Comparison LG 55UR8100 55 " vs LG 55NANO76 2022 55 "

— Sony X1. The Sony X1 processor is used in Sony TVs from several series: XH and XG. Such TVs occupy several niches at once: the low-cost category and the middle class. The most affordable models display a 4K resolution picture without support for high dynamic range (HDR), more advanced models use 4K HDR. Basically, these are simple models that are designed only for watching videos. For dynamic games, TVs with such a processor are less suitable.

— Sony X1 Extreme. The Sony X1 Extreme processor is 40% more powerful than its predecessor, the Sony X1, and is designed to work with 4K HDR images. Working with HDR dynamic range makes it possible to display a realistic picture of increased quality on the screen. TVs with the Sony X1 Extreme processor are mid-range and high-end models. The image qualit is improved by supporting dynamic backlighting. An important feature of the Sony X1 Extreme is the use of two independent colour rendering databases (Dual database processing). Object-based HDR remaster technology analyzes the image displayed on the screen, matches colours with a database and adjusts them for viewing on a particular TV. Thanks to Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR, colour transitions become smoother and more natural, making the picture even more realistic.

— Sony X1 Ultimate. The Sony X1 Ultimate processor can handle both 4K (3840 x 2160) and...8K HDR (7680 x 4320) images, depending on the screen size. TVs with such a processor provide a picture with the deepest detail and the highest quality rendering of textures. TVs with the Sony X1 Ultimate processor are mostly advanced models from the middle and expensive segment. Such TVs provide the effect of complete immersion in the atmosphere of the video being watched. Sony X1 Ultimate supports X-Reality PRO technology with an exclusive database of colour reproduction samples. Even when displaying low-resolution images on a TV screen, the picture quality is automatically upscaled to 8K (4K) with HDR High Dynamic Range. There is support for X-tended Dynamic Range PRO technology, which distributes the backlight in accordance with the displayed scenes. Dynamic backlighting improves contrast and makes the picture as bright as possible, while blacks are more saturated than ever.

— Sony Cognitive XR. TVs with Sony XR processor are capable of displaying a picture in 4K resolution at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz. These are high-tech models operating under the control of advanced artificial intelligence. The Sony XR is one of the world's first "cognitive" processors. He processes the video and audio components of broadcasts to improve the quality of the image and sound, which creates a realistic picture of what is happening on the screen. The software algorithms of the processor process information about audio and video in a single stream. The manufacturer claims that the processor works akin to the human brain and goes beyond the capabilities of ordinary artificial intelligence algorithms.

— LG. The hierarchy of television image processors from LG includes several large Alpha families: α 5, α 7, α 8, α 9 and α 11. Each of them is described in more detail in the corresponding help paragraphs:

— LG α 5. Alpha 5 processors are used in the brand’s inexpensive TV panels and perform minimal image processing. They cover a basic range of tasks such as improving colour reproduction, upscaling video to 4K and creating surround virtual sound.

— LG α 7. Processors from the Alpha 7 line are found on board mid-range LG TVs with NanoCell and OLED matrices. Their advanced functionality includes automatic adjustment of image and sound parameters in accordance with the broadcast genre, as well as automatic adjustment of brightness and tones to suit the conditions of the surrounding space.

— LG α 8. The Alpha 8 family is the true “golden mean” from LG. The debut of α 8 took place in 2024, and such processors are installed in the brand’s TVs with NanoCell and OLED panels. They are equipped with improved noise reduction and sharpening algorithms, support for Dolby Vision and other premium HDR formats (in most models), and advanced artificial intelligence functions for increasing image and sound quality in real time.

— LG α 9. LG's flagship TVs are equipped with α 9 rank processors - in fact, they rely on deep machine learning algorithms to analyze the genre of broadcast video content and adapt image and sound parameters to it. Alpha 9 processors work with all applicable specifications of high dynamic range technology in LG TVs and have a professional sound identification system.

