You may be looking at a cyber threat

Stacy Shi

Only one of nine smart television sets performed satisfactorily in terms of cybersecurity, the Consumer Council says, suggesting that smart TVs should be treated like other smart devices such as smartphones or computers.

The first test involved nine models of 55-inch Ultra HD (4K) smart TVs which cost from HK$3,890 to HK$21,980.

The Panasonic and LG models of QD/Mini LED TCs, priced at HK$9,980 and HK$10,980 respectively, fared poorly on viewing from different angles.

However, the Panasonic model ranked highest in terms of cybersecurity and privacy settings.

"Although all models encrypted their data transmissions, some lacked clear opt-out options, had terms that were difficult to understand, failed to show the options' impact on users and did not provide privacy setting options on first use," said Jack Poon Sik-ching, convener of the council's advisory group on digital economy and information technology.

Tests revealed that higher-priced OLED models ranked higher overall in terms of picture quality.

But an expert panel commissioned by the council found the three types of screen among tested models only differed slightly in picture quality for digital TV broadcast viewing, suggesting lower-priced LED or mid-priced QD/Mini LED TVs are sufficient for general use.

Out of all OLEDs, the Samsung TV priced at HK$15,980 ranked highest in satisfactory performance in picture quality, sound quality and accessibility features such as font magnification and color contrast settings, which are useful for the elderly.

It was rated higher than LG's OLED TV priced at HK$21,980 and Sony's OLED TV priced at HK$18,999.

In terms of higher-priced 8K TVs - which have a horizontal resolution of about 8,000 pixels - the council noted that most mainstream streaming platforms and online videos have yet to reach 8K resolution.

"Consumers should exercise caution and not pursue high-specification products blindly," Poon said.

There were 810 complaints received over the past three years, said council chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-han, who added that half involved repair issues.

The council also reminded consumers to pay attention to maintenance details and terms when purchasing and request that the installer unbox the TV and check if it is in working condition before installation.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com