Electronic manufacturers at this year's CES in Las Vegas have introduced several new television set models that enhance resolution and add artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
LG Electronics took the wraps off its new line of 2018 LG AI OLED and LG AI SUPER UHD TV sets. Key upgrades include LG ThinQ artificial intelligence, the new Alpha 9 intelligent processor, and Full-Array Local Dimming (FALD) backlighting, to provide more of a theater experience.
In all, LG is introducing nine new 4K LG AI OLED TVs in different design configurations and sizes, ranging from 55 to 77 inches. Also this year, LG says it plans to introduce seven new 4K LG AI SUPER UHD TV models, ranging in size from 55 to 75 inches.
Many of the sets offer innovative features. For example, the 65-inch OLED TV can roll up like wrapping paper and hide itself in a box when not in use.
"LG's 2018 TV lineup represents the next generation entertainment experience in the connected home," said Tim Alessi, senior director of product marketing for home entertainment at LG Electronics USA.
"By marrying cinema-quality display technology with LG ThinQ artificial intelligence in breathtaking form factors, LG continues its leadership at the forefront of innovation in the OLED and premium TV market globally."
ThinQ artificial intelligence allows viewers to use hundreds of voice requests using both proprietary and third-party AI platforms to guide the device in performing different tasks.
The Wall
For consumers whose TV can never be big enough, Samsung has introduced what it says is the world’s first consumer modular MicroLED TV, a product it calls "The Wall."
The company says the 146-inch TV display offers consumers a great viewing experience, but it is also a centralized smart hub for accessing other devices and content.
"Samsung’s Smart TV platform was enhanced this year to now include Bixby, SmartThings and Universal Guide," a company spokesman told ConsumerAffairs in an email. "Bixby, an intelligent assistant platform developed by Samsung, enables easier interaction between the TV and consumers thanks to its intuitive UX and comprehensive voice analysis capabilities.”
“SmartThings integration into 2018 Samsung Smart TVs will offer easier sharing, connectivity, and an overall simplified way to control the television and sync with other devices.”
Because of the modular design, The Wall can also be configured in smaller sizes and can even be arranged in different shapes. For large rooms, consumers can create a wall-sized display. In smaller settings, consumers can pick a size that fits.
The Wall will go on sale to consumers later this year.
8K resolution
Samsung also took the wraps off a new TV set -- the Q9S 85-inch TV -- that increases regular video content to 8K resolution.
“At Samsung, we are dedicated to providing consumers with a wide range of cutting-edge viewing experiences. As the world’s first consumer modular MicroLED television, ‘The Wall’ represents another breakthrough,” said Jonghee Han, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.
“It can be customized to any size and delivers incredible brightness, color gamut, color volume and black levels. We’re excited about this next step toward the future of screen technology and the remarkable viewing experience it offers consumers,” he concluded.
Besides the hardware, vendors are also showing off content to be viewed on these new sets. High TV, a 4K content provider, announced it has developed 3D content that can be viewed without glasses, along with holographic programming.
The content, which currently revolves around travel and tourism, will be viewable on devices made by Samsung and Huawei.