STACK #203 Sep 2021

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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WHICH TV? As well as the aforementioned considerations, budget also comes into play when shopping for a whopping 80-inch-plus 4K TV. So, as it’s footy finals time, we’ve ranked our recommendations accordingly, from Qualifying Finalist entry-level sets and Premiership Contender mid-range options, to the top-tier Grand Finalists.

QUALIFYING FINALIST SONY X85J 85” BRAVIA 4K UHD GOOGLE TV

This massive model features all the specs for heavy duty sports viewing, and then some. Not only is it an excellent 85” screen for the price, it also features Motionflow XR 200Hz, which combines the TV’s refresh rate with Image Blur Reduction, LED Backlight Control and frame interpolation to deliver the smoothest and clearest possible picture every time. Moreover, a wide viewing angle means no one is left on the outer, and it performs well in a bright room. Sony’s 4K Processor X1 reduces noise and boosts detail for life-like pictures, and object-based HDR contrast enhancement and HD upscaling make those team colours really pop. Dolby Vision and Atmos are supported, and built-in Chromecast and Google TV gives you access to popular streaming apps.

PREMIERSHIP CONTENDER SAMSUNG QN85A 85” NEO QLED 4K SMART TV

Samsung’s revolutionary Quantum Matrix technology brings a new dimension to the big game with a micro layer of proprietary backlights for precise light control and deep OLED-quality blacks, while Quantum HDR 24x delivers fine detail and a dazzling colour gamut. A wide viewing angle and anti-glare tech keeps the game in focus wherever you’re positioned, while Adaptive Picture technology and Intelligent Mode adapts and adjusts screen brightness levels to suit the room. Samsung’s Motion Rate 200 ensures smooth and fluid play, and the Active Voice Amplifier function will pick up those umpiring decisions loud and clear. There’s smart connectivity, with the Kayo Sports app and more at the ready, and Multiview function for devices supporting mirror casting and Apple Airplay 2 – perfect for sports stats.

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SONY A90J 83” BRAVIA XR MASTER SERIES OLED 4K TV Sony’s flagship OLED model for 2021 is a beautiful behemoth that excels at colour reproduction and is packed with image-enhancing tech for a premium game day experience. The proprietary Cognitive Processor XR takes intuitive AI tech to the next level, simulating the perspective of the viewer to ensure image and sound quality are optimal. Speaking of sound, the 83 inches of screen real estate is also the TV’s speaker, with two actuators positioned behind the screen that precisely match the audio to the moving image. And you won’t need to hook up a soundbar; the TV’s two rear-firing drivers and two bass drivers deliver rich, full audio. Picture quality is top notch with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, XR OLED Contrast Pro for greater depth and texture, and the all-important 100Hz refresh rate for smooth play. And with OLED technology, you’re guaranteed the best possible wide viewing angle. Google TV has now replaced Android TV on 2021 Sony models, featuring a more user-friendly interface for aggregating apps. You won’t just be kicking goals with this beauty in the room, you’ll be hoisting the Premiership cup! GRAND FINALISTS

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GOOGLE NEST HUB Whether you’re outside by the barbie, in the kitchen or taking a bathroom break, you can stay connected to the game and the gang with a Google Nest Hub Max. This voice-controlled assistant features a 10-inch HD touchscreen to keep tabs on the score and weather, and in touch with friends and family via video calls. Moreover, built-in Chromecast for streaming content means you’ll never miss a moment of the match, wherever you are. You can also use it to control other smart devices throughout the home, like surround lighting.

LG CI 83” SELF-LIT OLED 4K ULTRA HD SMART TV OLED TVs use self-lit pixels instead of backlighting to render perfect blacks, contrast levels and a billion vivid colours, so picture quality is nothing short of spectacular when viewed from any angle in the room. Moreover, LG’s HDR10 Pro dynamic range tech constantly adjusts the brightness to punch up the colours. This model is in a league of its own and built for the big game, with ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and OLED Motion to further reduce blur and enhance picture clarity, and a Sports Alert function that sends notifications on free-to-air match times, scores and more (on selected sporting codes). It’s also app-ready for Optus Sports and Stan Sports. A winner all round!

74 SEPTEMBER 2021

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