A Shift in Intelligence: 30 Days with My Smart TV

Estimated read time 6 min read

Since I started upgrading the digital ecosystem of my home, I’ve gradually realized that the TV is no longer the bulky, limited box with a handful of channels that I remember from childhood. Smart TVs have become the multimedia core of modern homes. From streaming platforms and gaming to visual control centers for smart homes, watching TV has become “using” TV.

This time, I chose a mid-to-high-end smart TV from Kogan, specifically the Kogan 75″ 4K Smart Google TV. After a full month of deep experience, I now have a comprehensive understanding of this device, and it has redefined what the word “television” means to me.

First Impressions: Design and Unboxing

The moment I opened the Kogan box, I knew this was not just any TV. This 75-inch giant screen features an ultra-slim bezel design that’s almost borderless, supported by a brushed metal stand with futuristic aesthetics and stunning visual presence.

The unboxing process was smooth and intuitive. Kogan’s packaging is user-friendly, with every part clearly labeled and well protected. I was able to install it by myself. The TV comes with a remote, quick start guide, power cord, and a handy voice assistant button for future use.

Operating System and Smart Features: A True “TV Brain”

This Kogan TV runs on the latest version of Google TV. Boot-up is fast, and the interface is smooth. More importantly, the system learns my viewing habits—like my nightly routine of watching documentaries on Netflix and tech reviews on YouTube—and prioritizes similar content on the home screen.

All I had to do was log in with my Google account to sync my YouTube playlists and install the apps I regularly use, like Disney+, Binge, and Prime Video. The Kogan TV app store offers a wide range of apps without the frustrating regional restrictions some other brands enforce.

One small detail I appreciated: when I brought my Android phone near the Kogan TV, it immediately prompted, “Would you like to connect this phone to the Kogan TV?” With a tap, I could begin casting. Perfect for family gatherings or business presentations.

Visual and Audio Performance: A Cinematic Experience at Home

The first time I played Planet Earth II in 4K HDR, I was blown away by the image quality. The colors were vibrant, the blacks were deep and pure, and the highlights retained stunning detail—comparable to high-end Sony or Samsung models.

  • Color reproduction: With 90% DCI-P3 wide color gamut support, nature scenes and animated content displayed incredible realism.
  • Motion enhancement (MEMC): This dynamic frame insertion effectively eliminated motion blur in action movies and sports.
  • HDR10 & Dolby Vision: Highlights weren’t overexposed, and shadow details remained visible and well-rendered.

The sound quality also exceeded expectations. Kogan equipped this model with Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, so even without an external soundbar, I felt immersed in spatial audio. Car chases and battle scenes turned my living room into a private cinema.

Using a decibel meter app on my phone, I tested the sound output at 85dB—still crystal clear with no distortion. Both low frequencies and vocals were well balanced.

Gaming Experience: Console Gamers, Take Note

As a casual console gamer, I occasionally play Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring on my PS5. The game mode on the Kogan TV made the experience exceptionally smooth.

  • 4K @ 120Hz refresh rate: Ideal for fast-paced games with fluid visuals.
  • Low input latency mode: Near-instant response with barely noticeable lag.
  • HDMI 2.1 x2: Fully compatible with next-gen gaming consoles.

Moreover, the Kogan TV comes with built-in support for Google Stadia, allowing me to stream AAA games. Even though Australia’s network can be unstable, late-night sessions were surprisingly smooth.

Smart Home Integration: Better Than My Phone

What surprised me most was that this Kogan TV became the “control center” for my entire smart home.

After linking it to the Google Home ecosystem, I used the TV to control my Xiaomi vacuum, adjust Philips Hue lights, monitor Netatmo outdoor weather data, and even start my Nespresso smart coffee machine—effortlessly.

Even better, the built-in microphone recognizes voice commands like “Hey Google, dim the lights” or “Hey Google, what’s the date today?” without needing the remote. When cooking, I control music or recipe videos hands-free—absolutely convenient.

Multi-Device Connectivity: The Family Entertainment Hub

Over the past month, my family has essentially turned the Kogan TV into our household media server:

  • My partner casts online yoga classes to it;
  • My father watches fishing tutorials on YouTube;
  • My child uses Chromecast to project Disney animations from a tablet;
  • I personally remote into my laptop via the TV for presentations or writing.

It also supports NAS media server connections. I mounted my entire hard drive’s movie library, and the TV automatically generated posters and descriptions—clean and well-organized.

Stability and Cooling: Built to Last

After a month of 8+ hours of daily use, the Kogan TV has never crashed, frozen, or rebooted unexpectedly. Its large rear ventilation design ensures it remains just warm to the touch, even during intensive tasks like 4K video playback or gaming.

Kogan offers a two-year warranty for this TV, with the option to purchase extended coverage. This level of after-sales support speaks volumes about their confidence in the product.

Price and Value for Money

Price-wise, this is where Kogan really shines. Comparable models with similar specs often start at $3000+, but this Kogan 75″ Smart TV was under $1400 during a promotional period—and it came bundled with three months of Kogan First membership.

Considering its comprehensive smart features, excellent visual and audio quality, multiple ports, and ecosystem compatibility, this Kogan TV feels like a “high-tech value beast” in every sense.

The Future of TV, Available Today

A month ago, I still held outdated notions about what a “TV” could be. Today, I interact with my Kogan Smart TV on a daily basis—not just to watch, but to live smarter. Kogan has built a television that feels like a gateway to future living.

If you’re looking to upgrade your living room entertainment setup without breaking the bank, I can honestly say: give Kogan a chance—it might just redefine how you view the role of television in your life.

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