While 4K UHD TVs are the pinnacle of TV tech when it comes to resolution, High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology promises to make all those pixels really count. Designed to offer better contrast through darker blacks and brighter whites, along with a more expressive color palette through advance shading, HDR is being celebrated as the next big thing among industry insiders. Up to now, Samsung’s SUHD TVs have stood alone on the list of TVs supporting HDR streaming from the first big distributor, Amazon Prime Instant Video. But today, LG joined the ranks.
LG today announced the company’s webOS 2.0 platform will be armed with the ability to stream Amazon’s nascent collection of HDR titles, which for now is supported by only a few Amazon original series including Transparent, and Mozart in the Jungle, along with the pilot episode of series hopeful Red Oaks. It’s not much, no doubt, but for early adopters, it’s a start.
The limited titles will only be available to a lucky few owners of two of LG’s flagship models. The short list includes the newly-announced flat OLED 4K UHD TV, the EF9500, which is slated to become available in September at $5,500 for a 55-inch model, and $7,000 for the 65-inch. In addition, the titles can be streamed by current owners of the EG9600 Curved OLED 4K UHD TV, which carries the same suggested price as the EF9500, but can be procured at reduced pricing from Amazon right now at $4,000 for the 55-incher, and $6,000 for the 65-inch version.
“LG is committed to delivering the best viewing experience, and it doesn’t get any better than HDR content on an OLED 4K display,” said Tim Alessi, head of new product development, LG Electronics USA. “Amazon has played an invaluable role in helping LG bring consumers the best way to enjoy streaming content and an incredible HDR experience.”
LG says that both of the TVs meet the Consumer Electronic Association’s guidelines for HDR-compatible video displays. And thanks to the infinite contrast provided by OLED displays when it comes to black levels, the TVs should make for an impressive stage for HDR titles.
Short though the list may be at present, with the promise of more HDR content from Amazon, and streaming competitors like Netflix, along with the forthcoming HDR-equipped Blu-rays and players scheduled to be released within months, the HDR train should only pick up steam from here. You can find out more about HDR by checking out our handy-dandy guide, linked above.
