The 4K image efficiency is reassuringly sharp from this Cello QLED, however HDR is a matter
Execs
- Versatile Android good OS
- Premium end
Cons
- Reflective display
- Low brightness HDR
- Common audio
Key Specs
- Overview Value: £800
- 4K UHD TV with HDR10 assist
- Android 7 good OS
- Wi-Fi “mouse” distant
What’s the Cello C55SFS4K QLED ?
Cello is that uncommon factor, a British TV producer, and the Cello C55SFS4K is its first flatscreen to make use of a QLED (quantum dot) LCD panel – expertise hitherto championed by Samsung.
The set is a big improve on what we’ve seen from the TV maker prior to now. Cello is a specialist in low-cost and area of interest TVs, with its vary together with small-screen good fashions, battery-powered portables for caravan and tenting use, and even clear fashions for the jail service). However this 55-inch TV adopts a premium design and boasts an upgraded good platform.
Cello C55SFS4K QLED — Design and construct
There’s little doubt that this QLED panel is properly dressed, with its shiny aluminium bezel and trim, metallic crescent stand. The distant management is uncommon in that it pairs and operates over Wi-FI, to supply a mouse-like navigating expertise. Solely the Energy command is IR. To name up its on-screen cursor, simply interact the Mouse button. In case you maintain the OK button then you’ll be able to drag gadgets, which is required performance for a lot of apps.
With a 9-axis gyroscope, this zapper isn’t dissimilar to LG’s Magic Distant. It takes a bit of getting used to, and greater than as soon as had me hankering for a scroll wheel – however I bought there ultimately.
There are 4 HDMI v2.0 inputs on the rear. There’s additionally a mini-AV 35mm jack, a digital audio output for an exterior sound system, and a pair of stereo phonos. Additionally included are a few USB ports and a microSD card reader. The latter can be utilized to pause dwell TV and for primary time-shifting, relying on the capability of the cardboard in use.
Associated: Greatest TV
Cello C55SFS4K QLED — Options and value
Clearly related, this display runs an iteration of Android 7 Nougat, accessed by way of the devoted good button on the distant.
The interface isn’t fancy, and positively isn’t as graphical because the TV-orientated model of the identical platform that’s been round for a while, but it surely has distinctive attraction.
You see, this QLED affords unfettered entry to the Play Retailer, which has large ramifications in terms of usability. The display invitations you to put in the standard apps, together with YouTube, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Sky Go and Now TV. However exploring the Play retailer will unlock surprises.
For instance, you’ll be able to obtain the Sky Q app, designed to permit Sky Q subscribers to look at content material from their Sky Q field on a cellular machine. For legit multiroom TV viewing, Sky requires subscribers use a Sky Q Mini shopper field, and solely three can join directly.
However this Cello’s potential to run the Sky Q app means you don’t want a Sky Mini to compensate for recordings in your field. That is fascinating should you’re a Sky Q subscriber shopping for a display for a second room, bed room or den.
Associated: Greatest low cost TVs
On the debit aspect, the Play retailer apps for Netflix and Amazon Prime are primary, with no 4K assist. The answer is to accomplice this display with a streaming media stick – be it a Roku or Amazon Hearth TV – with the intention to get the very best consumer expertise from the large OTT suppliers. Then use Android 7 for extra sneaky viewing alternatives.
The platform itself is fast to navigate; apps load and open swiftly.
The HD DVB tuner is branded Cello Play, which seems to be a bit of like Freeview Play in that it affords a rollback EPG. Nevertheless, moderately than hyperlink to channel gamers for catchup, it scrapes YouTube and IMDB, which is… totally different.
Cello C55SFS4K QLED — Efficiency
Image high quality is ok, with caveats. The panel has a decision of 3840 x 2160, and all this element makes it to the display. It’s additionally appropriate with HDR10.
HD photos get pleasure from a linear upscale, with no apparent stepping and jaggies.
Like all Cello TVs, the menu system and film choices are restricted. If you need a panel you’ll be able to tweak and finesse, look elsewhere. Image presets cowl Vivid, Normal, Tender, Monitor and Consumer; should you plan on making changes, you’ll want to change the menu time-out from its default of 10 seconds. There’s no devoted Film or Sport mode.
Normal is the very best viewing possibility. The Vivid mode represents a soar in total brightness, however doesn’t maintain distinction effectively, which supplies photos a washed-out look. The oddly named Tender is overly darkish.
An edge-lit set, the panel is backlit from the underside. When watching letterbox motion pictures, the highest bar is persistently darkish, whereas the underside bar suffers from gray splotches.
This panel doesn’t supply wide-band color. This isn’t to say it doesn’t have vibrancy. The early children occasion in Despicable Me 2 (4k UHD Blu-ray) is a feast. Drew, in his pink fairy apparel, is a particular crowd-pleaser.
Equally, 4K check footage that includes Chinese language conventional costumes seems to be wealthy and vibrant. Reds and deep blues are luxurious.
Associated: What’s HDR?
The set could also be HDR appropriate, however don’t anticipate a very HDR-like expertise. We measured peak HDR at simply 285 cd/m2 (aka nits), on each 10% and 5% home windows. That is significantly lower than Philips’ low-cost, 6-series HDR screens, for instance.
I believe Cello is locking this down with the intention to safe its A power score (99W with a 145 kWh/annum certification).
There are a number of audio modes: Normal, Music, Information, Film and Consumer. All are moderately confined by the on-board sound system. You’ll virtually actually wish to add a sound bar or exterior sound answer.
This isn’t a display we’d advocate for avid gamers. Enter lag was measured at 66.3ms, which is poor.
Associated: Greatest soundbars
Why purchase a Cello C55SFS4K QLED?
Loads is dependent upon what you’re searching for. This Cello QLED isn’t a high-performance HDR providing by any stretch, however having unconditional entry to the Google Play retailer is a giant win.
As a second display in a Sky Q family it holds apparent attraction, due to its potential to run the Sky Q cellular app.
Verdict
Cello’s QLED debut combines a premium ultra-slim design, with a flexible Android platform that gives backdoor entry to apps initially supposed just for cellular use.
Its 4K image efficiency is reassuringly sharp, however restricted peak brightness means you gained’t actually profit from HDR sources.
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Used as the principle TV for the evaluation interval
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Trusted Rating
Rating intimately
- Options 7
- Design 8
- Sound High quality 4
