Entries in 4K UHD (32)
2015 Samsung 4K UHD LCD TVs
Monday, January 5, 2015 at 2:00PM Updated on September 10, 2015: added pricing, availability, and specs
Samsung brought its best 4K ultra high-definition (UHD) TVs to the 2015 CES in the form of three series that tempt the eyes of discerning videophiles with new technology to enhance perceived color and contrast.
One of Samsung's earlier announcements was that all of its 2015 smart TVs will feature a newly redesigned Smart Hub that's built around the Linux-based, "open source", Tizen operating system.
The use of the Tizen OS will likely enable easier integration and interaction with mobile devices, particularly Samsung products, for content sharing and control using WiFi Direct and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless technologies. The new Tizen-powered TVs will also enable the viewing of live TV on compatible mobile devices anywhere within a home network even when the TVs are powered off.
The updated 2015 Smart Platform will also include new entertainment experiences:
- Samsung Sports Live: watch live games and view team/player stats
- PlayStation Now: enjoy cloud-streamed PlayStation 3 games using a DualShock 4 wireless controller
- More 4K UHD sources: Amazon, Comcast, DirecTV, Netflix, and a new UHD movie download service in partnership with M-GO
- Briefing on TV: 2015 Samsung Smart TVs can act as an alarm clock that display time, weather, and other pertinent information
Bring the SUHD
Samsung reserves its "S" identification for its flagship products, and the company's best 4K UHD TVs for 2015 are branded into the new "SUHD" TV lineup.
The SUHD TV lineup includes three model series with screen sizes ranging from 48-inches to 88-inches, and all feature new Samsung display technologies that enhance picture color and contrast:
- 10-bit LCD panel technology
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) metadata support
- "Re-mastering" picture quality engine: claims to automatically analyze on-screen imagery to enhance picture contrast with darker black levels and increased brightness while minimizing power consumption
- Quantum color: enhanced color and energy efficiency through the use of quantum dot (QD) nano-crystal technology to achieve a color gamut like that featured in commercial digital cinema.
- HDMI 2.0a (via update) for use with external source devices that support high dynamic range (HDR)
The newly formed UHD Alliance whose membership includes Netflix, Disney, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Dolby Vision, Technicolor, Samsung, Panasonic, and others moves us closer to the access and enjoyment of enhanced UHD video on display devices that can accurately render video encoded with an expanded color palette and HDR detail.
JS8500 Series
- Flat screen design
- Backlight: edge-lit LED w/local dimming
- 2.2-channel 40W speaker system
- Brushed silver T-shaped base
- Quad-core processor
- Screen sizes: 48-inches, 55-inches, 65-inches
2015 Vizio M-Series 4K UHD TVs
Vizio 5.1 Sound Bar System Review
The JS9000 returns to the aesthetically pleasing curved screen design, and the series features the the widest range of screen sizes in the new SUHD lineup. Even the back of the JS9000 was enhanced with a "soft, textured Shirring design" to provide a stylish view even when checking out its rear. As Samsung's most affordable curved screen design in its premium JS series, it will be interesting to see how the 9000's edge-lit backlight technology compares to the more expensive JS9500 and its full-array backlight unit (BLU).
- Curved screen design
- Backlight: edge-lit LED w/local dimming
- 2.2-channel 60W speaker system
- Brushed dark silver Y-shaped base
- Octa-core processor
- Screen szes: 48-inches, 55-inches, 65-inches, 78-inches (JS9100)
The flagship JS9500 will feature Samsung's "chamfer bezel design" to frame the LCD's screen with a hint of increased depth and make it look more like a piece of art when wall-mounted. For LCD enthusiasts, the words "full-array local dimming" (FALD) represent the pinnacle of backlight unit (BLU) technology that can improve picture contrast and uniformity compared to LCDs with edge-lit BLUs. The JS9500 represents Samsung's return to FALD after transitioning all of its LCDs to edge-lit designs several years ago. Perhaps in 2016 we'll see Samsung spread FALD beyond the its flagship model.
- Curved screen design
- Backlight: full-array LED w/local dimming
- Retractable 1080p camera w/ built-in stereo microphones
- 2.2-channel 60W speaker system
- Brushed silver Y-shaped base
- Octa-core processor
- Screen sizes: 65-inches, 78-inches, 88-inches
Read my review of the Samsung JS9500 Series 4K UHD TV
Read more about the latest 2015 TVs and display technologies.
