- VERDICT
The EKO 85-inch 4K UHD Smart TV now offers people who had the desire for a big screen TV, but not the budget, the opportunity to make that purchase. If you’re looking for screen size, quality and value then this is definitely worth your consideration.
Bigger TVs are more popular than ever but usually a huge screen comes with an equally huge price tag. But the EKO 85-inch 4K UHD Smart TV is that rare find that offers size, impressive quality and great value.
And the fact that it is running webOS – the same operating system running on LG’s excellent range – makes the EKO TV even more appealing.
Smaller EKO TV models – including the EKO 55-inch smart TV we reviewed last year – run the AndroidOS TV software.
And the EKO 85-inch TV not only runs webOS but also uses the same magic remote as the LG TVs as well.
So out of the box you can feel comfortable the TV’s operating system will connect you to all your favourite streaming services including Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Foxtel.
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Speaking of boxes, the EKO 85 inch 4K UHD smart TV comes in a massive box. That’s the reason it can only be ordered online at Big W.
The first thing to consider with a TV of this size is if you have the space to set it up.
There are legs at either end of the TV so you’ll need quite a wide entertainment unit for it to sit on.
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Or you can also wall mount the TV if you prefer – you just need to find a wall and a wall mount that can handle the weight. The TV weighs 46kg.
OK, that’s the logistics out of the way – let’s talk about the TV.
Design-wise it has a slim bezel around the screen and a minimal look. And the legs that the TV sits on are also quite discreet.
The EKO 4K UHD screen has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and is capable of displaying 1.07 billion colours.
The screen offers impressive brightness and clarity with decent picture quality that punches above its weight.
And when you’re watching 4Km the TV also has HDR (high dynamic range) on board to improve the contrast and detail in the lighter and darker areas of the screen.
Black levels for a TV of this size and price were quite respectable.
The TV doesn’t support HDR10+ or Dolby vision like the more expensive TVs but we don’t think that’s a deal breaker here.
We watched 4K programmes on Netflix or Prime Video and it looked great.
Watching sport was also a thrill on a screen of this size. It made you feel like you were at the game.
There is actually a sport mode which helps smooth out the image when there is rapid movement during the game.
There’s even a game mode for those who want to connect their console and enjoy their games on a larger scale.
On the audio side, the built-in speakers offer reasonable output and quality for you to enjoy your movies, TV shows and sport.
No, there is no Dolby Atmos built in to the EKO TV but the company does make a sound bar that works seamlessly with the TV to provide Dolby Atmos for $269.
And it does add a whole new dimension to the viewing experience with the addition of surround sound and much better audio quality in general.
The webOS software is one of the TV’s best features and allows users to watch live TV as well as access online content through apps which can be installed through the built-in content store.
It’s really easy to navigate the menu system especially with the Magic Remote which puts an arrow on your screen so you can move it around like a mouse rather than muddling through with directional buttons.
Users will find three HDMI ports on the back of the TV including one with ARC (audio return channel) for connecting the soundbar.
There is also an optical audio connection alongside two USB ports and an Ethernet port so you can plug in a cable to connect to your network if you didn’t want to use the built-in wireless connection.
The USB ports can be used to connect a USB drive or external hard drive which will allow users to record programmes and playback from that connected storage.
Part of the webOS is LG’s ThinQ AI which allows you to connect and control your homes smart devices from the TV’s onscreen dashboard.
At a glance users are able to see all of their connected devices and all the inputs to the TV.
You can select or control a device that’s connected to the TV with the remote, with your voice or with the LG ThinQ app.
The LG ThinQ app can also control your TV so it turns your smartphone into another remote control.
The EKO 85-inch 4K UHD Smart TV offers tremendous value for customers considering going to a TV of this size.
What really makes it a more attractive product is not just the size and quality of the screen but also the webOS software and Magic Remote which adds real polish to the TV.
For $1,399 the EKO TV is, pound for pound, a solid investment.
The EKO 85-inch 4K UHD Smart TV is available now online from Big W for $1,399. The EKO sound bar is priced at $269.
VERDICT
The EKO 85-inch 4K UHD Smart TV now offers people who had the desire for a big screen TV, but not the budget, the opportunity to make that purchase. If you’re looking for screen size, quality and value then this is definitely worth your consideration.
