LG now shifts to its 2024 OLED TV series, showcasing its new QNED televisions and corresponding line of new soundbars, which have already made pre-CES presentations. Simply put, add a few more superlatives to what made its 2023 models so amazing: Greater (or less, in reality, but that’s for another discussion.) More vivid. Quicker. More potent. And wifi as well.
Let us begin with the most potent part. With the addition of α 11 (pronounced “alpha eleven”) processors, LG claims that the Signature OLED M4 and OLED G4 will have up to 30% quicker processing speeds and a 70% increase in graphics performance. LG has also dubbed it the “α 11 AI” processor since artificial intelligence has to be a part of everything these days. All of that processing extends the functionality of your OLED TV beyond being a big, black rectangle in your living room and aims to improve the picture quality. In the era of excessively compressed streaming video, especially for live, linear TV, that is not something to overlook.
LG claims that it completes all of that pixel by pixel. Not by examining the entire image or even a small subset of the screen’s zones but by analyzing each and every dot, “using precise pixel-level image analysis to sharpen objects and backgrounds that may appear blurry effectively.” Who wouldn’t want that, too?
From then on, things get a little squishy. Let LG explain things in its own words, please. (And after reading them, you’ll know why.) “All powered by the AI’s astute judgment, providing a clearer and more colorful visual experience. Furthermore, the clever AI processor skillfully refines colors by examining commonly used hues that most effectively communicate the atmosphere and emotional aspects intended by filmmakers and content creators.
All right, let’s proceed. The real-time processing will make you feel everything; in fact, LG claims that “Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro” will make objects appear more three-dimensional.
What about the actual TVs? The M4’s diagonal measurement spans from 65 to 97 inches presently. And if you adored the concept of a wireless TV, where the Zero Connect Box did all the heavy lifting and then blasting the visual data onto the panel, you’ll be happy to hear that it’s back for the next series, with 4K resolution and refresh rates up to 144 Hz. As you may remember, the 2023 M3 had a refresh rate of 120 Hz and did not include a 65-inch variant. Instead, it started at 77 inches and went up to 83 inches in the center. All 2024 TVs up to 83 inches in the M4, G4, and C4 ranges have this higher refresh rate.
Pricing information for the new models has yet to be released, as is customary for announcements made this early in the CES season. However, the 97-inch M3 is priced at an astounding $30,000, while the 2023 77-inch M3 is still only $5,000.
Park Hyoung-sei, president of LG’s Home Entertainment Company, stated in a press release that the company is “continuing to assert its dominance in the premium TV market with the promise of the best possible customer experience through a distinguished selection of content and services available on the company’s webOS smart TV platform.” A class-leading OLED TV and an impressive QNED lineup support LG.
Moreover, wireless audio is included in the narrative and is not exempt from AI branding. With “AI technology” helping to elevate voices above background noise, the M4 boasts virtual 11.1.2 sound with built-in “AI Sound Pro” for “richer and fuller audio.” Additionally, WOWCAST—which incorporates the TV’s speakers into the mix—allows you to stream all of that audio wirelessly if you want to purchase one of LG’s soundbars.
Additionally, LG receives another update for its webOS operating system. With ten profiles available, you can customize each person’s image to their preference (possibly with AI approval). Additionally, the new sets can apply the appropriate profile by listening to the sound of your speech. Further, as was previously stated, upgrades to the new TVs (including the 2022 versions) will be provided for the following five years.
All in all, some exciting and pricey stuff is coming soon—the first chance to see it will be at CES 2024 in Las Vegas next week. So pay attention.
