3rd June 2019

World's first 8K OLED TV goes on sale

LG Electronics (LG) announced today the start of sales of the world’s first 8K OLED TV (model 88Z9) with pre-orders for the 88-inch set beginning this week in South Korea. Availability in North America and Europe will follow during the third quarter of this year.

The 88Z9 is LG's largest OLED TV to date – employing an advanced panel with over 33 million self-emitting pixels to deliver the most lifelike colours in a wide viewing angle with infinite contrast ratio and true blacks. Images are exceptionally sharp on the 88-inch TV thanks to 8K Ultra HD resolution (7,680 x 4,320) equivalent to 16 times the number of pixels in full HD and four times that of UHD.

The 8K OLED panel is enhanced by a second generation α (Alpha) 9 Gen2 intelligent processor. This boosts picture and sound quality via deep learning technology and access to an extensive database of visual information, which allows the chip to optimise content by recognising source quality and implementing the best algorithm for stunningly real images. It also features effective 8K upscaling, improved noise reduction and self-adjustment to ambient lighting conditions to achieve the perfect level of screen brightness.

The LG 88Z9 increases viewer immersion with its impressive audio performance. Sound quality is boosted by an intelligent algorithm that can up-mix two-channel audio to deliver convincing virtual 5.1 surround sound, with support for Dolby Atmos. Deep learning significantly improves output by analysing source content to produce enhanced effects in movies, deeper bass in music and clearer voices in sporting events. Users can adjust the sound to suit viewing conditions or let the TV set the best sound levels based on the environment.

“Being the first to market with the world’s first and largest 8K OLED TV shows our commitment to leading the ultra-premium TV segment and delivering the ultimate viewing experience,” said Brian Kwon, president of the Mobile Communications and Home Entertainment companies at LG. “LG was a pioneer in bringing OLED to market and we will continue to introduce state-of-art TV technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in home entertainment.”

LG has revealed that the TV's recommended retail price is 50 million South Korean won, or about US$42,200 / £33,400, which is clearly beyond the price range of most consumers. However, given how rapidly the cost of display technology tends to fall, 8K OLED TVs of this size are something that could be mainstream in the not-too-distant future.

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