Soniq S55UV16B 55" UHD Smart LED LCD TV $599 (was $799) @ JB Hi-Fi

Pblamesociety on 13/07/2017 - 16:24 jbhifi.com.au (630 clicks)
Last edited 13/07/2017 - 16:51

Soniq S55UV16B 55" UHD Smart LED LCD TV
UltraHD 3840x2160 pixels LED Backlight Panel
ACE-PROUC advanced color engine, which makes image more refresher and brighter
Quad core Cortex -A7 1G processor, provides the high performance computing, meet more advanced applications requirements
4.4.4 Android operating system, which is easy to use and spectacular
Built In WiFi comply with 802.11b/g/n standard, provides powerful high-speed preformance
Quad Code Mali-450 MP4 graphics processor,super 2D and 3D acceleration performance and anti-aliasing capability, better graphics and more dazzling image
Two 4K2K Ultra HD inputs (2x HDMI)
USB Host 2.0 & 3.0 for Multimedia Playing, HID device supported

Different model to https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/318012 - different how, I do not know.

Electrical & Electronics 55inch LCD TV Soniq TV UHD TV

30 Jul 2017 11:53am

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wisc on 13/07/2017 - 16:38

+1

why is the OS so old :( would like to see at least 5 or 6! (given 7 has been out for getting closer to a year)
- greenie4242 on 14/07/2017 - 15:21
  
  +1
  
  Android 4.x can't run the latest Kodi. There aren't too many improvements over the previous version, but it'd be nice to have a bit of future-proofing.
Rochie on 13/07/2017 - 16:43

Just had a browse at the soniq deal and their website is listing the tv as $499 now. Also noticed the models are very slightly different this is the B model whereas the soniq website one is A model (final letter on the model number).
- ElCheapoo on 13/07/2017 - 16:47
  
  I searched for the exact model number: S55UV16B-AU and found this site which lists the price as $599.
  https://www.soniq.com/au/shop/televisions/ultra-hd-tvs/55--U…
  - Rochie on 13/07/2017 - 16:50
    
    Ah yes my mistake, at work so didn't look twice. It looks like the link on that deal is directing to the T2S55UV16A-AU model. Which is listed as $499. I'm not too sure on the difference between the T2S55UV16A-AU($499), S55UV16A-AU($599) & S55UV16B-AU($599).
    - Dave Id on 13/07/2017 - 16:59
      
      +1
      
      T2 prefix infers a factory second.
      Traditionally a dent or scratch ie. very minor.
      Never know with Soniq though.
ElCheapoo on 13/07/2017 - 16:45

I was just looking at this TV just now.
I currently have a Hisense which is starting to play up.
Sometimes when you turn it on, the TV is very dark, and the picture can be barely seen.
After you turn it off and on a few times, it seems to work fine again.

Which is better brand, Soniq or Hisense?

PS: The model of this TV is S55UV16B-AU.
- darthhasbro on 13/07/2017 - 16:49
  
  +4
  
  IMHO Hisense easily
- Slippery Fish on 13/07/2017 - 17:07
  
  Dodgy backlight controller? When no backlight is present the picture still displays dull.
  - ElCheapoo on 13/07/2017 - 19:02
    
    Possibly….not sure though.
- Steptoe on 13/07/2017 - 18:39
  
  Claim against ACL, despite expired warranty.
  - ElCheapoo on 13/07/2017 - 19:03
    
    I don't think so man, its been like over 7 years since I bought it.
    - Steptoe on 13/07/2017 - 19:04
      
      Settle for a discounted replacement?
    - ElCheapoo on 13/07/2017 - 19:14
      
      @Steptoe:
      Not sure about what you mean man…
    - Slippery Fish on 13/07/2017 - 19:32
      
      +1
      
      @TheRock4Eva: he suggests you bully them into offering you a cheap tv so you leave them alone, ask a few appliance places what it would cost to replace controller and to look at it then go from there…
    - Steptoe on 13/07/2017 - 19:46
      
      @Slippery Fish:
      
      bully
      
      harsh name for a genuine haggle.
  - BadGiraffe on 14/07/2017 - 09:45
    
    You can, but it has to be something that doesn't last within a reasonable time. That varies depending on device, quality, etc. I've had a Hisense for about 7 years too. Still going strong. But if it was to have problems, I'd get a new one.
- greenie4242 on 14/07/2017 - 15:41
  
  Interestingly enough, the "when you turn it on, the TV is very dark, and the picture can be barely seen" thing just happened to my 3 year old Soniq 48" TV. Backlight issue. Mine doesn't come back on though after turning it off and on a few times.
  
