance value to consumers. This has attracted a lot of attention and positive reviews for their recent TV product lines.
Tip: Hisense is the official TV and appliance partner of the NBA for 2023.
At CES 2023, Hisense previewed its 2023 TV line-up. Recently we went into details on the entry-level U6K series. In this article, we put the spotlight on the higher-end U8K series which is targeted to consumers desiring advanced features at a lower price than the competition.
Core Features
4K ULED: The Hisense U8K series is part of Hisense’s ULED TV family. ULED is a trademark label that Hisense promotes as its combination of 4K resolution (don’t get fooled by the 8K in the model number) and other technologies on top of the LED/LCD TV foundation that optimizes 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.
Mini-LED Backlight: With a Mini-LED backlight, the LED light bulbs are much smaller than the LEDs used in most LED/LCD TVs. The much smaller size provides more precise control of the light passing through the LCD chip layer.
Full-Array Local Dimming: The Mini LED backlight in the U8K includes up to 1,000+ local dimming zones (may vary depending on screen size) for more accurate control of bright objects against dark backgrounds.
Additional Supporting Features
Let’s dig a little deeper into the features of the U8K Series TVs.
Peak Brightness: With the ability to display a peak brightness of 1500 Nits, the U8K series provides the needed to display HDR-encoded content that will satisfy almost all viewers.
HDR Format Support: HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ
Tip: The U8K Series also incorporates IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode capabilities.
Refresh Rate/Motion Processing: 144Hz Native Refresh Rate with additional support provides 480 motion rate processing.
Tip: When watching movies, the 480Hz 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 480Hz motion rate (aka motion smoothing) feature.
Gaming Support: The U8K Series provides 144Hz Game Mode Pro with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is also supported/
NextGEN TV: If you receive some or all your TV programs over the air via Antenna, the U8K Series supports both the current TV broadcast system (ATSC 1.0) and the increasingly available (depending on the market) NEXTGEN TV (ATSC 3.0) broadcast system.
Smart TV Platform: Google TV with Chromecast Built-in. Google Assistant and Alexa Voice Control are also supported.
Bluetooth: This allows you wirelessly connect Bluetooth-compatible soundbars, headphones, or stereo components to the U8K Series TVs.
Tip: Airplay is also supported.
Inputs: HDMI ver 2.1 (2 – 4K/120Hz compatible, 1 is also ARC/eARC-enabled, Ant/Cable (1), USB 2.0 (1), USB 3.0 (1), No composite or component video inputs are provided.
Outputs: Digital Optical (1), Headphone (1 – 3.5mm).
Network/Internet: Ethernet/LAN and Built-in WiFi
Audio: The U8K Series TVs are equipped with a 2.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos audio system (50 watts total output). The U8K Series models are also WiSA SoundSend Certified.
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. The U8K also features an Anti-Glare/Low Reflection (AGLR) screen.
What You Get
This is what comes in the box with the TV.
- TV
- Power Cable
- Voice Remote with Batteries
- Quick Start Guide
Availability and Pricing
The Hisense U8K Series TVs are now available:
- 55U8K (55-inches): $1,299 or Less ($799) at Amazon or Best Buy
- 65U8K (65-inches): $1,699 or Less ($1,099) at Amazon or Best Buy
- 75U8K (75-inches): $2,999 or Less ($1,599) at Amazon or Best Buy
- 85U8K (85-inches): Coming Soon
Related Reading
ORT
October 19, 2023 at 9:59 pm
I ordered the 65″ version today and it will be delivered in a week or so. I am too weak to pick it up and set it up.
I waited for the Vizio 65″ Quantum Pro but it still has not shown at Best Buy (where I primarily shop) and so I “settled” for this excellent TV.
ORT