The TV market is currently undergoing a revolution, with a fierce battle for control of the future of OLED technology. LG and Samsung are at the forefront of this competition, each showcasing their respective advancements in boosting OLED panels’ maximum brightness levels. Both companies have introduced innovative technologies, such as LG’s Micro Lens Array (MLA) and Samsung’s QD-OLED panel tech, that have the potential to significantly enhance the performance of OLED TVs.
During extensive tests, both LG’s MLA sets and Samsung’s QD-OLED powered models demonstrated noticeable improvements in brightness levels. This competition is set to continue with the release of next-generation flagship TVs, including the LG G4, Philips OLED909, Panasonic Z95A, and Samsung S95D, unveiled earlier this year at CES 2024 in Las Vegas.
However, while the battle between LG and Samsung for OLED dominance intensifies, there is a glaring problem in the TV market. The innovations and advancements seen in high-end TVs are not trickling down to the more affordable models. The team at What Hi-Fi? has consistently tested products with performance-per-pound in mind, recognizing the need for affordable options. Unfortunately, in recent times, finding good performers at a reasonable price has become increasingly challenging.
For example, the Samsung CU8000, touted as a value set with an attractive price tag, fell short in real-world performance. Issues such as substantial backlight clouding, lightweight sound, and HDR clipping were uncovered during extensive testing. Similarly, the Hisense 50A6KTUK displayed problems with black-level performance, limited viewing angles, and poor color accuracy, making it difficult to recommend despite its low price.
What’s even more disheartening is the regression in quality compared to cheap models from a few years ago. Budget TV quality has not merely stagnated but has, in fact, deteriorated. While there are a few notable exceptions like the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED, which received a perfect five-star rating, the price range of around £500 / $500 still poses affordability challenges for many households.
There is a hope that TV companies will shift their focus towards the affordable end of the market this year. The team at What Hi-Fi? remains committed to searching for the hidden gems among budget TVs. Moreover, the readers are encouraged to share their recommendations for TVs that excel in performance and affordability. Together, we can bring about a change that aligns with the current economic climate and fulfills the needs of consumers seeking high-quality viewing experiences without breaking the bank.
MORE:
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Check out our picks of the best 65-inch TVs
Got cash to spare? These are the best OLED TVs on the market
FAQ Section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. Which companies are competing for OLED technology dominance in TVs?
The OLED technology market is currently experiencing a battle for dominance. The main competitors are LG and Samsung, who are showcasing their innovations in increasing the maximum brightness level of OLED panels.
2. What technological innovations have LG and Samsung introduced?
Both companies have introduced innovative technologies that have the potential to significantly enhance the performance of OLED TVs. LG has introduced Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, and Samsung has introduced QD-OLED panel technology.
3. What were the results of the tests on TVs using LG MLA and Samsung QD-OLED technology?
During the tests, both TVs with LG MLA technology and TVs with Samsung QD-OLED technology demonstrated noticeable improvements in brightness levels.
4. Which TVs will be released by LG, Philips, Panasonic, and Samsung in the future?
The latest TVs from these companies, such as the LG G4, Philips OLED909, Panasonic Z95A, and Samsung S95D, were unveiled at CES 2024 in Las Vegas.
5. What problems exist in the TV market?
The current situation in the budget TV market poses certain problems. The innovations and technological advancements seen in high-end TVs are not translating to cheaper models, making it difficult to find good-quality TVs at affordable prices.
6. What issues were encountered during the tests of the Samsung CU8000 and Hisense 50A6KTUK TVs?
During extensive testing of the Samsung CU8000, which was marketed as a value set with an attractive price, issues such as substantial backlight clouding, lightweight sound, and HDR clipping were uncovered. The Hisense 50A6KTUK TV had problems with black-level performance, limited viewing angles, and poor color accuracy.
7. What are the hopes for improving the quality of affordable TVs?
There is hope that TV companies will focus on producing affordable TVs this year. The What Hi-Fi? team is dedicated to finding hidden gems among budget TVs. Readers are also encouraged to share their recommendations for TVs that excel in performance and affordability.
Key Definitions or Jargon Used in the Article:
– OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) – a technology that uses organic light-emitting diodes to illuminate the screen without the need for additional backlighting.
– Micro Lens Array (MLA) – a technology used by LG, which involves adding lenses to OLED panels to improve brightness.
– QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) – a technology used by Samsung that incorporates quantum dots to enhance the performance of OLED TVs.
Suggested Relevant Links:
– The Best 50-Inch TVs We’ve Tested
– Our Picks of the Best 65-Inch TVs
– How to Choose the Best OLED TV Based on Your Budget
The source of the article is from the blog smartphonemagazine.nl