  I purchased the TV at JB Hifi with a stated 1 year warranty. I know we have consumer guarantees in Australia which make that 1 year claim invalid, as the warranty period under Aussie law is now based on what is considered reasonable. How long do people reckon a TV should 'reasonably' last these days? I'd say 5-10 years would be reasonable, three is pretty poor. I really hope JB Hifi will offer to repair it without too much bother. Not looking for a fight, just what's right.
  - bassmaniac69 on 14/07/2017 - 16:17
    
    How much did you pay for the tv?
    - greenie4242 on 14/07/2017 - 16:19
      
      $399. It's a 48" E48W13A.
    - UFO on 25/07/2017 - 19:35
      
      +1
      
      "Reasonable" is based not just on the fact that its a TV, but how much you paid for said TV.
      I reckon 1 year for any TV, regardless of stated warranty and purchase price, is not reasonable.
      Most people would expect longer from a TV than 12 months!
      
      But a $400 TV? That's about as cheap as they come so I reckon 3 years is a reasonable life to be honest.
      If I'd paid double or triple that (lets say around $1000-$1200), then I think double the life of around 6 years would be fair.
      
      There would diminishing returns from that point because technology is isn't an infinite thing and life cycles of such devices (from a parts standpoint and advances in technology), so I'd expect a $2000-$2500 TV to last 8 or so years, and then spending $5k+ on a TV these days would warrant an expected life of 10 years or more.
      
      Just my 2c, but being reasonable is not just about what you buy, but also how much you pay.
      
      On a related point, I paid around $3k for my 50" Panasonic plasma about 10 years ago. It's only just started giving me any grief, and I consider myself lucky its lasted this long! It's been a great TV. But even with my bias, its gone beyond what I would have expected…. I reckon I should have got about 6-8 years out of it. And that's at $3k. At $400, I don't think that same life expectancy would stand up in any argument with either the manufacturer, or a Magistrate!
    - greenie4242 on 26/07/2017 - 09:20
      
      +1
      
      @UFO: Thanks UFO, I appreciate your well thought out reply!
      
      I agree with most of what you said, but I just had another thought; I've purchased four Soniq TVs over the years. They range from three to seven years old. The three that still work very well have already lasted at least five years, and I have all the receipts. The one that is five years old and the two that are seven years old were all cheaper than the $399 TV that failed. Therefore it might be reasonable to expect at least five years use, based on how long the others have lasted. The ACL really is up to interpretation, so eventually I guess it just comes down to how generous the particular retail service representative you deal with feels on the day (and maybe how convincing your sob story is!) For a small amount like $399 it's not going near any courts, but like you said a $5k+TV is a large sum of money, so could be worth a fight.
      
      The ACL is guaranteed through the retailer, and I bought the TV at JB Hifi. Soniq themselves have no legal obligation to do anything for me. But I don't want to be a dick, so I might just call up Soniq and ask if they can supply replacement parts to fix my TV. I have a certificate somewhere proving I've been trained to replace backlight drivers, so maybe if I email it through they'll just let me buy a (probably) ~$15 part to fix it myself, which appeals to me more than having to lug the entire bloody thing back to JB Hifi to maybe have them fix it, which could take months anyway.
      
      I'm tempted to even bring up the ACL broken TV issue with JB Hifi and politely suggest them giving me a discount on a new 4K TV. Don't need one but they are nice. However my car broke down yesterday, my Seiko coffee machine blew up last night, and on Monday I started preparing for a divorce. Have other things to keep me busy at the moment :D Maybe I'll just give the ex the broken TV as part of the settlement. Oops! Nope, I said I don't want to be a dick. I'm better than that.
supaderp on 13/07/2017 - 19:05

Only tv brand that makes you instantly regret after buying it
- ElCheapoo on 13/07/2017 - 19:13
  
  Which is that?
  Hisense or Soniq?
  - cheapoguy on 13/07/2017 - 20:56
    
    I presume Soniq, as that's what the post is about.
- wisc on 14/07/2017 - 12:26
  
  +1
  
  I bought one before? 2011 years as well… no regret.
87percent on 14/07/2017 - 09:50

So has anyone got this tv and can provide a review?
Mattske on 14/07/2017 - 15:25

+1

I just bought one of these today from JBHIFI.

Will report back tonight after I've unboxed and set it up!

I'll either be running an Xbox one s, or Chromecast into it… hoping to jot have to deal with the interface too much!
- ElCheapoo on 15/07/2017 - 02:00
  
  Yeah…can't wait for your review mate…
  Thanks in advance.
- NickX on 15/07/2017 - 19:09
  
  I bought one hoping to run a xbone at 4k. Unfortunately it only does 4k @ 30hz so the Xbox won't enable 4k output. Epg seems to only show single channel, can't see how to get grid format. Get what you pay for.
  - bobzor on 19/07/2017 - 21:58
    
    @NickX are you using a good enough HDMI cable? Does this TV not have HDMI 2.0?
    Also does it have "game mode" "PC mode" or sharpness scaler? Thx
- DesolateApophic on 17/07/2017 - 15:25
  
  What's the go so far?
- bobzor on 19/07/2017 - 21:56
  
  Yeah let us know how the Xbox looks
sheepmoose on 22/07/2017 - 15:01

Went and had a look at this today, planning to likely pick it up.