— LG α 11. Alpha 11 processors will be installed in top models of LG OLED TVs starting in 2024. They are capable of working with frame formats up to 8K, while providing improved image scaling algorithms. The emphasis in the line of processors is on the highest computing power and developed functionality of AI algorithms for the finest adaptation of picture and sound.

Note that with each subsequent edition, LG image processors increase functionality. Their generations are designated by the prefix Gen with the serial number of the generation.

— Samsung Crystal 4K. The Samsung Crystal 4K processor is used primarily in Samsung's Crystal UHD series TVs. This category of TVs has an affordable price. These are simple models, the screen of which produces a picture in Ultra 4K resolution. The performance of the Samsung Crystal 4K processor is enough to bring the colour quality to the level of HDR. Of the technologies used, we can note the Contrast Enhancer and Dynamic Crystal Color, thanks to which the contrast and brightness of the image are fine-tuned.

— Samsung Quantum 4K. The Samsung Quantum 4K processor is used in Samsung TVs with QLED backlighting. High performance makes it possible to scale the image of Full HD to the level of 4K, and in the high dynamic range of HDR. The Samsung Quantum 4K processor features unique Quantum HDR technology, which makes the image more detailed, richer and more expressive. The processor supports Dual LED dynamic backlight technology, with which the picture acquires extreme contrast and at the same time high brightness. Also, the TVs have a special game mode Real Game Enhancer+ with support for AMD FreeSync technology.

— Samsung Quantum 8K. The Samsung Quantum 8K processor has been used in Samsung QLED TVs since 2020. Models in this series are capable of reproducing 8K HDR images, and a picture of such high quality can be obtained even from a source with a resolution of 4K to Full HD. Usually, these are top-level models. TVs of this class can be used as part of a professional home theater. Deep detailing of the picture guarantees complete immersion in the video content. Artificial intelligence QLED TV is responsible for image processing.

— Samsung NQ4 AI. Intelligent processor that provides high quality images and sound using artificial intelligence technologies. Used in mid-range Samsung TVs with OLED and Neo QLED matrices, it provides work with frame formats up to 4K (including image scaling from lower resolutions in real time). The processor supports flexible Quantum Matrix backlight control, and thanks to the AI ​​Customization function, the TV can independently determine the genre of video content, adjusting the brightness and contrast settings to achieve the effect of complete immersion in what is happening on the screen.

— Samsung NQ8 AI. Top-level processor found in flagship 8K Samsung Neo QLED TVs. Relying on machine learning algorithms and a built-in NPU neural engine, the processor guarantees a great video viewing experience regardless of the input source. Samsung NQ8 AI supports real-time upscaling to 8K, ensures smooth and clear depiction of fast movements in the frame thanks to AI Motion Enhancer Pro, and Real Depth Enhancer Pro allows viewers to immerse themselves in the action on the screen. In parallel, the processor is tasked with processing multi-channel audio, optimizing images in games and for each scene, depending on the user’s preferences.

Note that Samsung NQ4 AI and NQ8 AI processors were released in several generations, designated by the Gen prefix with a serial version number. The newer the edition, the more advanced the processor is.

– Philips P5 Perfect Picture. The Philips P5 Perfect Picture Processor is used in Philips OLED TVs. The processing power of the processor is enough to reproduce the 4K image. In older models, an extended dynamic range of HDR colours is found. TVs with the Philips P5 Perfect Picture processor cover several cost categories at once, the low-cost segment and the average price range. A high-quality picture is displayed on the screen of such models, but, usually, it falls short of the reference Ultra 4K HDR, since this requires a more professional matrix. The P5 Perfect Picture processor is the first Philips CPU to use artificial intelligence. Philips P5 Perfect Picture supports technologies such as Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Perfect Natural Motion and Micro Dimming Pro.

