LG today announced its new OLED TVs for 2021 at the company’s virtual CES press conference. The lineup includes a 4K-resolution 83-inch TV—a new screen size option from the company—high-end “evo” models with a new panel designed to deliver higher brightness than prior OLEDs, and a new AI processor for improved performance. LG is also planning to attract more OLED buyers via a series of affordable entry-level models.
TCL today announced its 2021 TV lineup. The range includes the company’s first 8K UHD TVs for the North American market, its largest screen sizes ever for the continent at 85 inches, and third-generation contrast-enhancing mini-LED backlighting that slims down the profiles of bigscreen TVs.
JBL is celebrating its 75th anniversary with the launch of the SA750 integrated amplifier and L100 Classic 75 loudspeaker, two retro modern products that reference hi-fi’s golden age—specifically, the 1970s part.
Like so many other things in this upside-down world, CES 2021 is a casualty of the pandemic. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) decided months ago to transition from the usual mega gathering in Las Vegas to an all-digital virtual experience. The show must go on — just not in person this time around. So instead of walking an expansive show floor and visiting company booths to check out new wares firsthand, the staff of Sound & Vision will be logging onto the official CES portal to seek out news and information relevant to our readers. (Sorry, the portal is available only to media and members of the trade who have registered for the show.) Though the virtual show officially goes live on Monday (January 11), A/V-related news is trickling in with high-tech TV leading the way.
Sony today dropped news of its new 2021 Bravia XR TV lineup, with the announcements arriving days in advance of the company’s scheduled January 11 all-digital CES press conference. The new TVs comprise two series of 4K OLED models, along with 8K and 4K LCD sets.
Samsung plans a 2021 launch of TVs with contrast-enhancing Neo QLED backlighting technology and its first consumer-installable MicroLED displays, giving video enthusiasts more options to enjoy cinema-like bigscreen entertainment at home.
Ringing in the New Year has new meaning as we say good riddance to a year besieged by a deadly virus and transition to what we all hope will be a fresh start in 2021 — new beginnings without tragic loss, social isolation, and economic devastation. While you contemplate the better world that awaits us, here’s a peek at the latest news and products AV companies have to offer.
The Virtual CES 2021 TV news is starting to roll in. First up, LG, which has announced it will release a series of “QNED” Mini-LED TVs as its 2021 LCD TV lineup’s flagship offering. There will be 10 new 4K and 8K Mini-LED models in all, with screen sizes up to 86 inches.
Definitive Technology today announced the addition of a compact soundbar system to its lineup. The Studio 3D Mini features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing, 4K/Dolby Vision video pass-through, and HDMI eARC connectivity. It’s also the first Def Tech product to feature HEOS Built-in, letting users stream audio from multiple services as well as link the soundbar wirelessly to a HEOS-enabled multiroom setup.
Samsung has announced that a 110-inch version of its MicroLED TV will be available globally starting in Q1 2021. According to the company, the prefabricated sets combine surface mount technology with new production techniques borrowed from its semiconductor division that make MicroLED TVs easier to manufacture in a range of screen sizes. Samsung’s announcement indicates that it plans to offer similar displays with smaller screen sizes in the future.
New gear to brighten the New Year — and maybe Christmas if you hurry.
With Christmas only three weeks away, the 2020 Holiday Season is in full swing as A/V makers fill the pipeline with new gear and performance updates in hopes of bringing holiday cheer to a pandemic-weary public that’s embracing home entertainment like never before. Thank goodness for big-screen TVs, home theater setups, and the plentiful selection of music and TV/movie streaming services. From a $100 amp/DAC to a unique and nostalgic take on the classic hi-fi console, we review the latest A/V news.
France’s Focal, maker of speakers ranging from affordable home theater models to high-end exotica, has introduced an updated version of its Aria 936 floorstander, the Aria K2 936.
With Thanksgiving only two weeks away, the 2020 Holiday Season is well underway as pandemic-wary shoppers scramble to place online orders to ensure gifts are delivered before Christmas. Whether you plan to shop online, mask up and hit the stores, or opt for “contactless delivery” or curbside pickup, there are plenty of new A/V products to consider. From a newly ISF-certified projection screen to a hi-res music streamer that can be had for $129 to a unique speaker that finds a crazy new application for the tried-and-true acoustic diffuser, we take a look at some of the new gear A/V makers have introduced in recent weeks with high hopes of making your holiday list.
Winter is coming, and it looks like many of us will be spending even more time at home than usual during the approaching cold-weather months. If that prospect causes you to shiver, here’s happy news: Epson has expanded its 3LCD Home Cinema projector with four new 1080p models, all selling for less than $1,000. With prices like that, setting up a high-def home theater has become an eminently affordable prospect.
Canadian A/V electronics maker Anthem has announced a comprehensive refresh of its AVM processor, MRX receiver, and MCA amplifier lines. Estimated to ship in December, the new arrivals consist of a pair of preamp-processors, a trio of receivers, and power amps in 2-, 3-, and 5-channel configurations.