LG A2 TV, "classic" Oled panel
If the LG C2 and LG G2 televisions benefit from the Evo label, this is not the case for the LG A2 models like the LG B2 series. The latter are therefore equipped with a so-called "classic" Oled panel offering a light peak approximately 20% lower than that of an LG C2 screen and 30% lower than that of an LG G2.
Zoom on the evolutions of Oled LG 2022 TVs
For the rest, the main evolution of the LG A2s therefore lies in the integration of the new Alpha 7 Gen5 processor in charge of video processing which still has two major and distinct stages (compared to four on the Alpha 9 processor) to purge video noise. However, unlike the Oled TV series of previous years, instead of being produced one after the other, these are produced in one go. Which, in the end, translates into an increase in image quality, the risk of error between two steps being reduced. Thanks to the power of Alpha 7 Gen 5.
The increased resources of the latter reinforce the performance of the AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro processes that are still present: the first is based on a Deep Learning program (image processing is adapted to the nature of the content for a optimized display on the screen with, to report, a new Dynamic Tone Mapping algorithm which will subdivide the screen into more independent zones from each other for increased overall colorimetric fidelity). Ditto for the second, modulo the audio content with the possibility of a virtual 5.1.2 audio environment from a stereo signal in order to improve sound immersion.
In terms of new features for LG OLED A2 televisions, we should point out the new WebOS 22 interface (click on the link to find out all about this new ergonomics) which gives pride of place to content and now offers profile management. With it, the Launch Bar disappears in favor of a proposal close to that of Google TV or Android TV.
On the flagship services side, in addition to Google Stadia and GeForce Now already available, Blade Shadow is still expected on LG TVs (see our CES 21 news > Stadia, GeForce Now and Blade Shadow on LG 2021 TVs). And the Game Optimizer vintage 2022 mode (new Dark Room mode) collects all the TV settings involved with a video game signal and allows the user to individually set them as desired.
To return to the algorithms of the LG 2022 TVs already present in the 2021 models, the Alpha 7 Gen 5 identifies the faces and the text displayed on the screen ever more precisely to optimize the settings. But also, in 2022, the objects and bodies of individuals on screen. Result, a sharpness announced on the rise and a skin tone never faulted. Similarly, the Auto Genre Selection function recognizes more precisely and automatically the nature of the content displayed on the screen and selects the optimum settings (film, sport, SD definition, HD, etc.).
On the other hand, as with LG B2 TVs, the Always Ready mode available on the LG C2 and LG G2 models is not appropriate. As a reminder, the latter allows, TV in standby, to press a button on the remote control to vocally ask the TV for the weather, the time, the distribution of a playlist or even the display of a photo or activate a slideshow artistic.
Otherwise, many specifications hardly change from year to year. We list the main ones below:
• A Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro color conversion table (3DLUT) with nearly 36,000 colorimetric correction points for perfect accuracy, better image depth by managing the different focal planes via the Object Depth process Enhancer, and increased precision of image sharpness
• The anti-reflective filter inaugurated in 2018 is still in use. It avoids magenta chromatic shifts on dark scenes, or even when the TV is off, visible on LG Oled TVs until 2016
• LG Oled TVs are capable of carrying a Dolby Atmos audio signal (with conversion virtual 5.1.2) via the eARC function of the HDMI socket. This is to retrieve the Dolby Atmos soundtracks available from Netflix for example.
• Wisa compatibility to enjoy TV sound, up to 5.1, on appropriate speakers, i.e. wireless
• Smart TV ThinQ AI function
• ALLM compatibility• 3 HDMI 2.0
• Direct integration of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants
• VP9 and AV1 compatibility via HDMI or USB
• HGiG label (HDR Gaming interest Group)
• Bluetooth Surround function (to use LG Bluetooth speakers as a surround speaker in a multi-channel configuration)
• Filmmaker mode
• Control voice (Hi LG or Alexa) thanks to the microphones integrated into the TV (no need for the remote control)
• Absolutely splendid design: on the wall, on a stand with the Gallery Stand (see photos below), the result is magnificent
• Sport Alert function to be informed in real time, via superimposed notification of the displayed image of the news of his favorite team (score, matc hs to come…)
LG A2: HDR10, HDR Dolby Vision, HDR HLG and Dolby Vision IQ Precision Detail
We therefore find a native 50 Hz flat 10-bit Oled Ultra HD panel and the Perfect Color (99% of the DCI-P3 color space) and True Color Accuracy Pro functions for unprecedented color accuracy. Still on the menu, the AI 4K Upscaling UHD algorithm capable of magnifying SD/HD sources to Ultra HD and a slim 2.0 sound bar delivering a total power of 20 W (2 x 10 W). Not to mention HEVC 2 160p/50 and 2 160p/60 compatibility, codec used for HD VOD and Ultra HD Blu-Ray.
The 4K Cinema HDR function is associated with HDR10, HDR Dolby Vision and HDR HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) compatibility. Also present is the Dolby Vision IQ process, exclusive to LG TVs at the moment, to enjoy a Dolby Vision HDR image that is always perfectly set regardless of the surrounding light conditions. Namely, for the Dynamic Tone Mapping function, the image is divided into 500 distinct zones which each benefit from a specific setting.