Honestly it looked so dull compared to pretty much every other TV there, you get what you pay for I suppose. Would be great for old people or if you really needed a big TV and couldn't pay much.

Personally will wait till something else under $1000 is available with better picture quality
UFO on 25/07/2017 - 15:29

+1

Just bought one today (the S55UV16B-AU), $599 and I sweet talked delivery for free… but this was difficult as the first two assistants I spoke to wouldn't budge on it because its a sale offer. Keep hitting different assistants at different times until you find one that wants a sale ;).
Easy for me because I work within walking distance of the store.

Delivery is expected tomorrow (but might be the next day- they'll be calling), so if you can hold off until then I'll throw up a quick mini-review.
Bare in mind that JB's catalog sales wrap on on Wednesday's (like most retailers), so if you want this deal don't stuff around too much waiting for me.

I saw it in store today and looks good (although everyone knows that's not a great thing to go by!). As long as you understand that what you are buying is a $600 55" UHD screen, with a 3 yr warranty, and is far cheaper than anything else available, then you're good to go :).

I'm replacing a 10yo 50" Panasonic Plasma that's served me very well, so as long as it's as good or better than that I'll be happy.
I'm also mainly watching 1080p rips, Foxtel, and FTA… so that's my target. I may dabble in 4k via Netflix in the near future, but this TV isn't going to be my home theater screen so not too worried about that. Family room TV replacement. I'll spend more on a larger better screen later on when OLED comes down to realistic levels.

But, if you still aren't sure stand by. I'll give my thoughts here upon installation.
- UFO on 25/07/2017 - 15:41
  
  +1
  
  Actually, just another important point regarding purchasing from JB or direct via Soniq online.
  Have a read of the warranty terms and conditions carefully. They are of course written slightly different to confuse and make it harder to compare, but there IS a difference.
  
  For instance, this particular TV has a 3 year warranty. Great.
  But if you buy from Soniq, that warranty doesn't cover shipping back to Soniq (or authorised service center). And you certainly can't take it JB's if not purchased from them.
  
  The good thing is buying from JB's means any JB's store becomes your return point. So take note of where the closest store is to you now- and ALSO where you likely could be over the next 3 years. Because shipping a big screen tv over any distance is going to cost you $$$ (plus packing it properly, and insurance). Going to JB's avoids that.
  
  There are far more JB's stores than Soniq authorised service centers, so that alone should be enough to steer you towards a retailer purchase. Also, as I stated above… going into the store may get you negotiation leverage for free delivery. Online is locked pricing and locked delivery charges.
  
  After the 3 years however, the service center is going to be your only contact for repairs (although consider your consumer rights and the potential to hit up the retailer anyway). For those living in the ACT, Tech1 in Fyshwick has been confirmed as an authorised service center for Soniq if that helps (I emailed them last night to confirm all the above, as no point offering a 3 yr warranty if its too expensive to get TV to them to inspect!).
  - greenie4242 on 26/07/2017 - 09:41
    
    +1
    
    All great advice. Another advantage of buying from a retailer is that if the TV is defective or "not fit for purpose" for whatever reason, you don't have to pay return shipping plus extra shipping for the replacement. The store would likely refund any shipping costs for defective goods, however a store that offers "change of mind" returns is not required to refund the delivery + return costs.
  - UFO on 26/07/2017 - 14:41
    
    +4
    
    Okie dokie, all installed!
    
    This is a cut and paste of my review on product review I've just submitted (it includes some of the above so sorry for the repeat):
    
    First impressions? Bloody awesome!
    Well packed, handy box with easy open access. What I mean is, standing the box unright when you cut the straps allows you to slip the box 'lid" off. Don't cut the box tape like you normally would to open a box. The lid slips off but keeps the TV protected with foam. Its a little thing off the bat, but a nice touch. I'll keep the box in the roof or something, it'll come in handy in the future I'm sure.
    
    After unpacking, I hung it on the wall (separately purchased mount). It's 16kg on its own, so manageable on your own if lifting but obviously easier with a second person. Nice enough the Soniq came with 4 mounting screws on the mount points to attach to the mounting frame… handy to have because its always scary using 3rd party screws in case they go too deep and break something inside.
    
    My only niggle is when you turn it on it takes a moment for the TV to actually 'load up'. A Soniq screen comes up for 15 seconds, and then a Cinavision screen comes up… another 15 seconds. So it's about 30 seconds until the TV is on and showing your chosen broadcast. Not a major drama, but I guess the Android system has to load up. Once up and running though, no complaints!
    
