LG EA9800 Curved-screen OLED Television Preview

LG Electronics took CES to introduce and demo its OLED TV-prowess. OLED is the technology that will eventually take over LED—though it may take another 5 years or more. At the show they demoed a brand new TV that has a curved screen. The EA9800 features proprietary WRGB technology and the incredibly thin display features a dramatic curved design and a vivid picture quality that, according to LG, is practically indiscernible from colors found in nature.

The new EA9800 model features the industry's very first curved screen ergonomic design with full CINEMA 3D support. With a gentle inward flex. Like a high-end movie theater, the entire screen surface is equidistant from the viewer's eyes, removing the problem of screen-edge visual distortion and detail loss.

The Technology

LG's OLED TVs produce vivid and realistic color, thanks to WRGB (white, red, green, blue) technology. This unique Four-Color Pixel system features a white sub-pixel, which works in conjunction with the conventional RGB setup to create the perfect color output. The built-in Color Refiner delivers even greater tonal enhancement, resulting in images that we'd have to admit were more vibrant and natural than anything we'd seen before. The 55-inch OLED TV also offers an "infinite" contrast ratio, which maintains optimal contrast levels regardless of ambient brightness or viewing angle. To complement the enhanced contrast ratio and enable deeper color and black levels, the High Dynamic Range (HDR) algorithm has been incorporated which ensures contrast ratio consistency and maximum color separation.

As OLEDs generate their own light, there is no need for a separate backlight, enabling LG OLED TVs to boast a significantly reduced weight and depth, and a stylish, minimal appearance. The EA9800's streamlined, ultra-modern design and curved screen are starting to indicate the direction future TV designs will likely take. Additionally, on the EA9800, LG utilized Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) to reduce weight and add additional (and necessary) strength to the beautifully curved screen. In fact, LG's "Paper Slim" design effectively unifies the screen and stand into a seamless aesthetic entity. The narrow screen bezel is practically invisible to the naked eye.

For installation versatility, the EA9800 ships with an easy-to-mount wall bracket that allows a single person to complete the entire installation. The TV is also designed to sit within an inch of the wall. Additionally, LG's Smart Touch Control uses a sliding touch key that's located below the TV and which provides the user with an intuitive and elegant way to control the OLED TVs basic functions. It can be used to change channels and volume, and power the TV on or off. 

Availability and pricing were, unfortunately, not announced. If we had to guess, we'd estimate that the model number is just a little bit lower than the price in US dollars.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.