2015 Sharp: Prototype Eye Candy
Monday, January 5, 2015 at 9:00AM Updated on January 11, 2015: added images and additional details
It wouldn't be CES without Sharp showing off some drool-worthy prototype LCDs, and its 2015 demonstrations on the show floor included what will likely become featured consumer products within the next few years.
Sharp 85" 8K LCD prototype
Sharp has had an 85" 8K LCD prototype on display at its CES booth for a few years now, but with 8K test broadcasts expected to begin in Japan next year, a 4x jump in resolution compared to today's 4K screens seems slightly more plausible. Note the window-like imagery made possible with a high resolution screen at this size.
With this year's 8K demo, the specs were a bit more detailed:
- 7680x4320 screen resolution
- 103.67 PPI
- 85% of Rec. 2020 gamut
- RGB LED backlight system
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 12-bit per pixel panel technology
Rec. 2020 is a relatively gigantic color space to cover using LCD technology. Current LCD designs have struggled to cover the much smaller HDTV color space (rec. 709), and approaching rec. 2020 coverage will require advanced backlight and color filter designs. This prototype panel claimed to cover 85% of the Rec. 2020 color gamut through the use of an RGB LED backlight similar to that featured in the Sony XBR8 television circa 2005.
Super Slim 4K UHD
Sharp is also demonstrating a prototype 70" 4K UHD LCD TV that has an overall depth of less than half an inch. The slim TV uses a new glass light plate to more evenly and efficiently distribute light across the LCD panel.
Sharp 120" 4K Ultra HD Commercial Display
Although positioned for commercial display use, Sharp's 120" 4K UHD LCD prototype highlights the company's ability to craft very large displays. This 120" LCD is the equivalent of four 60" 1080p screens tiled together.
- 3840x2160
- 36.72 PPI
- Direct LED backlight
- 8.7 feet x 4.9 feet active display area
- (2657.28mm x 1494.72mm)
Gen 10 glass
Sharp jointly manages Sakai Display Products (SDP) and its 10th generation LCD manufacturing facility in Sakai, Japan. The SDP facility can process LCD glass substrates as large as 123.23" x 113.39" (3130mm x 2880mm) dwarfing a king sized bed that averages 80" x 76".
SDP could in theory produce a 140" (~141" max) LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio from a single 10G substrate leaving some glass left over for carving out a few smaller sized screens. Safely transporting an LCD that size is another matter; hence the facility's shoreline location and tight on-site component manufacturing and integration.
Read more about the latest 2015 TVs and display technologies.
2015 Sharp: 4K UHD TVs
Monday, January 5, 2015 at 9:00AM Updated on December 24, 2015: new pictures, product details, pricing
Sharp is known for making affordable big screen LCD TVs that other manufacturers find difficult to make or match - think screen sizes of 80-inches or 90-inches with a mid 4-figure price! Sharp's 2015 TV line up showcases 4K ultra high-definition (UHD) across a wide range of screen sizes with modern thin frame designs.
The entire 2015 Sharp AQUOS 4K UHD TV lineup will share some technical commonalities including:
- 3840x2160 screen resolution
- Next generation "Revelation" upscaler
- Ultra thin narrow bezel design
- Quad-core processor
- HDMI 2.0 + HDCP 2.2 for all ports
- Built-in WiFi networking
- 4K streaming with popular apps
- HEVC/H.265 and VP9 codec support
Sharp's most affordable 4K UHD TV line includes a 43-inch screen size that equates to more than 102 pixels-per-inch (PPI) - great for people who like to sit very close or for use as a supersized PC monitor. The 65-inch UB30 is notable for its addition of multi-zone local dimming.
- Screen sizes: 43-inches, 50-inches, 55-inches, 65-inches
- Refresh rate: 60Hz (65-inch 120Hz)
- Backlight: edge-lit LED
- Local dimming: 65-inch model only
- Ports: 3 HDMI, 2 USB (43-inches/50-inches)
- Ports: 4 HDMI, 2 USB (55-inches/65-inches)
- Smart TV features: SmartCentral 3.0
Pricing:
- 43-inch LC-43UB30U: $546
- 50-inch LC-50UB30U: $734
- 55-inch LC-55UB30U: $986
- 65-inch LC-65UB30: $1400
Eyes on the UB30
One of the most impressive 4K TVs at the Sharp CES booth was the 65-inch LC65UB30 (pictured above). Although it lacks Sharp's latest smart TV interface, it's the only 2015 LCD from the company to feature edge-lit local dimming for improved picture contrast. Subjective comparisons with other nearby 2015 Sharp 4K UHD TVs led me to believe the 65UB30 may quickly become a favorite among image quality conscious buyers looking for a 65-inch screen. I look forward to testing this TV in the very near future.
