Sharp Roku FJ2K review

Sharp is decided to shine within the funds finish of the display pool, with this Roku-powered mannequin the newest in a protracted line of low-cost massive 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 change to a Roku-powered OS? Let’s take a better look…

Design & Construct

• Vast ft, slim bezel
• Three HDMI inputs
• Freeview Play

You wouldn’t anticipate overly a lot in relation to the standard of supplies at this value level, and to that extent, the Sharp FDJ2K doesn’t disappoint.

It’s comparatively mild 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 in the event you like.

Steve Could / Foundry

Connectivity includes 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). This can be a 60Hz panel, so don’t anticipate Excessive Body Charge assist. Gameplay shall be restricted to 4K 60Hz however many units this value are Full HD at finest.

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 packing containers. It additionally has devoted buttons for Freeview Play, Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video and Spotify.

Nonetheless, on this occasion, I believe 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 by streaming apps, or watch dwell TV.

ITVX and iPlayer nestle alongside streaming staples, akin 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
• Vast Voice Assistant assist
• Recreation mode

If you need a related sensible TV with rock-solid entry to the world’s best-known streaming companies, then you definitely’re in the correct place.

Roku has given Sharp an ultra-stable sensible platform to work with, and whereas the Roku OS could lack a few of the model prospers that distinguish rivals, its no-nonsense, easy-to-navigate nature continues to impress.

Steve Could / Foundry

Along with the standard big-name streaming companies, there’s a devoted Roku channel with a mix of recent TV reveals and unique films, 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 may 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 slightly 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.

Steve Could / Foundry

Regardless of restricted peak HDR brightness, its common image stage is definitely fairly agreeable making it appropriate for vibrant 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 incapability to ship a convincing black, which impacts its capability to differentiate close to shadow element. This could make reveals 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 relation to making a cinematic picture. The zing of vibrant 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 a bit 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 in the event you’re after a bit extra vocal readability. The set may be partnered with suitable wi-fi rears, however given the dearth of Dolby Atmos assist, I’m not satisfied that’s well worth the funding.

Steve Could / Foundry

Worth & Availability

Obtainable now, the Sharp FJ2K is out there in 43-, 50- and 55in (with mannequin numbers 43FJ2K, 50FJ2K and 55FJ2K), priced at £249, £299 and £349 respectively.

We had been initially advised it might are available in 24-65in sizes and on the time of writing solely the 50-inch mannequin is out there to buy from Very or 55-inch at Richer Sounds. 

There isn’t a direct equal of this mannequin within the North American market because it’s produced beneath licence in Europe.

Discover extra choices in our finest funds TV chart. 

Must you purchase the Sharp Roku FJ2K?

It could not signify the slicing fringe of TV design, however the Sharp FJ2K is actually remarkably good worth. In the event you’re not obsessing over the newest 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 maintain choose reveals wanting cinematic regardless of limitations in relation to 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