At a look
Knowledgeable’s Score
Execs
- Roku streaming platform
- Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist
- Low-cost
- First rate gaming efficiency
Cons
- Restricted HDR efficiency
- Lacks true black
- Fundamental design and construct
Our Verdict
The Sharp 55FJ2K isn’t the neatest TV within the room, however neither is it the most costly. Certainly, this massive display will get about every part proper in terms of balancing efficiency, options and worth
Value When Reviewed
Unavailable within the US
Sharp is decided to shine within the funds finish of the display pool, with this Roku-powered mannequin the most recent in an extended line of low-cost giant screens which favour worth and ease of use.
The FJ2K mannequin reviewed right here builds on the Sharp FN2K, an Android-powered cheapie. So simply how important is the swap to a Roku-powered OS? Let’s take a more in-depth look…
Design & Construct
- Broad ft, slim bezel
- Three HDMI inputs
- Freeview Play
You wouldn’t count on overly a lot in terms of the standard of supplies at this value level, and to that extent, the Sharp FDJ2K doesn’t disappoint.
It’s comparatively gentle for such a big display, simply 11kg for the 55-inch mannequin examined, however generically completed and simple sufficient on the attention. The display comes with extensively positioned plastic ft, so plan your furnishings accordingly.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to wall mount the telly when you like.
If you have already got a Roku account you’ll be able to import all of your apps on to the set.
Steve Might / Foundry
Connectivity contains three HDMI inputs, one with eARC (on HDMI 1), a digital optical audio output, two USB ports, analogue AV inputs and Ethernet (to assist built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). It is a 60Hz panel, so don’t count on Excessive Body Fee assist. Gameplay will probably be restricted to 4K 60Hz however many units this value are Full HD at greatest.
The UK tuner is Freeview Play licensed. There’s additionally a CI card slot, if required.
This Sharp ships with a Roku-styled distant, full with purple navigation pad and corresponding ‘kerplunky’ sound results like Roku streaming sticks and bins. It additionally has devoted buttons for Freeview Play, Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video and Spotify.
Nonetheless, on this occasion, I think most customers will merely hit the House button, which takes you to the principle EPG the place you’ll be able to choose inputs, scroll via streaming apps, or watch stay TV.
ITVX and iPlayer nestle alongside streaming staples, equivalent to Netflix, Disney+ and Rakuten TV. If you have already got a Roku account you’ll be able to import all of your apps on to the set.
Specs & Options
- Roku Sensible TV platform
- Broad Voice Assistant assist
- Recreation mode
If you need a related sensible TV with rock-solid entry to the world’s best-known streaming providers, then you definately’re in the proper place.
Roku has given Sharp an ultra-stable sensible platform to work with, and whereas the Roku OS might lack a few of the fashion thrives that distinguish rivals, its no-nonsense, easy-to-navigate nature continues to impress.
Steve Might / Foundry
Along with the standard big-name streaming providers, there’s a devoted Roku channel with a mix of recent TV exhibits and authentic motion pictures, all free to look at.
The FJ2K can also be suitable with Apple and Google voice assistants, in addition to Apple AirPlay and Apple House.
The set has a devoted Recreation mode setting. Enter lag was measured at 10.1ms (1080p/60fps) in Recreation mode, which will be thought-about extraordinarily aggressive.
Image High quality
- Low and Excessive brightness settings
- Restricted peak HDR efficiency
- Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist
Out of the field, this set has its Image Settings anchored in a Low Image mode, which saves a smidgeon on energy consumption however reasonably hampers its image potential. Take time to revive some glow to the set’s cheeks by partaking the Normal brightness setting.
I measured HDR peak brightness, utilizing an ordinary 10% window, at 390 nits. That is about common for funds screens like this.
The panel is kind of profitable in terms of making a cinematic picture
Steve Might / Foundry
Regardless of restricted peak HDR brightness, its common image stage is definitely fairly agreeable making it appropriate for shiny room viewing.
There are Normal, Vivid, Sports activities, and Movie presets, in addition to Brightest, Vibrant, Regular, Darkish and Darker viewing choices.
The display’s most evident limitation is an incapacity to ship a convincing black, which impacts its means to tell apart close to shadow element. This could make exhibits which favour flat, naturalistic lighting, like Apple TV+’s Sluggish Horses (in Dolby Imaginative and prescient), come throughout as a bit flat.
Content material with extra overt distinction, like Vegas-based comedy actioner Obliterated on Netflix (in 4K Dolby Imaginative and prescient), works higher. The panel is kind of profitable in terms of making a cinematic picture. The zing of shiny neon lights down the strip pop convincingly.
Sound High quality
- 2 x 10w of energy
- Appropriate with wi-fi rears
With 2x10W of amplification on board, the display could make itself heard. Though sounds slightly hole at excessive quantity.
Along with an Auto sound mode, there are Normal, Speech, and Theatre audio presets. The latter will get my advice as a result of it comes with barely extra pronounced bass and treble.
There’s additionally a Dialogue Enhancer, helpful when you’re after slightly extra vocal readability. The set will be partnered with suitable wi-fi rears, however given the shortage of Dolby Atmos assist, I’m not satisfied that’s well worth the funding.
Steve Might / Foundry
Value & Availability
Out there now, the Sharp FJ2K is accessible in 43-, 50- and 55in (with mannequin numbers 43FJ2K, 50FJ2K and 55FJ2K), priced at £249, £299 and £349 respectively.
We had been initially instructed it will are available in 24-65in sizes and on the time of writing solely the 50-inch mannequin is accessible to buy from Very or 55-inch at Richer Sounds.
There is no such thing as a direct equal of this mannequin within the North American market because it’s produced below licence in Europe.
Discover extra choices in our greatest funds TV chart.
Do you have to purchase the Sharp Roku FJ2K?
It might not signify the chopping fringe of TV design, however the Sharp FJ2K is actually remarkably good worth. For those who’re not obsessing over the most recent in image processing, then this cheerful cheapy is a straightforward advice.
The image is punchy sufficient for daytime viewing and Dolby Imaginative and prescient helps hold choose exhibits wanting cinematic regardless of limitations in terms of HDR.
Extra importantly, Roku is a bulletproof sensible TV platform that anybody can use, and it doesn’t shame itself with 4K 60Hz gameplay both.
Consequently, this Sharp warrants a particular advice.
Specs
- Show expertise: LCD LED
- Sizes: 43,50,55-inch
- Mannequin examined: 55-inch
- Decision: 3840 x 2160 4k
- HDMI: x3
- HDR assist: HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Imaginative and prescient
- Sensible platform: Roku OS
- Tuner: Freeview Play
- Dimensions: 1231(w) x 718(h) x 91(d)mm
- Weight: 11kg