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Sony and LGE Improve Performance of OLED TVs
April 05, 2020
Sony’s flagship OLED TVs still utilize the same X1 Ultimate processor. One new feature, however, is the Ambient Optimization, which Sony defines as “a new technology that optimizes picture and sound quality in any customer environment.” Depending on the amount of ambient light, this tech enables TVs to automatically adjust the picture quality, which should cut down on any glare and bring more life to dim images. Sony’s new OLED TVs also feature Android TV with the Google Assistant, Google Play Store and Chromecast built in, offering users quick and easy access to diverse content, services and devices. Moreover, the expanded voice-control functions enable users to enjoy live TV, apps and connected devices hands-free.
The LG BX OLED is the new model for 2020, taking over from last year's LG B9. The two models are overlap for a good while though – in fact, the 2018 model is still available to buy in some territories. The BM models won't be rolling out for a few weeks yet.
Connecting headphones or smartphone to the TV via Bluetooth, is facilitated in the BX by the latest 5.0 standard, as the B9 did, rather than the B8's older and less reliable 4.2 connectivity. Both are 4K TVs with HDR panels, and support the dynamic Dolby Vision HDR format, as well as Dolby Atmos surround sound (although not HDR10+) and both ship with LG’s sleek magic remote and streamlined webOS smart TV platform. With LG’s ThinQ AI integrated, too, it’s a very smart system, with built-in Alexa / Google Assistant support and the ability to connect to Google Home and Amazon Echo devices. Apple AirPlay 2 support – which came as an update to 2018 and 2019 LG TVs last year – will also be on the BX from launch. The LG B9 OLED review had the same weaknesses as the older B8, in terms of occasional video noise and processing that can't compete with higher-end sets. That's unlikely to change much with the BX, although expect a nominal improvement in terms of the extent of these visual imperfections.
Sony and LGE Improve Performance of OLED TVs
April 05, 2020
Sony’s flagship OLED TVs still utilize the same X1 Ultimate processor. One new feature, however, is the Ambient Optimization, which Sony defines as “a new technology that optimizes picture and sound quality in any customer environment.” Depending on the amount of ambient light, this tech enables TVs to automatically adjust the picture quality, which should cut down on any glare and bring more life to dim images. Sony’s new OLED TVs also feature Android TV with the Google Assistant, Google Play Store and Chromecast built in, offering users quick and easy access to diverse content, services and devices. Moreover, the expanded voice-control functions enable users to enjoy live TV, apps and connected devices hands-free.
- Sony’s A8H 4K OLED (available in 55, 65 inches) is considered one of the leaders in the 2020 lineup. This year's OLED also gets Sony's X-Motion Clarity technology, which helps smooth out fast-moving action scenes.
- A 2nd model is Sony’s A9G 4K OLED – the first 48-inch OLED display. Sony will still be one of the first companies to have this particular model available for consumers.
The LG BX OLED is the new model for 2020, taking over from last year's LG B9. The two models are overlap for a good while though – in fact, the 2018 model is still available to buy in some territories. The BM models won't be rolling out for a few weeks yet.
- LG BX vs LG B9: Pricing -- The new LG BX model has yet to receive an official RRP. However, an informed guess is based on pricing for B Series OLEDs from previous years. The LG B9 went on sale at around $1,995 for the 55-inch model, and $3,055 / for the 65-inch model. By late 2019, the price dropped to $1,399 for the 55-inch OLED55B9, and $2,299 for the 65-inch OLED65B9. The LG B8 is still available for $1,200 in the US, from Amazon, so expect the LG B9 to fall to a similar price point by time next year. The B Series usually undercuts LG's C Series by a good $200 making them the lowest cost OLED TVs by LG each year.
- LG BX vs LG B9: processor and picture quality -- Like the LG B9 OLED before it, the LG BX OLED will use a lower-spec processor than its more premium siblings. So instead of the a9 Gen 3 processor found in the LG CX and GX OLED, you'll find the a7 Gen 3 processor. Last year, the B9 used an a7 Gen 2 processor instead of the C9's a9 Gen 2 chip. The LG B9 OLED had occasional video noise caused by the lower-spec processor, as well as middling upscaling performance. But the sacrifices were worthwhile for a more affordable OLED TV. Expect a slight uptick in picture quality from BX's picture processor, although the LG BX is unlikely to match the picture output last year's LG C9. The BX will include LG's new Face Enhancing processing technology, to better represent skin tones and help faces to stand out from backgrounds.
- LG BX vs LG B9: design and specs -- These sets are actually almost identical in terms of their specs. The BX and B9 both ship in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes, and the exact dimensions of each model size appear unchanged, excepting the odd 0.1 of an inch. The B9's 19.9kg weight (including the stand) is unchanged too. The BX also retains the 40W audio output of the B9, including the 20W subwoofer added to the B Series for the first time last year. Both sets feature 2.2 channel speakers, like those on the C9, though without the same TV stand solution as the latter, which is designed to funnel downward-firing audio towards the viewer.
Connecting headphones or smartphone to the TV via Bluetooth, is facilitated in the BX by the latest 5.0 standard, as the B9 did, rather than the B8's older and less reliable 4.2 connectivity. Both are 4K TVs with HDR panels, and support the dynamic Dolby Vision HDR format, as well as Dolby Atmos surround sound (although not HDR10+) and both ship with LG’s sleek magic remote and streamlined webOS smart TV platform. With LG’s ThinQ AI integrated, too, it’s a very smart system, with built-in Alexa / Google Assistant support and the ability to connect to Google Home and Amazon Echo devices. Apple AirPlay 2 support – which came as an update to 2018 and 2019 LG TVs last year – will also be on the BX from launch. The LG B9 OLED review had the same weaknesses as the older B8, in terms of occasional video noise and processing that can't compete with higher-end sets. That's unlikely to change much with the BX, although expect a nominal improvement in terms of the extent of these visual imperfections.
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