Modern televisions have ceased to be merely transmitters of analog or digital channels and have transformed into entertainment centers, especially if they have a large screen size and Smart TV functionality. If not, it's not a problem because you can purchase a media player like the VINGA S905X and create your own multimedia entertainment center. And if you connect a full-fledged PC, such as the BRAIN TOP GAMER C70, the television becomes not only a home theater but also an arena for your favorite gaming battles.

This review will discuss the 55-inch television Vinga L55UHD20B with a 4K resolution (3840 x 2160). With the built-in tuner, it allows you to watch digital channels (DVB-S2, DVB-T2, DVB-C). The USB port provides connectivity for external storage devices for direct playback of popular multimedia formats (BMP, AVI, JPEG, MOV, WMA, MKV, WAV, PNG, MP3). If desired, it can be used as a regular computer monitor thanks to the HDMI interface. In short, it's an interesting and versatile device for various tasks. Let's get to know it better.

Specification

Packaging and delivery set

The Vinga L55UHD20B TV comes in a regular cardboard package. The delivery set includes only the user manual and a remote control with two batteries for its operation. The remote control has all the necessary functionality: it allows you to switch channels, change settings, navigate through videos, enable subtitle display, and implements a number of other features.

Appearance and operational features

The Vinga L55UHD20B model looks solid and presentable: thin bezels around the screen, elegant legs on the sides, and a fairly thin profile allow the device to fit seamlessly into a modern interior. If the power supply unit were external, the thickness of the TV would be even less.

The legs securely hold the weight of the structure but do not allow for screen position adjustment - a standard approach for televisions.

The Vinga L55UHD20B is pleasing with its numerous interface ports and thoughtful placement: even with wall mounting using a VESA bracket (400 x 200 mm), there will be no problems with connecting and conveniently laying telecommunications cables. Specifically, at the bottom, there are two HDMI ports, one D-Sub (VGA), one 3.5mm audio, Scart, and coaxial.

On the side, there is another HDMI port, two antenna connectors, AV, 3.5mm audio, CI, and a pair of USB ports. All connectors are labeled, so there should be no problems with connecting.

On the left edge of the back side, there are control elements for adjusting some functions: changing the volume of the built-in speakers, switching channels, accessing the menu, selecting signal sources, and putting the TV into standby mode.

In the lower right corner of the front side, there is an LED activity indicator. When the TV is turned on, it lights up with a not very bright green color, so it does not distract from viewing at all.

The quality of material selection, assembly, and structural rigidity did not raise any questions or complaints.

Thanks to the built-in tuner supporting the DVB-T2 standard relevant for our country, the Vinga L55UHD20B TV does not require the purchase of an additional set-top box for playing digital channels. When connected, we found all available channels without any particular problems, which were played clearly and without any interference typical of analog television.

Playing video from a flash drive also went smoothly: there were no lags or image distortions even in dynamic scenes at 4K Ultra HD resolution, let alone Full HD.

The built-in speakers with a total power of 16 W are characterized by average sound quality, and they are quite suitable for undemanding users. The volume reserve is more than sufficient for watching videos or listening to music, although there is a lack of low frequencies. On the other hand, it is difficult to demand the implementation of a high-quality audio subsystem from a product with a relatively affordable price tag.

On-screen Menu

To access the on-screen menu of the Vinga L55UHD20B TV, you can use the button on the body, but it is more convenient to perform all manipulations using the remote control. The menu itself pleased with its simple design and good localization with support for the Ukrainian language.

There are quite a lot of settings. In particular, you can configure image parameters (contrast, brightness, saturation, etc.), choose one of four preset color profiles or one of three color temperature modes, set the HDMI port operation mode, adjust audio parameters, set the date, time, and time zone, set an automatic shutdown timer, search for channels, block access to a specific channel, and much more.

Testing

The hardware platform during the testing of the Vinga L55UHD20B TV was a mini-computer ZOTAC ZBOX nano ID65 PLUS. You will find a full description of the research methodology in the relevant material.

The TV includes four color profiles: "Dynamic," "Standard," "Moderate," and "Custom." For convenience, we have compiled all their parameters in a single table:

The maximum brightness is declared at 250 cd/m². In all profiles, it almost reached this level, ranging from 221 to 247 cd/m². A similar situation is observed with static contrast: from 839:1 to 936:1 with a declared 1000:1. Overall, these are decent indicators for obtaining a high-quality picture.

Color coverage

CIE diagrams of the "Dynamic" profile for sRGB and Adobe RGB spaces

CIE diagrams of the "Standard" profile for sRGB and Adobe RGB spaces

CIE diagrams of the "Moderate" profile for sRGB and Adobe RGB spaces

CIE diagrams of the "Custom" profile for sRGB and Adobe RGB spaces

Acceptable color coverage indicators for sRGB and Adobe RGB spaces for regular displays are considered to be 90% and 65%, respectively. The Vinga L55UHD20B TV came close to them: in the first case, we have from 86% to 89%, and in the second – from 62% to 65%. So, in terms of color coverage for its category, it is fine.

If we look at the CIE diagrams, they look best in the "Moderate" profile. For the sRGB space, there is minimal displacement of reference points with slight oversaturation throughout the range. In other profiles, the displacement is higher, but there is nothing critical about it. 

Color accuracy

Diagram of deviation of primary colors and shades from standards in the "Dynamic" profile

Diagram of deviation of primary colors and shades from standards in the "Standard" profile

Diagram of deviation of primary colors and shades from standards in the "Moderate" profile

Diagram of deviation of primary colors and shades from standards in the "Custom" profile

However, there are questions about the quality of color accuracy settings for primary colors and shades. None of the profiles fit the necessary criteria (1.5 for average deviation dE*94 and 4 for maximum). Although it should not be excluded that during factory calibration, specialists deliberately sacrificed the accuracy of some shades to create a subjectively more attractive picture.

