LG TV 2013 line-up announced – 4K, new Magic Remote, WiDi and NFC
LG TV 2013 range comes with a wide range of refinements
LG has updated its TV line-up for the new year with a number of interesting new models and new features. Last year’s OLED TV made another appearance on-stage, and will actually be shipping globally in short order; but it was updated smart TV features and new 4K Ultra HD models that made up the most exciting announcements.
The press conference was a little light on model names/details
LG’s 4K line-up, much like Toshiba’s announced last night, has been expanded beyond the original 84in model (which we never saw in the UK) with 55in and 65in models. As usual, these TVs looked stunning, though it’s far too early to say who has the edge in this cutting edge, emerging area, and with prices still sky high, most consumers won’t care.
4K is lovely but still prohibitively expensive for the vast majority
More immediately, LG has updated it’s rather good Magic Remote with a couple of fancy new features. First is voice control, which is built into the remote rather than the TV – as with say Samsung’s models. This LG claims will make voice control more accurate, and prevent general conversation setting off the system. This will be built into both a new regular remote and the one used for Google TV models – though we’re not sure whether those latter models will make it to the UK.
The Google TV version of the new reomte was the only one on show
The new TV interface looks pretty smart, and includes Tivo-style programme suggestions based on your previous preferences as well as the ability to change channels by drawing numbers in the air using the Magic Remote.
Wi-Fi functions have been upgraded with Wi-Di and Miracast support for wireless display tethering to smartphones and tablets – letting you watch or play mobile content on your TV cable free. There’s also built-in NFC support on some models so setting up such a wireless connections should be hassle free.
No huge breakthroughs then, but plenty of nice refinements to LG’s 2013 range. And with the company remaining the main proponent of passive 3D, it’s good to see it keeping stride with its competitors. We’ll bring you more on LG’s range from the show floor here at CES tomorrow.