LG also announced new soundbars, speakers, laptops, a monitor and a projector. So, here’s the skinny on all its announcements, how much they’ll cost when they go on sale and whether you should care. These new TVs, including the monster 88-inch 8K OLED Z9 model, receive LG’s new a9 Gen 2 processor. We don’t often hear about processors on TVs but LG promises that this new chip will offer “a higher level of AI picture and sound experience quality.”
The company also talked-up its new deep learning algorithms which will enhance “picture and sound by analyzing source content as well as optimized content by recognizing ambient conditions.” Basically the new tech will make content look better by adjusting to the type of content you’re watching and the conditions you’re watching it in. This might sound like hot air, but it does make sense. Your TV will need to perform differently to deliver the best picture quality if you’re watching Blue Planet or Saving Private Ryan’s opening scene. Whether it works in practice, though, remains to be seen. Another benefit of the new smarter chip is virtual surround sound. Thanks to a new algorithm and Dolby’s Atmos sound tech, LG’s 2019 TVs will be able to up-mix two-channel audio and create an effect similar to full surround sound. We’ve had no word on when these TVs will hit the shelves, but we’re certain the new TVs will be pricey. Expect the OLEDs to start at at least $1,500 and the 88-inch model to come in at well over $10,000. LG also announced its new Signature OLED TV R. In case you’re wondering, the “R” stands for rollable. That’s right, it’s a TV that literally rolls up into its base when not in use.
It also has a half-in-half-out mode, which will display useful information such as the time and weather, display photos from your phone, or let you listen to music. The Signature R’s base has a soundbar built-in, so the music should sound pretty good, as well. No word on price or availability but we’ll bet our bottom dollar it’s ludicrously expensive. Today at CES, LG announced three new soundbars – the SL8, SL9 and SL10. All of these support Dolby Atmos and its rival DTS:X audio system. This means you’ll be able to get improved sound quality, and sound that appears to come from multiple directions and depths. Like the TVs, LG’s soundbars support Google Assistant, so you won’t have to lift a finger to turn up the volume, for example. The new soundbars shouldn’t take up loads of room, with slim, understated designs and they can be wall-mounted or placed on a TV stand. Again, there’s no word on pricing yet but we’d expect them to start at at least $300. The Xboom range also differentiates itself by with an array of flashing LEDs which accompany your music. The two new speakers, called the OL 100 and CL 98, aren’t all show and no trousers, however. LG has worked with respected British audio company Meridian to improve vocal and high-end clarity as well as deliver more impressive low-end and bass.
As with everything else on this list, we’re still waiting for pricing and availability confirmation.
At LG’s press conference, the biggest applause was saved for the company’s new beer-making HomeBrew machine. That’s right, a smart beer-making machine. You’ll be able to pick five types of beer including: An IPA, American pale ale, stout, wheat beer and a pilsner. It works similarly to a coffee pod machine. Simply insert the cartridges and press go. However, you’ll have to be prepared to wait a while, with a typical brewing time of two weeks.
A new lineup of UltraWide monitors also made its debut in Las Vegas, including a 49-inch curved model designed for improved productivity and immersive gaming. It’s supposed to be equivalent to two 27-inch Quad HD displays side by side, with a 5120×1440 resolution. However, the low pixels per inch count (just 108) might make two separate displays preferable.
New LG Gram laptops were announced, with a 17-inch model and a 14-inch 2-in-1. As ever with the LG Gram models, they’re incredibly thin and light, with the 17-inch model weighing 1.3 kilos and fitting into the profile of a typical 15.6-inch laptop. The 14-inch model, on the other hand, has a fully-rotating screen and weighs 1.1 kilos.
Sadly, we’ve still got no word on pricing or availability of these products. Keep up to date with all the latest from CES on Tech.co
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