RGB levels

Graph of RGB levels of "Dynamic", "Standard", "Moderate", and "Custom" profiles

All profiles have similar RGB level graphs with an elevated blue component and a reduced red one. This will lead to a cooler image for an impressive display of water, snow, ice, or sky. Such settings are usually used by monitor manufacturers in the "Cinema" profile.

Gamma

Graph of gamma curves of "Dynamic", "Standard", "Moderate", and "Custom" profiles

Factory calibration of gamma curves is done quite well: only in a small section do they pass above the reference line, but there is no loss of detail in the bright areas of the scene. And the average indicators of three out of four profiles are very close to the reference 2.2.

Brightness range

Based on the test results, the most balanced profile in the Vinga L55UHD20B TV is "Custom", so further research was conducted based on it.

The brightness range was from 95 to 247 cd/m². For monitors, the minimum value may be excessive at night, but since we are talking about a TV located at a greater distance from the user, there should be no problems. The upper limit practically corresponds to the declared value.

Monitor calibration

CIE diagrams of the calibrated profile for sRGB and Adobe RGB spaces

Diagram of deviation of primary colors and shades from standards in the calibrated profile

Graph of RGB levels of the calibrated profile

Gamma Curve Chart in Calibrated Profile 

The file with calibration parameters is available at this link. The results obtained before and after hardware calibration are summarized in the table.

Manual calibration led to conflicting results. On one hand, it managed to normalize the white point temperature, improve the RGB levels, and significantly increase the coverage of sRGB and Adobe RGB spaces. But on the other hand, static contrast, color and shade reproduction accuracy, and average gamma were noticeably affected.

Screen Backlight Uniformity

With brightness deviation, the Vinga L55UHD20B TV performs excellently: the maximum indicator does not exceed 20 cd/m² relative to the central area.

Unfortunately, this cannot be said about the white point temperature: in 7 out of 9 areas, the deviation exceeds the permissible range of ±250 K. The 3D diagram shows that the lower edges are warmer relative to the central part.

In the test with fills, no problems with white color were detected. On a black background, slight backlight leaks are noticeable around the screen perimeter, especially in the lower left corner, but they are not critical.

Matrix Speed and PWM

The matrix speed test was frankly pleasing. The manufacturer does not specify the type of panel installed, but claims that the response speed does not exceed 10 ms. The results obtained can be compared with monitors with a 5-ms matrix. This is primarily indicated by the small trails from fast-moving objects. Thus, the TV can handle dynamic scenes in movies or computer games.

Brightness – 25%, Exposure – 1/15

Flicker Free technology is not declared for Vinga L55UHD20B. However, the verification photo captured a solid front, not separate vertical stripes. This means that visible backlight flicker is absent. Thus, users' eyes will be less fatigued during prolonged use near the TV.

Viewing Angles

The declared viewing angles (170° / 170°) for Vinga L55UHD20B are something between the usual IPS- (178° / 178°) and TN-panels (170° / 160°). The most noticeable change in the picture is seen when viewed from below or diagonally. In other cases, there are no problems. Therefore, it is not advisable to hang this TV too high on the wall. In all other respects, everything will be fine.

Conclusions

To correctly evaluate the 55-inch TV Vinga L55UHD20B, one should first determine its price positioning. It can be found on sale with an approximate price tag of ₴14500 ($540), making it one of the most affordable on our market.

What do we get for this amount? A 55-inch diagonal with 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), standard brightness and static contrast parameters, decent color coverage, excellent response speed, and good, though not perfect, factory calibration. Thanks to the built-in tuner, you can watch digital television of the DVB-T2 standard relevant to our country without an additional set-top box or create your system based on the DVB-S2 satellite broadcasting standard. A pair of 8-watt speakers provides decent sound accompaniment, and an extended set of external interfaces will allow you to easily and simply connect various content sources: media players, PCs, gaming consoles, etc.

The Vinga L55UHD20B features two USB ports for direct playback of popular multimedia formats (BMP, AVI, JPEG, MOV, WMA, MKV, WAV, PNG, MP3) from an external drive or flash drive. There were no issues with playing even 4K video: the picture was smooth and of high quality.

The main concerns with the Vinga L55UHD20B TV arise only in terms of factory settings for color accuracy and shades, as well as white point temperature. However, these are only noticeable when analyzing test results, while during regular viewing, the image on the screen was pleasing to the eye, although this is a subjective assessment. A slight backlight bleed around the perimeter was also noticed, but for such a diagonal, it is not critical.

As a result, the 4K TV Vinga L55UHD20B deserves attention from the perspective of the combination of offered functional capabilities and stated cost. Although before purchasing, it is advisable to see the picture it produces and listen to the audio quality yourself, as everyone has different preferences.

Advantages:

• large diagonal (55") and high resolution (3840 x 2160);
• attractive and well-thought-out design;
• matrix response speed subjectively higher than the stated 10 ms, ensuring quality playback of dynamic scenes;
• sufficient coverage of sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces;
• presence of a built-in digital tuner;
• support for a wide range of external interfaces;
• ability to play popular multimedia formats from an external USB drive;
• a pair of built-in 8-watt speakers;
• convenient remote control included;
• functional menu with good Ukrainian localization;
• absence of visible screen backlight flicker to reduce eye strain;
• support for VESA bracket for wall mounting.

Features:

• insufficient color and shade accuracy;
• elevated white point temperature;
• slight backlight bleed around the perimeter.

Author: Serhiy Budilovskyi 
Translation: Yuriy Koval

We express our gratitude to BRAIN Computers, the official representative of Vinga, for providing the TV for testing. 

We express our gratitude to ZOTAC for providing the equipment for the test stand.