February 2018
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new X1 Ultimate processor seem far more obvious. Sony demonstrated the uprated processor on a 4K HDR OLED, with spectacular results. Thanks to intelligent object-based image processing, the X1 Ultimate chip delivers finer detail and greater contrast than the existing A1 Extreme. There’s no news of retail products with this high-power processor, although it’s not difficult to imagine that premium screens using it will be revealed at IFA 2018, if not before.
Samsung’s TV manoeuvring was subject to close scrutiny at the show. After a bruising year, losing high-end ground to OLED, it took the wraps off MicroLED. This new modular display technology has digital signage DNA, and made its public bow as The Wall. Presented at 146in, The Wall was built from MicroLED modules, each measuring 238mm. From a normal viewing distance, it was impossible to see the joins. MicroLED is an emissive display, capable of pure blacks and a peak brightness of 2,000nits. However, its key advantage over OLED is that MicroLED can scale much larger. One would imagine that it’s potentially cheaper to produce, although prices have yet to be set. Samsung also announced that it is moving from edge-lighting to a full-array backlight for its 2018 QLED flagship TVs, which should signify a big step up in image quality. The range-topper will be compatible with HDR10+ and offer a high brightness of 2000 nits.
And yes, Samsung’s own smart assistant Bixby, is going to be bundled on
QLED 4K sets, as well as its Family Hub 3.0 refrigerator. No doubt they’ll get along famously.
Samsung also unveiled an 8K display, committing to a commercial launch later this year.
The lack of any significant native 8K content now – or in the foreseeable
future – is not seen as a reason to hold fire. The 85in Q9S 8K TV will use smart AI algorithms to upscale everything from 4K to bleary-old SD. With “thousands” of back-lit dimming zones, black level performance is greatly improved over previous mega-screens, says US senior vice-president Dave Das. The 8K TV will debut in Korea and the US mid-2018, with a European launch to follow.
Hi-fi was well and truly on the out this year, with the Venetian Tower venue
largely devoid of exhibitors. However, soundbars were clearly back in vogue. Sony impressed with the HT-ZF9, a 3.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar that uses a new
Vertical Surround Engine to create an immersive sound field, without recourse to upward-firing drivers. Users will also be able to add a pair of SA-Z9R rear speakers to the system, if they fancy a full surround configuration. The HT-ZF9, which is also compatible with DTS:X, supports 4K HDR and Dolby Vision pass-through, as well as high-resolution audio formats. Connections include three HDMIs, plus Bluetooth and USB. Wi-fi-enabled, it has Chromecast built-in and can be operated with Google Assistant. It’ll retail for £600 when it launches in the spring. The most intriguing CES soundbar reveal came from Sennheiser. The company presented an acoustic prototype of its first Ambeo audio consumer speaker. The enclosure featured 13 drivers (six 101mm woofers, five tweeters and two upward-firing ‘height’ cones), but doesn’t come with a wireless subwoofer or additional rears, yet it delivered arguably the most profound immersive soundbar experience at the show. Sennheiser has been refining Ambeo 3D for a number of years, but it’s
restricted the technology to commercial projects. This soundbar will change all that. Demonstrated in a small, square listening room, the Ambeo prototype uses sonic reflections to construct its soundstage, and requires microphone- aided calibration to set up. But it delivered a stunningly effective surround experience. There’s no need for a subwoofer, as it reaches down to 30Hz. Compatible with Dolby Atmos and MPEG-H (another immersive sound format), it genuinely seemed to place objects above and beyond the listening position. There’s no news on a launch date, or even final cosmetic design, but the buzz surrounding this will be loud when it finally comes to market. Finally, acquisition-hungry Hisense also announced Alexa voice control support across its various UHD LED LCD ranges, however the highlight of its CES booth was the latest addition to its Laser TV line – an ultra-short-throw 4K laser projector. Running demos of Planet Earth 2, the 150in picture impressed with its authentic black levels and rich, vibrant colours. It’s due to launch in the US late 2018.
Sony also unwrapped an ultra-short-throw 4K laser projector. At $30,000, however, it’s probably fair to say the LSPX-A1 is targeting a different type of consumer. Part of its LifeSpace UX range of lifestyle products, the LSPX-A1 looks like designer furniture, and sports innovatory glass tube speaker driver design, as part of its integrated sound system. The custom install crowd are going to love it.
Left: Sennheiser’s prototype Ambeo soundbar
Bottom left: The Wall – Samsung’s MicroLED TV
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