O2 joins forces with Hisense! New TVs entice with a dedicated Oneplay button and surprisingly good prices

Operator O2 is introducing another strategy to bring its streaming service Oneplay into the living rooms of Czech households. In cooperation with the manufacturer Hisense, it is launching two TV models that have a dedicated button for quick launch of the Oneplay application directly on the remote control. With this step, O2 follows the global trend of large streaming services that have been placing their buttons on TV remotes for years – the red Netflix button or the blue one for Amazon Prime are particularly well-known.

Currently, there are two models to choose from – the 55-inch Hisense 55E71Q Pro and the 65-inch Hisense 65E81Q. Both TVs come with the Oneplay application pre-installed, which the user can launch with a single press of a button without having to navigate through the TV menu. According to the operator, this is an effort to simplify access to content and eliminate tedious app searching.

Artificial intelligence optimizes picture and sound

The main technological advantage of both models is the use of artificial intelligence for picture and sound optimization. The TVs are equipped with an AI Light Sensor, which automatically adjusts brightness and color reproduction according to the current room lighting. Furthermore, the VIDAA operating system allows connection via Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and also includes Chromecast support.

The basis of both models is QLED technology offering billions of color shades, a native 144Hz refresh rate, and support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos formats. For gamers, there is a gaming mode with the Game Bar function, which displays game statistics and allows quick settings adjustments.

The smaller model, Hisense 55E71Q Pro, focuses primarily on gamers and sports fans. It offers support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and AMD FreeSync Premium for smooth gaming without screen tearing. The AI Smooth Motion function then helps with rendering fast motion, whether it’s action scenes in movies, sports broadcasts, or games.

O2 joins forces with Hisense! New TVs entice with a dedicated Oneplay button and surprisingly good prices Jakub Kárník Zprávičky Jakub Kárník Zprávičky

The larger model Hisense 65E81Q targets more demanding viewers. Its main advantage is Mini-LED backlighting providing better contrast and deeper blacks. The Hi-View AI Engine functionality automatically enhances the picture in real-time, while AI 4K Upscaler and AI HDR Upscaler technologies can convert lower quality content to 4K and HDR. A pleasant bonus is the built-in subwoofer, which should provide better sound performance without the need to purchase an external soundbar.

Prices and financing options

The smaller model, Hisense 55E71Q Pro (55″), is available for 11,960 CZK, or on installments for 166 CZK per month. The larger model Hisense 65E81Q (65″) costs 17,960 CZK or 266 CZK per month. A prerequisite for purchasing on installments is an active Oneplay Komfort tariff plan or higher.

Customers participating in the O2 and Air Bank loyalty program called Unity can get a 1,000 CZK discount. With this discount, the 55E71Q Pro model costs 10,960 CZK (149 CZK per month) and the 65E81Q model costs 16,960 CZK (249 CZK per month). When purchasing on installments, a down payment of 2,000 CZK is required.

Competition in the TV services market is intensifying

With this step, O2 is reacting to the intensifying competition in the streaming services market. Its own hardware solution with a pre-installed application and a dedicated button on the remote gives the operator the advantage of direct access to customers.

While it is common in the American and Western European markets for large streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime to have their own buttons on the remotes of many TV brands, this is a relatively new approach in the Czech environment. O2 is thus trying to build a deeper connection between its Oneplay service and TV hardware.

Both TVs are available immediately in the operator’s offer, with delivery via courier service within 1-3 business days. The standard warranty is two years; for the larger model, it can be extended to 5 years after product registration.

What do you think of the new Hisense TVs under O2’s direction?

Source: press release