I’m around TVs all the time and am constantly admiring the various specs, price points and features of each new model to see how I can upgrade the various panels in each of my viewing areas. The Kogan R94K Roku TV might sit closer towards the entry-level end of the spectrum in terms of both features and price but still provides some decent quality for everyday viewing. While it’s not equipped for next-gen gaming and regular sports, there’s plenty of value to be gained.
The panel’s standard retail price sits at A$999.99, but it’s worth noting here that Kogan First Members can actually get this for as low as A$599, which certainly makes it a lot more appealing.
Design & Screen
The R94K doesn’t really flaunt much in the way of its design but does provide some slim bezels to boot. The plastic legs which sit on the outer edges of the panel are as basic as they come but are thankfully easy enough to install with only a couple of screws in each leg.
The panel itself is edge-lit and runs at 60Hz across all formats and inputs. As a result, there are no extra motion smoothing, Dolby Vision or HDMI 2.1 software enhancements for things like 4K 120Hz gaming for example. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as entry-level TVs at this price don’t really include these specs in the first place, but it’s worth mentioning for those who might own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. The inclusion of HDR does a decent job of bolstering the definition of contrast during brighter scenes but doesn’t really make much of a difference during darker scenes when the backlight needs to do most of the work.
The edge lighting is perfectly fine for everyday TV, but as the panel is lit from the outer edges inwards, there’s no real control over certain darker areas of the panel, and this in turn leaves some of the blacks and darker tones looking a little more charcoal than true black. But again, this is standard for most entry-level panels of this price. The 60Hz does a fine job when watching free-to-air channels, and even does a decent job during gaming, given most next-gen console games run at 60fps regardless. I’ve been getting my NBA preseason fix on this TV (given I can download the NBA app via Roku, and not on my LG Web OS TV), and while it’s serviceable, certain closeup shots look a little muddy when things got chaotic.
Sound
When it comes to sound in TVs, there’s nothing I could recommend to you that wouldn’t be better with a soundbar. My everyday TV is an LG CS OLED, and even that, while providing some nifty features like Dolby Atmos support, still benefits from an entry-level soundbar. On that note, the R94K provides eARC support, meaning you can not only plug in a soundbar via HDMI but control it with the standard TV remote as well.
The 2 x 10W speakers included are fine at lower levels but ultimately lack any deeper levels of bass, particularly at louder volumes. This is once again, relatively standard for entry-level panels in terms of speaker wattage, but it’s a real letdown when you’re gaming, or in the middle of a climactic action sequence during a movie. Lacking both Dolby Vision and Atmos, there’s simply nothing there to bolster the sound in any meaningful way. But for everyday viewing, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Software
The Roku operating system isn’t really as common in Australia as it is in the US, with only a handful of brands taking it on board for certain event models. It’s also not as robust as Sony and TCL’s Google TV software, but it is certainly passable for the basics and even allows users to download the handy Roku app on their smartphone for a digital remote and access the store to download apps to the TV, as opposed to navigating directly through the TV itself. Netflix, Stan, YouTube, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime all make an appearance, to name a few favourites.
Panels that support Google TV are still the best in my opinion, but the Roku system is quite easy to navigate and download apps onto. While many of us down under will have to create a Roku account to access such features, it’s a relatively streamlined process. It’s also worth noting here that the remote is incredibly easy to use and navigate, with dedicated buttons for included apps up the top.
There are certain apps like the NBA app available here that I can’t even get on my LG TV with Web OS, but a few recent apps like Kayo and Binge, which have subsequently been added to most TV operating systems, are not available here, which is a little disappointing for sports lovers and HBO fans.
But at the same time, there are ways to stream and mirror Apple devices to the TV through Apple Airplay, and the R94K is even compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa when linked with compatible items like the Echo or Nest Hub, to use with either of those assistants in mind.
Verdict & Value
For all that I’ve said about the Kogan R94K 4K LED Roku Smart TV, most of this will come down to perspective. It certainly competes with similarly priced entry-level panels in terms of picture quality, motion rate and sound, while TCL’s P745 might beat it out in the smart department thanks to Google TV.
But given this TV is technically available for $599 at the moment to Kogan First Members, makes it one of the best-valued panels in terms of specs. While hardcore gamers and sports lovers should look to a 120/200Hz alternative with HDMI 2.1 compatibility, the everyday user won’t really have much to complain about.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Decent picture quality and HDR; Handy Roku companion app which doubles as a remote control
Lowlights: Weak speakers; Roku operating system lacks variety in places
Manufacturer: Kogan
Price: A$999.99
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Kogan.
