#nanocelltechnology

Digital technology has dramatically accelerated the development of various technologies in all areas, including the consumer electronics segment. Only in the last 10 years, companies have developed and implemented a huge number of various innovations, radically expanding the functionality of almost any household appliances. Modern robot vacuum cleaners, multi cookers, coffee machines, etc fully comply with this trend. Of course, the high-tech TV segment is no exception. HDR technology, including HDR10 +, HLG and Dolby Vision standards with support for 10 and 12-bit color depth, HDMI 2.1 standard with support for 48 Gbps, 4K and even 8K resolution, HFR (high frame rate) format, etc beautifully illustrate this trend. But the support of these technologies demanded a dramatic expansion of matrix capabilities. Therefore, most leaders pay a lot of attention to the development and improvement of matrix, which provide the image formation on the TV screen. As a result, fierce competition stimulates almost parallel development of several technologies. As a consequence, today the market offers a large number of models in each price segment with different matrices, but with approximately the same price / quality ratio. Of course, this situation is convenient for consumers, but often makes it difficult to choose. Therefore, even a simplified classification can partially solve this problem. As known, modern TVs use LED LCD, OLED and QLED technology to form an image on the screen. Of course, the development of efficient matrices and powerful modern video processors has allowed companies to dramatically increase the screen resolution, frame rate and color gamut, which directly affect the image quality.

LED LCD

Today this type is the most common. LCD (liquid crystal display) includes several layers of polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution between them, which regulates the passage of light. Almost all modern LCD matrix use LED (light-emitting diode) backlight. Thus, the LED LCD model includes a liquid crystal display with LED backlight. The light from the LEDs passes through the LCD panel, the surface of which is covered with integrated RGB pixels.

Many often call them LED screens. The pixel filters form a color image with a certain level of brightness. Imperfect black level is their main disadvantage.

As known, the contrast is equal to the ratio of the maximum levels of white and black, i.e. the brightness ratio at the brightest point of the screen to the darkest point. In turn, the contrast affects image detail and its range. Thus, low contrast depending on brightness provides high detail only for dark frame areas, but with blurred gradations of light fragments, or for light areas, but without gradations in the darkened area of the frame. Of course, this significantly reduces image quality. But companies are constantly improving technology, solving this problem. For example, FALD (Full Array Local Dimming) backlighting provides brightness control in the desired parts of the screen. This technology significantly improves the brightness and contrast of the image.

HDR technology solves this problem by transmitting dynamic metadata with information about the required brightness of each frame. Today it provides maximum image quality.

However, imperfect black initiated the development of OLED matrices that provide perfect black due to the lack of backlight.

OLED

This technology uses organic light-emitting diodes. In fact, each cell of the OLED matrix is a separate light source with individual brightness adjustment.

Of course, such a natural local backlight provides the most effective control of the black level and contrast. As known, LG released the first 4K OLED displays in 2014. Soon, Panasonic, Sony and Samsung also concentrated their efforts in this direction. Then, LG developed the WRGB technology with an additional white sub-pixel, which increased peak brightness and improved the playback of midtones and shades.

Features OLED technology: - very high contrast. For example, the 4K matrix contains about 820 million local dimming zones. Their provide an ideal contrast level due to a very deep black; - uniform illumination of the entire screen surface; - very wide viewing angles provide excellent color rendering and brightness level for any viewing angle; - a relatively short service life of the blue subpixel. The average service life is about 7000 hours or 2-3 years with an average intensity of work. Then, It begins to distort the color rendering due to degradation; - very high price. However, in 2018, LG for the first time offered 4K OLED B8 PLA at a relatively low price. Today, the cost of a 55-inch model is less than $ 1,500. In general, OLED provides significantly better quality than LCD.

QLED and Nano Cell

QLED uses LEDs on so-called quantum dots. Of course, technology is not related to quantum theory, and the name is due to marketing considerations. Today, Samsung uses the QLED term as a commercial name for its models. This technology uses an additional quantum dot-based nanofilter between the LCD display and the LED panel.

This film significantly improves brightness control, providing brighter and more saturated colors. In fact, the QLED display is improved version of LED LCD technology. In 2016, LG offered its own technology based on quantum dots, which was called the Nano Cell.

With some reservations, it can be considered an analogue of Samsung's QLED. The pixels of such matrices contain nanocrystals that glow and are painted in different colors as the electric current passes through them. According to the developers, it provides a more accurate color rendering even in comparison with the OLED technology, because each point forms its own color without mixing RGB colors.

Testing Samsung Q7F (QLED), LG B6 (OLED) and Samsung KS8000 (LED LCD)

Contrast Black level characterizes the minimum glow of the screen, the white level - the maximum. Contrast in this case corresponds to the ratio of black level to white level.

QLED uses a VA panel without local dimming. OLED provides absolutely black with infinite contrast. The Samsung KS8000 has one of the best contrast levels among similar LED LCD models. But this value can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, the type of panel (VA or IPS) and the presence of local dimming. Of course, OLED wins this test. Color volume This value characterizes the accuracy of shades reproduction, which depends on the color gamut and brightness in three-dimensional space. As known, the color gamut characterizes the maximum number of color shades that the matrix can reproduce. Peak brightness characterizes the highest possible screen brightness level. Accordingly, the color gamut and brightness directly affect the color volume.

