Sharp has announced the U.K. launch of its first two TV sets to be powered by Xperi’s new TiVo OS operating system, known as the Sharp GM6000 and GK4000 Series TVs.
The launch is exciting news because there has been a lot of publicity regarding TiVo OS, which is said to be a “first-of-its-kind neutral platform” that promises TV manufacturers will have much more control over the user experience. At the same time, TiVo OS says it wants to help viewers “cut through the clutter of streaming and linear content options with simplified, universal discovery”.
In other words, Xperi is aiming to make TiVo OS a platform that appeals to both viewers and TV brands alike. Viewers will see a clean, easy to use interface that provides quick access to their favourite streaming services and channels, as well as additional content from TiVo+ and some regional services, such as Freely in the U.K. The company also promises familiar search functionality, including voice search, with the ability to tailor the personalized recommendations it delivers.
For TV manufacturers, the main benefit of TiVo OS includes its branding options, and the ability for them to implement their own ads. While it’s unlikely that many consumers will welcome the prospect of more ads, TiVo has promised they’ll be delivered using a more targeted, data-driven approach that will hopefully deliver more relevant content suggestions and products.
The new Sharp GM6000 and GK4000 TVs are thought to be the first in the U.K. to feature the TiVo OS platform. As with many of Sharp’s TV models, they fall squarely in the “affordable” segment, lacking the high-end OLED and Mini-LED displays found on today’s premium TV models.
We don’t have a full list of specifications at this time, but the Sharp GM6000 TVs are said to come with a more standard Quantum Dot LED display that’s capable of delivering “vibrant colours and deeper blacks”. They also feature support for Dolby Vision and comes with an integrated Harman-Kardon 2-way speaker system with Dolby Atmos, and there are three HDMI 2.1 ports which might mean they are a decent, low-cost option for console gamers. The Sharp GM will be available in three sizes – 43-, 50- and 55-inches.
As for the Sharp GK4000 TVs, these are even more affordable models that lack the QLED display and Harman Kardon sound system, though they do still support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. They’re going to be sold in the same three sizes, as well as a much bigger 70-inch model. In addition, the Sharp GK4000 is unique in that it has support for the AV1 codec, which delivers “more efficient video compression and better streaming quality”, according to Sharp.
By adopting TiVo OS, Sharp adds another major TV operating system to its portfolio, which also includes various Android TV, Google TV, FireTV and Roku TV options.
Sharp said the GM6000 and GK4000 TVs are on sale in the U.K. now, with the former priced at £299, £389 and £449 for the 43-, 50- and 55-inch options, and the latter set to retail at £279, £349, and £389 for the same sizes. As for the 70-inch GK4000, that comes with the heftiest price tag of £649.
