LG has announced three high-end LCD TVs for 2018. SK9500 and SK9000 bring back full array local dimming to the LCD line-up. The TVs also feature 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos processing.

LG 2018 LCD TVs
In the past, LG has offered local dimming capabilities in its high-end LCD TVs but not for the last few years. Fans of HDR can now rejoice as LG is bringing back FALD, or full array local dimming, in 2018. 

- ”In 2017, LG made a significant achievement toward its highly ambitious vision for producing the ultimate LCD TV picture through its Nano Cell SUPER UHD TVs. By combining Nano Cell, FALD backlighting and the α (Alpha) 7 processor, LG’s 2018 SUPER UHD TV offers a host of technological advantages including deeper blacks, enhanced image rendering, improved shadow details and accurate color from wide viewing angles,” LG said.

Here is the flagship SK9500.



The FALD system in the SK9500 and SK9000 will be complemented by ’Nano Cell’ technology, which is a filter of nano dots used to filter out excess light in order to improve colors and contrast, as well as a new Alpha 7 video processor. The number of zones was not revealed but it appears that SK9500 uses a more advanced version.

- ”This year’s SUPER UHD TV with FALD allows for denser backlighting zones throughout the display, contrary to edge-lighting where backlights are positioned on the edges behind the TV panel. LG’s technology improves black levels and picture dimensions by independent control of LED light zones, improving shadow details and reducing light bleeding resulting in enhanced contrast and superb picture quality,” LG added.

The more affordable SK8000 model is based on standard edge LED but it still features Nano Cell technology like last year’s high-end LCDs.


HFR with limitations
The 2018 high-end LCDs will include an A7 video processor that can process HFR (High Frame Rate) content at up to 120 frames but second but not together with 4K and HDR. HFR + 4K + HDR requires the A9 processor that is available in the OLED TVs.

In addition, LG says that the new LCD TV ranges support four HDR formats; HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, and Advanced HDR. This ensures access to content from a variety of sources. The processor can also decode Dolby Atmos sound. However, the speakers are not Atmos capable so you need to output sound to an external sound system.

The flagship SK9500 and SK9000 will be available in 55 and 65 inch sizes, and the SK8000 in 55, 65, and 75 inch sizes.

Lastly, LG said that the 2018 LCDs will feature the webOS software platform with the same ”ThinQ” features as the new OLED TVs, meaning support for Google Assistant and smart home control via WiFi and bluetooth.

LG's 2018 TV line-up will be exhibited at CES 2018 in Las Vegas next week. We are chasing more details, including pricing and launch timings.