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Customer Review
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 April 2024
SUMMARY
This TCL 40" TV is based on the Amazon Fire Operating System. Streaming TV's assume that the user wishes to view some live TV programs using an antenna, but for the most part wishes to view TV programs over the Internet using "catch-up" and "on-demand" TV utilities.
As I have been an Amazon Prime member for a few years, a Fire TV was a good option for me as I could make better use of my Prime membership. All live TV streaming services require an App and most of the Apps require that the user sets up an online account. However, there are many other streaming services that offer good content but do not require an online account. It should also be noted that streaming TV's do not usually provide a recording functionality for live TV. If you wish to record live TV on this TCL 40" Fire TV, then you will need a set top box with recording functionality.
PRESENTATION
The product is well-packaged and adequately protected against normal bumps during transit. There is a very brief user guide which provides a few unpacking graphics and a connection diagram. TCL do provide an online user guide which is also very brief but does provide a useful diagram of the Remote Control functions.
WHAT's in the BOX...?
You will find the following items in the box....
TCL 40" TV with power cord
2 x stands with fitting screws
User Guide
Remote Control and batteries
INSTALLATION
Unpacking. The product can be unpacked and installed by one person without too much effort. However, for the sake of safety, both for yourself and the TV, if you have someone available, then you may wish to use an assistant. Remember that the front of the TV is a thin sheet of glass and should be handled carefully. I recommend using either a bed or a table covered with a thick blanket for unpacking the TV.
Location. In my setup the TV is located on a TV table, not attached to a wall. If you wish to attach the TV to a wall then please refer to the wall attachment fittings instructions.
Remote. Open the battery compartment on the Remote and install the batteries. The Remote does not have an LED indicator light when you press a button. If you are uncertain as to whether the Remote is working then you can use the camera on your phone to confirm operation – point the remote at the phone camera and press the ON/OFF button, you should see a light in the phone camera.
NOTE : If you intend to setup several online accounts then it is more convenient to do so using a mobile phone rather than the TV Remote. The phone and the TV need to be connected to the Internet using the same Router. The Fire TV app is available for download on most platforms.
Stands. You will need a star-head screwdriver (sometimes called a Phillips screwdriver). The two stands need to be installed before the product can be used. These are attached to the TV, each using two screws. The TV has location holes and the stands have location studs, therefore there is only one correct way to install the stands. The front of the stands point slightly outwards and the rear of the stands slightly inwards. Be careful not to overtighten the screws.
Connections. Once the stands are installed you can then move the TV to its location. Once located, attach the TV antenna. The TV can be connected to the Internet either by Wi-Fi or by Ethernet, if you wish to connect via Ethernet then insert the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port . Lastly, insert the mains plug into the wall socket and switch on the power.
Switch on the TV using the "Home" button on the Remote and follow the onscreen prompts.
PRACTICAL USE
Internet Connection. Connection via Ethernet is simply a matter of inserting the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port. Connection via Wi-Fi is very easy. Make sure that you have the Router password available before initiating the Wi-Fi connection.
Video Quality. The video quality on this TCL TV is excellent. The resolution on this TV is 1080p and is, in my opinion, the best quality 1080p that I have ever seen. I score the video quality 5-stars.
Audio Quality. The audio quality is good. However, for the best audio experience, the sound does need to be selected for the type of video that you are viewing, for example, Clear Voice, Film, Music.... and so on. I score the audio quality 4-stars.
Remote. The functioning of the remote is very reliable. However, it has a small form factor and it does require some adaptation, especially for a man's hands. The addition of Alexa is really useful. I score the Remote 4-stars.
Mobile Phone Remote. This App is available on most platforms and is easy to install and setup and works seamlessly. Good to have.
User Interface. Very good. The interface is intuitive, very easy to learn and a pleasure to navigate. It is difficult to find any negative comment. I score the user interface 5-stars.
Alexa. Having an Alexa button on the Remote is a nice touch. When you are feeling lazy, Alexa is your best friend and it works extremely well.
Live TV. With a good antenna, picture quality is very good and live TV includes all 100+ Freeview channels.
Apps. The Amazon store has all the Apps that a user could wish for. It is a good idea to go through the installed Apps and make sure that the installed Apps are the ones that you actually want.
Streaming Services. In addition to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music there are numerous other streaming services available, such as, YouTube, Freevee, Pluto.... and many others. Spoilt for choice.
Web Browser. Amazon have their own web browser, named "Silk". It is by far the best TV web browser that I have used. The name "Silk" is very good, because the browser is really "as smooth as silk". I score the web browser 5-stars.
Bluetooth. Easy to setup. Works with my headphones. Excellent range.
Connected Devices. I have a Freeview recorder connected via the HDMI 1 port. Works perfectly, no problems, easy to setup, really Plug-n-Play.
Ports. USB. LAN. Antenna. Satellite. Audio Out. HDMI 1. HDMI 2. AV In. Headphones.
Settings. There are 15 sub-menus under "Settings". It is worthwhile to set aside an hour and go through all the settings and try to understand how each setting affects the way in which you can setup the TV to meet your needs and expectations.
