The LG QNED99 TV series will have three references, the LG 65QNED99 (65 '', 165 cm), LG 75QNED99 (75 '', 191 cm) and LG 86QNED99 (86 '', 218 cm).
Main developments in LG QNED99 TVs
As a reminder, the LG QNED Mini LED TV series tops the brand's LCD range above the NanoCell models. These QNED99 screens contain most of the specifications of the QNED96, modulo three major differences. The first concerns the LCD panel, still Ultra HD 8K, with a native display frequency of 100 Hz (against 50 Hz) with True Motion 200 processing. The second concerns the audio equipment, a 4.2 system (against 2.2) delivering a total power of 60 watts. Finally, the third relates to the design of televisions with a double base against a central base.
Main specifications
For the rest, we find the Alpha 9 Gen 4 processor which comes with the Auto Genre Selection function which recognizes more precisely, and automatically, the nature of the content displayed on the screen and selects the optimum settings (film, sport, definition SD, HD…). Still in terms of developments, we note the Magic Tap function (as a reminder, this allows the content of an NFC smartphone to be shared on the TV screen by simply touching the remote control with it).
The Full LED Local Dimming backlighting is based on Mini blue LEDs and technology called Quantum Dot NanoCell Color. With the aim of richer and more accurate colors, this combines the use of Quantum Dots technology (i.e. the nano-crystals at the heart of QLED diffusers) and the exclusive NanoCell + process announced by LG as an evolution of NanoCell, without more details.
And if the brand remains unclear on the number of zones and diodes that equip QNED99 screens, their status as the most posh LCD TV models in the range is associated with a backlight made up of several thousand zones and dozens of thousands of diodes. At the virtual CES show in Las Vegas last January, for its 86 '' specimen, LG announced around 30,000 2,500 zones (see our CES 21 news> TV QNED Mini LED LG: Ultra HD 4K / 8K models up to 86 '').
Alpha 9 Gen 4 and HDMI 2.1
Already mentioned, the new Alpha 9 Gen 4 processor in charge of video processing has four major and distinct steps to remove video noise from the image. The power of this chip allows LG QNED99 TVs to take advantage of the AI Picture Pro 8K and AI Sound Pro processes: the first is based on a Deep Learning program (the image processing is adapted to the nature of the content for display optimized on the screen), ditto for the second modulo the audio content, with the aim of improving the sound immersion.
Wisa compatibility is also present for the connection of wireless speakers and the Home Dashboard function to visualize at a glance all the equipment plugged in and / connected to the screen. Likewise, the Alpha 9 Gen 4 identifies even more precisely the faces and the text displayed on the screen to optimize the settings. Result, a sharpness announced on the rise and a complexion never faulted. We also note the HGiG (HDR Gaming interest Group) certification.
LG WebOS 6.0 interface
In terms of new features for 2021, we should point out the new WebOS 6.0 interface (click on the link to find out all about this new ergonomics). With it, the Launch Bar disappears in favor of a proposal similar to that of Google TV or Android TV. In terms of flagship services, in addition to Google Stadia, GeForce Now and Blade Shadow are announced on LG TVs (see our CES 21> Stadia, GeForce Now and Blade Shadow news on LG 2021 TVs). And the new Game Optimizer mode brings together all the TV settings involved with a video game signal and allows the user to set them individually.
The new Magic Remote MR 21 remote control is also in order, with the NFC function like certain series already presented in our columns (Oled LG C1, LG G1, NANO86…). And to learn more about the Magic Explorer functionality, in addition to the Magic Tap already mentioned, you can click on the following link: Magic Remote 2021 + Magic Explorer.
HDR10, HDR Dolby Vision, HDR HLG and Dolby Vision IQ
There are also Advanced Color Enhanced and True Color Accuracy functions for unprecedented color accuracy. Still on the menu, the AI 4K Upscaling UHD algorithm capable of magnifying SD / HD sources in Ultra HD. Without forgetting the compatibility HEVC 2160p / 50 and 2160p / 60, codec used for VOD HD and Ultra HD Blu-Ray and the management of Dolby Atmos.
The 4K Cinema HDR function is associated with HDR10, HDR Dolby Vision and HDR HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) compatibilities. Also present, the Dolby Vision IQ process to enjoy a Dolby Vision HDR image always perfectly configured whatever the surrounding light conditions, plus the HDR called HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping. Finally, we notice the Ultra Luminance Pro function to further improve the dynamic range of the image. This is able to boost brightness by transferring unused light energy in dark areas of the image to bright areas.
