Is there such a thing as upper-budget? If that’s the case, the Toshiba UK31 TV is a wonderful fit. This 4K model outperforms the widely popular UL20, with fuss-free smarts and a speed that doesn’t fall short.
The screen is seamlessly connected with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to ask the set for news and weather information as well as manage basic operations. It supports Dolby Vision HDR to make the most of Netflix feeds, and it also includes a fast data Game mode, which should appeal to console users.
If you want the largest 65in the model, it won’t even come cheap, while the lowest 43in choice starts at only £349. It is one of the center selections, the 50in size for £429.
The Toshiba UK31 TV is available in a variety of screen sizes, including 43-, 50-, 58-, and 65-inch models (43UK3163DB, 50UK3163DB, 58UK3163DB, 65UK3163DB). In terms of RRP, the sets are priced at £349, £429, £499, and £548, respectively.
Because these Toshiba-branded sets are made under a pan-European license deal with European manufacturer Vestel, there is no comparison in the North American or Australian markets.
They are available in the UK through Amazon, Currys, AO, Argos, Laptops Direct, and Very.
Streaming services are available on the Toshiba UK31 TV. Freeview Play has a complete supply of major catch-up players, as well as a large selection of box sets.
Netflix, Prime Video, Britbox, YouTube, Twitch, BBC Sounds, Deezer, and Chilli are among the streaming apps available on the Toshiba smart platform. However, the lack of Disney+ is significant, therefore other sets such as the TCL RP620K Roku TV or Hisense Roku TV (A7200UK) may scratch that need if it’s a must-have.
These are available by a dual-stacked shelf that runs from across the bottom of the screen; from here, you can also explore settings, sources, and TV stations.
The TV is interoperable with Amazon Alexa but not with Google Assistant. You may use Alexa to turn on or off the TV, change the channel or source, and control the volume using a built-in far-field mic incorporated into the TV. Standard Alexa questions are shown on the screen, and Alexa may be engaged even when the TV is turned off.
While it lacks several high-end gaming functions, the set performs well in terms of a network. With Game Mode on, input latency is at a respectable 10.7ms (1080p/60fps).
In terms of design, the UK31 is the ultimate generic. The screen is surrounded by a glossy black plastic bezel that isn’t especially thin. It’s supported by a matching center pedestal stand.
The build quality is cheap, but that’s to be expected considering the pricing. On the bright side, it’s lightweight and may be easily wall-mounted. This direct LED-backlit screen isn’t very thin, but when viewed from the side, it’s unlikely to be an issue.
The power LED, like seen on prior Toshiba TVs, flashes an obvious red or green, which can be irritating in a dim area. Three HDMI connections, a USB connector, and a digital optical audio output round out the connectivity options.
The kit has two tuners, one satellite, and one local Freeview Play. If needed, there’s also a headphone jack and a CI card slot.
The UK31 comes with a large buttoned wand with dedicated Prime Video, Netflix, and Freeview Play keys.
The Toshiba UK31 TV is a good bright room flatscreen that is crisp and color-rich. It looks best with lit-up daytime TV, news, and animation. It takes advantage of a complete set of Toshiba TRU image processing technologies, including TRU Flow picture smoothing, TRU Micro Dimming, and TRU resolution improvement.
The upscaling on the package is fairly effective: standard definition DVD material appears strong smooth, with jaggies on diagonals smoothed out, whilst HD Blu-ray content is pixel-dense, mapped to 2160p.
Natural, Cinema, Sports, Game, and Dynamic are the picture presets, with the first two being the obvious go-to’s. However, it’s worth a short modification to make the most of the panel.
The image appears a little flat right out of the box. The Energy Saving setting is set to Maximum by default, which results in visuals that are very drab. Set this setting to Medium for the best performance.
The letterbox bars of Star Wars: The Force Awakens don’t quite make the Dark Side. And the detail within Kylo Ren’s all-black hoodie is crushed, but the screen can still summon enough contrast to give pictures depth and seem pleasingly vibrant when seen in a room with some ambient light.
The HDR picture performance is approximately average for a TV of this calibre. It calculated HDR peak brightness at 400 nits using a typical 10% window.
The Toshiba UK31’s operating system is clearly its weakest link.
While the TV’s UI is simple to use, one major issue you’ll notice right away is the absence of certain important streaming applications. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube are available, but there is no Disney Plus or Apple TV Plus.
Given these are some of the most popular services available, with series like The Mandolarian and Ted Lasso, it’s not just disappointing but also shocking that you can’t access them directly through this TV.
Furthermore, the Alexa connection isn’t very noteworthy. If you are infused in the Amazon ecosystem, connecting to compatible Alexa items should provide you with some additional capability. The built-in Alexa support for the UK31, on the other hand, isn’t nearly as refined as in more expensive TVs, with the voice assistant frequently replying even when haven’t spoken ‘Hey Alexa.’ You may, however, disable the smart assistant completely.
The Toshiba UK31 is an above-average cheap TV that combines acceptable power with reasonable streaming service support and Alexa smart features.
It’s bright enough for ordinary living room tasks and, because of its amazingly minimal input lag, it’s a good choice for gamers. It’s fairly benign picture upscaling, and 4K Dolby Vision visual quality that’s excellent for the money.
However, make sure to turn off the Maximum Energy Saving option, as it significantly reduces visual quality. You’re also better off watching straight through, and the lack of Disney+ may turn off some viewers.
Overall, the UK31 is a good value 4K HDR television with more advantages than its cheap price implies.
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