Cello P65ANSMT-4K Platinum 4K TV review by Steve May
This big screen is a thriller for movies and sports
The flagship screen in Cello’s premium Platinum 4K line isn’t for shrinking violets, says independent AV reviewer Steve May.
Size really does matter. Particularly if you want to luxuriate in the enhanced definition of 4K UHD, or simply want the most immersive movie and sports viewing experience available. And the real screen sweet spot right now is 65-inches.
The 65-inch P65ANSMT-4K is Cello’s largest Platinum 4K screen – and it wears its size well. While most of rivals employ black or grey lookalike bezels, this big screen features a bright metallic trim which looks distinctly handsome. The set actually looks a good deal more imposing than its sibling 55-inch version, which is just what you want if you’re hankering after a superior home cinema experience.
As we’ve seen on other Platinum models, the glitzy design extends to the audio system, which runs across the bottom of the screen. This integrated soundbar features six forward facing drivers, so you know it’s serious about sound.
Rear connections include three HDMIs, two USBs, Ethernet, an optical digital audio output, composite AV inputs and a micro SD card slot. The HDMIs only support 2160p sources up to 8-bit – worth bearing in mind when it comes to hooking up a Sky Q or UHD Blu-ray player.
The panel sits on two silvered feet, and should suit most AV furniture. The supplied AIR remote control comes with a matching USB stick, which allows you to navigate via an onscreen mouse. It’s a really rather intuitive way to get around connected content. A dedicated Smart button on the remote calls up the Android TV interface. This consists of rows of apps and features. You’ll need to log in with a Google account to download services from the Google Play store.
There’s no complicated set-up to manage and the menu system is uncomplicated. Picture presets comprise Standard, Dynamic, Theater and Personal. Theater is the most contrasty option, and is intended for low light watching. The Standard and Dynamic modes are generally brighter, and work well with most content.
The audio system has its own presets: Personal, Standard, Music, Movie and Sports. Picture quality is deliciously impactful. Colours are vibrant, yet naturalistic. The set doesn’t oversaturate. And while this is not an HDR screen, overall picture brightness doesn’t disappoint. The set is brighter than its 55-inch cousin, which suits both dark room viewing and daytime catch-up.
For the most part, you’ll be watching HD content on this TV, which looks sharp and solid. A set this size reveals the fuzzy nature of SD channels (so you might want to give them a miss), but feed it 4K from either a UHD Blu-ray player, set top box (like Sky Q) or a streaming device, and it really shines.
Gamers will also be keen to play on a screen this size. I measured image input lag at 42ms. Most gamers will find this perfectly acceptable. Audio quality is terrific. You certainly won’t feel a need to invest in a separate sound system, thanks to that six driver array. Total power output is rated at 16W.
Verdict
Cello’s flagship Platinum screen has huge impact and proves a great choice for movie fans and sports enthusiasts alike. Image sharpness is excellent, and it really makes the most of high quality sources, like Blu-ray and 4K capable set top boxes.
Once you’ve super-sized your viewing, you won’t want to go back.
