As a reminder, as already mentioned in one of our previous news, even if all the models of the LG C3 TV series benefit from the Evo mention, therefore from an Oled EX panel signed LG Display, like the series LG C2 vintage 2022 the 42'' and 48'' models do not have it. LG Electronics indicates that the reduced pitch size of the 42'' and 48'' Oled panels does not allow you to take advantage of the extra brightness of an Evo panel (heating problem?). On the other hand, these screens do embed the other key elements of the Evo 2023 label, the new Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor and the associated algorithms.
LG C3 TV, Brightness Booster technology
Of course, as the name of this TV series suggests, we find the same Oled Evo panel of LG C2 televisions. As a reminder, the latter benefits from Brightness Booster technology and not Brightness Booster Max as on LG G3 TVs, this distinction in the name indicating the absence of a heat sink here. In the end, the LG C3 TVs display a light peak substantially identical to that of the LG C2s of last year, but an overall brighter image than the C2s, around 20% higher according to the brand's representatives interviewed at the CES in Las Vegas in early January.
The why and how of this improvement? The new Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor with an unprecedented Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro function capable of dividing the image into 20,000 distinct zones which each benefit from a specific setting, compared to 5,000 zones on the 2022 Oled TVs and 500 zones in 2021.
As in 2022 with the LG C2 Oled TV series, the LG C3 has six references, the LG OLED42C3 (42'', 107 cm), LG OLED48C3 (48'', 122 cm), LG OLED55C3 (55' ', 140cm), LG OLED65C3 (65'', 165cm), LG OLED77C3 (77'', 196cm) and LG OLED83C3 (83'', 211cm).
Among the other advantages of the Oled EX panel, a new algorithm for controlling the displayed image. After studying the user's viewing habits, the latter optimizes the settings of each pixel on the screen (up to 33 million for 8K Ultra HD TVs) via extremely fine control of the electrical energy sent to each organic diode. The latter offers, according to LG Display, more details displayed in the dark and bright areas of the image for a richness of textures in progress, welcome specifications to improve the display of HDR signals, a weak point of Oled technology. }
Last precision, the Oled EX process also allows an ever greater thinness of the frame of the Oled panels, by around 30% (i.e. a thickness of 4 mm for a 65 '' diagonal against 6 mm) for a design even more sophisticated. To be noted in 2023, an even more successful use of carbon material than in 2022 for an ever lower total weight of the TV.
Zoom on the evolutions of Oled LG 2023 TVs
The main evolution of the LG C3s therefore lies in the integration of the new Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor in charge of video processing, which still has four major and distinct steps to purge video noise. As in 2022 with the Alpha 9 Gen 5, these are carried out in one go and not one after the other. Which, in the end, results in an increase in image quality, the risk of error between two steps being reduced.
The increased resources of the latter reinforce the performance of the AI Super Upscaling, AI Noise Reduction, AI Super Resolution, AI Brightness Control, AI Genre Selection and, of course, AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro processes which are always present. These last two are present, respectively, to ensure a display of the image and a sound environment optimized and adapted to the nature of the content. With, in 2023, an audio system capable of offering a Dolby Atmos 9.1.2 virtual sound stage (against 7.1.2 in 2022).
In terms of new features for LG OLED C3 televisions, we should point out the new WebOS 23 interface and Matter certification (click on the link to find out all about this unprecedented ergonomics) which gives pride of place to content and profile management. With it, the Launch Bar disappears in favor of a proposal close to that of Google TV or Android TV.
As for flagship services, GeForce Now, Shadow, Blacknut and Utomik Cloud are still present. Ditto for the Game Optimizer vintage 2023 mode (see photo above) which brings together all the TV settings involved with a video game signal and allows the user to configure them individually as desired.
To return to the algorithms of LG 2023 TVs already present in 2022 models, Alpha 9 Gen 6 identifies faces, bodies, objects and text displayed on the screen even more precisely to optimize settings . 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.).
The LG C3 TV also features the Always Ready mode. TV on standby, simply press a button on the remote control to vocally ask the TV for the weather, the time, the broadcast of a playlist or even the display of a photo or activate an artistic slide show. Similarly, as for the LG C2 TVs, the LG C3 still have a Statistics function allowing you to know more about the use of the screen (see photo C2 below).
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 color 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 BFI (Black Frame Insertion) mode remains identical to that of last year
• LG Oled TVs are capable of carrying an audio signal Dolby Atmos (with virtual 9.1.2 conversion) 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
• ThinQ AI Smart TV function
• 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs (48 Gb/s)
• ALLM and VRR compatibility (from 40 Hz to 120 Hz)
• a 4K Ultra HD HFR signal (120 frames per second) via the HDMI connectors
• Direct integration of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants
• VP9 and AV1 compatibility via HDMI or USB
• Label HGiG (HDR Gaming interest Group)
• G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility
• Bluetooth Surround function (to use LG Bluetooth speakers as a surround speaker in a multi-channel setup)
• Filmmaker mode
• Voice control (Hi LG or Alexa) thanks to the microphones integrated into the TV (without the need for the remote control)
• Absolutely splendid design: on the wall, on a stand with the Gallery Stand or the Floor Stand (see photos more bottom), 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, upcoming matches…)
LG C3: HDR10, HDR Dolby Vision, HDR HLG, Dolby Vision IQ and Wow Orchestra
There is also a native 100 Hz/120 Hz flat 10-bit Oled Ultra HD panel, almost complete coverage of the DCI-P3 color space (99%) and a thin 2.2 sound bar delivering a total power of 40 W (2 x 10 W + 20 W for the subwoofer). Not to mention HEVC 2 160p/50 and 2 160p/60 compatibility, codec used for HD VOD and Ultra HD Blu-Ray.