The built-in multi-HDR and brighter color rendering levels provide a 4% advantage for QLED compared to OLED. In addition, Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE) confirms 100% color accuracy for this model. In turn, OLED slightly surpasses even one of the best LED LCD. Thus, QLED outperforms the competition.

Conclusion

TV is one of the mandatory attributes of any modern apartment. The market responds adequately to high demand, constantly offering more advanced models. Therefore, today the choice of the optimal model is quite complex and depends on various criteria, which are constantly adjusted depending on the development of technologies. But even a simplified classification can help in TV choice taking into account the optimal set of innovative technologies and its price.

Main trends

CES exhibition of consumer electronics most effectively reflects the trends in this segment. Since 1967, it has been held annually in Las Vegas and demonstrates the flagship models of the main market leaders. CES exhibition 2017 revealed the following trends. Refusal of 3D technology. Samsung was the first to declare a refusal to use this technology in their models. Philips, Sony and LG also abandoned 3D technology in their flagship TVs. This is due to the lack of 4K 3D standards. Leading content providers also refused to create 3D channels. Thus, fans of this format are forced to use 3D glasses that is uncomfortable for many. The quality of screens that do not require 3D glasses is still low. Therefore, today, 3D playback is still concentrated in cinemas. Refusal of curved screens These models were first proposed by LG in 2013. Samsung curved models appeared later. Today it's the only company that continues to use them. Philips, Sony and LG have also completely abandoned this technology in their new models, since most consumers in America and Europe are not interested in buying them. Experts suggest that Samsung will also completely abandon curved screens. Improvement of picture and sound quality. Today, the efforts of companies are mainly focused on improving these innovative technologies. Ultra-thin design without frames A bright and contrasting image on such a panel creates the illusion of an image that freely floats in space. But, of course, this effect requires applying the latest technology. Brands. Today, Sony, LG, Samsung, Philips and TCL are most often positioned as leaders in this segment. The main innovations belongs to Sony, LG and Samsung. But the TVs of each company have key features.

Sony

The famous Japanese company occupies a leading position in the ratings of the best manufacturers for many decades. Full range of LED TVs in all price segments are the basis of their assortment. Premium BRAVIA A1 series with innovative OLED-displays is the main development of 2017. Stylish design, very high build quality and clear realistic image with excellent color rendering are major advantages of Sony TVs. Today the company produces its models in factories in Slovakia and Malaysia. Pros: - a wide range of diagonals from 32 to 100 inches; - use of different matrixes (OLED, IPS, VA) with a refresh rate of 60 or 120 Hz and Full HD or 4K (UHD) resolution; - highly effective proprietary image quality improvement technologies (Triluminos Display, Motionflow XR, 4K X-Reality PRO); - HDR support even in Full HD models; - the concept of frameless design (thin frames, hidden laying the wires, etc.). Cons: - high price; - Smart TV is focused on paid services.

LG

Leadership of this brand in terms of image quality is manifested in the premium segment, where the company offers a wide range of innovative OLED TVs. This line includes LG Signature, Ultra HD Premium series and even an inexpensive Full HD (1080p) model. The huge popularity of LG is also due to concept of Korean companies that is based on the production of high-quality, but quite inexpensive models based on LCD matrixes with LED backlighting of the budget and average levels, and innovative Super Ultra HD TVs with Nano Cell technology. A large number of free apps for Smart TV is an added advantage. Pros: - one of the most convenient Smart TV platforms on WebOS 3.5 with the ability to update (new models equipped with a Magic Remote console); - a wide range of panels with resolution from HD-Ready to 4K (Ultra HD); - using Active * HDR technology with support for HDR 10, HLG and Dolby Vision; - TVs with LG IPS matrixes provide bright colors and ideal viewing angles; - all LG OLED panels support Dolby Atmos since 2017. Cons: - limited memory is sometimes insufficient for WebOS, especially when playing high-definition video from the browser; - the headphone jack is absent in many models.

Samsung

Today Samsung is the most popular brand in terms of sales. Its huge model range with diagonals from 24 to 88 inches provides the optimal choice for any budget and apartment size. 4K QLED TVs with displays on quantum dots are its flagship ruler. The company has chosen this direction as the main one. But today it's still LCD TVs with LED backlighting without an ultra-thin flexible screen. Traditional Full HD and 4K LED models with VA matrices of 60 or 120 Hz are the basis of the Samsung model range. Pros: - wide range of Flat and Curved models; - highly effective firm technologies for improving the original image; - low value of the video signal delay is ideal for video games; - fast, convenient and easy to use OS Tizen for Smart TV; - One Remote with voice commands. Cons: - high price for some models; - the dependence of quality on the place of assembly.

Philips

Today, the dynamic background Ambilight backlight is the main advantage of Philips TVs and is often the main reason for preferring this brand. Unfortunately, the software for Smart TV is the main disadvantage of these TVs. Low-power hardware, slow software platform with weak support and rare updates are its main drawbacks. Today, this brand belongs to the Hong Kong (Chinese) TP Vision company. Pros: - Ambilight backlight automatically adjusts the color palette depending on the content. Unfortunately, the technology is available not in all models; - excellent price/functionality ratio; - very thin design; - good color rendering, high definition and contrast of the image; - remote control with radio transmitter. Cons: - settings menu is complex; - Slow Smart TV.

TCL