RCA RB22HT5: 22" FHD TV RCA - Review 🏆

The RCA RB22HT5 22 Inch FHD TV is an affordable compact TV designed for smaller spaces like kitchens, bedrooms, and home offices. This 2022 model features a slim and lightweight design with a 22-inch LED screen and HD resolution.

Some of the key features of the RCA RB22HT5 TV include:

• 22-inch LED display with 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution
• Integrated Freeview HD tuner for access to digital TV channels
• DVB-T2/C/S2 compatibility for Freeview reception
• Dolby Digital audio support
• HDMI, VGA, and other ports for connectivity
• USB port for playing media files
• SCART input
• Wall mountable design
• Energy efficient performance

This budget-friendly TV aims to deliver good picture quality, audio, and smart features in a compact form factor ideal for secondary rooms. The following sections will examine the RCA RB22HT5's design, display, audio, features, connectivity, ease of use, and overall performance in depth.

Design

The RCA RB22HT5 has a minimalist yet stylish design that will blend into most home environments. The TV features a slim black plastic body with thin bezels around the display. Despite the budget price point, the materials feel decently sturdy and don't look overly cheap.

The stand has a unique curved shape with brushed metal accents that add a hint of flair. It provides sturdy support for the TV while taking up a small footprint. Overall, the design is quite sleek and modern considering the affordable cost. While it may not have the premium build of higher-end models, the RCA RB22HT5 still looks good for regular living room or kitchen use.

Some additional design aspects worth noting are the matte finish that minimizes glare and fingerprints, the neatly organized rear ports, and the minimal RCA logo on the bezel that doesn't distract from the screen. Small details like wall mount compatibility and the ability to remove the stand also make this TV easy to integrate into different setups.

In addition to the RB22HT5, the RCA 32 Inch 720P TV: 32 HD TV offers a compact option with a 720p resolution, providing vibrant images that enhance viewing experiences in smaller spaces. This model maintains the style and sturdiness of RCA's design ethos, making it an excellent choice for dorms, kitchens, or as a secondary TV. With its lightweight design, it is easy to move and set up, while still delivering quality performance.

Display Quality

The RCA RB22HT5 has a 22-inch LED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, offering Full HD visuals. The screen has good brightness levels, making it suitable for placement in moderately lit rooms.

Viewing angles on the TV are decent but colors start to shift when viewed from sharp side angles. The display panel offers good color reproduction when viewed straight on. It can display a wide color gamut with fairly accurate colors.

Overall the display quality is good for the price range with crisp Full HD resolution. The LED backlighting ensures sufficient brightness levels for most home usage. While viewing angles could be better, the color accuracy when viewed head-on is satisfactory.

Another excellent option is the RCA RB32H2-UK: 32 HD LED TV, featuring a larger 32-inch screen with HD resolution. This model also utilizes LED technology to enhance brightness and image clarity. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized rooms, providing excellent performance for both gaming and watching movies. Users appreciate its simple setup and intuitive interface, making it an excellent choice for casual viewers. The RCA RB32H2-UK is a solid investment for anyone seeking a reliable and affordable television.

Audio Quality

The RCA RB22HT5 TV has decent audio quality for its size and price range. The built-in speakers have a total power output of 2 x 3W, which is fairly standard for a 22-inch TV. While the maximum volume is not extremely loud, it should be sufficient for smaller rooms where the TV is used.

The sound reproduction is quite clear, especially for dialogue in TV shows and movies. The speakers can handle high frequencies decently without sounding too tinny. However, as is typical for slim TVs, bass response is limited due to the lack of a dedicated subwoofer. Don't expect a thumpy or powerful low-end.

For audio formats, the RCA RB22HT5 supports Dolby Digital decoding. This allows you to get multi-channel surround sound from sources like Blu-ray players or streaming boxes connected via HDMI. The TV does a decent job of downmixing surround content to its two built-in speakers.

Overall, the audio quality is fairly average for a budget 22-inch TV. The speakers get loud enough for smaller rooms and dialogue clarity is good. But bass is lacking so don't expect an immersive audio experience. For better sound, connecting an external soundbar or speakers is recommended.

Smart TV Features

The RCA 22" RB22HT5 TV comes with basic smart capabilities powered by a lightweight Linux-based operating system. It provides access to a modest selection of apps and streaming services through the Aptoide TV store.

Some of the pre-installed apps include YouTube, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV Hub and more. There is no access to the Google Play Store or other major app stores. The app selection is relatively limited compared to higher-end smart TVs.

For controls, the TV includes basic options like directional buttons on the remote to navigate menus and apps. There is no built-in voice assistant or voice controls. The software experience overall is designed to be simple and straightforward, without extensive customization options.

