LG Electronics formally announced Monday pricing and availability of its 2022 OLED TV lineup.
This year’s models range in screen size from 42-inches up to 97-inches (both new sizes this year), and include four 4K UHD OLED series — A2, B2, C2, G2 (Gallery Edition) and the Z2 8K OLED series.
This year’s lineup also includes two different “evo” series, offering different levels of elevated brightness — the C2 and G2 “Gallery Edition.”
LG classifies evo models as OLED TVs featuring a package of technologies including the panel, powerful video processing, and algorithms that combine to boost image clarity, color accuracy and brightness without adding any greater risk of image retention.
The C2 series models will be brighter than last year’s C1 models by virtue of an enhanced “Brightness Booster” package, which is said to increase overall peak HDR brightness 20% (compared to non-evo sets).
The G2 will have an even higher brightness level increased for about a 30% brighter picture (compared to non-evo sets) using a new “Brightness Booster Max” system that adds an embedded heat sync to help dissipate extra heat.
We were given a quick hands-on demonstration, controlled by LG engineers and marketing executives, of both new evo series and we found the HDR brightness boosting to be immediately obvious both in test patterns and real-world images that were pre-selected for us by the company.
What we were presented was impressive both from the brightness perspective and from an image processing perspective, compared both to last year’s equivalent LG models and a competitive 2021 Sony A90J 4K OLED sample model, side by side against the G2.
New LG OLED evo models seemed to outperform the 2021 Sony sample in handling of color banding and edge sharpness. But, again, this was from demo content selected by LG’s team. We’ll need a more thorough test to make any definitive judgments.
LG said the 2022 OLED models offer 100% color fidelity with an average Delta E 2000 color error score of under 2, where anything under 3 is considered imperceptible to the eye. All OLED models this year are also said to achieve 100% color volume measured against DCI-P3. This means more lifelike color shading with high brightness for natural-appearing images, like the best LED-LCD TVs are capable of producing.
In our demos, the 2022 LG models offered a nicely warm and natural appearing D65 color temperature, which stood out against a cooler appearing Sony OLED model. (Sony later told us their sets are adjusted for a Judd-modified white point that most closely matches the look of their professional color-grading monitors commonly used by studios and filmmakers in grading productions).
Most of the 2022 OLED series this year include LG’s latest α (Alpha) 9 Gen 5 intelligent processor, which in the evo models is a key element to the brightness boosting benefits.
The new processor employs a deep-learning algorithm to enhance the upscaling performance of the latest OLEDs, intended to give images a more three-dimensional quality.
As a self-emitting panel technology, LG 2022 OLED TVs will deliver precise pixel-level control capable of pure black, accurate color, including 100% color volume across the range, and what LG said is “an infinite contrast ratio.”
WebOS 22 Smart TV
All of the 2022 OLED models will include LG’s latest webOS 22 smart TV software platform. The system has been improved to offer new levels of personalization through customizable user profiles that allow up to six members of the household to tailor the system to present favorite channels and program search experiences to each individual user’s preferences.
WebOS 22 also provides new features including NFC Magic Tap (in G2, C2 and Z2 models) that allows a simple way to mirror the screen from a supporting Android mobile device by merely tapping the device with the TV’s Magic Remote.
A new Room-To-Room Share function allows sharing content from a cable or satellite TV service by mirroring the program on a remote room TV via Wi-Fi, thus eliminating the need to add an additional set-top box and associated leasing fee. The Share feature will come via a later-arriving firmware update and is designed to support content from set-top boxes and terrestrial broadcasts only. Supporting main TVs that send the content signals include only the Z2, G2 and C2 series models. Supporting receiving TVs include any of LG’s 2022 models.
An Always Ready feature turns an LG TV into a media display when not in use.
The LG’s webOS 22 platform will also carry updated LG Channels services with more than 350 channels of mostly free ad-supported live content, including the LG-exclusive NCAA Channel that will offer up to 50 NCAA Fall, Winter and Spring championships, both live and on-demand.
The platform also provides a Sports Alerts feature that allows sports fans to select their favorite college and professional teams to easily keep track of scores and news of all of the most popular sports.
The 2022 TVs continue to support built-in voice control and smart home features using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, LG ThinQ AI and Apple AirPlay 2.
HDR
All of LG’s OLED TVs will continue to support high dynamic range (HDR) content created in the HDR10, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), and Dolby Vision profiles including the latest Dolby Vision IQ with Precision Detail implementation. The latter is a new technology that can reveal additional detail in both bright and dark areas of a Dolby Vision image. The Dolby Vision IQ technology is designed to automatically optimize the picture to the ambient room conditions for a better picture presentation for the environment.
Gaming and Inputs
LG continues to offer one of the most comprehensive packages of HDMI 2.1 features across all ports. This means advanced gaming capabilities including up to 48Gbps high frame rate for 4K/120 fps gaming and video (when available), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and generic variable refresh rate (VRR) as well as FreeSync Premium and G-Sync VRR profiles for specific PC video cards and consoles.
LG includes its Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer systems, which among other things, allow gamers to make certain picture settings on the fly to improve competitiveness. Also included is a new Dark Room Mode, which adjusts screen brightness for a better gaming experience with the lights off. Also new for 2022 is a sports mode added to the display presets for various game genres. This joins the previously available options of first-person shooter, role-playing, and real-time strategy.
