STACK #235 May 2024

TECH FEATURE

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From AI-powered processors and improved upscaling, to wireless transmission and a glare-free certified screen, smartTV tech is getting a whole lot smarter. Words Scott Hocking WHAT’S NEW IN TV TECH FOR 2024

The Zero Connect Box

This innovative box that eliminates external cable clutter was introduced

in 2023 with LG’s M3 OLED and makes a return this year for the new OLED M4. It enables wireless transmission of audio and video at 4K resolution and 144Hz up to 10m from the TV. External devices like a games console or 4K Blu-ray player are connected to the box’s HDMI ports, and games and movies are then beamed to the TV. Clever algorithms detect the optimal transmission path, and will switch paths should people or pets get in the way.

AI-powered processors and upscaling

Trending in 2024 TVs More Mini LED Mini LED tech continues to advance, and this year many of the big brands are offering a greater range of mini LED models, with more local dimming zones to maintain an accurate balance of dark and light areas in a picture. Big screens Supersize screens are go this year, with many brands upsizing their ranges with models from 65” up to 85” only. More mega 98” and 100” screens are also available on selected models for that true home cinema experience.

Processors, or chipsets, that

Alpha 9 AI 4K Gen 6. The Alpha 11 also powers LG’s AI Director Processing,

3 processor, the brain of the new QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV, which powers 8K Upscaling Pro, bringing greater clarity, detail and depth, and boosting 4K content to up to 90% the resolution of native 8K.

power a TV are now integrating new AI based tech that uses advanced algorithms

refining colours by analysing frequently used shades that best capture the mood of a scene, as intended by the filmmaker. And brightness is mapped and controlled pixel-by-pixel for sharper, more lifelike images. Then there's Samsung’s NQ8 AI Gen

to analyse and enhance clarity and colour, and upscale content. LG’s new M4 and G4 OLED TVs are equipped with the new Alpha 11 AI Processor, which delivers a 70% improvement in graphic performance and 30% faster processing speed compared to its predecessor, the

The world’s first glare-free certified OLED TV

OLED TVs can be reflective in a bright room and Samsung has the solution this year with the global debut of a glare-free certified OLED – exclusive to the S95D series.* This anti-glare feature uses a hard coating layer and surface coating pattern to reduce reflections and maintain colour accuracy and sharpness during daylight viewing, as well as minimising glare from ambient light sources like a lamp.

VRR 144Hz TV refresh rates generally

peaked at 120Hz, but this year sees more brands upgrading to a variable refresh rate of up to 144Hz, which is great news for gamers who need reduced input lag and faster response time.

* The S95D range has been independently verified as OLED Glare Free: Reflection Glare UGR <10, Discomfort Glare UGR <22, Disability Glare UGR <34 by UL LLC (UL Solutions), Certificate Number: V647799 – 01/03/2024.

Future TV tech LG OLED T

The world’s first wireless transparent OLED TV was unveiled at CES 2024, and yes, you read that right – you can see right through it! This innovative design is a game changer for lifestyle TVs, offering an alternative to the traditional

big black screen that sits against the wall. Blending seamlessly into its surroundings, the almost invisible OLED T can be positioned anywhere, and works with the Zero Connect Box for standalone simplicity.

And when it’s time to enjoy a movie or show, a rollable contrast screen can be raised and lowered at the touch of a button. There’s no word yet on when the OLED T will be available, but we want one!

14 MAY 2024

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