I was in the 2012 edition of CES, the world’s foremost tech exposition held annually in Las Vegas, when I first came across a 4K Ultra-High-Definition Internet TV. It was an LG. I was stunned by the vividly lifelike pictures and colors. Walking around the various displays along the huge halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, I saw similar 4K UHD Internet TVs from Samsung, Sony, and probably a dozen other brands.
Their prices? Anywhere in the US$20,000 to 25,000 range. That’s easily a million pesos to you and me.
Seven years later, I’m watching on Netflix using a 55-inch 4K UHD Smart TV from Skyworth, one of the world’s leading television brands. The TV’s price? An almost unbelievable P24,990 (at least until December 31). That’s an incredible price drop from the seven-figure price tag a similar-spec TV would have fetched just seven years ago.
Skyworth makes state-of-the-art TVs at affordable prices—one of these being their 55-inch UB5500 Smart TV, which slots in just below their flagship 65-inch TVs.
Netflix lovers, rejoice
With Netflix and YouTube pre-installed (and with a nifty Netflix shortcut button on the remote), I was able to take advantage of the TV’s 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 resolution at 60Hz) display right away as I streamed full HD movie trailers just seconds after powering it on. It was nothing short of what you’d expect from a 4K TV—visuals were crisp, colors were vibrant, and contrast was dynamic—thanks to Trochilus Extreme, Skyworth’s latest proprietary picture engine.
Solid sound
The UB5500 also features Dolby Audio and DTS TruSurround for its down-firing speakers, so it’s no slouch on the audio department. I was able to fill a largish living room with rich and well-distributed sound without using satellite speakers or a sound bar.
Fab form factor
For a truly immersive viewing experience (and to make a stylish statement in your bedroom or living room), the UB5500 has Skyworth’s beautiful Infinity Screen borderless design. There is 99 percent screen for a truly panoramic picture. Adding to the upscale design is the TV’s ultra-slim glossy black frame and its handsome (and sturdy) textured gold-colored metal base.
Superb connectivity
The UB5500 isn’t only one of the best choices for online streaming with its size, design, and audio-video performance, it also serves well as a home entertainment center. With wireless Mirror Share, three HDMI and two USB ports (2.0 and 3.0), an Ethernet port, a digital output port, RF/AV In, and, of course, Wi-Fi connectivity, it connects to your gamepad, PlayStation, sound bar, mouse, keyboard, and even your microphone so that you can host game and karaoke nights with family and friends.
Our Opinion:
Overall, the Skyworth UB5500 makes for a fantastic entertainment centerpiece for any living room or bedroom. It’s a fully-featured 4K TV with a bargain price, dishing out crisp images, vibrant sound, and built-in Netflix so you can watch your favorite TV programs and movies instantly.
