There are plenty of attractive OLED TVs these days, and few look better than those featured by LG. The South Korean TV maker has put an immense amount of thought into its premium OLED range, nothing more than with the LG E series OLED, even if it was discontinued this year.
The 2019 LG E9 OLED was a master class in panel design, offering a glass display that banished the bezel and almost seemed to be floating from the counter, offering a truly stunning visual experience. More than anything else, it looked different than any other television that launched that year.
However, the E9 did not make the cut for 2020 with the new Gallery Series GX model that replaces the E Series line in place. While presumably it made business sense for LG to cut the E Series, it doesn't seem to have received nearly as much media attention as the cheaper (and equivalent) C9 OLED, or the more affordable B9 OLED at the bottom of LG's 2019 OLED Range. However, it is a loss.
We were disappointed not to see an EX model unveiled at CES 2020 alongside the other new LG TVs on display, and we were simply told that the E Series was no longer being sought.
Neil Robinson, senior director of strategic projects at LG Electronics, tells us that "the E and G series were upgrade models, so the GX can be seen as the replacement for the E9."
The E and G series were staggered models, so the GX can be seen as the replacement for the E9.
Neil Robinson (LG Electronics)
Given how close the LG GX and LG WX are in terms of design, both slim, wall-mounted TVs, with only one soundbar to differentiate the latter, the removal of an E-Series is a change from the range. even if the GX will make sure to find an audience of its own.
It's a shame, given the truly unique aesthetics of the E Series compared to other LG TVs. The new BX and CX models look essentially the same to each other, too, like most TVs these days. How much can you iterate on a flat screen, after all?
Why we loved the E Series OLED?
Certainly, there are many subtle differences between the physical appearances of televisions, whether it's where the TV brand logo is located, what type of feet or stands hold it on a counter, or the thickness and quality of the case's casing. screen. That's not to mention the differences in image quality, which is really the heart of any television experience.
But that's why the E Series felt so refreshing: offering a unique form factor in the midst of an endless catalog of identikit rectangles. Most of LG's OLED range shares the same panel and processor, anyway, making design differences feel even more important.
In our review of last year's LG E9 OLED, we praised the set's "glass frameless panel" for its "open and expansive air," as well as "a stunning image, with sharp details and truly cinematic visuals." In addition to minor irritations, a lack of HDR10 +, and an erratic Bluetooth connection, the E9 was and is a knockout TV to watch.
In addition to minor irritations, a lack of HDR10 +, and an erratic Bluetooth connection, the E9 was and is a knockout TV to watch.
Past year? We call the E8 OLED "arguably the ultimate expression of these OLED advancements, thanks to its glamorous design, cleverly integrated sound system, and best of all, fascinatingly good images."
Other LG TVs have equally intriguing design options, including the TV stand for the OLED C9, which is tilted to channel audio to the viewer, but it's frustrating to see successful examples of this not being pursued, limited to just one or two. generations of models.
So where did Series E go?
Our senior home entertainment editor Nick Pino speculates that "the reason for not doing one this year is not based on any pre-existing issues [with the E Series design]Instead, LG decided it couldn't innovate enough to warrant a new model. "
LG may have been cornered in a corner with the glass panel design. The television market demands iteration, and the unique design constraints of a glass screen may have meant that there is less room to alter or improve its shape in the future compared to other designs (the GX really feels like an iteration in W Series, rather than a standalone model).
OLED panels are also infamous because they are often damaged during production, given their sensitive and organic materials, and we can't imagine a glass screen that would offset breakage concerns, either.
The LG E9 OLED is still on sale for those who want something different, costing about half of what it did at its launch last year, and we recommend you take a look if it's not for sale on the new OLED Gallery Series GX, It offers the only noticeable divergence from existing LG models. Processing improvements are likely to be minimal compared to the 2020 range as well.
But for those of us who want something different from our TVs, it seems like we'll have to look elsewhere, whether it's the Samsung Q950TS QLED with zero bezel, the rotating Samsung Sero TV or the quirky Hisense hybrids for TV projectors, to do what.