All the TV news from CES 2018

TVs are a big deal at CES. Manufacturers from all over the world descend on Vegas to show off their upcoming models while puffing out their chests with some ludicrously sized (and priced) sets.

The theme this year looks to be the continued adoption of OLED as the primary panel driver moving forward however a close second is the integration of digital assistants. This doesn’t apply just to TVs either, Google, Amazon and even Microsoft are seeing their assistants added into everything this year at CES.

LG has shown off a new 65” 4K rollable OLED TV. The next step from last year’s 18” panel shown at CES last year the new iteration has been built into a projector screen like box that unrolls the display for use. Another cool feature is the TV then being able to adjust it’s height to display different content with different ratios with zero letterboxing. Definitely a prototype, don’t expect this to be hitting your lounge anytime soon.

LG’s Signature series OLED look largely the same with an updated processor & panel

In addition to it’s show-stopper prototypes LG refreshed it’s lineup of OLEDs. The 2018 models will be powered by their new “Alpha 9” intelligent processor, which offers improved colour reproduction and the ability to display content at 120 frames per second. The new models will also include support for both HDR10 & DolbyVision as well as adding support for Dolby Atmos across the board.


Samsung is persisting with their own “QLED” technology instead of shifting towards OLED. Their new lineup for 2018 is largely a boring iteration with the only note of interest being their integration of their addled “Bixby” smart assistant.

They did, like many others, show off an 8K display that no one will buy or care about for years, as well as a “modular” TV called “The Wall”, which is made of multiple smaller displays to produce a larger 146” TV.

Sony’s new more traditional looking OLED TV

Sony is back again with more OLEDs after a successful first year in the market. The new AF8 series is a little more traditional in design than their initial offerings and will be available in 55” & 65” sizes. The new models also include Dolby Vision support in addition to HDR10, which Sony have said will also be added to high end 2017 models via a firmware update.

Sony’s X900 LED series is growing to new sizes now available in 85”, 75”, 65” & 49” versions. The new models will include Sony’s new “X-Motion Clarity” function for a more smooth and life like image. Both OLED & LED varieties will continue to run Android TV.

Hisense’s ULED and OLED look like chalk & cheese. Image: FlatpanelsHD.com

Hisense Australia has announced that they’re finally brining their OLED models to our shores, coinciding with the announcements of their updated lineup at CES.

There’s unfortunately no more info to really pass on at this stage but I’m sure we’ll see pricing and more detailed specs appear as the show continues.

TCL Series 5 Roku TV

TCL’s new Roku based 6 Series TVs have been upgraded from last year’s P-Series to include more local dimming zones as well as being rehoused in a more pleasing aesthetic. Sadly the budget conscious Roku series isn’t typically available in the Australian market in favour of their more mainstream AndroidTV powered offerings. Here’s hoping they make their way here in 2018.

Finally, Nvidia is getting into the TV market… kinda. Announced the day before CES Nvidia unveiled what they call “Big Format Gaming Displays” (BFGDs). Essentially a giant monitor with an Nvidia Shield built into them the BFGD label is similar to their MAX-Q laptop branding in that it’s a partnership between the GPU maker and OEM manufacturers like Acer, Asus & HP.

The displays are 65” 4K panels running up to 144Hz with G-Sync support with both DisplayPort and HDMI ports. They’re going to cost an arm and a leg, whenever they do come out, but essentially a dumb panel with no TV tuner built-in made for gaming they sound like my ultimate “TV”.