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TV News Roundup: Highlights and Breakthroughs is back!
LG’s C3 OLED TVs
Those looking for one of the top-performing 4K TVs in 2023 will be pleased to hear that LG’s C3 OLED is back and ready to make a strong case for itself. Like all OLED TVs, the C3 series offers cinematic pictures that simply must be seen to be believed. Its self-emitting pixels mean that they can be turned on and off individually, which gives it the ability to create incredibly deep black levels that are unrivalled by other technologies. When it comes to HDR, the C3 excels as well. It can display a wide range of shades, with colours appearing vivid and true to life. When watching a film on Netflix, the C3 delivers a dazzlingly cinematic experience. From the sweeping snowy landscapes of Norway to the texture of Luther’s tweed jacket, the set manages to bring everything to life with incredible detail and clarity.
The C3’s performance also extends to games, with the TV’s Alpha9 Gen 6 chip providing smooth and responsive gameplay that will appeal to gamers. The TVs support Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, with four HDMI 2.1 inputs that also support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode.
LG’s smart TV interface is another highlight of the C3. Its webOS 23 operating system has been streamlined and prettied up to look more appealing than ever, while still delivering all the functionality you could need. It also features an array of dedicated gaming apps that will appeal to gamers.
However, despite the best efforts of the C3, it is beginning to feel like LG is trying to shift attention to its flagship G3 range. With only small improvements from last year’s C2 and heady competition from mid-range OLED TVs and QD-OLED models, it may be difficult for the C3 to keep up this momentum.
Samsung’s CES 2023 press conference
CES 2023 is kicking off on January 4, and Samsung will kick things off with its press conference. Its theme this year is “Bringing Calm to Our Connected World,” and it’s expected to reveal a lot of new TVs and other products. If you’re planning to watch the event, you can find a livestream on Samsung Newsroom.
It’s been a relatively quiet year for big-name TV makers at CES, but there were still some interesting TV developments this year. For instance, Hisense unveiled a new 85-inch OLED set that can hit 2,500 nits at peak brightness and features more than 5,000 local dimming zones. It’s also designed to eliminate the need for a stand or wall mount, thanks to a base that attaches via vacuum suction and four onboard batteries.
The other big TV announcement came from startup Displace, which launched a 55-inch portable OLED that attaches to any surface via a magnetic base and uses its built-in batteries for power. This means you can take the TV with you on vacation or to a friend’s house without worrying about finding a suitable wall mount or finding an electrical outlet.
Samsung’s main focus this year is on promoting its SmartThings ecosystem, and it’s already got a number of new home appliances that can be controlled with its app. It’s also working on a range of accessibility features, including a Relumino mode that automatically adjusts picture settings to improve viewing for people with low vision. The feature will be available in select 2023 Samsung TVs.
Another exciting development is the upcoming Qi2 wireless charging standard. This new version of the Qi standard adds a magnetically aligned option similar to the MagSafe feature on recent iPhones. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Written Update should be available in the coming months, and it will allow you to charge your phone or other devices even while they’re being used.
Other interesting developments in TV technology at CES include the arrival of a new line of Roku TVs. This new line will offer bezel-free displays in sizes ranging from 24 to 75 inches starting at $119 and going up to $999 for the 75-inch model.
Sony’s 4K TVs
You’ll see this TV pop up in many “best of” lists, and for good reason. Samsung’s latest OLED display delivers some of the best image performance in the industry – it’s bright enough for HDR content to really pop and has exceptional contrast. But there are some niggles that keep it from taking our number one spot: the Tizen software is a bit cluttered and clunky, and peak highlights can look a little flat on certain colors.
But if you’re willing to put those quibbles aside, this is a fantastic option. The QN95C maintains the super-deep blacks that OLED is known for, while doubling the number of dimming zones from last year’s model. It also supports HDR10 and HLG, so you can get the most out of your favorite movies and shows. And it comes with a wide range of smart TV features and an excellent remote with voice support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Another set that deserves a spot in any home cinema is Sony’s X80K. Despite having an 85-inch panel, it’s not obnoxiously large for smaller rooms. And it’s a premium spec set, too: OLED technology can boost brightness without risking burn-in, while Triluminos Pro ensures rich and accurate color, and the 4K HDR Processor X1 handles upscaling of non-4K content.
And if you want to pair it with a surround system, the X80K has Dolby Atmos and Motionflow XR for blur-free images. It’s a bit pricier than the Samsung, but it’s still great value for a true home cinema experience.
TCL’s 6-Series has been a go-to for big-screen TVs that offer impressive picture quality at a bargain price, and the latest version is no different. Digital Trends reviewer Caleb Denison found that the 2022 model maintains its reputation for delivering outstanding picture quality, while boosting brightness, adding Dolby Vision IQ for better high dynamic range image reproduction and offering HDR10 and HLG. And it has a robust Roku smart TV interface that’s easier to navigate than some of its competitors.
Panasonic’s 4K TVs
If you’re looking for a 4K TV with the latest under-the-hood tech then Panasonic’s 2022 range might be worth your attention. The company’s OLED models, like the new 77-inch EZ1000 and the FZ950, are packed with advanced features, including the latest Hollywood-tuned HCX Pro AI processor that can detect a movie or TV show’s genre to automatically adjust the picture quality. You’ll also find a mode called Game Mode Extreme which reduces latency to the level of a monitor, as well as support for AMD FreeSync Premium and Dolby Vision.
Panasonic’s LCD range, meanwhile, is getting an upgrade with the 55CX850. This set boasts a slimmer frame and a more stylish stand that can be tilted up or down to suit your viewing position. It’s equipped with a new 4K Studio Master Processor, which adds an Accurate Color Drive system borrowed from Panasonic’s professional monitor division. This uses a 3D look up table system with 8,000 registry points to create colours, which is a big improvement over the basic LCDs in most standard TVs.
The new TV has a wide colour gamut, local dimming and broad 4K content support, and it also includes a filmmaker mode with picture stabilisation and a new MyScenery feature that acts as a relaxing video slideshow with ambient soundtrack. It also comes with a new version of Panasonic’s homegrown smart TV interface, My Home Screen 6.0, which now supports accessibility features for hearing and visually-impaired users, as well as an improved Audio Enhancer that boosts low frequencies.
The new EZ1000 and FZ950 are both THX certified, which means they’ve passed all the rigorous tests imposed by THX’s independent picture quality labs. Both sets also offer a couple of THX presets, which can be used to optimise the TV’s image quality according to traditional Rec 709 standards. That might be a good choice for older games that don’t support the current HDR formats, as it means the TV will automatically adapt its brightness and contrast to match.
