Amazon Fire TV Omni Series QLED
execs and cons
- Nice image and sound
- Devoted sport mode
- Alexa options are optionally available
- Simple to arrange
- Nice for gaming
- A bit overpriced
- No simple technique to entry app library
- Considerably invasive advertisements on house display screen
- Numerous cool options locked behind Alexa capabilities
- No Dolby Atmos help
extra shopping for selections
The Amazon Fire TV Omni Series QLED is the following evolution of Amazon’s TV choices, with an all-new QLED screen for bolder colours, sharper detailing, and enhanced distinction. It additionally goals to ship an amazing streaming expertise with wealthy, clear audio from twin 12W audio system and entry to 1000’s of reveals and films.
The Amazon Fireplace TV Omni Sequence QLED even works as a gaming TV with a devoted gaming image mode to reinforce shade and detailing in order that characters and landscapes pop.
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Nonetheless, the largest strike in opposition to the Omni QLED is that a lot of its cool performance is locked behind Alexa. To get most of the Omni QLED’s cool options — like making voice or video calls, enjoying trivia, or checking the climate — you will have to purchase an Echo device and arrange an Alexa profile if you do not have one already. And if you happen to’ve simply been trying to decide up an honest TV for streaming motion pictures, reveals, and music or for utilizing along with your sport console, it can save you as much as $170 on the Amazon Fireplace TV Omni Sequence QLED throughout their annual Prime Day sale.
Specs
| Display screen measurement | 65 inches |
|---|---|
| Panel kind | QLED |
| Working system | FireOS |
| HDR help | Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive |
| Audio system | Twin 12W |
| Audio | Dolby Digital Plus |
| VRR help | N/A |
| Refresh fee | 60Hz |
| Connectivity | HDMI, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, AUX, Optical, Coax |
Pricing
The 65-inch Fireplace TV Omni Sequence from Amazon retails for round $800, which is not a nasty worth for a decently sized display screen and the entire options. Should you’re an avid Amazon or Alexa person, it is value each penny. Should you aren’t, it is a bit steep contemplating that you just will not use half of the options. And requiring the added value of an Echo gadget to unlock the TV’s full potential is a disappointment. For the reason that FireOS is so intently tied to Amazon’s proprietary expertise, lots of the cool options are locked behind Alexa functionalities like Expertise. However proper now throughout Amazon’s Prime Day sale, you’ll be able to snag the 75-inch Omni QLED for simply $930 (saving you $170).
For instance, the Hisense A6 65-inch usually sells for about $470 whereas nonetheless offering premium-grade options like Dolby Imaginative and prescient help, voice controls, and display screen mirroring. And TCL, the undisputed king of finances TVs, sells its 65-inch 5 Series for round $500 whereas providing you with comparable image and sound in addition to VRR help for console gaming.
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For as nice as the brand new Omni Sequence QLED fashions are, the worth is an enormous sticking level for me, particularly since I personally do not use Alexa or need an Amazon-centric streaming expertise. Nonetheless, Amazon is presently working a Prime Day sale on the 65-inch Omni Series QLED, bringing the worth all the way down to $660 — that is far more consistent with what I feel this TV needs to be retailing for to start with, making it an amazing, budget-friendly possibility if you happen to’re trying to improve.
Image and sound
I’ve to confess that I wasn’t anticipating to be as impressed as I used to be with the image and sound high quality of the Omni Sequence QLED. Since Amazon is so new to manufacturing, I used to be anticipating a bare-bones TV with fundamental options and satisfactory image and sound. And I’m very glad to be confirmed improper.
The QLED panel undoubtedly looks as if an enchancment over the earlier iteration, producing extra colours, higher distinction, and sharper detailing. It additionally helps Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ and HDR10+ for enhanced settings whenever you want it, which is nice information for film and TV present buffs. And it’s completely value going by the HDR calibration course of (which solely takes a couple of minutes) to fine-tune your photographs to get the most effective image doable.
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The TV additionally has a devoted gaming image mode. This provides your video games a much-needed visible enhance — particularly if you happen to’re enjoying an older console or digital copy of an older sport.
The adaptive HDR10+ settings routinely alter brightness, distinction, and shade to make scenes look sharper and extra eye-catching.
The TV additionally has built-in ambient gentle sensors, which routinely make the display screen brighter or dimmer primarily based in your surroundings. Numerous newer good TVs have this function. I am glad that Amazon included it on this mannequin improve. Our home catches lots of morning solar, which might make watching the morning information a bit troublesome on our Samsung TU-8000 (which does not have adaptive display screen brightness).
One other small gripe I’ve with the Omni Sequence QLED is the 60Hz refresh fee. Whereas that is completely positive for many streaming and broadcast leisure, if you happen to’re an avid console gamer or sports activities fan, it leaves quite a bit to be desired. And whereas I perceive there are licensing charges for supporting AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync particularly for gaming, normal VRR help would have gone a good distance towards offering smoother on-screen motion.
