LG has recently showcased its premium 2019 TV lineup at InnoFest Asia held in Sydney. The series includes their latest OLED and NanoCell TVs featuring the company’s ThinQ AI . Upgraded to deliver on AI picture and sound quality, the sets also come with advanced second-generation α (Alpha) 9 Gen 2 intelligent processor and deep learning algorithm.
Thanks to the new algorithm, LG’s TVs will offer optimized picture and sound by analyzing source content and by recognizing ambient conditions. LG has also tacked on support for Amazon Alexa, complementing the built-in Google Assistant. Also new to LG’s 2019 TV lineup is support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit.
LG’s premium range for the Asian market is headlined by the flagship OLED TV lineup, which offers a variety of screen sizes:
- W9 (model 77/65W9)
- E9 (model 65/55E9)
- C9 (model 77/65/55C9)
- B9 (model 65/55B9)
The company has also added the world’s first 8K OLED TV (model 88Z9) to its premium OLED TV portfolio, along with the company’s best ever LED line-up yet, NanoCell TVs. The new moniker highlights the stellar picture quality enabled by NanoCell technology, encompassing NanoColor for clearer, more vibrant images, NanoAccuracy for accurate colors over a wide viewing angle, and NanoBezel for an ultra-thin border and sleek design. The NanoCell series comprises fourteen AI-enabled models, available in sizes varying from 49 to 86 inches.
A hit at CES this January, LG’s 88-inch 8K OLED TV on display at the event is the recipient of a CES 2019 Innovation Award, and winner of several major awards from respected tech publications including Mashable, Digital Trends, and TechRadar. It was also recently recognized with an iF Design Award along with LG’s C9 OLED TV. Additionally, the company’s 75-inch 8K and 86-inch 4K NanoCell TVs (model 75SM99, 86SM90) were honored with CES 2019 Innovation Awards, while the exceptional 65-inch E9 and C9 OLED TVs picked up accolades from Dealerscope, Reviewed.com, and Engadget.
Intelligently Adjusting and Enhacing Image and Sound
The α9 Gen 2 processor used in LG’s Z9, W9, E9 and C9 series OLED TVs elevates picture and sound quality via a deep learning algorithm (which leverages an extensive database of visual information), recognizing content source quality and implementing the best method for optimizing visual output.
Able to understand how the human eye perceives images in different lighting, the α9 Gen 2 processor finely adjusts the tone mapping curve in accordance with ambient conditions to achieve the optimal level of screen brightness. The processor uses the TV’s ambient light sensor to measure external light, automatically changing brightness to compensate as required. With its advanced AI, the α9 Gen 2 can refine High Dynamic Range (HDR) content through altering brightness levels. In brightly lit settings, it can transform dark, shadow-filled scenes into easily discernable images, without sacrificing depth or making colors seem unnatural or oversaturated. LG’s 2019 TVs also leverage Dolby’s latest innovation, which intelligently adjusts Dolby Vision content to ensure an outstanding HDR experience, even in brightly lit conditions.
LG’s audio algorithm can up-mix two-channel stereo to convincingly replicate virtual 5.1 surround sound. The α9 Gen 2 fine-tunes output according to content type, making voices easier to hear in movies and TV shows, and delivering crisp, clear vocals in songs. LG TVs intelligently set the perfect levels based on their positioning within a room, while users can also adjust sound settings manually if they choose. LG’s flagship TVs again offer the realistic sound of Dolby Atmos for an immersive entertainment experience.
LG TVs also Include AI Services
LG’s 2019 premium TV range will also afford access to a wide selection of AI services through various platforms, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and give users the ability to take control using conversational voice commands. The intuitive Home Dashboard makes it simple to select and control smart home devices straight from the TV.
Moreover, the new TVs will support Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. Apple Airplay 2 will allow users to play videos from iTunes and other apps – as well as music and photos – directly from their Apple devices to their LG OLED or NanoCell TV. With the addition of Apple HomeKit, users will be able to control their LG TV with the Home app or Siri. Amazon Alexa and both Apple features will be available via software updates.
LG’s 2019 AI TVs support HDMI 2.1 specifications, allowing the 88Z9 OLED TV and 75SM99 NanoCell TV to display 8K content from external sources at 60 frames per second with a transfer rate of up to 48Gbps, while the new 4K series can display 4K content at a blazing 120 frames per second. Select 2019 models offer 4K high frame rate (4K HFR), automatic low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR) and enhanced audio return channel (eARC).