LG Announce 2023 OLED TV Range Including 42″ C3 Model

January 2, 2023March 27, 2023 Simon Baker

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LG has today announced it’s new 2023 OLED TV range, including new the new 42″ C3 model that follows on from last year’s C2. As the LG press release says, the new range comes “With best-in-class picture quality, powerful picture processing technologies and an enhanced webOS platform that includes even smarter features and services, the company’s latest OLED TVs offer an even better viewing experience.” At TFTCentral we are particularly interested in the 42″ model, suitable as a desktop monitor.

Higher peak brightness with ‘Brightness Booster Max’ – but only for G3 55″ models and above!

A key development being promoted by LG in the 2023 OLED range is LG’s ‘Brightness Booster Max’ technology, a brand new light control architecture as well as light boosting algorithms to increase brightness by up to 70%. Thanks to the precise and powerful LG OLED evo technology and the new α9 Gen6 4K AI processor, the screens are expected to deliver peak brightness of ~1800 nits which is very impressive for an OLED screen.

The bad news is, this technology will only be available in the G3 series, and for screen sizes of 55″, 65″ and 75″. The C3 range (the most popular and relevant for desktop monitor use) and smaller models will not offer this sadly. That means that the 42″ C3 will offer similar peak brightness to the existing C2 model, somewhere around 700 nits. You can check our our review of the 2022 42C2 model here. It’s a shame that peak brightness isn’t being pushed higher on the 42” C3, perhaps through the addition of a custom heatsink. Being stuck at 700 nits is limiting nowadays.

Faster HDMI switching

The new LG OLED TV models support a wide range of HDMI 2.1a compatible features with 4 ports available on the C3 models again. They are also the first TVs to be certified by the HDMI organization for the recently announced Quick Media Switching VRR (QMS-VRR). QMS-VRR eliminates the momentary black screen when switching between content from different sources connected via the TV’s HDMI 2.1a compatible ports. This is only available when using HDMI 2.1 QMS VRR certified source devices keep in mind.

unfortunately it seems the new models will all be limited to HDMI connections only, not offering modern PC connections like DisplayPort or USB-C, both available already on competing 42” OLED monitors like the Asus PG42UQ and KTC G42P5. It’s a shame LG haven’t updated this for the 2023 models.

Gaming remains a focus

For the ultimate gaming experience, LG OLED TVs feature a 0.1ms response time, low input lag and up to four HDMI 2.1a compatible ports. LG OLED TVs are also equipped with Game Optimizer, which allows users to quickly select and switch between game-related features such as game genre display presets. Settings for Nvidia G-Sync, FreeSync Premium and variable refresh rate (VRR) are also easily accessible through the Game Optimizer.

the refresh rate of the new models is also limited to 120Hz, which is also a shame for the monitor-like 42” C3. We’ve already seen Asus and KTC push the 2022 120Hz OLED panels a bit to 138Hz, but not even that is being offered here on the C3. 120Hz is fine for TV usage and for modern consoles but we would have liked to see something higher for PC gaming. Where’s the 4K 240Hz OLED panel?!

Improved picture and sound quality

“The latest processor in the Alpha series uses LG’s advanced AI-powered deep learning technology to ensure excellent picture and sound quality. AI Picture Pro offers improved upscaling for greater clarity, and improved Dynamic Tone Mapping helps bring out depth and detail in every image. AI Picture Pro also includes image processing technology that recognizes and refines objects or faces to have more lifelike HDR quality. In addition, AI Sound Pro ensures that viewers can immerse themselves even more in what is happening on screen by delivering virtual 9.1.2 surround sound through the TV’s built-in speaker system.

Improved webOS and software

This year’s models are equipped with the latest webOS version and include the redesigned All New Home user interface , which offers a wealth of personalization options and more comfort – for an even better user experience. The new Quick Cards give users easy access to the content and services they use most – grouped into logical categories such as home office, gaming, music and sports. Based on their TV behavior and viewing habits, the more advanced webOS ensures that consumers easily receive personalized recommendations tailored to their preferences.

In addition, the AI Concierge provides each user with a curated list of content based on their past usage and search queries, and offers a selection of relevant content to browse through.

Availability and Pricing

The 2023 OLED TV line-up will be on display at CES from January 5-8, 2023. No word on pricing and release dates although they are likely to be launched in the spring. More info when we get it.

Source: LG Germany

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