LG is poised to generate some significant buzz at the International CES 2014 convention next week, as it will be showing off five OLED TV models, highlighted by the company’s 77-inch Ultra HD curved OLED TV, which was originally introduced at IFA 2013 in Berlin. The line-up will also include LG’s 55-inch Gallery OLED TV, and three new models just announced today – 55 and 65-inch curved HD versions, and an “environmentally friendly” 55-inch curved model. Pricing and availability on the new OLED televisions will be announced at the show.
While the sheer enormity of LG’s 105-inch curved Ultra HD LED television will draw the spotlight, its 77-inch Ultra HD curved OLED ( model 77EC9800) will likely draw in a steady onslaught of onlookers too, thanks to its noticeably superior picture quality. OLED technology produces the best black levels available, superior brightness, and a wide color gamut. The 77-inch model also packs high-end features such as an Ultra HD upscaler to convert both standard- and high-definition images to Ultra D resolution, on-the-fly color temperature monitoring and adjustment, HDMI 2.0 connections, and both H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) decoders.
The only flat screen of the bunch, LG’s 55EA8800 55-inch Gallery OLED (previously shown in South Korea late last year) is perhaps the most unique. The set uses a flat panel mounted on what appears to be a canvas, set within a picture frame. Both the canvas and the frame pull double duty as a 100-watt audio system. When not in use, the TV is meant to mimic the look of a piece of art, and comes pre-loaded with artwork.
Perhaps less flashy, but arguably more important, are the company’s new curved 55- and 65-inch EC9700 series Ultra HD models and the “more efficient” 55-inch curved EB9600. The former two serve to beef up LG’s OLED line in general while adding the premium of 4K picture resolution, while the latter, marketed as a more energy efficient model built with “more recyclable materials,” may also wind up as the company’s least expensive OLED TV option.
It’s possible these models could be the biggest – if not the only – collection of consumer OLED TVs to hit the show floor this year. LG has always claimed it was committed to OLED, and this big showing, along with a recently opened production facility in Mexico intended to serve North American customers, backs that claim up.
Stick with Digital Trends throughout our CES 2014 coverage, which will include a much closer look at all of these next-generation televisions.
[Update: This article has been altered to reflect clarification that LG’s 55 and 65-inch curved OLED models are, indeed, Ultra HD 4K]