DeVant AVC400 65-inch Curved 4K TV Review: An Attainable 4K TV

DeVant AVC400 65-inch Curved 4K TV Review: An Attainable 4K TV

If you’ve been lusting for a curved, 4K TV, your options are limited and expensive: Samsung’s top-tier models cost around 200K which is par for the course for LG as well. But don’t despair, as there’s a better, affordable option (if buying something that approaches 100K can be considered affordable) if you really want to bask in front of a curved, 4K panel in the evenings. DeVant’s top-of-the-line AVC400 model has a curved panel and 4K capability that’s far less than what its rivals are asking for. Question is, does it still deliver the goods?

Curved and stout

DeVant’s AVC400 curved TV has two sizes: 55 and 65-inches, with significant price gaps for both. Our review unit was the 65-inch variant, but really the spec sheet for both models are identical, so you’re not losing out on any features if you do decide to go with the less expensive 55-inch model.

Anyway, the AVC400 has a curved screen much like its more expensive brethren. Why a curved display? Well, the idea of a curved screen is that it improves immersion, and by curving the screen towards you you get an increased sense of depth, better viewing angles and a wider field of view. There are downsides to the curved screen design though, most notably that you need to be in the sweet spot, ie directly in front of the TV to get the best results out of it. If you’re not there, the curved dimensions of the panel is exaggerated, which can be very jarring when you’re trying to immerse yourself into the experience.

Of course, there’s a trade-off to the screen. That’s actual panel thickness at the rear – the AVC400’s panel is rather thick, which is emphasized when you’re looking at it from the side. Wall mounting it will only enhance the TV’s thickness, since it has a curved panel. The 65-inch variant also requires a lot of space because of its sheer size. A tasteful silver stand keeps the AV400 up when not wall mounted.

The AVC400 has all the connections you could ever ask for from a 4K TV, which includes USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, 4 HDMI ports (2 x 2.0 and 2 x 1.4), two antenna inputs, two composite A/V inputs, SPDIF, 3.5mm jack out and both wired and wireless connectivity. The TV has two 15 watt speakers.

Great display, loaded with features but sourcing 4K content is challenging

Just like most other high-end TVs today, DeVant’s AVC400 has all the bells and whistles that you expect from a product of its caliber: it has both wired and wireless connectivity options, as well as the capability to connect to the internet. Connecting to the internet is no issue with the AVC400, though you will have to punch out your username and password to your secured WiFi connection as well as any other streaming account via the TV’s remote control, which isn’t the easiest thing to do in the world.

Speaking of remote controls, the one included with the AVC400 is functional and easy to use, though we would have expected illumination at this pricepoint to make it easier when you’re watching at night.

The AVC400 has a couple of great apps built in that makes you less reliant on physical media. While there’s four main media streaming apps, you’ll be heavily reliant on Netflix and YouTube for your streaming needs, at least here in the PH. The TV runs Opera TV OS, and has access to additional apps via Opera’s App store. And yes, you can access your Facebook account via the browser included in the TV if you choose. If you do decide to tune in to free TV, the AVC400 has a built-in, ISDB-T receiver, so there’s no need to buy a separate set top box of that.

As far as picture quality goes, we have no major complaints. Full HD content on the AVC400 looks great, and the TV effortlessly upscales the images from full HD to 4K. There’s very clear definition in the images, with very minimal noise. From the factory the AVC400 has its Ultra Smooth Motion set to high, along with the sharpness, which created a very noticeable halo effect around moving objects in the TV. We fixed this quite easily via turning down the Ultra Smooth Motion feature to low, and lowering the TV’s sharpness in the advanced settings.

4K video looks amazing, there’s really nothing quite like it if you have the content. Everything looks extremely lifelike and detailed. Since we’re subscribed to PLDT’s highest Fibr plan, we were able to stream 4K video via Netflix and it looked amazing.

Things take a bit of a nosedive in the free TV section though. Terrestial TV and standard definition content looks awful, with images looking fuzzy and noisy in the large panel. This isn’t the TV’s fault of course – no amount of upscaling technology will be able to enhance the poor image quality that’s being piped to TV.

Many people will debate on usefulness of a 4K TV especially since there’s still quite a dearth of content in the PH for the TV. If you’re lucky enough to live in a place where fiber is available, then that won’t be a big issue if you’re subscribed to Netflix’s highest streaming plan. For some reason we couldn’t get 4K video from YouTube to stream using the TV, so we had to settle with upconverted full HD video from YT. You can probably get away with using a stand-alone streamer or NAS with 4K content to plug that 4K hole in your life with the AVC400. Getting a PS4 Pro is also an option as well, if you have the cash for it. The TV can also play 4K content straight from the USB ports if you have a storage stick big enough to store a 4K movie.

If the AVC400 has a weakness, it’s got to be audio. The speakers are okay for TV shows and some Netflix content, but lacked the punch for a truly cinematic experience. You’d do well to pair the AVC400 with a proper sound system or even a soundbar with a subwoofer if you plan to make it the centerpiece of your A/V center.

Verdict: An extremely capable curved, 4K capable TV at half the price of its competitors, but it’s still expensive

The AVC400 is a great alternative if you’re looking for a curved, 4K capable TV that’s almost half the price of its competitors. The biggest problem here is that while it is half (or more, depending on the model you’re comparing it to) the price of other curved, 4K capable TVs, the price is still pretty high at Php 104950 for the 65-inch model. But if you want a curved TV, have a Fibr connection at home and want to invest in a 4K capable model, you couldn’t do better than DeVant’s AVC400 at the price point.

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