X

LG OLED TVs go all 4K, mostly curved

LG, the only TV maker selling OLED TVs, has announced an expanded lineup of the sets for 2015. It eschews 1080p resolution to focus on 4K, and most of the models are curved.

David Katzmaier Editorial Director -- Personal Tech
David reviews TVs and leads the Personal Tech team at CNET, covering mobile, software, computing, streaming and home entertainment. We provide helpful, expert reviews, advice and videos on what gadget or service to buy and how to get the most out of it.
Expertise A 20-year CNET veteran, David has been reviewing TVs since the days of CRT, rear-projection and plasma. Prior to CNET he worked at Sound & Vision magazine and eTown.com. He is known to two people on Twitter as the Cormac McCarthy of consumer electronics. Credentials
  • Although still awaiting his Oscar for Best Picture Reviewer, David does hold certifications from the Imaging Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology on display calibration and evaluation.
See full bio
David Katzmaier
2 min read

The EG9600 series of curved 4K OLED TVs comes in 55 and 65-inch sizes. LG

If you were holding out for a less-expensive 65-inch OLED TV from LG, maybe one that uses 1080p resolution instead of 4K to cut costs, keep holding.

LG's 2015 lineup of OLED TVs includes models in 55, 65 and 77-inch sizes, with curved, flat and even flexible screens, but none of them have 1080p resolution; all are 4K.

While it will continue to sell the 1080p 55EC9300 throughout the year, LG didn't introduce any new 1080p resolution OLED TVs at CES. The company told CNET it would focus on 4K OLED going forward.

The main new curved models are the EG9800 series, which comes in a 55-inch and 65-inch size. The UK equivalent will apparently be the EG960V series.; we have no word on an Australian version.

Pricing and availability were not announced, but for reference the current curved 65-inch 4K OLED TV, model 65EC9700, costs $10,000 in the US. We don't expect the EG9800 to be that much cheaper, but hey, you never know.

When I called the LG 55EC9300 the best TV I'd ever I did express some reservations, and many them had to do with the curved screen. I noticed the minor geometric distortions typical of curved screens, as well as some uniformity issues -- namely a brighter center and darker edges, along with some color shift -- seemingly caused by the curve.

Perhaps the EG9800 solves some of those problems, but happily this year LG gives you a choice. It's also introducing a line of flat, non-curved OLED TVs, the EF9500 series.

In terms of features the EF9800 and EF9500 are very similar. Both have a new anti-reflective screen coating that supposedly improves upon the (excellent) finish found on the EC9300's screen.

Like the company's other OLED sets the EF9500 offers passive 3D, which in combination with that 4K resolution could offer the best 3D experience yet. The EF9500 and EG9800 also have Harman Kardon sound, quad-core processing and the company's improved WebOS suite, controlled by the company's trademark motion remote.

LG also introduced a step-up 77-inch model, the 77EG9900, with a flexible screen.

We'll be checking out the new OLED sets in person soon so stay tuned for updates.