LG to launch first HDR OLED flat-screen TV

LG EF9500 TV

LG is to launch an HDR TV flat-screen TV in the US, UK, Germany and Korea at the end of this month.

The EF9500 range comprises two 4K models that the Korean manufacturer is rolling out as part of its new OLED range of devices. LG is making 65-inch and 55-inch variants available.

LG says that the EF9500 is “the world’s first HDR-capable OLED TV”

The HDR capabilities of the TVs cover video from external devices as well as streamed sources via HDR-compatible HDMI ports.

LG also plans to download a firmware update to its existing EG9600 curved-screen OLED model later this year that will enable them to play HDR video, but without the capability to connect external HDR sources.

LG’s range of OLED TVs includes access to its webOS smart TV platform. The 2015 range features an enhanced user interface and reduced boot time and allows user to personalize their ‘launch bar’ menus, according to LG. Streaming partners on the platform include Amazon Prime Instant Video, Netflix and YouTube.

According to LG, the devices are now available at “more mainstream price points”. The 65-inche EF9500 will be retailed in the US at US$6.999, while the 55-inch model will be available at US$5.499.

LG is also introducing the EG9700 curved OLED 4K TV.

“OLED TV is not just a new TV – it’s an entirely new category of television that delivers what experts and consumers alike are hailing as the best picture ever,” said William Cho, President and CEO, LG Electronics USA.

“The introduction of LG’s new flat OLED 4K TVs offers consumers more choices of OLED TVs at more competitive pricing and makes the definitive statement that OLED is here to stay.”