In 2017, leading home appliance manufacturers unveiled new TV models at CES 2017. As expected, the focus was not on groundbreaking technological advancements but rather on refining existing technologies and enhancing TV designs. Innovation was primarily seen in the higher-end market segment.
Let’s take a look at what the major companies offered to buyers in 2017.
LG 2017
LG continues to improve its OLED TV lineup with the introduction of the W7 OLED65W7 model, which is already available on LG’s US website. A distinctive feature of the W7 series is its unique design: the TV consists of a single OLED display paired with a separate system unit that houses the processor, speakers and ports. The screen and hardware unit are connected by a flexible cable that can be hidden in the wall. The TV is mounted on a vertical surface, and the system unit is mounted on a shelf. This installation has an unusual design and will appeal to sophisticated buyers.
LG has also released QLED TVs, which use quantum dot technology. This is the next step in the modernization of LED displays. QLED TVs are becoming increasingly affordable and sales projections for these models are optimistic. These TVs have been launched in the SJ series (e.g. SJ9500) and future 8-series models. In addition, LG TVs in 2017 received an updated version of WEB OS 3.5.
Samsung TV 2017
Samsung continues to improve its quantum dot technology with the introduction of QLED screens. The company announced that the use of new materials allowed to increase the brightness of the screen up to 2000 nits – almost twice as much as in previous models, although, most likely, this is a marketing brightness measured as dynamic brightness (maximum brightness settings on a white background). The new LifeStyle models are characterized by an unusual design.
Sony TV 2017
Sony, as expected, entered the OLED TV market by buying OLED panels from LG. The main emphasis in Sony’s offering was on design and innovative sound technologies. The new model features speakers located on the back of the TV that provide excellent sound with high-quality video. Sony also introduced the X930E TV, another premium model that focuses on improving picture and sound quality. Sony TVs have always been known for their high quality picture and sound.
Panasonic TVs 2017
Panasonic is losing market to save the situation, the company in previous years focused more on budget segment models, but in 2017 they shifted their focus to producing high-end TVs. In 2017, the company introduced a new OLED TV, marking its return to the premium segment.
Brands such as Philips, Sharp, Toshiba and Thomson, having sold their TV brands to Chinese conglomerates, are no longer focused on innovative technologies. New licensees without access to advanced technology offer new models mostly in the mid-price segment with limited technological advancements.
In 2017, the biggest focus of manufacturers will be on Smart technologies.