Hisense H4F  TV Review

Reviewed Oct 30, 2019 at 08:36am
Retest Nov 18, 2020 at 02:57pm
Tested using Methodology v1.5 

Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before amajor update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

Hisense H4F

Track

Track

 0
 TV Settings

The Hisense 32H4F, also known as the Hisense 32H4030F1, is an entry-level TV with sub-par picture quality and a 768p native resolution, which is limiting. It has good reflection handling, but can't get very bright, so it's more suitable for a dim room. There's no HDR support and, as with most IPS panels, blacks tend to look more like gray in a dark room. On the upside, it has excellent viewing angles and a fast response time that delivers crisp motion. It has a very low input lag, great for casual gaming, but unfortunately, there are no advanced gaming or motion processing features.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

This is a disappointing TV for mixed usage. It can't get very bright and can't display deep blacks in a dark room, making it more suitable for a dim room. It has wide viewing angles and can handle the reflections of a few extra lights well. Fast-moving content looks crisp, but the TV's 768p native resolution is limiting since most recent content is becoming available in higher resolutions.

Pros
  • Excellent wide viewing angles
Cons
  • Very limiting 768p resolution
  • Bad contrast and bad black uniformity
  • Can't get very bright
0.0
Movies 

This TV delivers poor performance when watching movies. It can't display deep blacks in a dark room and the 768p native resolution is limiting for most of today's content. It has no motion processing features and can only remove judder from certain sources. On a positive note, it has good color accuracy out-of-the-box.

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TV Shows 

This is a mediocre TV for watching TV shows. It can handle reflections well but can't get very bright to fight the glare of a bright room. The viewing angles are excellent and you can easily do house chores while watching your favorite show. Unfortunately, the 768p native resolution is limiting, even for TV shows with a 720p native resolution, like the ones from most cable boxes.

0.0
Sports 

This is a good TV for watching sports. It delivers crisp motion and handles reflections well, but can't get very bright so it's more suitable for a dim room. Thanks to its excellent viewing angles, you can walk around while watching your favorite game. However, if you're a demanding sports fan, you'll be bothered by the amount of dirty screen effect this TV has.

0.0
Video Games 

The H4F is a decent TV for playing video games. It has a very low input lag and a fast response time that delivers fast-moving objects with little blur trail. Unfortunately, the 768p native resolution is limiting and can't fully use the capabilities of modern gaming consoles or PC graphics cards.

0.0
HDR Movies 

HDR isn't supported.

0.0
HDR Gaming 

HDR isn't supported.

0.0
PC Monitor 

The Hisense H4F is a decent TV for use as a PC monitor. It has a low input lag and feels very responsive. The excellent viewing angles ensure a uniform image when sitting up close and there's no risk of permanent burn-in. On the downside, the 768p resolution is limiting and the TV can't display proper chroma 4:4:4 so text isn't clear.

  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Movies
  • 0.0
    TV Shows
  • 0.0
    Sports
  • 0.0
    Video Games
  • 0.0
    HDR Movies
  • 0.0
    HDR Gaming
  • 0.0
    PC Monitor
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Nov 18, 2020: Fixed a spelling mistake in a test comparison.
    2.  Updated Jun 17, 2020: We corrected a minor mistake in our BFI scoring.
    3.  Updated May 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
    4.  Updated Feb 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.

    Check Price

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 32" (32H4F). For the most we expect our review to be valid for the 40" version (40H4F). There's an H4030F variant which is sold by Walmart and is also available in 43" (version 43H4030F). We expect those variants to perform the same.

    Size Model

    Walmart Model Number

    Resolution
    32" 32H4F 32H4030F1 1366x768
    40'" 40H4F 40H4030F1 1920x1080
    43"   43H4030F1 1920x1080

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Hisense H4F doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we'll update the review. Note that some tests such as the gray uniformity may vary between individual units.

    The Hisense 32H4F we reviewed was manufactured in April 2019.

    Popular TV Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Top left: Samsung Q50R (QN32Q50R). Bottom left: LG UK6300 (43UK6300). Middle: Hisense H4F (32H4F). Top right: TCL S325 (40S325). Bottom right: Vizio D Series 1080p 2017 (D32f-E1).

    The Hisense H4F is an entry-level TV that serves you best as a secondary TV, especially where space is limited. See also our recommendations for the best 32" TVs, the best 40-42-43 inch TVs, and the best small TVs.

    Samsung M5300

    Track

    32" 40" 43" 49" 50"

    The Samsung M4500 and the Hisense H4F have different panel types, each with advantages and disadvantages. The M4500 has a VA panel and can display deeper blacks in a dark room, while the Hisense has wider viewing angles, which is good if you often walk around while you watch TV. The Hisense is also available in more sizes and has a lower input lag, which is great for gamers.

