LG Electronics USA has announced that the first of its 2019 LG OLED TVs with AI ThinQ, will debut in April with the arrival of the 65-inch E9 (pictured) and C9 models at LG-authorized dealers nationwide. They cost $4,299 and $6,999, respectively.
Additional models and screen sizes will follow in May and June with other LG OLED models announced later in the year. The 2019 LG OLED TV lineup features screen sizes ranging from 55 to 77-inch class options consisting of the W9 series (models 77/65W9), E9 (models 65/55E9) and C9 (models 77/65/55C9). Pricing for these range from $2,499 to $12,999.
All will support Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit for streaming of video and audio content and connectivity to Apple’s smart home products through a firmware update coming later this year. Using AirPlay 2, you can instantly send sound from any AirPlay-compatible app to an AirPlay-compatible speaker/device. HomeKit is a framework that allows control of compatible home automation devices through iOS and Siri.
Previewed at CES 2019, the new LG OLED TVs elevate picture and sound quality thanks to the company’s advanced Alpha (α)9 Gen 2 intelligent processor which uses artificial intelligence and deep learning technology with an extensive database of visual information, according to Tim Alessi, head of home entertainment product marketing at LG Electronics. This allows the processor to optimize images by recognizing source quality and implementing the best algorithm to display a stunningly real image, he adds. The processor also analyzes ambient room lighting conditions to achieve the optimal level of screen brightness.
LG’s flagship TVs also feature Dolby Vision for a HDR experience and Dolby Atmos for dimensional audio. The α9 Gen 2 also adds artificial intelligence to audio. This feature enables the TV to provide a virtual 5.1 channel up-mix to the 2 channel source material, providing an expanded sound field.
The new televisions also support HDMI 2.1 to offer a host of advanced features such as 4K high frame rate content (4K HFR), automatic low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR) and enhanced audio return channel (eARC).
