We have already tested new streaming boxes from the Thomson brand in the recent past. But the French brand is also back in the TV market. The first television we’re taking a look at in this issue is a QLED device from the Pro series. The Thomson Smart TV 55QG7C14 is characterized not only by smart functions but also by first-class hardware features.
The new QLED Pro series is available in various screen sizes between 43 inches (1.09 m) and 75 inches (approx. 2 m) and currently represents the brand’s upper class. This is also clear when unpacking, because in contrast to In addition to the affordable entry-level models, our test candidate has a stable stand that is placed in the middle of the TV after assembly. There is also a 144 Hz logo on the front, which indicates the high refresh rate, which is supposed to ensure very smooth images.
The Quantum Dot technology on the display is intended to ensure balanced brightness, impressive contrast and an extended color range in conjunction with 4K content. Ultimately, Dolby Vision is also integrated, which is known to give the image vivid contrasts and optimized brightness and ensures precise color reproduction and lifelike image quality. We test this extensively in practice. We will also listen carefully to the sound, because here too Thomson advertises dynamic sound with Dolby Atmos for an impressive television experience.
Austattung des Thomson QLED Pro
The Smart TV from Thomson doesn’t have to hide when it comes to equipment. On the connection side, there are four HDMI ports, two of which support HDMI 2.1. A triple tuner ensures perfect connectivity with the established reception channels satellite (DVB-S2), cable (DVB-C) and terrestrial (DVB-T2). A CI+ interface is used to decrypt pay-TV content. In order to integrate the smart functions, the manufacturer has given its QLED both WLAN and a LAN interface. The connection equipment is rounded off by three USB ports (2 × USB 2.0, 1 × USB 3.0) and an optical S/PDIF port.
Smart TV with high quality remote control
The Thomson QLED also comes with a very high-quality signal generator. The clear model communicates with the television via Bluetooth and therefore also allows voice input. The keys are illuminated in the dark. Six quick selection buttons ensure that YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+ and live TV can be reached directly. The latter is a bit unfortunate, as the TV function can already be selected using the direct selection button below the control pad. A freely assignable function on the last speed dial key, for example at MagentaTV, waipu.tv or Wow Calling it directly would make more sense.
Die Installation
In addition to classic TV reception, the focus of the device is of course hybrid services. In order to use these functions in practice, access to the home network including an Internet connection is required. The user has two options here: either plug in a network cable for a particularly stable connection to the network or use wireless WiFi access.
The initial setting allows you to choose to set up the device manually or with your smartphone. For the latter step, however, an Android smartphone is required. If this is available, setting it up is child’s play, because once “new device” has been entered into the Google app, everything works as if by magic. Apps, the WiFi password and personal preferences are taken from the Android account.
After just under ten minutes – some time is of course required for the app installation and setup – the television is almost ready for use. Finally, all that remains is to determine the reception route. Satellite (DVB-S2), cable (DVB-C) or terrestrial reception (DVB-T2) are possible here. We describe the corresponding setting options below in the reception tuner section. After the search is complete, a current station list is available. Now the TV fun can begin.
The new Thomson Smart TV in operation
Once the television is set up, operating the 50-inch (1.27 m) QLED device is self-explanatory. The pivotal point is the Android home menu. The television is equipped with the current Android TV operating system 11.0, which means that all apps and TV recommendations are reliably displayed within this interface. If you want to control one of the many interfaces for connecting external devices, you can do this directly on the Thomson television using the source button on the remote control (top right). The menu can be used to activate various presets for the panel such as Film, Sport or Eco. Of course, the settings can also be adjusted individually to suit your own taste if necessary.
App support
The first step is to get all the apps you want on the TV. The first ones were already taken from the Google account during the initial setup. If you want more, you can use the Playstore and download apps from there. All apps in it can be used on the device without any problems. We find apps for all known VoD offers. Of course, the newer services are also included Paramount+, Discovery+ or Apple+ can be used. Also Wow is supported. Unfortunately it is not usable Rakuten TV.