UE30 Series
The UE30 series brings Sharp's 4K UHD to larger screen sizes, and it features the new SmartCentral 4.0 that's powered by the Google Android TV platform - expect easy integration with all things Google including Google Cast-enabled apps and Android mobile devices.
- Screen sizes: 60-inches, 70-inches, 80-inches
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Backlight: edge-lit LED
- Local dimming: AquoDimming (software based)
- Motion resolution enhancement: AquoMotion 480
- Dual stand position (70-inch/80-inch)
- Ports: 4 HDMI, 3 USB
- Smart TV features: SmartCentral 4.0 w/Android TV
Pricing:
- 60-inch LC-60UE30: $1000
- 70-inch LC-70UE30: $1897
- 80-inch LC-80UE30: $3780
UH30 Series
The UH30 line represents Sharp's flagship 4K UHD TV series for 2015. Aimed at impressing home theater aficionados with a focus on superb picture quality and performance at larger screen sizes that most benefit from UHD resolution.
The SPECTROS color technology featured in Sharp's best 2015 televisions expands color output through a the use of blue LEDs that are coated with green and red narrowband phosphors and an updated color filter design that is better optimized for the light output of the enhanced LEDs.
Other specs for the UH30 series include:
- Screen sizes: 70-inches, 80-inches
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Backlight: edge-lit LED
- Local dimming: AquoDimming (software based)
- Motion resolution enhancement: AquoMotion 960
- THX 4K Certified Display
- SPECTROS rich color display technology
- Ultra thin narrow bezel with silver stand
- Ports: 4 HDMI, 3 USB
- Smart TV features: SmartCentral 4.0 w/Android TV
Pricing (MSRP):
- 70-inches LC-70UH30: $1997
- 80-inches LC-80UH30: $4298
Best for last
Saving the best for "late 2015", Sharp will introduce a TV that points to the future of where big screen LCDs as a whole are heading. The "Sharp AQUOS Beyond 4K Ultra HD TV" aka "Sharp AQUOS 4K UHD TV with Pixel Splitting Technology" lacks an official model number, but it flirts with (pseudo) 8K resolution by splitting each of its 4-color subpixels in half. The multiplied subpixels are uniquely mapped to provide a claimed improvement in perceived detail.
The as of yet unnamed TV also incorporates Sharp's most advanced backlight unit (BLU) that will deliver high dynamic range imagery (not Dolby Vision) and an expanded color palette. Until more is revealed, we are left with a nice list of specs:
- 3840x2160 input resolution
- 7680x4320 effective resolution
- Backlight: full-array LED
- Local dimming: hardware multi-zone
- 4-color Quattron subpixel technology (RGBY)
- SPECTROS rich color display technology
- High dynamic range
- 100% DCI P3 color gamut
- 70% Rec. 2020 color gamut
- Pricing: TBA
Takeaway
It's good to see Sharp embracing full-array local dimming with its premium 2015 offering and that edge-lit local dimming will make it into the 65-inch UB30 TV. I do find it somewhat odd that the UE30 and HU30 are regulated to software-based contrast enhancements, but Sharp LCDs have a history of good black levels and I'll reserve final judgment for a review sample in a controlled lab environment.
Read more about the latest 2015 TVs and display technologies.
2015 LG 4K UHD OLED TVs
Monday, December 29, 2014 at 6:00PM Updated on September 8, 2015: LG clarified 2015 OLED model count; HDR update
Ultra-high definition (UHD) televisions are an emerging bright spot among an otherwise stagnant forecast for the TV market as a whole, and LG Electronics is looking to stir up 2015 with an impressive array of new 4K UHD OLED (organic light emitting diode) TVs. In addition to superb picture contrast, these new OLED beauties aim to delight the senses with enhanced audio quality, designs, and performance.