In 2023, as mentioned in our LG news from our CES Las Vegas 2023 report, LG C3 televisions will benefit from the new Wow Orchestra feature (see our CES 23 news > LG 2023 soundbar, new Wow feature Orchestra competing with the Q-Symphony Samsung). Similarly, we note the return of DTS with the DTS for TV label (see our DTS:X for TV news on LG Oled/LCD 2023, what is it?).
The 4K Cinema HDR function is associated with HDR10, HDR Dolby Vision and HDR HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) compatibility. Also present, the Dolby Vision IQ process to take advantage of a Dolby Vision HDR image that is always perfectly set regardless of the surrounding light conditions, plus the HDR called HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro already mentioned. And the result is convincing with more details in very bright and dark areas.
LG C3, Smart TV ThinQ AI
The LG OLED C3 displays of course offer the LG ThinQ AI 2023 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 6, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit are on the menu again.
Otherwise, 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.
Don't forget either that the Magic Remote includes a microphone for ergonomics, via voice command, which is always excellent. For its part, the WebOS 23 operating system displays a new interface for ergonomics, according to LG, in clear progress.
LG C3, and the rest?
For the rest, the LG C3 TVs have a simple DVB-T2, DVB-S2 and DVB-C tuner, an Auto Level function (to avoid sudden changes in sound volume when changing sources), Fransat and Canal Ready certifications, HBBTV compatibility, the DVR function for recording favorite programs via one of the three 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 any details on the Input Lag of the 2023 Oled TVs, it should at least be at the level of that of the 2022 TVs, i.e. around 10 ms (6 ms in 4K/120 ) with HDR Game mode.
LG C3, HDMI 2.1/HDCP 2.3
The connection of LG C3 screens brings together at the back of the TV (see photo above) four HDCP 2.3 certified HDMI CEC 2.1 inputs, one of which has the eARC function. There is also an optical output, plus three USB Host ports (including one 3.0) Fat32 and NTFS compatible, 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 precision, LG C3 Oled TVs have a specific cradle screwed to the back of the screen allowing the sound bar to be discreetly accommodated, whether the TV is placed on a flat support or fixed on the wall.
Availability announced for early April except for the 42'' model scheduled for May. Regarding the indicative prices of the LG Oled TV range currently available on the internet, be aware that these are incorrect. We know that of the LG 55OLEDC3, set at €2,099, which is quite far from the prices published at the time of writing these lines, from €2,399 to €2,499. The prices of the other models therefore remain, at the time of this writing, unknown.
Indicative prices still unknown.
Reminder of the key characteristics of LG C3 TVs:
• 10-bit panel
• 100 Hz panel
• Ultra HD/4K panel
• Oled EVO panel
• Oled Evo Brightness Booster panel (except on the 42''/48'')• Processor: Alpha 9 Gen 6
• Wide Color Gamut function
• UPnP multimedia gateway function (DLNA )
• eARC function
• VRR function
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) function
• Upscaller HDR function
• Time Shifting function
• LG Sound Sync Wireless
• BFI (Black Frame Insertion) function
• 4K HFR 120 function
• AI Sound Pro function
• AI Picture Pro function
• Advanced function Color Enhancer
• Oled Motion Pro function
• Auto Volume Level function
• Wow Orchestra function
• HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro function
• Game Optimizer function
• AI Super Resolution function• AI Noise Reduction function
• AI Brightness Control function
• AI Genre Selection function
• DTS for TV function
• HDR10 and HDR HLG compatibility
• NTFS compatibility (via USB)
• Miracast compatibility
• HDR Dolby Vision compatibility
• HDCP 2.3 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
• AV1 compatibility
• VP9 compatibility
• G-Sync compatibility
• HDCP 2.3 compatibility
• Filmmaker Mode certification
• Outputs: 1 optical output, 1 3.5 mm mini-jack
• Inputs: 4 HDCP 2.3 compatible HDMI 2.1, CEC, eARC, 3 Fat32, exFat and NTFS compatible USB 2.0 ports, 1 CI+ port, 1 Ethernet port
• AirPlay 2 multimedia
• HomeKit multimedia
• Amazon Alexa multimedia
• Google multimedia Assistant
• LG ThinQ AI Multimedia
• WebOS 23 Multimedia
• Input Lag: 10 ms (6 ms at 4K/120)
• Bright peak: approx. 800 nits
• DVB-T2 tuner
• DVB-C tuner
• DVB-S2 tuner
• Section sound: 2.2
• Power: 40 W (2 x 10 W + 20 W for the subwoofer)
• Other: virtual Dolby Atmos 9.2.2
• Energy label: G (SDR & HDR )