This TCL 40" TV is based on the Amazon Fire Operating System. Streaming TV's assume that the user wishes to view some live TV programs using an antenna, but for the most part wishes to view TV programs over the Internet using "catch-up" and "on-demand" TV utilities.
As I have been an Amazon Prime member for a few years, a Fire TV was a good option for me as I could make better use of my Prime membership. All live TV streaming services require an App and most of the Apps require that the user sets up an online account. However, there are many other streaming services that offer good content but do not require an online account. It should also be noted that streaming TV's do not usually provide a recording functionality for live TV. If you wish to record live TV on this TCL 40" Fire TV, then you will need a set top box with recording functionality.
PRESENTATION
The product is well-packaged and adequately protected against normal bumps during transit. There is a very brief user guide which provides a few unpacking graphics and a connection diagram. TCL do provide an online user guide which is also very brief but does provide a useful diagram of the Remote Control functions.
WHAT's in the BOX...?
You will find the following items in the box....
TCL 40" TV with power cord
2 x stands with fitting screws
User Guide
Remote Control and batteries
INSTALLATION
Unpacking. The product can be unpacked and installed by one person without too much effort. However, for the sake of safety, both for yourself and the TV, if you have someone available, then you may wish to use an assistant. Remember that the front of the TV is a thin sheet of glass and should be handled carefully. I recommend using either a bed or a table covered with a thick blanket for unpacking the TV.
Location. In my setup the TV is located on a TV table, not attached to a wall. If you wish to attach the TV to a wall then please refer to the wall attachment fittings instructions.
Remote. Open the battery compartment on the Remote and install the batteries. The Remote does not have an LED indicator light when you press a button. If you are uncertain as to whether the Remote is working then you can use the camera on your phone to confirm operation – point the remote at the phone camera and press the ON/OFF button, you should see a light in the phone camera.
NOTE : If you intend to setup several online accounts then it is more convenient to do so using a mobile phone rather than the TV Remote. The phone and the TV need to be connected to the Internet using the same Router. The Fire TV app is available for download on most platforms.
Stands. You will need a star-head screwdriver (sometimes called a Phillips screwdriver). The two stands need to be installed before the product can be used. These are attached to the TV, each using two screws. The TV has location holes and the stands have location studs, therefore there is only one correct way to install the stands. The front of the stands point slightly outwards and the rear of the stands slightly inwards. Be careful not to overtighten the screws.
Connections. Once the stands are installed you can then move the TV to its location. Once located, attach the TV antenna. The TV can be connected to the Internet either by Wi-Fi or by Ethernet, if you wish to connect via Ethernet then insert the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port . Lastly, insert the mains plug into the wall socket and switch on the power.
Switch on the TV using the "Home" button on the Remote and follow the onscreen prompts.
PRACTICAL USE
Internet Connection. Connection via Ethernet is simply a matter of inserting the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port. Connection via Wi-Fi is very easy. Make sure that you have the Router password available before initiating the Wi-Fi connection.
Video Quality. The video quality on this TCL TV is excellent. The resolution on this TV is 1080p and is, in my opinion, the best quality 1080p that I have ever seen. I score the video quality 5-stars.
Audio Quality. The audio quality is good. However, for the best audio experience, the sound does need to be selected for the type of video that you are viewing, for example, Clear Voice, Film, Music.... and so on. I score the audio quality 4-stars.
Remote. The functioning of the remote is very reliable. However, it has a small form factor and it does require some adaptation, especially for a man's hands. The addition of Alexa is really useful. I score the Remote 4-stars.
Mobile Phone Remote. This App is available on most platforms and is easy to install and setup and works seamlessly. Good to have.
User Interface. Very good. The interface is intuitive, very easy to learn and a pleasure to navigate. It is difficult to find any negative comment. I score the user interface 5-stars.
Alexa. Having an Alexa button on the Remote is a nice touch. When you are feeling lazy, Alexa is your best friend and it works extremely well.
Live TV. With a good antenna, picture quality is very good and live TV includes all 100+ Freeview channels.
Apps. The Amazon store has all the Apps that a user could wish for. It is a good idea to go through the installed Apps and make sure that the installed Apps are the ones that you actually want.
Streaming Services. In addition to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music there are numerous other streaming services available, such as, YouTube, Freevee, Pluto.... and many others. Spoilt for choice.
Web Browser. Amazon have their own web browser, named "Silk". It is by far the best TV web browser that I have used. The name "Silk" is very good, because the browser is really "as smooth as silk". I score the web browser 5-stars.
Bluetooth. Easy to setup. Works with my headphones. Excellent range.
Connected Devices. I have a Freeview recorder connected via the HDMI 1 port. Works perfectly, no problems, easy to setup, really Plug-n-Play.
Ports. USB. LAN. Antenna. Satellite. Audio Out. HDMI 1. HDMI 2. AV In. Headphones.
Settings. There are 15 sub-menus under "Settings". It is worthwhile to set aside an hour and go through all the settings and try to understand how each setting affects the way in which you can setup the TV to meet your needs and expectations.