LG's OLED televisions live up to its self-described "infinite contrast" hype, and the 55-inch EC9300 introduced last year will be the only 1080p model in the 2015 lineup. All of LG's new 2015 OLED TVs will feature:
- 4K UHD resolution
- Harmon Kardon enhanced audio
- Redesigned 5th generation Magic Remote that adds a number keypad as well as upgraded smart TV and universal control functions
- Passive 3D technology
9 or 11
Sharp eyed readers noted the "11 Models" for 2015 in the graphic above yet only nine detailed in this article. LG has confirmed that its 2015 OLED lineup includes a total of nine (9) models - including the three carryovers from 2014 (EC9300, EC9700, and EG9700). However, this Tweet on New Year's Day made me think LG was saving something special for CES...perhaps this bit of OLED bling!
More 4K Video
An LG executive announced that it will be the "exclusive smart TV partner for GoPro in 2015" and its 4K TVs will also feature 4K UHD streaming content from YouTube and DirecTV.
Robert's Favorite Home Theater Gear
The new LG EF9500 aims to one-up last year's EC9300 (read review) in almost every way possible starting with a 4K UHD resolution screen, improved audio quality, an enhanced smart TV interface, and more processing power. Other notable features of the EF9500 include:
- Screen sizes: 55-inches, 65-inches
- Flat screen design
- Improved anti-reflective screen coating
- webOS 2.0
- Quad core processing
- HDR firmware update: Yes (via update)
- HDMI 2.0a-ready: unknown
Specs and sizes similar to the EF9500 but with a curved screen design. LG recently announced plans for a firmware update for the EG9600 to support high dynamic range (HDR) video streamed over an IP connection, but it remains to be seen if the company can upgrade any of the TV's HDMI ports to support HDMI 2.0a for HDR support with external devices like the upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray players.
- Screen sizes: 55-inches, 65-inches
- Curved screen design
- Improved anti-reflective screen coating
- webOS 2.0
- Quad core processing
- HDR firmware update: Yes (via update)
- HDMI 2.0a-ready: unknown
These curved screen OLED TVs are carryovers from 2014 and bring the value by retaining the v1 webOS software and a dual core processor. The EC9700/EG9700 also have the previous generation anti-reflective coating but otherwise include upgrades like the new Magic Remote and Harmon Kardon enhanced audio.
EF9800
This 65-inch OLED television pushes its thin and flat screen design even further by moving the speakers to an external Harmon Kardon enhanced sound bar for improved audio performance and a more streamlined look. The EF9800 also incorporates LG's 2015 premium TV features including:
- Improved anti-reflective screen coating
- webOS 2.0
- Deca core processing
EG9900
LG's flagship 4K UHD OLED television keeps the Harmon Kardon enhanced audio on-board while featuring the same improved anti-reflective screen coating and deca core processing as the EF9800. However, what makes the EG9900's 77-inch display truly unique is its flexibility! Flat screen, curved screen, flappy screen...have it your way!
Read more about the latest 2015 TVs and display technologies.
2015 LG 4K UHD LCD TVs
Monday, December 29, 2014 at 6:00PM Updated on August 19, 2015: updated models, availability, and specs
Ultra-high definition (UHD) televisions are here to stay, and projections indicate that by 2018 every TV 55-inches and larger will feature UHD resolution! LG Electronics' 2015 LCD (liquid crystal display) lineup includes an impressive array of new 4K UHD TVs that aim to delight the senses with enhanced color, sound, and designs.
LG's 2015 4K UHD LCD televisions include something for everyone with a wide range of screen sizes and features that will tempt the value conscious and videophile alike. Unlike LG's main competitor (some company with a name that starts with 'S'), all of its LCD TVs are curve-free and use IPS panel technology for improved off-axis viewing. LG's 2015 LCD lineup also goes completely edge-lit LED with no announced models incorporating full-array backlighting although premium models will feature edge-based local dimming for enhanced picture contrast.
