TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV Review – Upgrade Your Home Entertainment

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TCL Roku Smart 4K TV

The TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4 K TVfeatures a 43-inch 4 K TV filled with unique features, outstanding quality, and a good price offer. We’ve studied and evaluated a lot of inexpensive TVs, but when it comes to having great value in a cheap 4 K smart TV, TCL has steadily increased to the top of the heap.

These affordable TVs are not only low-priced, but the best TVs you can get for the money are also consistently available.

The TCL 43S517 43-Inch Roku Smart 4 K TV ($349), part of TCL’s 2018 5-Series, follows this tradition by not only providing excellent cost and strong performance, but by adding unexpectedly special properties – such as Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos audio, and a better-than-average Roku TV variant – to this value-packed budget TV.

Roku Smart TV – TCL 43S517

TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K

Available on Amazon

Key features Specifications
Dimensions (w x H x D):
TV without stand: 37.8 x 22.1 x 2.9 Inches,
TV with stand: 37.8 x 24 x 8.4 Inches
Smart Functionality offers access to thousands of streaming channels featuring more than 500, 000 movies and TV episodes via Roku TV
Pairs 4K Ultra HD picture clarity with the contrast, color, and detail of Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR) for the most lifelike picture
Panel resolution : 3840 x 2160.
Edge LED backlighting with dynamic contrast control produces Deep blacks and excellent picture quality
Inputs: 3 HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 (one with HDMI ARC), 1 USB (media player), RF, Composite, Headphone Jack, Optical audio Out, Ethernet
Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Screen Size: 43 inches
Resolution: 3840*2160
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB
Audio: 2 channel 8 watt
Smart Tv Software: Roku TV
Size: 37.8*22.1*2.9 inches
Weight: 18.5 Pounds

Design

The 5-series is much more modern and stylish than the less costly 4-series but retains the 6-series ‘ appealing gunmetal texture. The Tv is framed by a thin matte black bezel, just 0.2 inches wide by the side and the top and 0.6 inches on the bottom.

Thanks in big portion to very small bezels around the screen, the TCL Roku TV is better-looking than most low-priced TVs. Also, the display cabinet is amazingly thin, with most panel homes measuring a scant 0.38-inch thickness, although the part containing the internal components thickens at the bottom to 2.9 inches.

A TCL logo is fixed in the middle of the bottom bezel, just above a small round bump that holds the infrared sensor and power light. A Roku TV logo fixed in the lower right corner. Everything stands on two glossy black plastic feet, angled slightly outward and positioned near the sides of the TV (VESA screw holes on the back support wall mounting).

The TCL 43S517 measures 37.8 x 22.1 x 2.9 inches and weighs 18.5 pounds. The smaller, lighter sizes allow it an excellent option for apartments or single people who may not have a second individual to assist them assemble or move the TV – often a two-person task on bigger displays.

Picture quality:

TCL 43 Inch 4K Roku TV Picture Quality

The TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV offers excellent picture quality with its 4K Ultra HD resolution and Dolby Vision HDR technology. The 4K resolution provides four times the detail of Full HD, making images on the screen more vibrant and lifelike. The Dolby Vision HDR technology enhances the color, contrast, and brightness of the picture, delivering a more immersive viewing experience.

The edge LED backlighting technology combined with dynamic contrast control allows for deep blacks and improved picture quality, providing a more accurate and true-to-life image.

In addition, the TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV has a 60Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth and clear motion during fast-paced scenes in movies, sports, and video games. The TV also has a low input lag, making it suitable for gaming, where even a fraction of a second delay can make a big difference.

Sound quality:

The TCL 43S517 features a 2-channel, 8-watt audio system, which provides decent sound quality for a TV in this price range. The TV supports Dolby Digital Plus audio decoding and can output audio through its built-in speakers, headphone jack, or optical audio output. While the audio quality may not be as impressive as the picture quality, it is still adequate for most viewers, and the TV also allows for the use of external soundbars or speakers via its HDMI and optical audio outputs.

Smart features:

Smart Features

The TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV is equipped with a range of smart features that make it a great choice for those who want to access a wide variety of streaming content. The TV comes with the Roku TV platform, which is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive content library.

With access to more than 500,000 movies and TV episodes, the Roku TV platform provides a one-stop shop for all your streaming needs. The platform also includes a range of popular apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, among others. Users can easily access these apps using the Roku TV remote or through the Roku mobile app.

One of the standout features of the TCL 43S517 is its compatibility with both Alexa and Google Assistant. This means that users can control the TV using voice commands, making it even more convenient to use. For example, users can ask Alexa or Google Assistant to change the channel, adjust the volume, or launch a particular app.

The TV also comes with built-in Wi-Fi, which allows for seamless streaming of content without the need for additional cables or devices. The TV also features three HDMI ports and one USB port, making it easy to connect external devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or soundbars.

FAQ

Can the TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV be wall-mounted?

Yes, the TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV can be wall-mounted. The TV comes with VESA mounting specifications of 200mm x 200mm, so you will need a wall mount that is compatible with these specifications. It is recommended to hire a professional to mount the TV to ensure proper installation.

What is the difference between Dolby Vision and HDR10?

Both Dolby Vision and HDR10 are high dynamic range (HDR) formats that provide better contrast and color accuracy than standard dynamic range. The main difference between the two is that Dolby Vision is a proprietary format developed by Dolby Laboratories, while HDR10 is an open standard. Dolby Vision provides more advanced dynamic metadata, which allows for scene-by-scene optimization of the picture, while HDR10 uses static metadata that applies to the entire video. In general, Dolby Vision is considered to be superior to HDR10 in terms of picture quality.

Can I use Alexa or Google Assistant to control the TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV?

Yes, the TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use voice commands to control the TV, such as changing channels, adjusting volume, and launching apps. To use Alexa or Google Assistant with the TV, you will need to have a compatible device, such as an Amazon Echo or Google Home, and enable the Roku skill in the respective app.

Does it have a built-in tuner for over-the-air channels?

Yes, the TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV has a built-in ATSC tuner, which allows you to receive over-the-air broadcast TV channels. You will need to connect an antenna to the TV to access these channels. The TV also has a digital cable tuner, which allows you to access digital cable channels without the need for a separate cable box.

Can I connect my gaming console to the TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV?

Yes, the TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV has three HDMI 2.0 inputs that support HDCP 2.2, which makes it compatible with most gaming consoles. You can connect your console to the TV using an HDMI cable and enjoy gaming in 4K resolution with HDR. The TV also has a low input lag, which makes it ideal for gaming.

What is the warranty period?

The TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, and provides for repair or replacement of the TV at TCL’s discretion. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, or natural disasters. You can register your TV online to activate the warranty and access TCL’s customer support services.

Verdict

Roku Smart 4K TV

The TCL 43S517 Roku Smart 4K TV is an impressive choice for those looking for a high-quality TV at an affordable price. It offers excellent picture quality with 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Vision HDR, and dynamic contrast control for deep blacks and bright whites. The sound quality is also decent, with 2 channel 8 watt audio.

One of the best things about this TV is its smart features, powered by Roku TV. It offers access to thousands of streaming channels, including popular ones like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. The user interface is easy to navigate, and the remote control is simple and intuitive.

The design of the TV is sleek and modern, with a thin bezel and an overall slim profile. It comes with a stand, but it can also be mounted on a wall for a clean and minimalist look.