LG said its OLED TVs offer a 0.1 millisecond response time (GtG), low input lag and up to four HDMI 2.1 ports. Cloud gaming is also available on LG OLEDs via built-in support for Google Stadia and GeForce NOW.
Audio
LG’s 2022 OLED models offer advanced on-board surround sound supporting Dolby Atmos spatial audio through the internal speaker system or passed-through an included HDMI ARC/eARC connection to a supporting soundbar or multi-channel home theater system. LG’s sets do not support DTS surround sound formats.
Other 2022 OLED TV Features
All LG OLED TVs will again support the Filmmaker Mode picture mode that upon user activation automatically places the television into optimized picture settings most desired by content creators. This includes shutting off motion processing and adjusting certain color, contrast and brightness settings to help preserve as closely as possible the look of the theatrical experience.
The AI picture processing system can also be set to adjust picture brightness and contrast to automatically balance the image for the ambient room lighting for an optimal result.
For more a more exacting optimization for the room conditions, LG 2022 OLED TV will continue to support Calman Ready (Auto Cal) calibration that makes a pro-level picture settings calibration quicker and easier. The 2022 models are expected to be supported in a Calman calibration software update coming “a couple of months” after the TVs ship, LG told us.
LG will continue to offer built-in over-the-air broadcast tuners for the traditional ATSC 1.0 standard, as well as the new ATSC 3.0 “NextGen TV” standard, but only in the G2 and Z2 series models for the latter.
LG OLED evo
Most of the G2 and C2 series “evo” models are expected to hit peak brightness levels of up to about 1,000 nits and 900 nits, respectively. Note that although 42- and 48-inch C2 models are part of the “OLED evo” banner, they are not expected to achieve the same peak brightness levels of the larger screen sizes.
LG said many models from both 2022 evo series will be available to pre-order on LG.com soon and will be in authorized dealer stores in April.
G2 evo Gallery Series.
The G2 series includes five models in the 97-, 83-, 77-, 65- and 55-inch screen sizes. All are capable of high brightness via the Brightness Booster Max system. The ultra-thin panel models feature a refined Gallery Design through which the screen can be mounted nearly flush to the wall for a sophisticated look and better spatial integration in the viewing environment. As in the past, the Gallery Design enables the screen to look like a framed portrait when not used to watch video programs.
G2 Series models and suggested retail prices are as follows:
G2 evo Series
97-inch (availability and pricing to be announced later)
83-inch (available in April at a $6,499 suggested retail)
77-inch (available in March at a $3,999 suggested retail)
65-inch (available in March at a $2,999 suggested retail)
55-inch (available in April at a $2,199 suggested retail)
LG’s C2 series offers six models including a new 42-inch screen that is ideal for gamers who inclined to place the panel up close for a lean-forward gaming experience. The model range includes the 42-, 48-, 55-, 65-, 77- and 83-inch screen sizes, and all feature thinner bezels and a new slender design.
Equipped in G2, C2 and Z2 (8K) series models, the α9 Gen 5 also boasts the new Dynamic Tone-mapping Pro Algorithm, which individually processes over 5,000 areas on the screen, enhancing each to produce a more vivid and detailed image, in both brighter and darker parts of the picture.
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LG C2 series models offer a table-top stand. An optional floor stand also will be offered for the 42- and 48-inch C2 models.
LG’s latest processor also boosts audio quality via the AI Sound Pro feature, enabling the TVs’ built-in speakers to produce virtual 7.1.2 surround.
C2 Series models and suggested retail prices are as follows:
83-inch (available in April at a $5,499 suggested retail)
77-inch (available in March at a $3,499 suggested retail)
65-inch (available in March at a $2,499 suggested retail)
55-inch (available in March at a $1,799 suggested retail)
48-inch (available in March at a $1,499 suggested retail)
42-inch (available in March at a $1,399 suggested retail)
Z2 8K OLED TVs
LG is also refreshing its 8K OLED offerings with two models in 2022.
Both models support many of the top-line features of the G2 and C2 series except the “evo” brightness boosting package.
The 8K screen sizes continue to be 88- and 77-inches.
Z2 Series models and suggested retail prices are as follows:
88-inch (available in April at a $24,499 suggested retail)
77-inch (available in April at a $12,499 suggested retail)
A2 and B2 Value Series
For more affordable options, LG offers its B2 and A3 OLED TV series.
The B2 series features three screen sizes (77-inch, 65-inch, 55-inch)
Models and suggested retail prices are as follows:
77-inch (available in March at a $3,299 suggested retail)
65-inch (available in March at a $1,999 suggested retail)
55-inch (available in March at a $1,499 suggested retail)
The A2 series has two screen size options of 65- and 55-inches, both uses the α7 Gen 5 processor with Dynamic Tone-mapping, AI Sound Pro and virtual 5.1.2 surround sound. They also continue to feature 60Hz native refresh rate OLED panels, which has a more limited amount of motion compensation control.
A2 series models and suggested retail prices are as follows:
65-inch TBA
55-inch TBA
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By Greg Tarr
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