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The built-in audio system on the TV are a credit score to the redesign, nevertheless, offering wealthy, clear audio that does not sound tinny or muffled like some inventory TV audio system can. Dolby Digital Plus audio help additionally ensures that you’re going to get deep bass notes, in addition to clear mid and excessive tones, so that you by no means miss a line of dialogue or little bit of music.
If you need a extra elaborate audio setup, you’ll be able to join your TV to Echo speakers to create a customized house audio answer or present whole-home audio for streaming music. This is a superb function that I want Amazon hadn’t shackled to its personal model.
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I might a lot slightly see multi-device help for generic Bluetooth audio system and soundbars, since customers might need audio gear from completely different manufacturers slightly than a home filled with Amazon-branded gadgets. You’ll be able to arrange non-Amazon audio system and soundbars with the TV however will not get that whole-home audio expertise, which is a disgrace.
Alexa and Amazon options
Because it’s meant to be the centerpiece of your Amazon or Alexa-centered good house community. the Omni QLED options native Alexa help through a voice-enabled distant, in addition to a four-microphone array constructed into the unit itself. If you do not have an Alexa account already, you should utilize fundamental voice instructions for turning the TV on and off or launching sure apps. And if you’d like expanded, hands-free controls in addition to the power so as to add Expertise, you’ll be able to both hook up with an Echo gadget or the Alexa companion app. Although you will have an Amazon account to signal into the Alexa app in addition to the TV itself to entry many enhanced options.
Should you resolve to obtain Alexa Expertise, you’ll be able to play music, video games, verify the climate, get every day trivia, and even make and obtain video calls. Expertise are what actually set the Omni QLED aside from related good TVs from rivals like TCL and Hisense. With out entry to those options, the Omni QLED is decreased to a reasonably bog-standard good TV with better-than-expected image and audio capabilities.
Gaming
The place I used to be probably the most shocked with the Omni QLED is simply how nicely it does with console gaming. I arrange each my PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch and ran this TV by each take a look at and problem I may consider. And the Omni Sequence QLED is greater than able to delivering a top quality console gaming expertise.
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The devoted gaming mode is routinely enabled as quickly because the TV detects that your console is powered on and linked, which is nice as a result of you do not have to navigate by any complicated menus to get the most effective image doable to your video games. This image mode routinely boosts distinction and shade to present you sharp, clear photographs that make characters and landscapes actually pop.
I used to be most impressed with simply how nice Ghost of Tsushima seems, with its cinematic landscapes, wealthy character modeling, and sheer quantity of stuff on display screen at any given level. And even with the Omni QLED’s considerably lackluster 60Hz refresh fee, I by no means had any points with display screen tearing or artifacting; and I by no means had any points with movement blur feeling extreme or like an annoyance.
It does get a bit tough when enjoying rhythm video games, as it may possibly throw you for a loop when making an attempt to hit difficult beat combos, however it would not detract from most video games.
The Swap seems good on this TV as nicely, particularly since many Nintendo titles have daring colours and fascinating artwork path that work rather well with the QLED panel. The unique Paper Mario seems clear, if clunky compared with later entries to the sequence, and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Reminiscence is a delight.
I normally play console video games with a headset so I can higher decide up on audio cues and dialogue, however the built-in audio system of the Omni QLED present loud and clear audio that does not make you miss out on positive particulars like wind by bushes, refined music, and quiet character conversations.
Should you’re out there for a TV strictly for console gaming, I would extremely suggest the Omni QLED. Even on the full $800, it is nonetheless a stable possibility in opposition to rivals from manufacturers like Sony and LG in relation to image high quality and a smoother, extra satisfying gameplay expertise.
Streaming
This TV was constructed from the bottom as much as be a one-stop-shop not just for streaming Amazon Originals and Prime Video choices, however streaming from each one in every of your favourite apps. Upon startup, the Omni QLED drops you proper into the FireOS house display screen, which places Prime reveals and films entrance and heart. You may also entry Amazon’s different video streaming companions like Freevee from the house display screen as nicely to look at free motion pictures and reveals with advertisements.
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The Omni QLED comes with a small suite of preloaded apps to get you began, however you will should manually obtain in style choices like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ if you’d like them. This course of is not any large deal, as many new good TVs solely provide a small number of preloaded streaming choices. However to not at the least produce other Amazon-owned apps like Twitch preloaded and able to go is an odd option to me.
One other house display screen difficulty I’ve is the advertisements. They are not fairly as invasive or annoying as what you’d see on a Kindle, however a superb portion of the house display screen is taken up by advertisements for numerous Amazon-produced reveals and films, streaming companions, and even ideas for organising and configuring your new TV.
Whereas these are usually useful for locating new issues to look at, if you happen to’re completely in opposition to advertisements, it is one thing to bear in mind. Particularly since they do not at all times load on startup, leaving your TV display screen a void of assorted shades of grey.