So in summary, this budget TV provides streaming through popular UK catchup apps and services. But it lacks the fuller smart TV capabilities of models from the major brands. There is no option for voice commands or a voice assistant. The focus is on ease of use rather than advanced features.

Ports & Connectivity

The RCA RB22HT5 22-inch TV comes with a decent selection of ports and connectivity options. On the back of the TV, you'll find:

• 2 HDMI ports - Allow you to connect devices like a Blu-ray player, gaming console, or streaming stick. The HDMI ports support HD video and audio.

• 1 USB port - Lets you play media files from a USB flash drive or external hard drive. You can play videos, music, and view photos through the USB port.

• 1 headphone jack - Allows you to listen to the TV's audio privately through headphones. Helpful if you want to watch TV late at night without disturbing others.

• 1 SCART input - Provides a way to connect older devices that use SCART cables, like a VCR or DVD player. Useful for legacy equipment.

• 1 ethernet port - Gives you the ability to connect the TV to your home network with an ethernet cable. This provides a more reliable wired internet connection for smart TV apps.

The number of HDMI and USB ports is decent for a budget TV of this size. The inclusion of the headphone jack and ethernet port is also handy. Overall, the RCA RB22HT5 offers an adequate selection of ports and inputs for connecting your devices.

Ease of Use

Setting up the RCA 22 inch TV is straightforward, with most customers reporting they were able to get it up and running within 10-15 minutes. The included stand screws into place easily, then it's just a matter of plugging in the power cord and running through the initial channel scan.

The remote control is simple and intuitive, with large buttons for channel changing, volume, input selection, and other basic functions. It uses infrared rather than Bluetooth, but is responsive during normal use. The buttons have a nice tactile feedback and the small size makes it easy to hold and operate with one hand.

Navigating through the various menus and settings options is easy thanks to the clean and uncluttered Roku TV interface. Options are clearly labeled and logically organized into different sections like Picture Settings, Audio, Network, etc. Even those unfamiliar with smart TVs should have no problem finding their way around and customizing things to their liking. The system is very responsive, with minimal lag when moving between menus or loading streaming apps.

Overall, the RCA 22 inch TV hits the sweet spot of being simple to setup while still giving users the flexibility to tweak settings and preferences when desired. Those looking for a hassle-free TV experience will appreciate its easy out-of-box experience and intuitive navigation.

Performance

The RCA 22-inch TV (model RB22HT5) delivers decent performance for its price range. It's powered by a quad-core processor that provides adequate responsiveness when navigating the menus and interface. The processor is able to handle most tasks without lag or delay.

Switching between apps and inputs is relatively smooth. There is the occasional hiccup when loading demanding apps or games, but it's not overly sluggish. The interface has a simple layout that makes it easy to find content quickly without wrestling against a cluttered design.

The processor seems capable of handling everyday TV watching and basic streaming needs. Don't expect top-tier speed and multitasking capabilities, but it gets the job done for a budget-friendly TV. If you're looking for snappy performance and instantaneous response times, you'll likely need to upgrade to a higher-end model. But for casual TV usage, the RCA 22-inch delivers satisfactory processing power and interface responsiveness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent value for money 22" HD TV
• Crisp and vibrant 1080p Full HD display
• Built-in Freeview HD tuner provides access to free TV channels
• Multiple inputs including HDMI, SCART, USB, and PC input
• Dolby Digital Plus sound technology provides good audio quality
• Easy to setup and intuitive menus
• Compact and lightweight design great for small rooms
• 1 year warranty

Cons

• Limited smart TV capabilities compared to more expensive models
• Only 2 HDMI ports
• Stand only tilts TV, no swivel or height adjustment
• No HDR support
• Average viewing angles
• Remote control feels cheap

Verdict

The RCA RB22HT5 is an affordable 22-inch TV that offers decent features for its low price point. It has a sleek and minimalist design that will fit well in small spaces like a kitchen or bedroom. The HD resolution and LED backlight deliver good picture quality, though it's not as sharp or vibrant as higher-end 4K TVs.

For sound, the built-in speakers provide adequate audio for casual viewing. Don't expect room-filling or immersive sound, but it gets the job done. Connectivity is also basic yet functional, with HDMI, USB, and other essential ports. The EasyLink feature makes connecting devices like a DVD player quick and simple.

Overall, this RCA model provides good value as a secondary TV on a budget. It's easy to set up and use, so it's a practical choice for a kitchen, office, or other small room where you don't need premium performance. While image and audio quality have some limitations, the TV delivers respectably for its low price point. If you're looking for an affordable 22-inch TV with decent picture and connectivity, the RCA RB22HT5 is a solid option to consider.