– Philips P5 Pro Perfect Picture. The Philips P5 Pro Perfect Picture Processor is used in Philips TVs with enhanced OLED. Models with this processor are capable of displaying an image in Ultra 4K HDR resolution. Usually, it is found in advanced class TVs. Philips P5 Pro Perfect Picture processor TVs use a machine intelligence neural network interface. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice assistants are supported. The processor uses the following image and sound technologies: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+, Micro Dimming Perfect and Wide Color Gamut.

The type of matrix used in the TV. Among them, OLED, QLED, QD-OLED and NanoCell deserve the most attention, which are found in TVs of the relevant price category. Now more about each of them and other more classic options:

— OLED. TVs with screens that use organic light-emitting diodes — OLED. Such LEDs can be used both to illuminate a traditional LCD matrix, and as elements from which a screen is built. In the first case, the advantages of OLED over traditional LED are compactness, extremely low power consumption, backlight uniformity, as well as excellent brightness and contrast ratios. And in matrices, consisting entirely of OLED, these advantages are even more pronounced. The main disadvantages of OLED TVs are the high price (which, however, is constantly decreasing as the technology develops and improves), as well as the susceptibility of organic pixels to burn-in during long-term broadcast of static images or pictures with static elements (TV channel logo, information panel, etc.).

— QLED. TVs with screens using "quantum dot" technology — QLED. Such screens differ from conventional LED matrices in the design of the backlight: multilayer colour filters in such a backlight are replaced with a thin-film light-transmitting coating based on nanoparticles, and traditional white LEDs are replaced with blue...ones. This allows to achieve a significant increase in brightness and colour saturation at the same time as improving the quality of colour reproduction, besides, it reduces the thickness and reduces the power consumption of the screen. The disadvantage of QLED matrices is traditional — the high price.

— QD-OLED. A kind of hybrid version of matrices that combine “quantum dots” (Quantum Dot) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) in one bottle. The QD-OLED modification was introduced by Samsung at the end of 2021 in response to advanced OLED panels from LG. The technology takes the best from QLED and OLED: it is based on blue LEDs, self-luminous pixels (instead of external backlighting) and “quantum dots”, which play the role of colour filters, but at the same time practically do not attenuate the light (unlike traditional filters) . Thanks to the use of a number of advanced solutions, the creators managed to achieve very impressive characteristics, significantly superior to many other OLED matrices. Among them are high peak brightness from 1000 nits (cd/m²), excellent contrast and black depth, as well as colour coverage of over 90% according to the BT.2020 standard and more than 120% according to DCI-P3. Such matrices are found mainly in flagship TV panels.

— IPS. A type of matrix originally designed for high quality colour rendering. Indeed, IPS screens produce bright and rich colours, have a good colour gamut, and demonstrate wide viewing angles. The initial disadvantage of this technology was the low response time, but in modern modifications of IPS this point has been practically eliminated. Matrices of this type are very popular in the advanced budget and mid-price segment of TV panels.

— *VA. In this case, we mean one of the varieties of VA (Vertical Alignment) type matrices - MVA, PVA, Super PVA, etc. Specific varieties may vary slightly in properties, but they all have common features. In fact, *VA matrices are a more affordable alternative to IPS panels: they are relatively inexpensive, provide fairly good colour reproduction and viewing angles of up to 178°. The main disadvantage of such screens is the long response time, but in modern models this has been practically eliminated thanks to the constant improvement of technology. *VA matrices are used in TVs that are positioned as functional and at the same time affordable models.

— PLS. In fact, it is one of the varieties of the IPS matrices described above, developed by Samsung. According to the manufacturer, in such matrices it was possible to achieve higher brightness and contrast than in traditional IPS, as well as to slightly reduce the cost.

— NanoCell. Matrix based on quantum dots. This type of matrix is used in LG TVs and was first introduced in 2017. NanoCell matrices use the structure of classic LCD displays. But unlike the latter, they use so-called quantum dots instead of the classic general backlight, which provide monochromatic light. NanoCell technology reduces power consumption while increasing colour gamut and viewing angle. It is worth noting separately that NanoCell matrices are not the only ones using quantum dot technology. Similar solutions are offered by: Samsung (QLED matrix), Sony (Triluminos matrix), Hisense (ULED).

