With new QNED TVs and an accompanying array of new soundbars already appearing before CES, LG is now turning to the big guns – its 2024 line of OLED TVs. Essentially, it's just taking what made the 2023 models so great and adding a few more superlatives: bigger (or Smaller, actually, but we'll get to that.) Brighter. faster. more powerful.
And it's still wireless.
Let's start with the strong part. The LG Signature OLED M4 and OLED G4 now have α 11 (pronounced “alpha eleven”) processors, which LG says will result in a 70% graphics performance boost, and up to 30% faster processing speeds. LG is also calling it the “α 11 AI” processor because AI should be included in all things these days. In addition to making your OLED TV do something more than just a big black rectangle in your living room, all of this processing is used to try to improve the picture. This is not worth ignoring in this age of overly compressed video streaming, especially when it comes to live linear TV.
LG says it does it all pixel by pixel. Not just by looking at the entire image, or even a limited number of areas on the screen, but each point individually, “using precise image analysis at the pixel level to effectively sharpen objects and backgrounds that might otherwise appear blurry.” Who doesn't want that?
Things get a little spongy from there. We'll let LG say things in its own words. (And you'll understand why after reading it.) “It's all driven by the distinct judgment of the AI itself, delivering a clearer, more vivid viewing experience. Furthermore, the innovative AI processor brilliantly optimizes colors by analyzing frequently used shades that best convey the mood and emotional elements intended by filmmakers and content creators.
okay then. So real-time processing will let you feel all the things, apparently — so much so that LG says it'll make things look more three-dimensional thanks to “Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro.”
What about the TVs themselves? The M4 now ranges in size from 65 inches to 97 inches diagonally. And if you liked the idea of a wireless TV – with the Zero Connect Box doing the heavy lifting and then transmitting the image data to the panel – it's back again for the next series, capable of delivering 4K resolution at up to 144Hz refresh rates. As you may recall, the 2023 M3 lacked a 65-inch model (it instead starts at 77 inches, with 83 inches in the middle), and its refresh rate was up to 120Hz. This increased refresh rate extends to all 2024 TVs in the M4, G4 and C4 lineups up to 83 inches.
There's no word on pricing for the new models yet — which is the norm for this type of pre-CES announcement. But the 2023 77-inch M3 is still listed at $5,000, while the 97-inch model is priced at $30,000.
“Powered by its class-leading OLED TV and impressive QNED lineup, LG continues to assert its dominance in the premium TV market with a promise to deliver the best possible customer experience through a premium array of content and services available on the company’s webOS smart TV platform,” said Park Hyung-sei, President of the company. LG Home Entertainment, in a press release.
Wireless audio hasn't been left out of the story either (nor is it immune to the AI branding). It features 'AI Sound Pro' for 'richer, fuller sound', and M4 sports virtual 11.1.2 built-in audio, with 'AI technology' used to help lift sounds above the noise level. And if you opt for one of LG's soundbars, you can do all that audio wirelessly, thanks to WOWCAST, which also throws your TV's speakers into the mix.
LG's webOS operating system is getting another update as well. You can have up to 10 profiles on board, so everyone can get the photo the way they want (as long as the AI approves, perhaps). The new groups can also listen to your voice to apply the appropriate mode. That would be fun to try. As previously announced, the new TVs will receive updates for the next five years (this extends to 2022 models as well).
Overall, there are some very exciting and very inexpensive things on the way. We'll get our first look at it at CES 2024 in Las Vegas next week. Stay in touch.
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