Positioned as the best value in LG's 4K LCD lineup, the UF6800 eliminates the sometimes unwanted or unneeded extras like a fancy remote and 3D viewing. The UF6800's smart TV capabilities are further enhanced with the latest webOS 2.0 update. A unique feature of the UF6800 is its subpixel structure that adds white to the traditional RGB (red, green, and blue) pixel composition. Each white subpixel is shared between adjacent groups of RGB subpixels and this has generated some controversy among resolution purists who question if this layout constitutes a true UHD display. Other specs of the affordable UF6800 series include:
- Screen sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches, 49-inches, 43-inches
- 60Hz refresh rate (65-inch model is 120Hz)
- RGBW subpixel structure (RGB + White)
- Built-in WiFi
- webOS 2.0
- Quad core processing
- 2 HDMI ports
Originally announced as part of the UF7700 series, these smaller sized screens should prove to be a popular option with workstation users and anyone wanting an affordable 4K UHD smart TV. Like the UF7700 series, the UF7600 series keeps the price low by eliminating 3D viewing support as well as the Harmon Kardon enhanced audio featured in some of LG's more expensive 2015 offerings.
The UF7700 series offers the greatest selection of screen sizes among LG's 2015 televisions, and it looks to strike a good balance of performance and value. The UF7700 lacks the 3D viewing and Harmon Kardon enhanced audio of more expensive models, but its other specs will tempt many would-be owners:
- Screen sizes: 79-inches, 70-inches, 65-inches, 60-inches
- 120Hz refresh rate (60 inch model is 240Hz)
- Edge-lit local dimming backlight system
- New 5th generation Magic Remote
- Built-in WiFi
- webOS 2.0
- Quad core processing
- 3 HDMI ports
2015 Vizio M-Series 4K UHD TV Preview
The UF8500 may be the most visually appealing 4K UHD LCD in LG's 2015 lineup as it features the company's Cinema Screen design with an ultra thin bezel that makes its picture truly stand out. The UF8500's other impressive specs leave little to be desired save, perhaps, for even larger screen size options:
- Screen sizes: 65-inches, 60-inches
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Edge-lit local dimming backlight system
- New 5th generation Magic Remote
- Harmon Kardon enhanced audio (ULTRA Surround System)
- webOS 2.0
- Quad core processing
- Passive 3D technology
- 3 HDMI ports
UF9400
If you are looking for an LCD that can accurately display rich, deeply saturated colors like that of DCI-P3 encoded sources, then the LG UF9400 appears ready and able. The UF9400's ColorPrime with Quantum Dot (QD) technology expands the TV's palette by 30% compared to previous models making it ideal for accurately displaying wide gamut video, and its cadmium-free QD materials are safe for the environment.
The well-specced UF9400's also features:
- Screen sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 8-bit LCD panel
- New 5th generation Magic Remote
- Harmon Kardon enhanced audio (ULTRA Surround System)
- webOS 2.0
- Quad core processing
- Passive 3D technology
UF9500
LG's flagship 4K UHD LCD television brings an OLED-like slim panel design that measures only 0.33" thick near the top and 1.37" across the lower portion of the TV's chassis. The UF9500 also introduces LG's new ColorPrime LED technology that uses white LEDs with an enhanced phosphor plus an optimized color filter to expand the TV's color palette by 25% bringing it close to the wide gamut of the DCI P3 specification.
The UF9500 specs include:
- Screen sizes: 79-inches, 65-inches, 55-inches
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Edge-lit local dimming backlight system
- New 5th generation Magic Remote
- Harmon Kardon enhanced audio (ULTRA Surround System)
- Integrated Auditorium Stand for improved audio performance
- webOS 2.0
- Deca core processing (quad core for 79 inch model)
- Passive 3D technology
This refreshed model from 2014 is for the home theater enthusiast that want to go BIG! The UB9800 series will offer a good balance of features, large screen sizes, and price.
- Screen sizes: 98-inches, 84-inches, 79-inches, 65-inches
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Edge-lit local dimming backlight system
- New 5th generation Magic Remote
- Harmon Kardon enhanced audio (ULTRA Surround System)
- webOS 1.0
- Dual core processing
- Passive 3D technology
UC9
Another holdover from last year that's making an appearance in 2015 is the 105-inch LG UC9. This gigantic-sized curved screen TV features a 21:9 aspect ratio that translates into a pixel resolution of 5120 x 2160. With this much screen to work with, it's no surprise that the UC9 is fully loaded with excellent features including:
- Local dimming
- IPS panel technology
- Harmon Kardon enhanced 7.2 channel speaker system (150W)
- HEVC/H.264 decoding
- Passive 3D technology
Read more about the latest 2015 TVs and display technologies.
