LG has announced pricing and availability details for its new “NanoCell” LCD TVs, some of which will feature HDMI 2.1 and full array local dimming (FALD). Prices start at $1400 for a 55-inch model with HDMI 2.1.
LG 2019 LCD TVs with HDMI 2.1
In addition to the 2019 OLED TVs, LG has detailed launch plans for its new high-end LCD models that will be sold as “NanoCell” TVs. The company explains that it uses IPS LCD panels with “nano particles to absorb unwanted light wavelengths”. This approach should improve colors.
- "Our 2019 NanoCell TVs promise to once again be the best performing premium LCD sets on the market," said Tim Alessi, head of HE product marketing, LG Electronics USA. "Our proprietary NanoCell and IPS technology combine with the convenience of our AI ThinQ technology to provide a powerful combination of picture quality, ease of use and are also available in some of the ultra-large screen sizes consumers want today."
LG is positioning them as high-end TVs but they still rank lower in the model program than all of the OLED models. As such, the LCD models will be considerably cheaper. SM9500 and SM9000 will feature ‘FALD Pro’ and ‘FALD’, respectively. LG explains that the difference lies in the number of dimming zones. These two models will also be equipped with an Alpha 7-2 video processor and HDMI 2.1 ports that support up to 4K120 video input. More information can be found in our CES 2019 article.
The TVs will support Apple Airplay 2 and HomeKit in addition to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
LG’s 2019 LCD models will compete head to head with FALD-based LCD models from Samsung, Sony, TCL, and others. Most of its competitors sell TVs based on VA LCD panels, whereas LG is using IPS LCD panels. The company likes to say that IPS offers wider viewing angles but in the past many consumers have opted for VA over IPS due to better picture contrast. Can the addition of HDMI 2.1 entice buyers or will LG’s FALD system bring improved performance this year? We will get a chance to examine the TVs more closely next week.
LG’s 2019 “NanoCell” LCD TVs will be available starting from April. The company is also planning to launch 8K LCD TVs later this year.
LG "NanoCell" LCD TVs - pricing & availability
LG SM9500 65" 65SM9500PUA - $2,699 (available in April)
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LG SM9070 86" 86SM9070PUA - $4,299 (available in June) 75" 75SM9070PUA - $2,899 (available in May)
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LG SM9000 65" 65SM9000PUA - $1,999 (available in April) 55" 55SM9000PUA - $1,399 (available in April) |
LG SM8670 75" 75SM8670PUA - $2,199 (available in April) |
LG SM8600 65" 65SM8600PUA - $1,499 (available in April) 55" 55SM8600PUA - $999 (available in April) 49" 49SM8600PUA - $799 (available in April) |
LG SM8100 65" 65SM8100AUA - $1,199 (available in June) 55" 55SM8100AUA - $899 (available in June) |