[an error occurred while processing this directive] Best OLED TV 2018/2019; Editors Choice 4K OLED
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Best OLED TV 2018/2019; Editors Choice 4K OLED

by Jack Burden and Robert Wiley

The contest is more complex for 2018/2019 as Sony has entered the picture as a second manufacturer of OLED TVs last year. LG was previously the only manufacturer last year and the OLED panels in Sony's OLED TVs are purchased from LG. However, Sony has consistently been the best manufacturer in processing engines the last few years so match up a fantastic perfect contrast OLED panel with awesome video execution and you know it's going to be a geat product. As we have mentioned in many articles on the site such as OLED TV vs. 4K LED

OLED is the easy winner in video quality so if you can afford the luxury of an OLED, do get one. I haven’t been so attracted to a picture quality since the best Pioneer and Panasonic Plasma TVs years ago. And these LG and Sony OLEDs are much better. (We have no affiliation with LG, just glad they are pursuing this excellent technology). All of the following models are our Best OLED TVs for the year.

Sony XBR-65A8F (also available in 55" and 77") - Best Quality

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sony xbr a8f

Through the gloss screen finish with excellent anti-reflective qualities the A8F produces an awesome OLED TV picture quality that is (still) unrivaled by 4K LED TVs at the moment. Though the OLED panel is manufactured by LG, Sony's processing chip sets and design are all Sony, and therefore make the A8F a bit different from their competitor.

The contrast is exceptional, as is black uniformity and color reproduction. The only area that the A8F does not exceed a high end 4K LED is in bright room performance due to its average brightness not being quite as high. Another impressive area and one that I was really looking forward to with the A8F is processing. The video engines to a great job of cleaning up picture noise. Side angle viewing is of course perfect as with all OLED TVs. HDR playback is superior to anything else on the market. The only drawback is the A8F does not get as bright as some screens.


LG 55B8P and 65B8P - Best Value

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lg b8p

The primary difference between the B8 series and the C8 series above it in the LG OLED lineup is the a7 processor in the B8 compared to the newer, upgraded A9 (a stands for alpha) intelligent processor in the C8. The latter improves depth, color, processing of various input signals – a needed upgrade in OLED TVs as we have made mention for years. Aside from that the two are similar with the new thinQ AI hub for all things smart TV (and smart home) as well as Google Assistant. The best OLEDs still top the best LED TVs in picture quality as well as price although the very best, top of the line 4K full local dimming LED models can come close to matching these new OLED TVs, especially in a bright room.

Given the better processor in the C8 below, i prefer that unit at a similar price point.

Advancements over last years B7 model are better processing which helps with clarity of images. Voice control is further enhanced to include Google Assistant. And more compatibility with various HDR specs like HDR10 and HLG. While Dolby Atmos sound is not new, it's still welcomed.


LG 55C8P and 65C8P - Best Value

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lg c8p

The C-series is still attractively priced and a great value.The main upgrade from the B-series is the new and excellent A9 processor which removes motion artifacts and smooths the picture. The B8P and C8P have the “blade-slim” design of 1.8” in depth.Also inclueded are the AIthinQ hub for all things smart TV (and smart home) as well as Google Assistant for remote voice search. When you view an C8 next to a 4K LED TV, the first thing you notice is the immense and infinite black levels of the OLED TV.


Sony XBR65AE1 (also available in 55" and 77") - Best Quality

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LG OLED55E6P and OLED65E6P

As expected the advantages to OLED TVs in general are pronounced on the AE1. The contrast is exceptional, as is black uniformity and color reproduction. The only area that the A1E does not exceed a high end 4K LED is in bright room performance due to its average brightness not being quite as high. Another impressive area and one that I was really looking forward to with the A1E is processing. The video engines to a great job of cleaning up picture noise. Side angle viewing is of course perfect as with all OLED TVs. HDR playback is superior to anything else on the market. The only drawback is the AE1 does not get as bright as some screens.