The TV's support of one or the other colour enhancement technology.

Such technologies usually involve image processing in software to provide brighter and/or more accurate colours. Specific processing methods may be different, some manufacturers do not specify technical details at all, limiting themselves to advertising statements. The effect of using such technologies can also vary: in some cases it is clearly visible, in others it is almost absent, depending on the features of the picture. It is also worth saying that this feature, usually, needs to be turned on manually in the TV menu (accordingly, it can be turned off if desired).

Types of digital tuners (receivers) provided for in the design of the TV.

Such tuners are necessary for receiving digital TV broadcasts; for normal operation, the broadcast standard must match the type of tuner (with some exceptions, see below). Note that the receivers are also available as separate devices; however, it is easier (and often cheaper) to buy a TV with a built-in tuner of the desired format. In modern TV you can find terrestrial tuners DVB-T2, cable DVB-C and satellite DVB-S and DVB-S2, here are their main features:

— DVB-T2 (terrestrial). The main modern standard for digital broadcasting. Such broadcasting has a number of advantages over traditional analogue broadcasting: it allows higher resolution and multi-channel audio transmission, with better sound and picture quality, and this quality is fully preserved until the signal weakens to a critical level. However, in some countries digital terrestrial broadcasting is just being put into operation, so it will not hurt to check the availability of DVB-T2 coverage in your area.

— DVB-C (cable). The main modern standard for digital broadcasting in cable networks. Despite the advent of the more advanced DVB-C2, it still continues to be widely used, and most likely this situation will not change for a long time.

— DVB-S (satellite...). The first generation of the digital DVB standard for satellite broadcasting. Nowadays, it is relatively rare due to the advent of a more advanced DVB-S2, which is also backwards compatible with the original DVB-S.

— DVB-S2 (satellite). The most advanced and popular of today's digital satellite broadcasting standards. Being the heir to DVB-S, has retained compatibility with it; therefore, manufacturers often limit themselves to installing only a DVB-S2 tuner on their TVs — it allows you to receive both major satellite broadcast formats.

Among the features of the TV, first of all, it is worth noting its communication features, which include AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi(in particular Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6), Miracast, Chromecast, Bluetooth. As a control, in addition to the classic remote control, there can be voice control, voice assistant. As well as special features in the form of Ambilight from Philips. More about them:

— Airplay. TV support for AirPlay technology, usually in the AirPlay 2 version. Initially, this technology was created to broadcast multimedia content from Apple gadgets (iPhone, iPad, etc.) to external devices, including TVs. At the same time, it allows not only to play such content, but also provides many additional features — broadcasting additional information (title of the sound track, album cover), playback control from the TV remote control, etc. In AirPlay 2, in turn, the "multi-room" format was added — the ability to simultaneously broadcast several signals to compatible devices installed in different places at home (for example, a movie on a TV and an online radio programme on sound system in the kitchen). In addition, in this version, support for voice contro...l via Siri has appeared and a number of technical issues have been improved (in particular, buffering of streamed content).

— Wi-Fi. The presence of a built-in Wi-Fi module in the TV; the supported version of this technology can also be specified in this section. Nowadays, Wi-Fi can be used both for wireless access to the Internet and local networks, as well as for direct connection with other devices (for example, broadcasting video from a smartphone/tablet). The specific application of the wireless connection may be different, depending on the functionality of the TV; in addition to Internet access, examples include DLNA, receiving or transmitting video via Wi-Di or Miracast, and using a mobile gadget as a remote control. However, almost all models with this feature belong to Smart TV (see above).
As for Wi-Fi versions, the most relevant nowadays are Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. Also note that, in addition to these Wi-Fi standards, earlier ones are usually supported — so compatibility problems does not occur.

