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Leading electronics manufacturers started 2018 with remarkable TV displays, shaping the direction of TV technology in the future. Consumers are becoming familiar with concepts such as wall-mounted TVs, transparent screens, and flexible curved displays...
1. Pioneering Giant TVs
Leading electronics manufacturers initiated 2018 with impressive TVs that are considered a direction for future TV technology. Consumers are getting accustomed to concepts like wall-mounted TVs, transparent screens, and flexible curved displays...
Samsung's Wall TV Marvel
Will 8K TVs Replace 4K TVs?
While 4K resolution remains a marvel in the current market, manufacturers are already introducing 8K TVs. 8K TVs boast four times the resolution (7,680x4,320 pixels) of 4K (3,840x2,160 pixels) and sixteen times the resolution of Full HD (1,920x1,080 pixels).
Although super-sharp image technology has been applied to both TVs and smartphones, with limited content for 4K products, 8K TVs will take a considerable amount of time to become a new trend. Despite resolution not being the sole factor for a TV, 8K is sure to shape the future of products.
Sharp pioneered the world's first 8K TV in 2015 with the 85-inch LV-85001, priced over 3 billion VND. This TV, developed on Sharp's own IGZO panel, features 104 pixels per square inch. The display has a brightness of 1,000cd/m2, a contrast ratio of 100,000:1, and a viewing angle of 176 degrees.
Several companies have launched 8K TVs, but LG reshaped the 8K landscape in 2017 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2018) by showcasing an 88-inch OLED 8K TV, the largest OLED screen with the highest resolution to date according to LG.
According to LG, each pixel can be controlled and lit independently, eliminating the need for a continuously lit backlight regardless of the TV's size. The resolution of this TV is over 33MP, surpassing the limits of common cameras. The main challenges for 8K TVs are the high price tag and the lack of concentrated content development.
Flexible OLED TV Unleashing New Possibilities
TV Screen That Can Roll Up Like Paper
At CES 2018, LG also unveiled the world's first flexible OLED TV, made from environmentally friendly organic materials. LG's rollable TV features a 65-inch display and follows the 'Wall Art' design language, where images on the screen can be rolled up and disappear when not in use.
Wall-Mounted Masterpiece
LG's 'masterpiece,' the Signature OLED W8, is designed as the world's thinnest picture-on-wall with a surprising thickness of 2.57mm and 4K resolution. Alongside a new processor and Google Assistant features, LG Signature OLED W8 also comes with a Dolby Atmos 4.2 soundbar. Another differentiator of W8 is equipped with the Alpha 9 processor for improved sharpness and vibrant colors, providing smooth image speed at 120 frames per second.
Rise of Virtual Assistants for TVs
In 2018, the trend of artificial intelligence becomes prevalent, with virtual assistants simultaneously adopted by many TV manufacturers. Both LG and Sony opt for Google Assistant voice assistants, allowing users to control the TV, retrieve information, and search on Google.
LG Signature OLED W8 TV
The two companies mention that this voice assistant will be compatible with Amazon Echo devices. Sony, with the OLED AF8 TV, integrates the Acoustic Surface speaker and runs the Android operating system, supporting voice search through both Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa. Samsung also announces that its new generation products will be voice-controlled and supported by the Bixby virtual assistant for connecting with smart devices throughout the home.
'Wall-like' TV with Modular Assembly
Also at CES 2018, representing MicroLED display technology, Samsung showcased 'The Wall' with a massive 146-inch screen, described as a 'wall.' In theory, using modular design, users can expand the size by assembling multiple TVs without compromising image quality. Samsung utilizes MicroLED technology as a competitive trend against OLED.