    Samsung N5300

    Track

    32" 43"

    The Samsung N5300 is much better than the Hisense H4F. The 32" N5300 supports 1080p while the Hisense doesn't. The N5300 can get brighter, has better black uniformity, can handle reflections better, and supports HDR, although there's not much gain using it in this mode. The Hisense has wider viewing angles and better response time, which great for sports.

    Samsung Q50/Q50R QLED

    Track

    32"

    The Samsung Q50/Q50R QLED is a much better TV than the Hisense H4F, even though they have different panel types. The Samsung has a 4k resolution and can display most of the popular resolutions well. It can get significantly brighter and can deliver a much better dark room performance. The Hisense H4F has wider viewing angles and is available in more sizes.

    TCL S325

    Track

    32" 32" 40" 43" 49"

    The TCL S325 and the Hisense H4F have different panel types. The TCL has a VA panel and can display deep blacks in a dark room, while the Hisense is more suitable if you have a wide seating arrangement, as the image remains accurate at an angle. The TCL has a slightly lower input lag, which is an attraction to gamers.

    Show more 
    How We Test TVs
    How We Test TVs

    We buy and test dozens of TVs yearly, taking an objective, data-driven approach to deliver results you can trust. Our testing process is complex, with hundreds of individual tests that take over a week to complete. Most of our tests use specially designed test patterns that mimic real content, but we also use the same sources you have at home to ensure our results match the real-world experience. We use two main tools for our testing: a Colorimetry Research CR-100 colorimeter and a CR-250 spectroradiometer.

    Test Results

    Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before amajor update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

    perceptual testing image
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    Market Context
    Market Context

    The Hisense H4F is an entry-level TV. It's in the lower-end of Hisense's 2019 lineup and its closest competitors are the TCL 3 Series (S325 and S327) and the Samsung N5300.

    Design
    0.0
    Style
    CurvedLockedLocked

    The design is decent. It's mainly made of plastic and metal but doesn't feel premium. The stand supports the TV well, but there's still a little wobble. The overall build quality is acceptable with no gaps or loose ends.

    Stand

    The stand supports the TV well but can't prevent all wobble, and the feet can't be reversed.

    Footprint of the 32" model: 25" x 6.8"

    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

    The back of the TV is plain and is made of thin, smooth metal. The inputs are facing to the side, and there's no cable management.

    Borders
    BordersLockedLock" (Lock cm)

    The borders are fairly thick, but shouldn't be in the way while watching TV.

    Thickness
    Max ThicknessLockedLock" (Lock cm)

    The TV is quite thin and won't stick out much when wall-mounted.

    0.0
    Build Quality

    The 32H4F has a decent build quality. It doesn't feel premium, but it's solid without any gaps or loose ends.

    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast with local dimming
    LockedN/A

    This TV's contrast ratio is mediocre. Blacks look more like gray in a dark room. If you prefer a similar TV with a much better contrast ratio, check out the TCL 3 Series 2020.

    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
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    for videos & test results

    Hisense H4F Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

    This TV doesn't have a local dimming feature. The video is for reference only.

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    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    LockedLock

    The H4F has a disappointing peak brightness. Unfortunately, it can't fight the glare of a bright room and you're better off placing it in a dim room.

    We measured the peak brightness without calibration (the TV has no calibration capabilities), using the 'Movie' picture mode and 'Warm 2' color temperature. With the 'Normal' Picture Mode and the default settings, we measured a peak brightness of 210 cd/m² on the 25% test window.

    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR ABL
    LockedN/A

    This TV doesn't support HDR.

    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%
    5% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    5% DSE
    LockedLock%

    The TV has decent overall gray uniformity. However, in the lighter shades, the dirty screen effect is very apparent and will most likely bother sports fans. In darker scenes, the TV performs significantly better.

    0.0
    Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
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    Hisense H4F Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift
    LockedLock°

    The H4F has excellent wide viewing angles. It's similar to the 2016 Sony W600D, which has a PLS panel that behaves like an IPS.

    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedN/A

    Black uniformity on the 32H4F is poor. There's significant clouding on the screen and you can spot some backlight bleed at the edges. However, this is only noticeable when watching very dark scenes in a pitch black room.

    0.0
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked
    Total Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Indirect Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    LockedLock%

    This TV has good reflection handling, which is great if your room has a few lights. However, in a very bright room, the TV's inability to fight glare makes it hard to see a clear image.

    0.0
    Pre Calibration
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Color Temp Setting
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked

    The H4F's pre-calibration accuracy is excellent. Most people won't spot any inaccuracies in the colors or in the grays. Some enthusiasts, however, might spot the inaccuracies in the greens and that the color temperature is slightly warm. The gamma follows the curve for the most part, but some dark and some very bright scenes are brighter than they should be.