Good point, the 4 Cinema Screen design is essential here (the four edges of the screen are extremely thin).
Active HDR and Upscaler HDR
On the video performance side, this screen integrates the Active HDR function capable of analyzing the signal frame by frame in order to integrate dynamic metadata for HDR modes which do not have it, such as HDR10 and HDR HLG. Note also an Upscaler HDR mode, or an SDR / HDR conversion process (Dynamic Range standard to High Dynamic Range) fully developed by LG engineers. Plus the Filmmaker Mode, a Cinema mode that hides its name.
HDR management is supported by the Billion Rich Color function to improve color rendering by avoiding, for example, solarization problems (marked color gradients in the form of a rainbow).
Smart TV ThinQ AI on the menu
We also find the new ThinQ AI 2021 platform with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa accessible directly on the remote control via a dedicated button. Of course, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit are on the menu. All this allows access to the internet and to specific services (LG App Store online store, chat on social networks, etc.), or even directly to the web, as on a computer.
Also present, compatibility HBBTV and the UPnP (DLNA) multimedia gateway function associated with Miracast, Wi-Fi ac and Bluetooth 5.0 APT-X compatibilities. The latter allows the pairing of headphones, a suitable speaker or the activation of the LG Sound Sync function to connect, for example, a wireless compatible sound bar to the TV. Or, via the Bluetooth Surround function, to assign LG Bluetooth speakers as surround speakers to recreate a multi-channel audio configuration. Not to mention the Magic Remote with integrated microphone for greatly improved ergonomics in voice control.
Also worth mentioning is the DVR function to record your favorite programs via one of the three USB Host ports on a suitable key or an external hard drive, and the Time Shifting function.
Zoom on the connection
The connection finally brings together four HDMI 2.1 inputs (40 Gb / s) associated with ALLM, 4K / 120 and eARC compatibilities, all HDCP 2.3 compatible, an optical output plus three USB Host ports compatible with Fat32 and NTFS , an RS-232C jack and an Ethernet port. MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital, WMA, VP9, HEVC, Xvid, VC-1, Mpeg, Mpeg 2, Mpeg 4 and Jpeg compatibilities are provided. Namely, G-Sync and Freesync compatibility are not on the schedule on these TVs.
Availability announced for late August. Indicative prices: € 3,999 for the LG 65QNED99, € 4,999 for the LG 75QNED99 and € 6,999 for the LG 86QNED99.
Reminder of the key features of LG QNED99 TVs:
• 10-bit panel
• 100 Hz panel
• LCD panel
• Ultra HD / 8K panel
• Processor: Alpha 9 Gen4
• Wide Color Gamut function
• Function UPnP (DLNA) multimedia gateway
• eARC function
• ALLM function (Auto Low Latency Mode)
• TruMotion 100 function
• WCG NanoCell Color function
• Billion function Rich Color
• Ultra Luminance Pro Function
• Upscaller HDR Function
• Time Shifting Function
• LG Sound Sync Wireless Function
• Quantum Dots Function
• AI Sound Pro Function
• AI Picture Pro Function
• NanoCell + Function
• Miracast Compatibility
• HDR Dolby Vision Compatibility
• Dolby Vision IQ Compatibility
• HDR10 and HDR HLG compatibility
• VP9 compatibility
• HDCP 2.3 compatibility
• HEVC compatibility
• H compatibility BBTV
• Fransat compatibility
• CEC compatibility
• Channel Ready compatibility
• Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility
• Wi-Fi ac compatibility
• Dolby Vision IQ compatibility
• Bluetooth Surround compatibility
• Filmmaker Mode certification
• Outputs: 1 optical
• Inputs: 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs, 3 Fat32 and NTFS compatible USB Host ports, 1 RS-232C and 1 Ethernet port
• Multimedia AirPlay 2
• Multimedia HomeKit
• Multimedia Works with Alexa
• Multimedia Works with Hey Google
• Multimedia LG ThinQ AI
• Multimedia WebOS 6.0• Mini LED Local Dimming backlighting system
• Mini LED technology: yes
• DVB-T2 tuner
• DVB-C tuner
• DVB-S2 tuner
• Sound section: 4.2
• Power: 60 W