First we started YouTube and were able to play all the content there without any problems. The same applies to Netflix. Prime Video can also be used without restrictions. With all of the services mentioned, 4K content can also be played in the best quality. The test runs just as smoothly for all media libraries of the German TV channels as well as the TV offerings of Zattoo, waipu.tv and MagentaTV. Even replay and pausing live TV content are very well supported here. The German offers are also problem-free Joy’s and RTL+ usable.
The tuner
The built-in triple tuner for DVBS/S2, DVB-C and DVB-T/T2 works very reliably. Owners of a multifeed satellite reception system can receive up to 16 satellite positions in parallel with the device. This is made possible by the integrated DiSEqC 1.1 protocol. This means that even larger DX systems can be controlled directly with the tuner. The Thomson television also handles Unicable well. Even if it only has a tuner without a recording function, this is commendable, as a separate PVR receiver can be set up and the two devices share an antenna line.
In terrestrial mode, the Thomson television reliably scans the frequency spectrum with active and passive antennas and properly finds the TV services available at the test location as well as the so-called connect channels Freenet TV. Unfortunately, all programs are then added to the channel list unsorted. A test of the Connect channels shows that they are displayed correctly as soon as the television is connected to the Internet. This significantly increases the variety of channels. The cable scan also runs without any problems.
Another positive thing is that all reception channels can be used in parallel. Although they have separate channel lists, the reception method can be selected in the channel list. The television then lists the corresponding channel list.
Convincing images and good sound
We had already reported that 4K is played back without any problems when streaming and via the tuner. When it comes to the picture itself, the Thomson Smart TV 55QG7C14 impresses above all with its brilliant color reproduction. The manufacturer relies on QLED and its quantum dots technology, in which glowing nanoparticles can display more different colors. These quantum dots are located in the large LED backlight unit, which is located behind the LCD panel. This variety of colors is particularly evident in HDR content. Thanks to the new 144 Hertz technology, the images also appear sharper than comparable mid-range TV models. All in all, the Thomson Smart TV 55QG7C14 surprises with very good image reproduction.
The television is also good when it comes to sound. The sound from the two 10-watt speakers is sufficient for watching normal TV programs. Film lovers who want a Thomson device as an inexpensive home cinema alternative for picture playback should opt for a soundbar or, even better, a suitable sound system. The same applies to all music lovers who want to indulge in concerts.
Decoding
Thanks to the CI+ capability of the TV set, it is easily possible to watch the encoded private channels via DVB-T2 – provided the corresponding one is activated Freenet-TV-Module is available – to use. Alternatively, an HD+ pay-TV module can of course also be operated in the shaft. We were able to successfully implement all CI modules in the test.
Full HbbTV capability is also available. If a channel supports HbbTV, the notice appears in the current program. The channel’s corresponding HbbTV portal can be accessed as usual using the red button. All navigators within HbbTV are very fluid, which makes using the offers with Google TV really fun. Thanks to the integration of a current HBBTV 2.x interface, it is also possible to restart broadcasts from public broadcasters by pressing the blue button (restart function).
Conclusion
The Thomson Smart TV 55QG7C14 is convincing. Our 50-inch test sample is available in stores for under 700 euros. For the low price, the television offers a large number of features. The smart Google TV interface offers no cause for criticism when it comes to app support or storage. The user is welcome to test one or another streaming app without pushing the device to its limits.
All German-language streaming offers are played perfectly, i.e. without long waiting times for selection and without image errors. The tuners are also convincing. Thanks to additional DiSEqC and Unicable protocols, it is a television that can really hold a candle to the TV receiver. Sharp, smooth images in brilliant colors underline the positive overall impression.
Text: Ricardo Petzold / Editor: Felix Ritter
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Source: www.digitalfernsehen.de
