Posted Tue Jan 2, 2018 at 05:00 PM PST by Steven Cohen
The company's upcoming display collection has been unveiled.
In advance of the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, LG has revealed its new slate of OLED and SUPER UHD TVs. The lineup uses the company's new ThinQ artificial intelligence (AI), the new α (Alpha) 9 and 7 processors, and 4K Cinema HDR tech.
"As a leading innovator in the TV industry, LG is pleased to introduce the LG ThinQ and α (Alpha) 9 processor for an unrivaled viewing experience," said Tim Alessi, head of product marketing at LG Electronics USA. "LG is dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology that elevates user lifestyles and offers unmatched convenience. In 2018, our 'Best TV Ever' gets even better."
The new ThinQ AI tech found on 2018 LG OLED and SUPER UHD TVs allows customers to take advantage of advanced voice assistant features by speaking directly into their remote controls, enabling users to search for information, images or videos through verbal requests like "show me all of the movies this actor has starred in." Likewise, ThinQ TVs can also serve as smart home hubs with access to other smart home devices like robotic vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, air purifiers, smart lights, smart speakers and more.
The feature uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) based on LG’s DeepThinQ to power its intelligent voice-activated control. In addition, ThinQ AI TVs support services based on Electronic Program Guide (EPG) to access real time info or to switch to a channel with requested content.
Building upon last year's OLED collection, the 2018 OLED lineup is set to include the B8, C8, E8, and W8 series. With the exception of the entry-level B8, all of the OLED sets will use the company's new α (Alpha) 9 intelligent processor for improved image and color performance over last year's models. The α (Alpha) 9 boasts a new four-step noise reduction process, advanced mapping capabilities, and a refined color correction algorithm to deliver better clarity and more accurate, natural colors. In addition, the (Alpha) 9 supports next generation high frame rate (HFR) content with 120 frames per second playback capabilities.
Meanwhile, the OLED lineup also includes support for LG's 4K Cinema HDR suite of high dynamic range formats, including Advanced HDR by Technicolor, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). In addition, the displays offer a technicolor expert mode with settings optimized by Technicolor's color scientists. Likewise, new HDR10 Pro and HLG Pro options are provided as well, allowing the TVs to process HDR10 and HLG images dynamically frame by frame using LG's proprietary algorithm with Enhanced Dynamic Tone mapping. This should approximate the effect of HDR formats that use native dynamic metadata like Dolby Vision.
Here's a full rundown of specs and sizes for LG's 2018 OLED lineup:
B8 Series
Sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches
Processor: α (Alpha) 7
HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR
Sound: Dolby Atmos 40W 2.2Ch
Design: Blade Slim
Smart: webOS with ThinQ
C8 Series
Sizes: 77-inches, 65-inches, 55-inches
Processor: α (Alpha) 9
HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR
Sound: Dolby Atmos 40W 2.2Ch
Design: Blade Slim
Smart: webOS with ThinQ
E8 Series
Sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches
Processor: α (Alpha) 9
HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR
Sound: Dolby Atmos 60W 4.2Ch
Design: Picture-on-Glass
Smart: webOS with ThinQ
W8 Series
Sizes: 77-inches, 65-inches
Processor: α (Alpha) 9
HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR
Sound: Dolby Atmos 60W 4.2Ch
Design: Picture-on-Wall
Smart: webOS with ThinQ
The new 2018 SUPER UHD TV collection will include the SK9500, SK9000, and SK8000 series. All of the displays use LCD panels with LG's Nano Cell technology for wider colors and improved viewing angles. In addition, the sets incorporate the new α (Alpha) 7 processor, a step-down version of the company's advanced α (Alpha) 9, for enhanced image rendering.
And as a very welcomed new feature for 2018, the SK9500 and SK9000 models include Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) support for improved black level performance. Unlike the edge-lit dimming used on LG's 2017 lineup, FALD offers independent control of LED light zones behind the image to create an inkier and more uniform picture with better shadow detail and less light bleed. With that said, the SK8000 model will still implement edge-lit dimming.
Finally, the SUPER UHD lineup also includes support for LG's 4K Cinema HDR suite of high dynamic range formats, including Advanced HDR by Technicolor, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma); and new HDR10 Pro and HLG Pro options with Enhanced Dynamic Tone mapping.
Here's a full rundown of specs and sizes for LG's 2018 SUPER UHD TV lineup:
SK8000
Sizes: 75-inches, 65-inches, 55-inches
Panel: Nano Cell Display
Processor: α (Alpha) 7
Dimming: Edge-Lit Local Dimming
HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR
Sound: Dolby Atmos
Smart: webOS with ThinQ
SK9000
Sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches
Panel: Nano Cell Display
Processor: α (Alpha) 7
Dimming: Full Array Local Dimming
HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR
Sound: Dolby Atmos
Smart: webOS with ThinQ
SK9500
Sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches
Panel: Nano Cell Display
Processor: α (Alpha) 7
Dimming: Full Array Local Dimming Pro
HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR
Sound: Dolby Atmos
Smart: webOS with ThinQ
Pricing and availability for LG's 2018 4K OLED and SUPER UHD TV lineup have not been announced yet. More details are expected to be revealed at CES 2018 in Las Vegas on January 9-12 where the new displays will be showcased to the public.
Source: LG
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