In addition to this, we note the Ultra Luminance Pro function to further improve the dynamic range of the image. This is capable of boosting brightness by transferring unused light energy from dark areas of the image to bright areas.
LG A2, Smart TV ThinQ AI
LG OLEDA2 screens of course offer the LG ThinQ AI 2022 function. As already mentioned above, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are integrated. These voice assistants are both accessible directly on the remote control via a dedicated button but also through the TV, without the need for the zappette). In addition to exchanging vocally directly with your screen, as with a Google Home or Amazon Echo speaker, it is possible to control by voice through the TV other Google Assistant and Alexa certified devices shared on the local network. All of this provides access to the internet and specific services (LG App Store online store, chat on social networks, etc.), or directly to the web as on a computer. Of course, Miracast, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit are on the menu again.
Alternatively, ThinQ AI has its own AI module to drive the TV easily and quickly. But the Conversational mode available on Alexa and even more so on Google Assistant is not relevant here. ThinQ AI is perfect for giving the TV a command, such as "Volume up" or "Turn on Cinema mode", but it's Google Assistant that takes over during a more in-depth question, on an actor displayed on the screen. 'screen or more generally to search for information related or not to the broadcast content.
We must also not forget that the Magic Remote includes a microphone for ergonomics, via voice command, which is always excellent. WebOS 22 also allows you to enjoy 360° videos directly on the TV screen and to use the Magic Remote to move around in the image.
LG A2, and the rest?
For the rest, we find on LG A2 TVs a simple DVB-T2, DVB-S2 and DVB-C tuner, an Auto Level function (to avoid sudden changes in sound volume when changing sources), certifications Fransat and Canal Ready, HBBTV compatibility, the DVR function to record your favorite programs via one of the two USB Host 2.0 ports on a suitable key or an external HDD, all associated with the Time Shifting function. Of course, a virtual keyboard is available via the LG Remote iOS/Android/Windows Phone application to use suitable smartphones/tablets as remote controls.
Finally, if LG does not give details on the Input Lag of the 2022 Oled TVs, it should at least be at the level of that of the 2021 TVs, i.e. around 10 ms with the HDR Game mode.
LG A2,HDMI 2.0
The connection of LG A2 screens therefore brings together at the back of the TV (see photo above) three HDMI CEC 2.0 inputs, one of which has the eARC function. There are also, in addition to the two USB Host ports (including one 3.0) compatible Fat32 and NTFS already mentioned, an optical output, a CI+ port and an Ethernet port. In addition to VP9 and AV1, MP3, AAC, PCM, WMA, VC-1 and Jpeg compatibility is assured, with the MKV container. Finally, there is the LG Sound Sync Wireless function to automatically turn on/off, like the TV, a brand sound bar for example.
Last point, Oled LG A2 TVs can be combined with the TV Gallery Stand (pictured above), except for the 77-inch model.
Availability announced for April. Indicative prices: €999 for the LG OLED55A2, €1,499 for the LG OLED55B2, €1,999 for the LG OLED65A2. As a reminder, the LG OLED77A2 announced at the CES show in Las Vegas 2022 will not be distributed in France.
Reminder of the key characteristics of the LG OLED65A2:
• 50 Hz panel
• 10-bit panel
• Oled panel
• Ultra HD/4K panel
• Processor: Alpha 7 Gen 5
• Wide Color Gamut function
• UPnP (DLNA) multimedia gateway function
• eARC function
• ALLM function (Auto Low Latency Mode)
• Billion Rich Color function• Upscaler HDR function
• Time Shifting function
• LG Sound Sync Wireless function
• Ultra Luminance Pro function
• True Color Accuracy function Pro
• BFI (Black Frame Insertion) function
• AI Sound Pro function
• AI Picture Pro function
• Advanced Color Enhancer function
• Auto Volume Level function
• HDR10 and HDR HLG compatibility
• NTFS compatibility (via USB)
• Miracast compatibility
• HDR Dolby Vision compatibility
• HEVC compatibility
• NFC compatibility
• Dolby Atmos compatibility
• HBBTV compatibility
• Fransat compatibility
• Wi-Fi Direct compatibility
• CEC compatibility
• Wisa compatibility
• Canal Ready compatibility
• Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility
• Wi-Fi ac compatibility
• Dolby Vision IQ compatibility
• AV1
• VP9 compatibility
• Filmmaker Mode certification
• Outputs: 1 optical output, 1 3.5mm mini-jack
• Inputs: 3 HDMI 2.0 CEC and eARC, 2 Fat32, exFat and NTFS compatible USB 2.0 ports, 1 CI+ port, 1 Ethernet port
• AirPlay 2 multimedia
• HomeKit multimedia
• Amazon Alexa multimedia
• Google Assistant multimedia
• LG ThinQ AI multimedia
• WebOS 22 multimedia
• Input Lag: 10 ms
• Bright peak: approx. 700 nits
• DVB-T2 tuner
• DVB-C tuner
• DVB-S2 tuner
• Sound section: 2.0
• Power: 20 W (2 x 10 W)
• Energy label: F in SDR, G in HDR (except for 48'', G in SDR & HDR)