You can currently buy a 140 cm, 55" TV encased in metal with Ultra HD (4K) resolution, i.e. 3840 x 2160 pixels, for a pleasant 15.990 CZK. It also includes an Onkyo sound bar with four speakers located under the screen.
The middle class in the form of EC780 is equipped with an operating system Android TV 9.0, classically with a very shiny screen with surface backlighting and a complete set of tuners. It is without a frame and when viewed from the front you can practically only see a narrow black border, i.e. the non-functional edge of the LCD panel. It is worth noting at this point that it is not of the QLED type as in the TCL TVs with "X" in the name.
The equipment is really up to par for the price, and there are also the most modern gadgets in the form of Dolby Atmos sound, an extended WCG color gamut and playback of content with a high dynamic range in the HDR10+ and Dolby Vision standards. Compared to more advanced models of the brand, for example, in addition to the QLED screen, DTS sound is also missing. What is not missing, on the other hand, is HbbTV 2.0, in other words the popular "red button" of the latest generation, which TCL now puts in most devices. The TV will thus be compatible with applications that will come in four or five years. After all, the device has enough power for current HbbTV, and this was seen both at FTV Prima and at Czech Television. You must not forget to enable HbbTV in the TCL settings menu (gear wheel on the remote) after installation, because it is disabled by default.
Two remote controls, very good layout of the classic one
TCL has chosen a system of two controllers in this class as well, both of which work via infrared, and the simplified and compact one also uses Bluetooth. In our conditions, however, most people will probably have a problem with it, because the EPG and the list of tuned stations are complicated to call up. However, the controller has a microphone in it, and despite the fact that Google still hasn't fully operationalized voice control for Czech (and Slovak), word resolution works quite well, even though practically everything subsequently leads to Youtube. According to the manufacturer's report, control in Czech, including, for example, channel switching, is expected. The classic is already excellent even if there are some gaps. For example, the fact that OK does not call up the list of channels (you have to press the List button) and the main advantage, in addition to the excellent layout of the traditional remote control, is the TCL settings menu that can be scrolled through, which significantly speeds up operations. The second settings menu belonging to Google no longer allows this, just as it is not possible in the home menu on the Home button. But there is one more short menu, namely the context menu, through which you can advantageously switch the TV to, for example, Sport mode, change the set picture mode and also access all settings. It's just a pity that it doesn't have what the flagship model X10 has. That is, the ability to turn off the screen and leave only the sound on. This option is not missing, but it is buried quite deep in the menu. If you listen to radio broadcasts via DVB (satellite and terrestrial), you will at least enjoy the automatic start of the screen saver after selecting a station.
Very good picture, including content with HDR
You can find the button for the EPG program menu, which is often used by us, on the traditional remote control right below the down arrow (Guide) and the sound does not break when entering or leaving, which few people can do. The program is written for seven stations and has no image, the sound runs in the background. You cannot move freely through the EPG, swiping to shows on a new station causes the tuner to switch channels.
The TV is equipped with the latest Android TV 9.0, which you can customize to your liking. Just be prepared for the fact that everything is still in the early stages, so sometimes after deleting one of the horizontal menus, another one appeared on its own, which is unfortunately also a problem with other brands. But that will most likely remove the updates. Importantly, you can greatly simplify your menus and remove what you don't need, including app icons. In short, you can do almost everything to your liking, and most importantly, do it more clearly.
You can access the home menu via the house button, and through it you can also download other applications from the Google Store after registration. And there are more than enough Czech ones, or if you prefer well-localized ones. Including, for example, Pohádek, internet television Lepší.TV with HBO OD and there is also an application for HBO GO; You already have YouTube in your base.
Although you can easily install VLC Player for example, be sure to check out the built-in "Media Center". Its format compatibility is on par, and it also allows - in one fell swoop - to play both photos, music and video. Through it, we also tried working with content with HDR technology (as opposed to 3D, this is a big advance!) that you can already find in some online video libraries. You should keep this feature in mind when buying a new TV, and the rule is simple: the more systems available, the better.
The TV provided video with HDR in a darkened scene with a little less emphasis on detail, on the other hand, in an overlit scene it was really excellent, and just right. However, HDR technology is based on the fact that it tries to represent the world to you as your eyes see it. Therefore, it is always a highly individual matter for each viewer.
Pleasantly priced, the TCL 55EC780 represents an excellent combination of price/performance/image despite the fact that it is neither at the bottom nor at the top of the range in its class. The very interestingly designed pedestal is also worth paying attention to. This is because it is attached directly to the four VESA holes on the back, which are also used for attaching the TV to the wall. It is placed here, including the sound bar, which is a fixed part of the device. In terms of sound, the TV is slightly above standard, it comes to life more with the sound in Dolby Atmos. Visually, it goes above and beyond its class, and this can also be seen at the level of resampling from lower resolutions and solid motion sharpness, although it is understandably not able to maintain it at a low data rate. Also be prepared for the fact that you may have to turn up the amp more (subjectively, it seemed to have less power) and that there is no treble and bass control at all. If you don't require this, you get above-average equipment for your money, a solid forward-looking "red button" and a whole host of reliably working local apps.