LG 55B7A and 65B7A - Best Value

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LG OLED55B6P and OLED65B6P

The price on this LG model has come down substantially and now one can be obtained for just $1599. The 65" model is discounted currently to $2299. Great deals and competitive finally with some of the best 4K LEDs from Samsung. Still near perfect black levels, side angle viewing and HDR playback for nearly all major HDR formats.

The B7P and C7P have the “blade-slim” design of 1.8” in depth. Advancements over last years C6 model are better brightness levels which helps cut down some on glare. And more compatibility with various HDR specs like Technicolor including a Technicolor picture mode. Dolby Atmos sound is also new.


LG 55C7P and 65C7P - Best Value

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LG 65EF9500

The C-series is still attractively priced and a great value. Just slightly more than the B-series. The B7P and C7P have the “blade-slim” design of 1.8” in depth. Advancements over last years C6 model are better brightness levels which helps cut down some on glare. And more compatibility with various HDR specs like Technicolor including a Technicolor picture mode. Dolby Atmos sound is also new. Web 3.5OS internet operating system is one of the best and most user friendly.


2013 Picks

Sony 4K UHD TV



The color and clarity are simply amazing on this 4K OLED TV from Sony. Blacks are deep and color reproduction is very realistic.

This TV won our Best TV of CES 2013. We used to think of 4K UHD and OLED TVs as mutually exclusive and even wrote a comparison at 4K vs. OLED TV, but all that changed at CES 2013 when several manufacturers proudly displayed 4K OLED TVs. Sony seems more ready to ship OLED than any manufacturer except LG. However, whether they will be able to ship the 4K OLED is another matter. Regardless, this TV displays the best of OLED and the best of 4K TV technologies. You get the rich inky black levels and beautiful colors of OLED and the super high resolution of 4K UHD. It's really no contest at this point. This 4K OLED technology is so incredible that I would rather have a 55 inch version of this, than a 70 inch 4K LED TV. It's that much better.

LG 55EM9600 (55EM9700) OLED TV 55 inch



LG's OLED is an amazing TV. Movement is extremely fluid. Notice the bright colors, inky blacks, detailed brights, and smooth edges.

LG is ready to ship this model and it's already out in other countries. The 3D on this TV is passive rather than active, but it looks fantastic with or without 3D content. It will also enjoy that cool new Magic Remote with a very advanced voice-interaction feature. The screen frame is so thin it's barely there! LG displayed it in a slightly inverted curved version as well, but my guess that model will not ship soon.

Samsung 55 Inch OLED TV



This dynamic image from one of Samsung's OLED TVs provides amazing depth, black levels, peak whites, and detail all at the same time

Though Samsung kept promising a ship date of late 2012 on their 55 inch OLED TV, that never happened. They hope to have this model out in middle 2013. It's certainly impressive looking, with beautiful rich pitch blacks, and colors that pop off the screen. It's almost bezel-less as well. Samsung showed it at the CES show with the multi-view 3D function whereby two people can view different 3D content on the same screen at the same time. When I tested the quality, it worked without a flaw. How does the audio work with that feature? Great question. Speakers on the active 3D glasses handles is the answer.

Sony 55 Inch OLED TV



Sony's 55 inch OLED shows off the picture depth OLEDs are capable of. Bright whites and deep blacks are seen on the petal and in the background on this image.

Though Sony seemed to focus more of their attention on the release of their W900A 4K UHD TV, they also had a stunning OLED TV, not just of the 4K variety. They are the only manufacturer that has actually shipped and sold their OLED TV (a 24” model) in 2009 and 2010. I think they are ready to try it again. Blacks and colors are awesome.

Panasonic 4K OLED TV



The Panasonic 4K OLED TV presents excellent black levels in conjunction with brilliant color. This is the reason for OLED TVs.

Not to be outdone by Sony, Panasonic also had a prototype 4K OLED TV that looked about as good. But there was only one prototype, while Sony had theirs displayed in many places with lots of diagrams about the way it worked.



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