— Miracast. TV support for Miracast technology. This technology allows you to broadcast video and audio signals via Wi-Fi technology (both to the TV and from it to portable electronics), while both devices are connected directly (Wi-Fi Direct) and do not require additional equipment, and the bandwidth is sufficient for Full HD video transmission and 5.1 multi-channel audio. Some time ago, TVs used a similar WiDi technology, but nowadays it is almost ousted from the market, and most manufacturers use Miracast.

— Chromecast. Chromecast technology allows you to quickly and easily stream video and audio from your smartphone, tablet or computer to your TV. In fact, Chromecast is a network media player, because after setting up this function, you can wirelessly display the video recorded on your smartphone on your TV with just one touch.

— Bluetooth. Bluetooth technology (any version) is used for direct wireless communication between different devices. How it is used on TVs may vary, depending on the functionality of a particular model (and version of Bluetooth). So, it is almost mandatory for Bluetooth TVs to be able to transfer sound to wireless headphones or speakers. In addition, other use cases may be provided: connecting keyboards, mice and game controllers, direct file exchange with a laptop, remote control from a smartphone or other gadget, etc. These details should be clarified separately. As for specific versions, in many models these details are not specified at all — for use for the intended purpose, “just Bluetooth” is enough. However, there are exceptions, and here the following options are relevant for modern TVs:

• Bluetooth v4.0. A version that combines traditional Bluetooth 2.1, a high-speed standard for transferring large files, and "Bluetooth Low Energy" for small amounts of information. All subsequent versions are built on these three components (with various improvements), and v 4.0 was the first where they appeared all together.
• Bluetooth v 4.1. Improvement of version 4.0, in which compatibility with mobile devices of the 4G LTE standard has been improved — so that the LTE and Bluetooth modules do not create mutual interference while working nearby.
• Bluetooth v4.2. Further development of version 4.0; updates that are relevant for TVs include mainly improving the reliability and noise immunity of communications.
• Bluetooth v5.0. One of the key improvements in version 5.0 compared to previous editions of the protocol was the presence of two special “Low Energy” modes – increased range (due to reduced speed) and increased speed (due to reduced range).
• Bluetooth v 5.1. Update of the v 5.0 version described above. In addition to general improvements in the quality and reliability of communication, this update has implemented such an interesting feature as determining the direction from which the Bluetooth signal is coming. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to determine the location of connected devices with an accuracy of up to a centimeter (for example, a remote control).
• Bluetooth v 5.2. The next, after 5.1, is the fifth-generation Bluetooth update. The main innovations in this version are a number of security improvements, additional power optimization in LE mode, and a new audio signal format for synchronized parallel playback on multiple devices.
• Bluetooth v 5.3. The Bluetooth v 5.3 wireless protocol was introduced at the beginning of 2022. Among the innovations, it accelerated the process of choosing the communication channel between the controller and the device, implemented the function of quickly switching between the state of operation in a small duty cycle and high-speed mode, improved the throughput and stability of the connection by reducing the susceptibility to interference. In case of unexpected interference in the Low Energy mode of operation, the procedure for selecting a communication channel for switching is now accelerated. There are no fundamental innovations in protocol 5.3, but a number of qualitative improvements are seen in it.

— Ambilight. Screen backlight technology. In this case, the TV case illuminates the wall/partition located at the back, due to which a blurry halo appears around the screen contour in the colour of changing scenes. This effect visually expands the screen area, making watching TV more enjoyable. There are three types of backlighting in total: classic Ambilight (on the sides only), Ambilight Surround (on the sides and top), Ambilight Full Surround (from all sides). But manufacturers continue to work on improving the backlight. So, relatively recently, the Ambilight Spectra backlight has appeared, in which the colour matching algorithm has been significantly improved and the LEDs themselves have been optimized.

— Voice control. TV support for voice control allows you to dictate certain commands through the remote control. However, not all functions are covered by voice control and recognition accuracy may require re-entering the command. If you need a more extensive range of functions, then pay attention to the voice assistant.

