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LG LEX8 with Nano lighting: A revolution in LCD TVs?

As good as LCD TVs are, there are still some areas in which plasma TVs perform better. But LG wants to change that with its new Nano lighting technology, and we think it's in with a chance.

Ian Morris
2 min read

LCD TVs have evolved significantly in the past five years. They've gone from sporting unsophisticated fluorescent-tube backlights to LED arrays with hundreds of different, independently dimmable areas, for improved contrast. So, what's next? LG reckons its Nano lighting technology is, because it improves light distribution across the screen. The technology will make its debut on the company's LEX8 TV, which was launched at the IFA trade show last week.

LG's Nano technology adds an additional layer between the LED backlight and the LCD panel. This layer has thousands of tiny dots that help to diffuse the light in a more effective way than existing technology. Something like Nano is useful for LCD TVs because, thus far, their Achilles heel has been patchy, uneven backlights that either produce visible hot spots at the edges of the screen, or halos around bright objects on dark backgrounds. 

LG also claims that its new 'micro pixel control' technology will improve the accuracy of local LED dimming even further, and make the LEX8 one of the most impressive LCD screens ever made. The LEX8 has a 400Hz picture mode too, which the company says will help to produce an incredibly smooth picture. The TV also supports 3D, so fans of this format won't feel left out.

LG hasn't compromised on the TV's design either. At 8.8mm thick, the LEX8 is incredibly thin for an LED-backlit TV. As with most ultra-thin TVs, the inputs are located on a slightly chunkier base than you'd get with most tellies, but the whole package still looks stunning, and, at 47 inches, it's going to be more than large enough for most people.

The TV comes with a 'magic motion' controller that does away with most of the buttons in favour of a motion-control system. LG says this remote delivers a more intuitive user experience than you get with standard controllers.

No pricing information is currently available, but we'd expect the LEX8 to be quite costly when it launches. As one of the most exciting TVs we've seen for some time, we'll be awaiting it on the edge of our seats.