During CES 2019, LG will be introducing its latest flagship TVs with ThinQ AI. Powered by LG's second-generation α (Alpha) 9 Gen 2 intelligent processor and deep learning algorithm, the company says its new models offer a higher level of AI picture and sound experience quality.
By using its new algorithm and AI, LG says its new TVs will offer enhanced picture and sound by analyzing source content as well as optimized content by recognizing ambient conditions.
The new TV line will feature Amazon Alexa as well as a built-in Google Assistant, allowing users to manage daily tasks, find answers, and control compatible smart home devices.
Users will also be able to use a Home Dashboard that makes it possible to control a wide variety of smart home devices directly from the TV.
New Processor = Refined HDR
According to LG, the α9 Gen 2 applied in its Z9, W9, E9 and C9 series OLED TVs heightens picture and sound quality with its deep learning algorithm, which recognizes content source quality and determines the best upgrade method for optimal visual output.
The new processor also finely adjusts the tone mapping curve in accordance with ambient conditions to offer optimized screen brightness, leveraging its ability to understand how the human eye perceives images in different lighting.
Related: LG’s Gen-2 CineBeam 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Adds ‘AI’ Voice Control
The processor uses the TV's ambient light sensor to measure light levels, automatically adjusting brightness to compensate as needed.
LG says the α9 Gen 2 AI can further refine HDR content by adjusting the brightness to transform even the darkest scenes into ones with incredible contrast, detail and depth of color, even in brighter rooms.
Additionally, by leveraging Dolby's latest imaging innovation, which intelligently adjusts Dolby Vision content, the TVs deliver HDR with varying ambient light.
Sound quality is augmented by an intelligent algorithm that can up-mix two-channel audio to deliver convincing virtual 5.1 surround sound with Dolby Atmos.
LG Expands Alexa's Capabilities
Amazon Alexa will be featured in a few new ways in LG's 2019 ThinQ AI TVs. For example, by pressing the Amazon Prime Video button on the Magic Remote, users can manage smart home devices, ask questions and access tens of thousands of skills and even set up their ideal Alexa Routine complete with wake-up call, traffic information and favorite TV channel switching all with their voice.
The TVs will also include a “conversational voice recognition” feature that allows Alexa to better understand questions via context. This allows the TVs to handle more complex questions without users having to make a series of repetitive commands to get the desired results. The service will be available on LG TVs with ThinQ AI in over 140 countries.
Also worth noting: LG's 2019 premium LCD TVs lineup (SM9X and SM8X series) will roll out under a new name, NanoCell TV.
Also Read: WiSA’s Big Comeback? LG Plans Big OLED Panels Meant for Wireless Atmos and DTS:X Channels
Through the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ports, all 2019 OLED TVs and select NanoCell TVs with ThinQ AI will support high frame rate (HFR). The result is “smoother and clearer motion at 120 frames per second,” according to LG, which makes for better rendering of fast-action content such as sports and action movies.
Support for enhanced audio return channel (eARC) enables integrators to utilize HDMI connectivity and provide customers with the highest quality audio formats available.
The new TVs are also compatible with variable refresh rate (VRR) as well as automatic low latency mode (ALLM) which helps deliver a clean image, without stutter or tearing.
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