Classic Features
LG G5 has a lot to offer when it comes to classic TV features. Aside from the lack of the ability to watch two sources (PIP), the television performs well for everyday use. There are no issues with connecting external Bluetooth devices, such as headphones, and the EPG interface is very clear and understandable – even for those who are not particularly tech-savvy.
Smart TV Features
The Smart TV in the G5 operates on the WebOS system – it is the heart and brain of the entire television. Thanks to the Magic remote, using the G5 is truly enjoyable. We control the cursor on the screen with wrist movements, which is somewhat reminiscent of using a mouse in the air. The system itself is very comprehensive and offers everything one could expect: AirPlay, screen mirroring, voice search, and voice commands – all of these work smoothly and without delays. Without a doubt, this is one of the best operating systems in televisions on the market.
Note:
During our testing, we had practically nothing to complain about – except for one exception: the confusion surrounding the remote. Depending on the market and the specific version of the model, you may come across the new, minimalist Magic remote (without a numeric keypad), or the older version with a full set of buttons. We tested the G54LW model, which had the new Magic remote, but it is hard to say how the situation looks in other variants. Perhaps it is a similar situation to the LG C5 series, where the addition of the remote also depends on the specific market.
Smart TV Features - Google TV
The main advantage of the Sharp JP7 is the Google TV system, which at this moment offers the widest access to applications on the market. The library is almost unlimited – from all popular streaming services to niche VOD solutions or media players. The system provides great freedom of personalization and access to the latest versions of popular platforms. In the package, we get a Bluetooth remote that allows using the built-in voice assistant without having to point at the TV. The only significant lack in the multimedia sphere that we encountered is the absence of AirPlay support. Users of Apple devices, such as the iPhone or iPad, will not be able to directly and wirelessly stream content to the screen of this Sharp.
Classic Features and Connections
Regarding traditional television features, the Sharp JP7 offers nothing beyond the market standard. It lacks the ability to record programs to external storage (PVR) and a dual tuner, which excludes the use of the picture-in-picture (PiP) function. The TV only provides basic solutions, such as teletext and the ability to wirelessly connect accessories via Bluetooth.
As for the connections, the Sharp JP7 offers 4 HDMI ports, which the manufacturer proudly describes as standard 2.1. However, it must be made clear: this is a purely marketing move because in practice these ports only offer full functionality of standard 2.0 due to the limitations of the television. However, it is a plus that there is a classic mini-jack headphone output, which allows connecting older audio sets or speakers without the need for adapters or the HDMI eARC standard. This is quite a rare and very practical addition lately.