    0.0
    Post Calibration
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance Calibration
    LockedLocked
    Color Calibration
    LockedLocked
    Auto-Calibration Function
    LockedLocked

    As there are no calibration settings for this TV, the performance remains unchanged.

    You can see the available settings here.

    0.0
    480p Input

    The native resolution of the 32H4F, which is the size we tested, is 768p, which isn't much of an issue for 480p content. Once upscaled, it looks good.

    0.0
    720p Input

    Since the native resolution of the 32H4F is 768p, HD content doesn't exactly match pixel for pixel, so there's some loss of fine detail when displaying 720p content.

    0.0
    1080p Input

    The 32H4F we tested is a 768p TV but can downscale 1080p content.

    0.0
    4k Input

    The 32H4F we tested is a 768p TV.

    0.0
    8k Input
    Pixels
    TypeLockedLED
    Sub-Type
    LockedIPS

    The pixel pattern on this TV is similar to the pixel pattern on the Sony W600D.

    0.0
    Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedLocked
    DCI P3 xy
    LockedLock%
    DCI P3 uv
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 xy
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 uv
    LockedLock%

    This TV doesn't have a wide color gamut. This, however, is expected for a TV that doesn't support HDR and shouldn't be an issue in normal SDR use.

    0.0
    Color Volume
    Normalized DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%

    This TV has a disappointing color volume, limited both by the color gamut and the TV's mediocre contrast ratio.

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    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit
    Red (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Green (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Blue (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Gray (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock

    The H4F has an excellent gradient handling, despite the 8-bit panel. This is great, as there's no setting that helps reduce banding further.

    0.0
    Temporary Image Retention
    IR after 0 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 2 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 4 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 6 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 8 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 10 min recovery
    LockedLock%

    There are no signs of temporary image retention, even immediately after displaying our high-contrast static test image for 10 minutes. This is great, as IPS TVs tend to be more susceptible to image retention.

    0.0
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    LockedLocked

    We don't expect IPS panels to experience permanent image retention, as the IPS panel in our long-term test appears immune.

    Motion
    0.0
    Response Time
    80% Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    100% Response Time
    LockedLock ms

    The 32H4F has an impressive response time. There's only a very little blur trail behind fast-moving content. The dark lines you see on the picture are due to the TV scaling down our 1080p @ 60Hz test video to its 768p resolution.

    0.0
    Flicker-Free
    Flicker-Free
    LockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLock Hz

    The H4F uses PWM to dim the backlight, which might bother some flicker-sensitive people.

    0.0
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    Optional BFI
    LockedLocked
    Min Flicker for 60 fps
    LockedLock Hz
    60 Hz for 60 fps
    LockedLocked
    120 Hz for 120 fps
    LockedN/A
    Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode
    LockedLock Hz

    Update 06/17/2020: There was a minor mistake in our BFI scoring. It's been corrected, and the score has increased a bit.

    The H4F doesn't have a black frame insertion feature to help motion appear smoother. When the backlight is low, motion is helped by the PWM flicker, but at higher settings, motion isn't as smooth due to the lack of flicker.

    Motion Interpolation
    Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
    LockedLocked
    Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
    LockedLocked

    There's no motion interpolation feature on this TV.

    0.0
    Stutter
    Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps
    LockedLock ms
    Frame Hold Time @ 60 fps
    LockedLock ms

    This TV has good stutter performance. Although the TV's response time is fast, it isn't so fast as to create annoying stutter.

    0.0
    24p Judder
    Judder-Free 24p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via 60p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via 60i
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps
    LockedLocked

    This TV has disappointing judder performance as it can only remove judder from 24p sources like Blu-rays or DVD movies.

    0.0
    Variable Refresh Rate
    Native Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    HDMI Forum VRR
    LockedLocked
    FreeSync
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC Compatible
    LockedLocked
    4k VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    4k VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    1080p VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    1080p VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    1440p VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    1440p VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Supported Connectors
    LockedLocked

    The 32H4F doesn't support any advanced gaming features like the FreeSync variable refresh rate.

    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    1080p @ 60 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    1440p @ 60 Hz
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 60 Hz
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 60 Hz + 10 bit HDR
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 60 Hz With Interpolation
    LockedN/A
    8k @ 60 Hz
    LockedN/A
    1080p @ 120 Hz
    LockedN/A
    1440p @ 120 Hz
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 120 Hz
    LockedN/A
    1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedN/A
    1440p with VRR
    LockedN/A
    4k with VRR
    LockedN/A
    8k with VRR
    LockedN/A
    Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
    LockedLocked

    This TV has an excellent low input lag when in 'Game' mode. Outside of 'Game' mode, the input lag is significantly higher, but still one of the lowest ones we've measured outside 'Game' mode.

