LG Electronics (LG) is starting to roll out this week its 2019 premium TV lines, including new 4K Ultra HD OLED and NanoCell LED-LCD TV models, and HD Guru has exclusively received some of those first prices from our sources.

The company said it is beginning the global roll out of its 2019 4K OLED models in the United States and South Korea, and will expand to include key markets in Asia, Europe and South America thereafter. Specific pricing and model availability dates for each region will be announced separately, the company said.

Highlighting the OLED series this year is the 65-inch OLED65R9PUA “rollable LG Signature Series 4K Ultra HD OLED TV.” This was HD Guru’s pick for its Best of CES 2019 award, and is based on a flexible OLED screen that can retract electronically into a base when not in use. The company is also adding an 88-inch 8K OLED TV in the OLED88Z9PUA. These models will ship later in the year at prices to be announced.

Most of this year’s LG OLED models and flagship 8K NanoCell LED-LCD TV will include upgraded AI picture and sound quality powered by the advanced second-generation α (Alpha) 9 Gen 2 intelligent processor and deep learning technology. LG said the new processor will be used in the 4K UHD R9, W9, E9 and C9 series, and the 8K 88-inch OLED88Z9PUA and NanoCell 75-inch full-array LED-LCD TV 75SM99.

The α9 Gen 2 processor in LG’s 2019 W, E and C series 4K OLED TVs is said to improve picture and sound quality with deep learning technology. The system will access an extensive database of visual information to optimize picture quality for a variety of resolution formats on the fly by implementing the best algorithm to display a realistic-looking images, the company said. The processor also analyzes ambient conditions to achieve the optimal level of screen brightness.

In addition, new LG TVs will receive an upgrade mid-year to support Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit for easy streaming of video and audio content and connectivity to Apple’s smart home products.

LG has disclosed that HDMI 2.1 ports would be included in 2019 OLED TVs and selected NanoCell TVs with ThinQ AI. The new HDMI 2.1 input specification needed to view improvements like 4K Ultra HD resolution at 120 frames per second (fps), enhanced audio return channel (eARC), supporting advanced surround sound formats; as well video game enhancements including automatic low latency mode (ALLM) and variable refresh rate (VRR), which reduces frame tearing.

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2019 LG TVs will also receive a firmware update bringing built-in support for Amazon Alexa voice control AI to complement Google Assistant which is included out of the box. The company claims to be “the only TV brand to provide support for both leading AI platforms without the need for additional hardware.”

In addition, higher-end 2019 LG TVs will leverage the α9 Gen 2 to intelligently adjust content compatible with Dolby Vision for a enhanced HDR experience, even in brightly lit conditions. The α9 Gen 2 also fine-tunes audio according to content type, making optimized adjustments for the room environment. Users can also make manual adjustments to personalize the experience. LG’s flagship TVs also offer built-in Dolby Atmos decoding for a more immersive audio effect.

LG is expecting a big year for 4K OLED technology, forecasting sales of 3.6 million OLED units globally for the full year of 2019, with plans to expand large-screen OLED panels to 7 million units in 2020 and 10 million in 2021.

Thanks to HD Guru’s sources, we present below some exclusive early pricing and model numbers for LG’s 2019 higher-end 4K and 8K Ultra HDTVs. Please note, these prices were not officially released by LG Electronics and are subject to change:

2019 LG 4K Ultra HD OLED TV models:

R9 “Rollable” 4K OLED TV (model 65/R9)

65-inch OLED65R9PUA (price TBA)

W9 “Wallpaper” 4K OLED (models 77/65W9)

Key features: Ultra-thin “picture on wall” design, 60 Watt 4.2-channel soundbar,

65-inch OLED65W9PUA ($5,996.99 UPP)

77-inch OLED77W9PUA ($9,996.99 UPP)

E9 (models 65/55E9)

Key features: “Picture-on-glass” design, 60 Watt, 4.2-channel front-firing sound,

55-inch OLED55E9PUA ($3,296.99 UPP)

65-inch OLED65E9PUA ($4,296.99 UPP)

C9 (models 77/65/55C9)

Key features: “Cinema screen” design, 40 Watt, 2.2-channel sound.

55-inch OLED55C9PUA ($2,496.99 UPP).

65-inch OLED65C9PUA ($3,496.99 UPP).

77-inch OLED77C9PUA (TBA).

B9 (model 65/55B9)

55-inch OLED55B9UPA (TBA)

65-inch OLED65BPUPA (TBA)

2019 LG 8K Ultra HD OLED TV model:

Z9 (model 88/88Z9)

88-inch OLED88Z9UPA (TBA)

2019 LG NanoCell Ultra HD LED-LCD TVs

LG’s NanoCell 4K Ultra HD LED-LCD TV range for 2019 comprises fourteen AI-enabled models, available in sizes varying from 49 to 86 inches. This year, LG is dropping the use of the term “Super UHD TVs” for products carrying its NanoCell technology. NanoCell is “color-enhancing” technology that delivers wide color gamut benefits. It’s intended to deliver somewhat similar to benefits to competitors’ quantum dot technologies.

SM9070 (model 86, 75/SM9070)

(pictured at top)

Key features: NanoCell IPS Full-Array Dimming Pro LED, 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR via HDMI, ThinQ AI w/Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa (via firmware update), Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Decoding

86-inch 86SM9070PUA ($4,296.99 UPP, avail. June 17)

75-inch 75SM9070PUA ($2,896.99 UPP, avail. April 16)

SM9500 (model 65/SM9500)

Key features: a7 Gen 2 processor; 4K UHD 3840 x 2160; NanoCell IPS Full-Array Dimming Pro LED; HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision HDR Support; 120 Hz Refresh Rate for Smooth Motion; TruMotion 240 Digital Motion Enhancement; Built-In Wi-Fi & Ethernet Connectivity; Full Web Browser; Controllable via the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa (with firmware update); 4 x HDMI / 3 x USB; Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Decoding.

65-inch 65SM9500PUA ($2,696.99 UPP)

SM9000 (models 65, 55/SM9000)

Key features: a7 Gen 2 processor, 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 NanoCell IPS Full-Array Dimming LED; HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision HDR Support; 120 Hz Refresh Rate for Smooth Motion; TruMotion 240 Digital Motion Enhancement; Built-In Wi-Fi & Ethernet Connectivity; Access LG Content Store for Apps; Full Web Browser; Controllable via the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa (with firmware update); 4 x HDMI / 3 x USB; Dolby Atmos & DTS-HD Decoding

65-inch 65SM9000PUA ($1,996.99 UPP)

55-inch 55SM9000PUA ($1,396.99 UPP)

SM8600 (models 65, 55/SM8600)

Key features: a7 Gen 2 processor, 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 NanoCell IPS LED; HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision HDR Support; 120 Hz Refresh Rate for Smooth Motion; TruMotion 240 Digital Motion Enhancement; Built-In Wi-Fi and Ethernet Connectivity; Full Web Browser; Controllable via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa (with firmware update); 4 x HDMI / 3 x USB; Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Decoding.

49-inch 49SM8600PUA ($796.99 UPP)

55-inch 55SM8600PUA ($996.99 UPP)

65-inch 65SM8600PUA ($1,496.99 UPP)

By Greg Tarr

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