GoogleTV and SmartTV features
Sony Bravia 5 runs on Google TV, and it must be said that this is one of the best-optimised systems in this brand's offering. The interface works smoothly, with no annoying bugs or bizarre translations, and navigating the menu doesn’t feel like walking through a minefield. Admittedly, there are moments when the whole system catches a slight breath – as if it has its “weaker moments” – but these are rare enough not to spoil the overall impression. We have full AirPlay support, voice search with Google AI assistance, and the ability to download practically any app that comes to mind. The only drawback in tests turned out to be the screen mirroring function, which theoretically should work with laptops and phones, but in practice proved almost useless – there was no stable image on Windows and Android.
User features
From the perspective of classic functionality, the Bravia 5 performs solidly and practically. A big plus is the presence of two remotes – one is a slim, modern smart remote, while the other, although operating via infrared, has a classic numeric keypad. This way, we can always choose which one suits the situation better. The EPG, or electronic programme guide, is clear and allows you to programme recordings to a USB drive – a seemingly simple solution, but incredibly useful. Additionally, the TV supports connecting a variety of devices: from an amplifier or soundbar via HDMI eARC, to headphones and other wireless accessories via Bluetooth. This is a set that makes the TV not just a screen, but a well-thought-out home entertainment centre.
Functional Features
Let's start with the basics, which are the classic functions of a television. The Philips OLED770 doesn’t turn the table here; we have a standard EPG interface, the ability to connect devices via Bluetooth, and a few simple configuration options including teletext. Interestingly, there is a jack connection, which is becoming quite rare these days. However, those with older receivers or wired headphones will appreciate it. The remote creates a good impression – it’s ergonomic and has a backlit numeric keypad – but there’s also a sense of a step back here. It works via infrared, so you have to aim it at the television, and frankly, by 2025 we would expect full wireless support. The exception is voice commands, which use Bluetooth, but even here there’s no reason for euphoria.
SmartTV Features – TitanOS
Speaking of voice, let’s move on to the Smart TV system, which is an element that largely defines the daily comfort of using a television today. And here the OLED770 clearly lags behind the competition. TitanOS operates quickly enough that it's not a disaster, but daily use can be frustrating due to minor bugs and shortcomings. Theoretically, we get support for AirPlay, but on the other hand, screen mirroring just didn’t work at all in practice. Voice search? Yes, but only through Amazon Alexa and without support for the Polish language. In other words, the features are there, but when we try to use them, we find that their practicality is severely limited and nearly useless. And it’s this Smart TV aspect that becomes the greatest hindrance of the OLED770. The image can be astonishing, gaming is excellent, and Ambilight creates a unique atmosphere – but when we transition to daily use of apps and services, we feel a sense of dissatisfaction.
Ambilight – Philips OLED770
Although in terms of smart functionality, the Philips OLED770 is rather average, it has something in store that its competitors honestly envy. We’re talking about the three-sided Ambilight system, which has been a hallmark of this brand’s televisions for years. The LED lights positioned at the back of the housing dynamically illuminate the wall in colours matched to whatever is happening on the screen at that moment. The effect is simple but very suggestive – the image seems to extend beyond the boundaries of the television, giving us the impression that the screen has suddenly grown by extra inches. During a movie screening, it can create atmosphere, in games it enhances immersion, and during regular TV viewing, it simply pleases the eye. It’s this addition that makes it so that despite the limitations of TitanOS, the OLED770 has something that can attract attention and give it character.