Sceptre TV model number decoder, here’s what you need to know

Sceptre TV models number decode

Sceptre’s model numbering can seem confusing. That’s because Sceptre doesn’t actually design its own TVs — it mainly sells TVs made by other manufacturers. As a result, TVs from 2016 and 2019 can be almost identical, and there’s no clear division by year.
Still, you can learn a few things from the model number.

Example: C515CV-UMKN

• The first letter shows the TV’s type: C means curved screen, U stands for UHD resolution, while E, X, and A refer to different series (A usually means Android TV).
• The numbers (like 51) show the screen size in inches. Sceptre sometimes uses non-standard sizes (around 50.5″, for example).
• The next digit (like 5) refers to the TV series — but it’s not very important for buyers.
• Then comes a letter for the color of the TV body.
• V means the TV only has a tuner. If you see a D, it would mean the TV has a built-in DVD player (rare now).
• The next letter shows screen resolution: U for UHD, F for Full HD, S for HD.
• The final letters (like UMKN) refer to specific modifications.

How to find out the production year

Sceptre usually hides the manufacturing year in manuals and specifications.
The easiest way is to check online reviews to see when the model first appeared. If that doesn’t help, you can also ask for help by posting the model number somewhere — there are ways to trace it back.

You’ve probably heard of the Sceptre brand and come across rave reviews about the TVs, but that’s not entirely true.

Sceptre Inc. is incorporated in the United States, but its roots are in China. The company sells Chinese-made televisions under the Sceptre brand, and handles warranties and repairs through local contractors.

After 2020, Sceptre ceased manufacturing televisions. The TVs currently available are mostly models developed between 2017 and 2020, and are mostly leftover TVs. Overall, the company has failed to carve a niche in the market and has left this segment.

Are the Sceptre TVs good?

Having watched Sceptre since 2014, I would say they are firmly in the lower budget category. Their TVs tend to be about five years behind the major brands in terms of technology and features.
For example, until 2016, many Sceptre models still came with built-in DVD players, a trend that died out back in 2010.
Think of it as a scale: with price on one side and quality on the other, the Sceptre leans toward affordability.