    Once loaded up I was pretty happy with the standard image settings to be honest. I ended up changing to the 'warm' picture mode, and 'music' sound setting, but on the whole I'm very impressed with the image and sound. Remembering with any new TV these days, if you want awesome sound its best to have a separate audio receiver and speakers, but stock as is its perfectly fine in the family room. Doesn't sound too tinny, and volume doesn't seem to fluctuate (I have a 32" Samsung and when watching a tv show the volume constantly needs to be changed because you cant hear the voices, or the action noises are too loud).
    
    Remote is an hourglass shape, light, and comfy.
    Your most used buttons (volume and channels) are right where your thumb rests when holding the bottom of the hourglass. The 4 directional buttons surround the 'OK' button and are directly above the volume and channel buttons.
    
    Controls on the actual TV are hidden along the left hand bottom corner. Actually, all connections to and from the TV are in this area. TV controls are easy enough to reach, and popping the tv on standby if you're standing next to it is simply just feeling for the lowest button nearest the corner. You dont actually have to "look" for it. Above that button is volume, channel, menu, and source selection buttons. Nice.
    
    TV connections are in the same bottom left corner (just further in), and angled side ways for easy access. Again, from the bottom up the order is Antenna, VGA audio in, 3 old school A/V coaxial connections for connecting an older dvd player or games concole, a USB3 port, Micro SD card slot, and then finally a USB2 slot.
    
    Additional connections in this corner, but facing downwards and along the bottom of the tv, are (from the corner): Component video (3x), VGA, Digital Optical Audio Out, 2 HDMI connections, and an ethernet port.
    
    All these connections (the ones facing left and down) are recessed back from the edge of the unit, so allow for tidy cable management if desired. My TV now "floats" on the wall. No cables to be seen anywhere.
    
    In store the TV frame looks silver (silver top and bottom, black side slats). But bringing it home the silver looks more like a champagne/light bronze colour. I'm not sure if its picking up on the neutral coloured walls, but the affect is very pleasing. Straight shiny silver looks cheap. This off coloured very light bronze in dull finish is very appealing. Wont show fingerprints and looks lovely. The Soniq logo is discreetly coloured and bottom centre.
    
    In regards to where to purchase?
    Have a read of the warranty terms and conditions carefully on the Soniq website. They are of course written slightly different to confuse and make it a little harder to compare, but there IS a difference.
    
    For instance, this particular TV has a 3 year warranty. Great.
    But if you buy from Soniq, that warranty doesn't cover shipping back to Soniq (or authorised service center). And you certainly can't take it JB's if not purchased from them.
    
    The good thing is buying from JB's means any JB's store becomes your return point. So take note of where the closest store is to you now- and ALSO where you likely could be over the next 3 years. Because shipping a big screen tv over any distance is going to cost you $$$ (plus packing it properly, and insurance). Going to JB's avoids that. Retail consumer protection is also a lot clearer when dealing with JB HiFi. Soniq direct means no shopfront to be able to go to, and most like an interstate flight to Melbourne if you want to speak to anyone face to face!
    
    There are far more JB's stores than Soniq authorised service centers, so that alone should be enough to steer you towards a retailer purchase. Also, going into the store may get you negotiation leverage for free delivery. Online is locked pricing and locked delivery charges.
    
    After the 3 years however, the service center is going to be your only contact for repairs (although consider your consumer rights and the potential to hit up the retailer anyway). For those living in the ACT, Tech1 in Fyshwick has been confirmed as an authorised service center for Soniq if that helps (I emailed them last night to confirm all the above, as no point offering a 3 yr warranty if its too expensive to get TV to them to inspect!).
    
    I haven't plugged in the XBox yet, but watching HD channels over Foxtel and some Netflix, along with some digital free to air, and I gotta say I'm quite impressed!
    
    I'm actually so impressed that I'm lobbying the 'finance minister' for her approval in getting another one for the bedroom ;).
    
    At $600 with a 3 year warranty, I honestly reckon this 55" UHD TV is a real bargain.
    I'm still planning for a 75" OLED in the home theatre in a few years, but for everyday viewing this thing is damn fine. It replaced a trusty old 50" Panasonic Plasma (which was terrific), but this Soniq has been a real surprise. Go give them your $600 with my blessing :).
    - ThithLord on 11/08/2017 - 10:55
      
      +1
      
      Fantastic review - very much appreciated. I purchased one of these yesterday but won't be removing from the box until I move into my new place next week. So this gives me satisfaction to read, and I'm not even fussy when it comes to TVs anyway. Cheers!
Kewjonson on 14/08/2017 - 13:05

This offer is still active. I am going to buy this one, can somebody comment if the nextflix app and the wifi connectivity issues with this unit

This was posted 7 years 5 months 18 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

Soniq S55UV16B 55" UHD Smart LED LCD TV $599 (was $799) @ JB Hi-Fi

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