LG introduces 2019 TV lineup, introduces HDMI 2.1, Alexa, and 8K tech to its TVs

LG

Just before CES 2019 kicks off this weekend, LG is introducing its newest line of TVs. There are six different ranges in total, with two 8K TVs thrown into the mix. Four of the models are OLEDS (the Z9, W9, E9, and C9) and two are LCDs (the SM9X and SM8X). The 88-inch Z9 OLED and the 75-inch SM99 LCD are the company’s first 8K TVs, which means these have four times the resolution of the current 4K displays.

These TVs are also the first from the company to carry the latest HDMI standard, version 2.1, as well as high frame rate (HFR), which offers better rendering of sports, documentaries, and action films. Having HDMI 2.1 means 8K signals are now up to a maximum of 60 frames per second. The old standard limited this to 30fps. The 4K TVs are also going to benefit from this upgrade. Support for high frame rates reach up to 120fps, which means you get smoother motion, less blur, and more detail in general. You’ll see the difference in fast-moving sports or content where tracking motion is crucial.

It also introduces an enhanced audio return channel (eARC), which means more audio data can be transmitted, and auto low latency mode should minimize input lag and make games feel more responsive. There’s also variable refresh rate similar to what you see with G-sync and Freesync on PC monitors to get rid of screen tearing when a game can’t maintain a stable framerate.

These new TVs also come with native Alexa support, so if you’re using Amazon’s ecosystem more, you can access it easily with these TVs. There is going to be an Amazon Prime Video button on the remote, which you can use to control these TVs with Alexa. If you use Google Assistant, you can do it with these TVs, too.

The new OLED models and the SM99 LCD will be powered by the second-generation LG Alpha 9 processor. This chip comes with AI tech, which will help with things like adjusting the TV’s brightness and audio based on the TV’s content and environment.

What LG didn’t talk about is when these TVs will come out and how much they’ll cost. The company has also kept mum on its rollable OLED TV concept that was shown at last year’s CES.

Source: The Verge