After you have your whole apps downloaded, you then should configure your quick-selection menu. It isn’t a very troublesome or time-consuming process, however it’s a small annoyance that lately used apps do not present up on the house display screen routinely. It’s important to entry your full library by going to the settings menu, the place you’ll be able to then add your favourite streaming providers to your quick-access menu.
Fortunately, you actually solely have to do that as soon as if you happen to’re like me and also you stick with only a handful of streaming apps; however if you happen to like to modify issues up quite a bit, you are going to spend so much of time tweaking your quick-access listing.
Together with apps, you may also share your cell gadget screens through AirPlay or Chromecast. I’ll say that when the Omni QLED arrived at my home, I had fairly a little bit of hassle getting AirPlay to work correctly. I ended up contacting Amazon for troubleshooting assist. One manufacturing facility reset and a number of other firmware updates later, we have been in a position to get the problem fastened.
So if you happen to’re having points sharing something through AirPlay or Chromecast, I recommend checking the settings menu for the newest firmware replace. And if that does not work, a superb old style reset normally takes care of any software program or connectivity weirdness. Which sadly means you will should undergo your setup and residential display screen configuration course of once more.
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As soon as I acquired AirPlay to work correctly, it was pretty simple to stream Twitch broadcasts, TikTok movies, and YouTube clips to the TV. A number of picture high quality points cropped up, like bizarre white balancing and washed-out colours, however I chalk this as much as the way in which display screen mirroring works slightly than any fault with the TV. And except you propose on scrolling by your TikTok FYP for hours, you are not going to note a lot of a distinction anyway.
Animation is one other space the place this TV actually comes into its personal. Whether or not you are watching brand-new reveals or childhood favorites, the Omni QLED can produce brilliant, vivid colours that make each body really feel cleaner and extra thrilling. Total image high quality varies fairly a bit, relying on the age of the animated present or film you are making an attempt to look at. However even authentic episodes of Dexter’s Laboratory look clear and sharp; there’s just a little “fuzziness” at occasions with older reveals and films basically, because of the decision limitations of the time. However the 4K upscaling does an amazing job of bringing out positive particulars with out ruining the attraction.
Backside line
On the finish of the day, the Amazon Fireplace TV Omni Sequence QLED is a run-of-the-mill good, 4K TV that goals to offer a stable streaming expertise for Amazon and Alexa customers. Should you’re not an avid Alexa or Amazon fan, you’ll be able to nonetheless get lots of mileage out of this TV, particularly if you happen to’re in search of a extra inexpensive TV for console gaming.
The devoted gaming image mode lets colours and particulars pop whereas the built-in audio system present clear, clear audio. And even older cartoons and movies look wonderful with upscaled 4K decision, letting you revisit childhood favorites in a satisfying manner.
Most of the cool options are inextricably linked to Alexa performance, so if you’d like to have the ability to take full benefit of the Omni QLED, you will should put money into an Echo gadget and arrange an Alexa account. And this cause alone is why I feel the $800 price ticket is only a contact on the excessive facet for this TV, since with out Alexa Expertise, it is only a fundamental QLED mannequin. However proper now, you may get the 65-inch Omni QLED for simply $550 at Amazon, which is a way more applicable worth level to my thoughts.
Options to contemplate
The Hisense A6 provides related image and audio high quality together with options like Dolby Imaginative and prescient, display screen mirroring, and a devoted sport mode. Although its listing worth is $470, it is presently on sale for about $80 lower than the Omni’s sale worth and greater than half of the Omni Sequence QLED’s retail worth, making it an amazing possibility for budget-conscious buyers.
TCL is finest identified for its budget-friendly good TVs. However simply because they’re on the cheaper facet doesn’t suggest they’re cheaply constructed. The 65-inch 5-Sequence additionally makes use of a QLED panel with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ help in addition to 40 distinction management zones for enhanced detailing and distinction. It additionally has a devoted sport mode, however the place it differs from the Omni Sequence QLED is that the 5-Sequence helps VRR expertise. This syncs the TV’s refresh fee with that of your console’s video output, stopping annoying display screen tearing and stuttering. The Omni QLED is locked at 60Hz, the place the 5-Sequence is extra versatile for smoother movement.
The LG QNED80 is one other nice various to the Omni Sequence QLED. It retails for about the identical because the Omni’s retail worth, however beats out the Omni QLED with a 120Hz refresh fee, Nvidia GeForce Now help, and Bluetooth encompass sound help. It additionally helps AMD FreeSync Premium VRR for smoother movement whereas gaming. The QNED80 additionally makes use of AI to create digital encompass sound, so you do not have to arrange further audio system for excellent movie and TV audio or music.
Editor’s Be aware: We had initially acknowledged that customers must have Alexa-enabled gadgets just like the Echo Present or Echo Dot to take full benefit of the Fireplace TV Omni QLED’s full suite of options. We’ve discovered that the Alexa app permits customers to entry these options, although customers nonetheless want an Amazon account to make use of Alexa by the app. The evaluation has been up to date to replicate up to date info from further testing and spec sheets supplied by Amazon.
