Questions About Hisense Android TV Model 58H6550E

by gil_happy

Hello,

I have a question about the Hisense 58" Android TV from Costco (model 58H6550E). I have used Roku TVs (namely TCL) and I'm very, very happy with them, but I'm thinking of switching to an Android based TV. I have a couple of questions:

- Is there a list of officially supported apps for this model of Android TV?

- I think I've read that you can side load some apps, but they may not function / work / etc due to some type of check that is performed (however, the apk can be modified to get around this check).

- Is this TV easy to root? Also, I believe I read that if it is rooted, an app such as Netflix won't give you 4k content due to something related to Widevine encryption.

Thanks in advance!

omar19961

I wouldn’t buy a android tv other than a Sony tbh

alaxgoaly8

If you have issues sideloading apps, similar to the issues of a mibox or nvidia shield (which also use official android tv os), you can use sideload launcher, or even load a different android launcher onto it. For $370 for a 58"tv, it's hard to go wrong here. But you are correct about the netflix 4k issue, but there shouldn't be a need to root the device, so you can keep the netflix that can play the 4k (I've heard though that on some boxes, the app still runs HD even though it shouldn't). Plenty of folks use the nvidia shield and mibox and are able to put the apps you're looking for on the device.

If you grab an app called set orientation off of apkpure (or other app repository), it'll resolve any screen issues if the apps aren't designed for android tv.

PS... Hisense makes tv's and other products under the Sharp and Toshiba names as well. So it might not have the screen quality of an LG or Samsung or Sony, but again, for $369 with Android TV build in, it's a good deal. Worst case, you hate android tv and just plug in a different android OS box and use that instead.