CES 2019: LG Unveils Signature OLED Rollable TV

LG (LVCC Central Hall #11100) is defining the next generation of television at CES 2019 with the introduction of the world’s first rollable OLED TV. The LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R (model 65R9) reimagines the everyday TV with a form factor only made possible by the company’s OLED technology, boasting picture and sound quality that is second to none. The user experience gives home TV viewers infinite possibilities in designing their perfect viewing space.

Since the start of the modern era, television screen sizes have steadily increased as resolution improved, and consumers demanded a more immersive viewing experience. The trade-off came in the form of a large, black rectangle that dominated the room when the TV was not in use. Even more advanced projection TVs have never been able to deliver the contrast or the deep blacks that consumers demanded. In an effort to make large TVs less conspicuous, manufacturers have been racing to create even slimmer screens, focusing on designs that were as aesthetically pleasing.

With the introduction of LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W at CES 2017, LG stripped away the traditional concept of a TV, focusing on the simplicity of the screen. Dubbed the Wallpaper TV, LG proved that a TV could deliver performance, subtlety, and beauty all at the same time. LG has created a TV with a display that uses flexible screen technology that allows the screen to roll up and roll back out when needed.

Using the flexibility of an OLED panel made of organic materials, the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R can transform itself to offer three different viewing options – Full View, Line View, and Zero View.

Full View delivers a large-screen viewing experience revealing the full extent of the contrast, depth, and realism that has become synonymous with all LG TVs. The remarkable AI picture and sound quality powered by LG’s second-generation α (Alpha) 9 intelligent processor and deep learning algorithm puts this breathtaking TV in a class of its own. Users can use their own voice to get things done with Amazon Alexa, a new addition to LG’s AI TV lineup in 2019, and the support of Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. With AirPlay 2, users can easily play videos directly from their Apple devices, iTunes and other video apps, music, or photos to their LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R. With Apple HomeKit support, customers will be able to control their LG TV using the Home app or by asking Siri.

Line View allows the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R to be partially unrolled, allowing for management of specific tasks that do not require the full TV screen. In Line View, users can choose from features such as Clock mode to check the time and weather, Frame mode to enjoy family photos shared from a smartphone, Mood mode to create a more relaxing atmosphere as well as others including Music and Home Dashboard.

When in Zero View, all 65 inches of the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R are hidden from view and tucked away in the base. Even in Zero View, users can enjoy music and other audio content which resonate from the 4.2-channel, 100W front-firing Dolby Atmos audio system. The premium bloodline is clearly evident in the entire unit, from the brushed aluminum casing to the quality wool speaker cover designed by Kvadrat of Denmark.

ThinQ AI and Alpha 9 GEN 2 Processor Delivers Completely New User Experience to 2019 LG TVs
Also, LG Electronics (LG) is taking the home entertainment experience to new heights with the introduction of its latest flagship TVs with ThinQ AI. Powered by the company’s second-generation α (Alpha) 9 Gen 2 intelligent processor and deep learning algorithm, the new models offer a higher level of AI picture and sound experience quality. Thanks to the new algorithm, LG’s TVs will offer enhanced picture and sound by analyzing source content as well as optimized content by recognizing ambient conditions.

LG’s 2019 TV range provides access to a selection of popular artificial intelligence services across multiple platforms, including the newly implemented Amazon Alexa in addition to the built-in Google Assistant. First available on 2018 TVs with ThinQ AI, the Google Assistant is again built-in to this year’s lineup, delivering a streamlined experience that allows users to manage daily tasks, find answers, and control compatible smart home devices. Users will also enjoy the ease of conversational voice recognition and an intuitive Home Dashboard that makes it possible to control a wide variety of smart home devices directly from the TV.

The α9 Gen 2 applied in LG’s Z9, W9, E9, and C9 series OLED TVs heighten picture and sound quality with its deep learning algorithm (developed from a vast database of over one million visual data), which recognizes content source quality and determines the best upgrade method for optimal visual output. LG’s 8K 88-inch Z9 OLED TV boasts higher processing capabilities for delivering the most realistic 8K picture quality.

In addition to content source detection, the new processor finely adjusts the tone mapping curve in accordance with ambient conditions to offer optimized screen brightness, leveraging its ability to understand how the human eye perceives images in APPLE different lighting. The processor uses the TV’s ambient light sensor to measure light levels, automatically adjusting brightness to compensate as needed. The α9 Gen 2 AI can further refine HDR content by adjusting the brightness to transform even the darkest scenes into ones with incredible contrast, detail, and depth of color, even in brighter rooms. Additionally, by leveraging Dolby’s latest imaging innovation, which intelligently adjusts Dolby Vision content, LG TVs deliver a compelling HDR experience, with varying ambient light.

Sound quality is augmented by an intelligent algorithm that can up-mix two-channel audio to deliver convincing virtual 5.1 surround sound. The α9 Gen 2 optimizes output based on content type, making voices clearer in movies, dramas, and news broadcasts, among others. Users can adjust sound settings to suit room conditions or let their LG TV intelligently set the perfect levels based on its positioning. Featuring Dolby Atmos, LG’s flagship TVs are once again able to create incredibly realistic sound for a more immersive entertainment experience.

This year, LG is expanding its AI partnerships to include Amazon Alexa in 2019 TVs with ThinQ AI to give customers more flexibility when it comes to voice services. By pressing the Amazon Prime Video button on the Magic Remote, users can manage smart home devices, ask questions and access tens of thousands of skills and even set up their ideal Alexa Routine complete with wake-up call, traffic information and favorite TV channel switching all with their voice. LG 2019 TVs with ThinQ AI also feature visually rich Alexa experiences when playing music, checking the weather or accessing one of a number of visually-enhanced skills – such as the Food Network – to find great recipes and meal inspiration. Users can also take that long overdue trip “Down Under” by saying, “Kayak, book a room on the Gold Coast,” and also keep the family organized by checking orders on Amazon.

And with the new conversational voice recognition feature that comes in LG’s 2019 TVs with ThinQ AI, it’s easier than ever to get the right answers. By understanding context, the TVs allow for more complex requests meaning users won’t have to make an APPLE series of repetitive commands to get the desired results. The service will be available on LG TVs with ThinQ AI in over 140 countries.

The α9 Gen 2 also powers the company’s 2019 flagship 75-inch 8K LCD TV (model SM99). LG’s 2019 premium LCD TVs lineup (SM9X and SM8X series) will roll out under a new name: NanoCell TV, to better highlight the picture enhancement provided by NanoCell technology (NanoColor), color accuracy in wide viewing angle (NanoAccuracy) and ultra-narrow thin bezel with sleek design (NanoBezel). LG’s NanoCell TVs also offer AI-enhanced picture and sound, powered by a deep learning algorithm, as well as the streamlined experience offered by ThinQ.

And through the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ports, all 2019 OLED TVs and select NanoCell TVs with ThinQ AI will support high frame rate (HFR). The result is smoother and clearer motion at 120 frames per second for better rendering of fast-action content such as sports and action movies. Support for enhanced audio return channel (eARC) enables home theater enthusiasts to seamlessly utilize HDMI connectivity and enjoy the highest quality audio formats available with superb detail and depth. An excellent option for gamers, the new TVs are compatible with variable refresh rate (VRR) as well as automatic low latency mode (ALLM) which helps deliver a clean image, without stutter or tearing.