    Note that the reported measurements are that of a 720p video signal. Although 1080p @ 60Hz worked fine outside 'Game' mode, we could not get the 1080p @ 60Hz to work properly in 'Game' mode. Our input lag measurements were inconsistent, so we used the 720p instead.

    The average of our measurements taken at 1080p @ 60Hz within 'Game' was: 33.5ms.

    The actual measurement for the input lag in 1080p @ 60Hz outside of 'Game' mode was: 37.8ms.

    0.0
    Supported Resolutions
    ResolutionLocked720p (32" only)
    1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz
    LockedLocked
    8k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked

    As this TV has a 768p native resolution, it can't properly support any of the most common resolutions, and can't display chroma 4:4:4 either. This means that text isn't clear when the TV is used as a PC monitor.

    Note: The TV can display both 1080p and 1440p signals, and surprisingly, the 1440p signal of the Xbox looked better than both 720p and 1080p.

    Input Photos
    Total Inputs
    HDMILockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Component InLockedLocked
    Composite InLockedLocked
    Tuner (Cable/Ant)LockedLocked
    EthernetLockedLocked
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    IR InLockedLocked
    SD/SDHCLockedLocked
    Inputs Specifications
    HDR10
    LockedLocked
    HDR10+
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Vision
    LockedLocked
    HLG
    LockedLocked
    3D
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.1
    LockedLocked
    CECLockedLocked
    HDCP 2.2LockedLocked
    USB 3.0
    LockedLocked
    Variable Analog Audio OutLockedLocked
    Wi-Fi SupportLockedLocked

    Update 11/18/2020: Fixed a spelling mistake in the HDCP comparison.

    Audio Passthrough
    ARC
    LockedLocked
    eARC support
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Atmos via TrueHD via eARC
    LockedLocked
    DTS:X via DTS-HD MA via eARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Dolby Digital via ARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 DTS via ARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Dolby Digital via Optical
    LockedLocked
    5.1 DTS via Optical
    LockedLocked
    Sound Quality
    0.0
    Frequency Response
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    Std. Dev. @ 70
    LockedLock dB
    Std. Dev. @ 80
    LockedLock dB
    Std. Dev. @ Max
    LockedLock dB
    Max
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Dynamic Range Compression
    LockedLock dB

    The H4F's frequency response is sub-par. The LFE (low-frequency extension) indicates a bass can't deliver any thump, rumble, or punch in bass-heavy movies or video game sound effects. On the upside, this TV produces clear and understandable dialog and can get fairly loud, without producing too much compression and pumping artifacts.

    0.0
    Distortion
    Weighted THD @ 80
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max
    LockedLock
    IMD @ 80
    LockedLock%
    IMD @ Max
    LockedLock%

    The distortion performance is good. The overall amount of THD produced at 80dB SPL is within good limits, and there isn't a big jump in THD at max SPL either.

    Smart Features
    0.0
    Interface
    Smart OSLockedLocked
    VersionLockedLocked
    Ease of Use
    LockedLocked
    Smoothness
    LockedLocked
    Time Taken to Select YouTube
    LockedLock s
    Time Taken to Change Backlight
    LockedLock s
    Advanced Options
    LockedLocked

    The H4F has a good, smooth interface that's easy to use.

    0.0
    Ad-Free
    Ads
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out
    LockedLocked
    Suggested Content in Home
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out of Suggested Content
    LockedLocked

    This TV has ads and suggested content and doesn't give you the option of opting out.

    0.0
    Apps and Features
    App Selection
    LockedLocked
    App Smoothness
    LockedLocked
    Cast Capable
    LockedLocked
    USB Drive Playback
    LockedLocked
    USB Drive HDR Playback
    LockedLocked
    HDR in Netflix
    LockedLocked
    HDR in YouTube
    LockedLocked

    The H4F runs the Roku TV smart interface and gives you access to a large number of apps that are called streaming channels.

    0.0
    Remote
    Size
    LockedLocked
    Voice Control
    LockedLocked
    CEC Menu Control
    LockedLocked
    Other Smart Features
    LockedLocked
    Remote AppLockedLocked

    The remote control is very basic, letting you perform simple functions. There are also four shortcut buttons that give you quick access to the Netflix, Hulu, Sling, and Now apps.

    TV Controls

    There's a single button in the middle of the underside of the TV. You can change the input and power the TV on or off.

    In The Box

    • Remote
    • Batteries
    • Quick Start Guide
    Misc
    Power ConsumptionLockedLock W
    Power Consumption (Max)LockedLock W
    FirmwareLockedLocked