— Voice assistant. For a long time now, device control has been shifting to voice commands. For this, certain interfaces and systems are used. The most popular are Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as Samsung's own Bixby assistant. For "apple" devices, this is Apple Siri, but this technique is not presented on TVs. At the same time, unlike the voice control function, the voice assistant does not just turn on this or that function, mode, makes it louder, quieter, but allows you to perform certain operations in applications, whether it is to launch the desired clip in Youtube or display the weather in the browser.

About the interface itself, see above, and its different versions differ in maximum resolution and other features. Here are the options found in modern TVs:

— v 1.4. The oldest of the current versions, released in 2009. However, it supports 3D video, capable of working with resolutions up to 4096x2160 at 24 fps, and in Full HD resolution, the frame rate can reach 120 fps. In addition to the original v.1.4, there are also improved modifications — v.1.4a and v.1.4b; they are similar in terms of basic features, in both cases the improvements affected mainly work with 3D content.

– v 2.0. Significant update to HDMI introduced in 2013. In this version, the maximum frame rate in 4K has increased to 60 fps, and the audio bandwidth has increased to 32 channels and 4 separate streams simultaneously. Also from the innovations, we can mention support for the ultra-wide format 21:9. In the v.2.0a update HDR support was added to the interface capabilities, in v.2.0b this feature was improved and expanded.

— v 2.1. Despite the similarity in name to v.2.0, this version, released in 2017, was a very large-scale update. In particular, it added support for 8K and even 10K at speeds up to 120 fps, as well as even more expanded features for working with HDR. Under this version, its own cable was released — HDMI Ultra High Speed, all HDMI 2.1 features are available only when using cables of this standard, although basic func...tions can be used with simpler cords.

— VRR. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) adaptive frame rate synchronization technology allows you to adjust the refresh rate of the image on the TV screen in real time in accordance with the frame rate output by the game console or connected computer. The function ensures smooth rendering of dynamic scenes, eliminates frame breaks, and guarantees comfortable and stable gameplay. Realizable technology with standard HDMI v 2.1.

— ALLM. Automatic low latency mode for games (Auto Low Latency Mode). The TV switches to game mode when it detects a game console connection. Reducing the output delay on the TV panel screen is provided by suspending part of the image processing functions. The ALLM mode can also be useful for karaoke and video calls.

eARC. HDMI v 2.1 has an enhanced eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). The technology allows you to send higher quality audio from your TV to your soundbar or AV receiver. It claims to support the latest high bit rate audio formats up to 192 kHz, uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1, and 32-channel uncompressed audio. eARC also supports Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos.

— CEC. The CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) system is designed for remote control of equipment connected to the TV using a single remote control. The devices are connected to the TV panel using an HDMI cable.

— 2 separate legs. Two legs as support are usually located on different sides of the lower face of the TV panel body. Such a design involves placing the TV on a large flat surface that extends along the entire lower side of the device. The TV is often more stable on two "legs" than on one leg.

— 1 leg on the platform. A support for the TV with a round or rectangular platform, which is in contact with the surface of the TV panel (table, stand, etc.) with its entire plane.

— 1 leg with supports. Stands of this kind consist of a single leg and a base of various geometric shapes that holds the TV. This solution ensures reliable stability of the TV panel, and in terms of design, it is a stylish element of the design of the structure.

— Monolithic. A solid stand with two or more attachment points to the bottom of the TV and monolithic frames as a solid support for installing the TV panel on a flat surface of a table or stand.

The electrical power normally consumed by the TV. This parameter strongly depends on the screen size and sound power (see above), however, it can be determined by other parameters — primarily additional features and technologies implemented in the design. It is worth noting that most modern LCD TVs are quite economical, and most often this parameter does not play a significant role — in most cases, power consumption is about several tens of watts. And even large models with a diagonal of 70 – 90" consume about 200 – 300 W — this can be compared with the system unit of a low-power desktop PC.