Posted Fri Mar 6, 2015 at 04:30 PM PST by Steven Cohen
As we finally begin to leave winter behind for spring (please tell that to the snow outside my window), TV manufacturers are gearing up to release their first wave of new 2015 4K displays. While some details are still forthcoming, this latest batch of Ultra TVs features some very promising offerings, including models with local dimming, nano-crystal technology, high dynamic range, expanded colors, and OLED panels.
But which models have us most excited by their encouraging tech and picture quality? Which sets include HDR and wide color support? And just how much are they going to cost? Below we've broken down our most anticipated sets from each of the major TV manufacturers, highlighting the specs and tech that make them so mouthwatering, along with release date and pricing details when available. 2015 is gearing up to a big year for all things Ultra HD and these are the displays to look out for!
65EG9600 65-inch Curved-Screen OLED Ultra HD TV – Though LG has several more OLED models and sizes planned for 2015, so far this is the only set with an official release date and price tag. With an OLED panel, the 65EG9600 promises best in class black levels, contrast, and viewing angles, beating even the best local dimming LCD models. Though OLED tech is still comparatively expensive, the picture quality benefits really are very impressive. Likewise, this model includes 3D support and a curved-screen design.
Key Features: OLED panel, Art Slim curved-screen design, 3D
Price: $8,999
Release: April
65UF9500 65-inch Flat-Screen LED Ultra HD TV – Part of the company's new Prime UHD TV line, the 65UF9500 is an LED backlit LCD that uses LG's ColorPrime with Nano Spectrum tech to offer an expanded color range through different LED phosphor colors. In addition, the model features a flat-screen IPS panel, edge-lit local dimming, and 3D support.
Key Features: IPS panel, edge-lit local dimming, 3D, ColorPrime technology, expanded colors
Price: $4,499
Release: March
TC-65CX850U 65-inch Flat-Screen LED Ultra HD TV – While most of us are still mourning the loss of Panasonic's highly rated plasma line, the company's upcoming LED 4K sets do look quite promising. The flagship TC-65CX850U offers a flat-screen Wide Color Phosphor panel design with DCI 98% Color Space, Local Dimming Pro, and Dynamic Range Remaster tech. In addition, reports indicate that this model will be able to detect HDR and wide color meta-data from upcoming 4K streaming and Ultra HD Blu-ray sources, allowing it to properly display enhanced content in full detail. Panasonic's current press release makes no mention of 3D support, but it's likely 3D will still be included when the set hit stores.
Key Features: Full-array local dimming, expanded colors, high dynamic range
Price: TBA
Release: TBA
65-inch Curved-Screen OLED Ultra HD TV – LG remains the only TV manufacturer currently committed to OLED technology, but Panasonic is reportedly considering its own OLED 4K model -- and it could even be released later this year. The company showed off a 65-inch curved-screen OLED Ultra HD TV at CES in January, and rumors indicate that a retail version is being developed. Though LCD 4K sets have come a long way, the prospect of another manufacturer jumping into the OLED market has us very excited.
Key Features: OLED panel, curved-screen
Price: TBA
Release: TBA
UN65JS9500 65-inch Curved-Screen LED Ultra HD TV – For their new 2015 flagship line, Samsung has decided that the traditional Ultra HD branding just isn't enough. Dubbed "SUHD," the collection includes the UN65JS9500 which features a 10 bit curved panel, full-array local dimming, and nano-crystal technology to achieve HDR with 1000 nit peak brightness and expanded colors. In addition, reports indicate that this model will also be able to detect HDR and wide color meta-data from upcoming 4K streaming and Ultra HD Blu-ray sources, allowing them to properly display enhanced content in full detail.
Key Features: Full-array local dimming, curved-screen, 3D, nano-crystal technology, high dynamic range, expanded colors
Price: $5,999 (Rumored)
Release: TBA
UN55JS8500 55-inch Flat-Screen LED Ultra HD TV - If curves aren't your thing, then this step-down model with a flat-screen might be more up your alley. Though it doesn't have all of the bells and whistles found in the flagship JS9500 series, the UN55JS8500 is expected to include nano-crystal technology (but with a less intense peak brightness), expanded colors, and edge-lit local dimming.
Key Features: Edge-lit local dimming, 3D, nano-crystal technology, high dynamic range, expanded colors
Price: $2,999 (Rumored)
Release: TBA
Beyond 4K 80-inch Flat-Screen LED Ultra HD TV – 4K not enough for you? Well, Sharp has you covered with its upcoming "Beyond 4K" model. The TV uses proprietary pixel-splitting and Quattron technologies to create 66 million subpixels. That's 42 million more subpixels than a traditional 4K set and 167 percent greater resolution, simulating a 7,680 x 4,320 picture. Likewise, the display will also offer 100% of the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) Color Space. There is no mention of 3D support at this time.
Key Features: Full-array local dimming, Pixel-Splitting Technology, Quattron Technology, high dynamic range, expanded colors.
Price: TBA
Release: TBA
70-inch UH30 LED Flat-Screen Ultra HD TV – As far as traditional 4K sets go, Sharp's UH30 line also looks quite impressive. The 70-inch model boasts a color-enhancing backlight, a 960Hz refresh rate, Sharp's SPECTROS Rich Color Display which provides a 21% wider color gamut than traditional LCD TVs, and THX 4K certification. Again, there is no mention of 3D support at this time.
Key Features: Full-array local dimming, THX 4K certification, expanded colors
Price: $3,200
Release: TBA
XBR-75X940C 75-inch Flat-Screen LED Ultra HD TV – Sony's flagship model for 2015 is the only set from the company to include full-array local dimming. Though the rumored price tag is a bit steep, Android TV support, X-tended Dynamic Range Pro, and Triluminos colors could make this display worth the money. Unfortunately, early reports indicate that the set might not be able to recognize HDR meta-data from upcoming enhanced 4K content sources.
Key Features: Full-array local dimming, 3D, high dynamic range, expanded colors
Price: $7,999 (Rumored)
Release: May
XBR-65X930C 65-inch Flat-Screen LED Ultra HD TV – While it trades full-array dimming for edge-lit dimming, Sony's 930C series also offers a bevy of desirable picture quality features, including several of 2015's big tech buzzwords.
Key Features: Edge-lit local dimming, 3D, high dynamic range, expanded colors
Price: $4,499 (Rumored)
Release: May
M65-C1 65-inch Flat-Screen LED Ultra HD TV – Though VIZIO has not officially announced its 2015 4K lineup yet, leaks have revealed first details for the company's new M-Series. Like their 2014 models, VIZIO's 2015 Ultra HD TVs are poised to offer impressive picture quality at very affordable prices. While 3D capabilities and support for new features like HDR and expanded colors are not included, for those looking for an inexpensive but still high quality viewing experience, the M-Series looks like a strong 4K contender. Likewise, it's possible that a new 2015 P-Series could also be unveiled with more advanced picture quality features. More details should be announced in April.
Key Features: Full-array local dimming with 32-active zones
Price: $1,699
Release: Spring
So, there you have it. These are the 4K Ultra HD TVs that we are most excited about in 2015. We're hoping to get some one-on-one time with several of these sets soon, so stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more Ultra HD impressions, reviews, and news. For now, what do you think about 2015's upcoming lineup of 4K displays? Which new picture quality features are you most excited about? Do any of these models make your Ultra HD wishlist? Sound off in the forums!
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