LG OLED TVs: The Next Step in TV Evolution

TVs have come a long way in their relatively brief existence. They’ve gone from 8 x 8 resolution in their first demonstration, in 1909, to various versions of what we call 4K, the most common of which is 3840 x 2160. Over this 106-year period, the science behind the screen has evolved, from the initial 64 selenium cell matrix to the CRT (tube) TVs you and I grew up with, to plasma, LCD, and LED. Of these technologies, LED has led the pack in recent years; however, as with all forms of evolution, the technology is certainly not done improving.

A Brief History of Recent History

It happened quickly, but relatively silently. First it was Panasonic, then LG and Samsung followed suit. As of 2014, plasma TVs are no longer produced. The public’s shift away from plasma has been attributed to LCD’s slimmer designs, higher efficiency, lower costs, and lighter weights. Whatever specific factors influenced the decision of the manufacturers, we now live in a plasma-free world.

Most tech-savvy people know that LED TVs are LCD TVs with an LED backlight. It’s been found that these LED-LCD hybrids can produce a better contrast ratio and wider color gamut, while also producing less environmental pollution, power consumption, and heat output than their CCFL-backlit (cold cathode fluorescent) LCD counterparts. Without bogging you down with numbers and specs—that basically translates to an overall better TV.

Just as LCD was an improvement over plasma with regards to slimmer designs, higher efficiency, lower costs, and lighter weights, the advent of LED backlighting set LED-LCD TVs even further apart. The benefits were obvious, and the public wanted it. They dreamed of larger TVs that were even slimmer and more lightweight. LED delivered on these promises, but consumers didn’t stop dreaming, and LG was there to deliver OLED.

LED Evolved, Losing its Vestigial Backlight

One would think that OLED and LED technologies are pretty similar, but they aren’t. Since OLED panels don’t require a backlight, nearly everything else about the two technologies is different, as well. The TVs can feature slimmer, more lightweight, and even concave designs; plus black levels are deeper, providing a higher contrast ratio for better overall detail.

One Step Further: Perfect Black

LG’s Perfect Black technology takes OLED TVs to new dimensions. Each pixel is self-lighting, which allows the individual pixels to turn on or off; when a pixel is off, it can’t produce any light, rendering it truly black. This perfect black level allows any light to appear brighter, any color to appear more vibrant. It creates what LG calls infinite contrast, where black pixels are an absolute black.

Michael Uslan, executive producer of the Batman movie franchise, said in a recent interview that “perfect black creates perfect color.” LG has truly taken that sentiment to heart in developing its newest line of both flat and curved OLED TVs. Not only do its newest models have Perfect Black technology, they also boast a broader, more intense color gamut than traditional HDTVs, making images even more vibrant.

There are five models available, both curved and flat, in two sizes. Their curved models include two 55" TVs; the 1080p 55EG9100 and the 4K 55EG9600, and a 4K 65" version, the 65EG9600. Their flat models are both 4K, the 55" 55EF9500 and the 65" 65EF9500. While some features differ, you’ll get the same perfect black levels, whichever one you choose.

Check out the table below for the basics, and click on the model number for more information. As always, if you’re looking for help with picking the right TV, LG OLED or otherwise, the B&H sales staff is happy to answer whatever question you may have via phone at 800-606-6969, chat, or email.