CES 2021: LG Introduces Five New Series of OLED TVs, QNED miniLED TVs, and More!

(January 18, 2021) The longest-tenured manufacturer in the OLED retail space has announced five new series of OLED TVs for 2021. Its new high-end G1 series will come in 55", 65", and 77" sizes, while the C1 series offers those sizes plus 48" and 83" options. The step-down B1 should mirror the C1 series in terms of size offerings, minus some performance features. And if 8K is your flavor, the company's flagship Z1 77" and 88" TVs are replacing last year's ZX models.

G1 TVs will deliver major 4K OLED panel performance advancements thanks to LG Display's new evo panel. Evo directly addresses one of OLED's weaker performance elements (brightness), promising to be brighter and more efficient than other 4K panels sourced from LG Display.

New for 2021 is a line of budget-oriented OLEDs. LG says the A1 series will ship in four sizes (48", 55", 65", and 77"), and while you can expect deep, inky blacks, they come at a cost. Each A1 model utilizes a 60Hz panel (as opposed to 110Hz), a downgraded OLED Motion engine, and HDMI 2.0 connectivity.

LG is also introducing a new line of flagship 8K and 4K "QNED miniLED" LCD TVs. Much like the name suggests, these TVs source backlighting from tens of thousands of mini-LEDs. Additionally, they bring quantum dot and NanoCell technologies to the table. The result is improved color performance, high levels of contrast, and better brightness.

Finally, gamers will appreciate LG's move to bring Google's Stadia, a game streaming service, to their televisions. Due to launch during Q3 of 2021, models with webOS 5.0 and webOS 6.0 will gain access to Stadia using a Stadia controller. In other words, owners will unlock the ability to play games without the need for a physical console. Stadia games can be played for free with 1080p/60Hz performance or at 4K/60Hz for a $10 per month Pro pass.

LG has also announced that Nvidia GeForce Now will become available on selected Smart TVs during 2021. GeForce costs $5 per month and opens access to games previously purchased via participating storefronts.

 

[DonH57]

Any idea if the new OLED panels are less susceptible to burn-in than the older models?

 

[Todd Anderson]

The panel itself, no. LG has a trio of technologies that owners can activate to combat ghosting... pixel shifting, static image dimming, and - I believe - a reset mode.
You’d have to operate your OLED at the extremes to see burn-in. My B6 sees more sports (baseball and football) than any other programming. Its been in service for years... and I have seen the issue.

Check out the burn-in tests at RTINGs.com...

 

[DonH57]

Thank you. I've had mine (C7, I think) a few years and can see some spots, mainly where static logos are displayed in the lower corners so at least aren't terribly obvious, and some banding from news and sports crawlers at the bottom.

 

[CAAudiophile]

Hi Todd, I have the same issue as DonH57, on my 65" OLED several years old (3~4 years) where a logo burned it's spot of the screen .. is there any fix for that after the fact?

 

[Todd Anderson]

Huh... I have to say, I’m surprised! Do either of you see it while watching content (all of the time).

I think there’s an anti-burn in mode that will attempt to wipe static ghosting from the screen. But, I guess it all depends on how bad it is.

I do know that newer models have a mode that attempts to identify static images, and reduces brightness of those images.

 

[CAAudiophile]

I do see it when watch a movie or screen shot with light solid color ... unfortunately. Wifey watches a channel with a fix logo all day long this is why ...

 

[DonH57]

Like @CAAudiophile the visibility depends upon the content.

No fix after the fact AFAIK.

It does make me wonder if the brighter screen of the new models is going to be more susceptible to burn-in.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Owners are definitely going to need to make sure they are using the anti-burn in tech on those new models. You definitely bring up a good point.