Sharp’s Quantum Dot Android TVs with HDMI 2.1 arrives in UK

Sharp has started the distribution of its first Quantum Dot TV in the UK. The Sharp Android TV EQ3 series sports a black livery design. The design is called Frameless due to the extremely thin edges on three of the four sides.

The exception is the lower side, which is more pronounced due to the presence of the speakers. The surface that conceals the speakers is another element that distinguishes the EQ3 with horizontal blades. The chassis is built in aluminum with the same base, also in aluminum, characterized by minimalist lines and hollow in the middle.

The panels used by Sharp are all VA-type LCDs with Ultra HD resolution, Quantum Dots, and Direct LED backlighting. We then have a refresh rate of 50/60 Hz and a maximum brightness that ranges between 450 and 550 cd/m² – nit. The technical specifications report 94% coverage for the DCI-P3 color space and 78% for the BT.2020. There are four models available for EQ3 series: 50″, 55″, 65″ and 75″.

The optimization of the images is entrusted to the AQUOS UltraClear video processor, called to manage upscaling, video noise reduction, increase in the level of detail, and so on. There is no lack of intervention on moving images: Sharp uses AQUOS Smooth Motion technology for frame interpolation, i.e. to increase the number of frames and increase fluidity and perceived resolution ( here is our in-depth analysis on these technologies ). Performance is summarized by the Active Motion 1000 index, higher than that of the lower-end models (Active Motion 600).

The Sharp EQ3 Quantum Dot TV models support HDR in HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats. For the audio, we have instead of the compatibility with Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby AC-4, Dolby Atmos, and DTS: X. Inside the chassis, there are the front emission silk tweeters (hidden behind the grille on the lower side), and the woofers with downward emission. The power delivered by the system, created in collaboration with Harman Kardon, is 15 W x 2, and it is possible to reconstruct a virtual surround effect via DTS Virtual: X.

Sharp smart TV with Quantum Dot and Optical Picture Control (OPC), a brightness sensor that is used to automatically adjust images with the light conditions in the environment. All models can decode video in HEVC, VP9, and AV1 and provide DVB-T2 and DVB-S2 TV tuners with HbbTV 2.0.2. The AndroidTV cannot be missing, here based on Android TV 11. The applications available are numerous: among the pre-installed ones we mention Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Store, and Prime Video.

As on all Android TVs, the Google Cast function is available which takes the place of a Chromecast, and there is also voice interaction with Google Assistant via the microphone integrated into the remote control. Users can also take advantage of screens for video-gaming applications thanks to Stadia’s cloud gaming. Then there is a media player that allows you to play the following types of files:

• Video: MKV, MP4, MOV, AVI, MPG, MPEG, 3GP, 3GPP, ASF, FLV, WEBM, VOB, DAT, TS, TRP, TP
• Audio: MP3, M4A, AAC, AC3, EAC3, DTS, WAV, FLAC, LPCM
• Images: JPG, JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, MPO

The Sharp Quantum Dot TV is completed by the four HDMI 2.1 inputs with eARC (HDMI 1), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Media Switching, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) operating in a range between 48 and 60 Hz.

Other connections include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, two USB 2.0 ports (one 5V and 500mA), one composite video input plus audio on RCA via the mini-jack adapter, one optical digital output, a headphone output, an Ethernet port, a Micro SD slot, and a Common Interface slot.

Sharp Quantum Dot TV price and availability

• Sharp 4T-C50EQ3KM2AG 50-inch: £549.99
• Sharp 4T-C55EQ3KM2AG 55-inch: £599.99
• Sharp 4T-C65EQ3KM2AG 65-inch: £799.99
• Sharp 4T-C75EQ3KM2AG 75-inch: £1,129.99

Last month, Samsung announced the Q60B 2022 TV range for the US market. Samsung Smart QLED TV Q60B series is gradually appearing among online retailers with official pricing and availability.

Prices for the Q60B Samsung Smart QLED TV range from $546.99 for the 43-inch model to $2,297.99 for the 85-inch and can be pre-ordered via Amazon.com and Bhphotovideo.com websites. The shipping will start on April 11, 2022.