
OLED is consistently rated as the best in current TV screen technology. Thanks to self-emitting organic pixels that can individually turn on and off, black tones on these panels are perfectly reproduced, offering natural colors and realistic image response speeds. With these features, LG's OLED TVs have always been the 'end game destination' for many when choosing a versatile entertainment TV: from watching TV, YouTube, movies, to gaming on various console systems.
After a period of enhancing OLED panel technology, evolving designs in various directions, improving the intelligence and user-friendliness of the operating system and interface, 2021 witnessed a fundamental upgrade in OLED TVs, which, in my opinion, is extremely essential: increased refresh rates and a series of gaming technologies. After nearly half a year using the LG OLED C1, I increasingly recognize the significance of these upgrades.
At the current moment, the LG OLED C1 can be considered one of the best 4K OLED TVs, enabling users to explore the full potential of TV panel technology for a better and more emotional entertainment experience.
Absolute Color Contrast and...
Truth be told, when it comes to TVs, my focus has often been on their image-rendering capabilities, especially in the context of watching movies, streaming TV content, or for gamers who can use the TV with consoles like PS4, PS5, Xbox. However, the concept of gaming, especially PC gaming on a TV, only became conceivable in 2021, thanks to various manufacturers upgrading refresh rates and gaming technology on TVs, with LG C1 being a notable example.Essentially, we still have a 55-inch screen size. Additionally, there are features commonly highlighted in the C1 or G series, and the A series by LG - OLED technology. The next point is the refresh rate of the panel, set at 120 Hz - a standard that, in my opinion, is fast enough to cater to the smoothest gaming experience possible for a TV model this year.Gaming on TV with low screen latency, no stutter, and tearing
Furthermore, we have a series of technologies catering to gaming capabilities such as anti-tearing, anti-stutter, and enhancing motion or control in games. Noteworthy technologies include NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync, VRR, along with connectivity ports to serve and maximize HDMI ports.From the hardware perspective, we have 3 HDMI 2.1 ports, all supporting eARC, maximizing the potential usability of this connection, including displaying content with frame rates up to 120 Hz.
This aspect sets the stage for the LG OLED C1 to be used with a PC similar to using it with gaming computer monitors. Clearly, with a total of 3 HDMI 2.1 ports, we can not only connect a PC but also link PS5, Xbox Series X, and the remaining HDMI port can be used for Android TV or Nintendo Switch. With this scenario, the aforementioned combo will transform the entertainment corner, with the centerpiece being the LG OLED C1, into a top gaming corner at the current moment.Gaming Experience: Elevated Emotions
Exploring the realms of PC gaming on this LG OLED C1 has been an exhilarating journey. Games like Final Fantasy VII Remake, God of War, and Resident Evil 3 HD provided a diverse gaming experience. It's undeniable that the emotions, especially in action genres controlled by a console, are more satisfying on a TV, especially when it boasts a screen size and display quality like this.
Expanding the frame size, sitting on the sofa in front of a 55-inch screen, immerses you deeper into the gaming world. It evokes stronger emotions, and notably, allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship of game developers. In the past, this immersive experience was exclusive to game consoles, but now, PC games can also shine on the LG OLED C1. The TV opens up more scenarios, more games for enjoyment, not to mention the visual excellence it delivers.
Clearly, thanks to the OLED advantage, we revel in almost absolute contrast. Scenes set against a dark backdrop or with deep black hues give the sensation, especially during nighttime gameplay, that the character is floating right in front of you rather than confined within the TV frame.Challenges and Anticipations in 2022
As we step into 2022, the inevitable question arises among tech enthusiasts using a TV like the LG OLED C1 for Windows PC gaming – will it risk burn-in issues? It's a query that echoes among us, and I was no exception. Historically, OLED's weak point has been burn-in. However, based on a statistic I came across, burn-in occurs when the screen displays a static image for 8 hours every day, sustained over many months.
Manufacturers have incorporated features like automatic pixel shifting to mitigate this concern. Therefore, I believe that using this screen for PC tasks or gaming won't significantly impact the overall usage duration for users in general.
Achieving such perfect PC gaming experiences (4K @ 120 Hz) on this 55-inch OLED TV requires a PC hardware investment that's far from budget-friendly, coupled with a somewhat intricate setup. Using it with a PC won't be as straightforward as, let's say, a PS5, where spending around 20 million VND on the console and a few games gets you started. Of course, consoles have some limitations compared to the autonomy and extensive customization possibilities within the vast world of PC gaming.
Commitment
With the trend of integrating superior PC gaming technologies into TVs, exemplified by models like those LG unveiled at CES 2022, coupled with upcoming hardware (graphics cards) slated for release this year, I believe that the accessibility of PC gaming on TVs will see a slight improvement this year. The upcoming years will be the time when we can fully and definitively enjoy games, more so than traditional TV entertainment. Clearly, the LG OLED C1 and the experiences it offers can be seen as evidence of the new-generation TV definition: a TV that integrates entertainment mediums, gradually superseding the outdated concept of linear television.