Netflix and swimming pool

  01 September 2023 • 12:54

Berlin's IFA is not just the big event for the largest manufacturers. On the TV side, many other players are present, with different proposals to stand out. This is the case with Sylvox, which is demonstrating a connected TV designed to be used in your pool.

We don't go to the IFA just to see LG's latest TV or the latest range of connected devices: the show is also an opportunity to discover more or less innovative products. Among them is Sylvox's waterproof portable TV: it can be placed anywhere, including in a swimming pool.

A TV that resists water, but isn't very pretty

Nothing prevents you from placing it in your living room, but it must be said that the design is somewhat outdated. Large borders on the sides, and especially finishes that leave much to be desired: the connectors are somewhat damaged and there are some imperfections. Let's be cautious: this is a demonstration model for the showroom, not necessarily a commercial version. In any case, the system to protect the connectors from water is a rubber strip that seems very difficult to put on.

Sylvox's connected television is IP65 certified, which means it is resistant to dust as well as water jets from all directions. The guaranteed water resistance is nevertheless somewhat different from what Sylvox claims, whether at its booth or on its website: the device can go in the water without problem. Moreover, it floats on water, even with its approximately 2.5 kg. A bar located at the back allows the television to be placed vertically.

One might think the screen is touch-sensitive, but not at all: there are a few buttons at the bottom to control the volume, change the channel or source. No, to control this television, a remote control is provided, and it also obviously resists water. Although the design is very dated, there are buttons to access Netflix, YouTube, and the Play Store (apparently) directly.

A screen that can be placed anywhere, except outdoors

What is most interesting is also the screen. It is a 15.6-inch LCD panel with a standard resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. It is very standard, as is its maximum brightness, which is a problem: only 400 cd/m². Where to see outdoors, it would need to be double: this is what most smartphones have.

Consequently, the screen is very dim, so almost unusable during the day. This Sylvox TV is made for your pool, but only at night or when the weather is bad or if it is covered. Another problem that means it cannot necessarily be used outdoors: its operating temperature. Sylvox states that the range is 0 to 40 °C: in summer, in full sun, temperatures can exceed 40 °C.

On the OS side, it is Android TV (based on Android 11) that is found, which allows enjoying SVoD services in particular, by connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi. In terms of connections, there is an HDMI port as well as a USB port.

Finally, and because this is a television that goes in the water, there is a battery to avoid plugging in a power cable. With a capacity of 10,000 mAh, it allows Sylvox to announce three to six hours of autonomy. Given the low brightness of the screen, this figure seems likely. For now, the screen is not planned for sale in France.

Reference: https://www.frandroid.com/produits-android/tv-connectee-produits/1783035_cette-tv-connectee-ne-se-met-pas-dans-son-salon-mais-dans-sa-piscine