LG to bring five OLED TV models to CES 2014

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]