LG Electronics has strategically stuck with NanoCell and OLED TV technology powered by new processors that deliver an expanded range of capabilities spanning display control, voice and content management as well as artificial intelligence to fight their looming battle with Samsung at the top end of the Australian TV market.
While Samsung is spruiking consumers to switch to 8K TV’s LG has decided to leave their 8K offering till the second half of 2018.
Instead LG is pushing the capabilities of their new Alpha 9 Gen 2 Intelligent Processor and the Alpha Gen 7 processors on OLED and NanoCell TV’s which they claim and have shown, in demonstrations deliver a new level of optimal viewing and sound output as well as content control such as the use of Gracenote’s information when you search a free to air TV program on an LG TV.
A key element in the 2019 LG TV range is the next generation of LG AI ThinQ which is being used to deliver significantly improved Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa capabilities.
Later this year LG will deliver a firmware upgrade that will enable their TV’s to operate in the Apple iOS environment with the introduction of AirPlay which at this stage is exclusive to Samsung.
In an odd twist LG has been legally forced to use the words SUPER UHD 4K range in Australia Vs NanoCell TV’s which LG is using in several other Countries.
The difference between LG’s 2018 and 2019 TV’s is significant with the introduction of larger screen sizes voice activation and easier access to content.
At the top end of their 2019 range is the LG 88-inch 8K Z9 OLED TV which we still don’t have a price or release date for.
Powered by the Alpha 9 Gen 2 Intelligent Processor, the LG 88-inch 8K Z9 OLED TV combines 8K 6 step up-scaling and noise reduction to create what LG is describing as a hyper realistic, sharp, vivid and detailed picture in 4K.
This same processor will also be used to power the company’s 2019 75-inch 8K LED/LCD TV which is set to retail for
As for the LG TV’s going on sale in April there are 24 different models to choose from with the larger models being shipped in May.
At the value end of the range are UHD models ranging in price $1,299 for a 43-inch model, up to an 86″ model that will retail for $7,999
In the premium category LG is releasing 7 new OLED models powered by the Alpha A9 processor.
The NanoCell or Super UHD 4K models are powered by the Alpha A 7 processor.
The entry level price for the OLED C9 series is $3,899 for a 55-inch model. At the top end of this series is a 77-inch model that will retail for at $15,999.
while the E9 series is just 55 and 65 inches.
E9
And if you want style and great sound and a TV to seriously impress your friends there is the 77″ $19,999. This is one of the best TV’s we have seen this year especially as the sound bar can be mounted multiple ways with a gyroscope working out how to deliver the best sound and where.
Another seriously impressive product that keeps getting better every time I see it is a new Laser TV that makes the Hisense Laser TV seen at CES look archaic.
This is a seriously slick piece of kit that will pump an excellent 120″ display onto a screen or wall. It will be launched in Australia and is set to cost around $8,900.
Another big improvements with the new LG TV range is the (WebOS) interface this is faster due to the new processors and has been dramatically improved with a new smart sorting system that also identifies usage whether it be YouTube or Netflix or free to air TV.
This capability has seen the introduction of a secondary ribbon for apps and is designed to let you jump straight into content.
Finally, LG’s Magic Remote has new capabilities. Apart from voice improvements you can place a cursor over an application and thumbnails from when the application was last used will appear, which makes it easier for consumers to pick up on where they left off.
For example, with one click of a button the TV user will be able start up their Netflix content again from where they last watched.
In all this is a highly competitive range and one that is seriously up there, when it comes to advancements in TV capability, which today is not just about display quality.
Cinema, electronics, home, LG, Display
