Sony follows on the A1 OLED TV series with a second range for 2018-- the AF8, with models available in either 55- or 65-inch sizes featuring the same technology as the A1 series, if within a different design.
While the A1 OLED TVs feature a "standless" design with a tilted display, the AF8 sit upright on a traditional rectangular stand. Otherwise the AF8 TVs (namely the KD-55AF8 and KD-65AF8) are identical to their A1 siblings, since they carry the same OLED panel and 4K HDR X1 Extreme processor.
The plans are part of the "Phase B" guidelines first presented at NAB 2018. An evolution of current Phase A technologies, Phase B covers dynamic metadata, next generation audio (NGA) and high frame rate (HFR). As such, one can expect the use of video formats such as Dolby Vision and SL-HDR, as well as Dolby AC-4 and MPEG-H audio.
First presented at Light+Building 2018, the ISE KNX module enables seamless integration with any KNX-based install. As a result installers get more opportunities to integrate TVs within a smart home environment. The module can control up to two Loewe TVs simultaneously.
First seen back at CES 2018, the XF90 range offers 14-bit signal processing capable of breaking up solid bands of colour to smooth out the gradation between shades. The result, the company claims, is colour levels 64x better than standard conventional display. Another technology found in the TVs is X-tended dynamic Range PRO 6x, which brings out detail in dark scenes while making bright scenes brighter.
“With our 2018 TV lineup, we are changing the definition of visual display to Intelligent Displays," the company says. "Designed for total immersion and to enhance the daily lives of consumers everywhere, all while being incredibly easy to use.”
The S. Korean company offers a total of 10 OLED TVs for 2018, including the W8, G8, E8, C8 and B8. Each model comes in a range of form factors, such as Picture-on-Wall (model 77/65W8), One Glass Screen (model G5G8), Picture-on-Glass (model 65/55E8) and Cinema Screen (model 77/65/55C8 and 65/55B8). Screen sizes range from 55- to 77-inch, with the 9 AI-enabled SUHD sets (model SK95, SK85 and SK80) coming in sizing ranging from 49- to 75-inch.
Holland is currently testing a Sharp prototype 70-inch 8K TV. In comparison with a 4K TV of the same size from the same company, he says the difference between the two TVs is "like looking at a decent fine art print versus a really good one." The test involves aerial footage Holland shot in 8K watched from around 2m away, "within the ideal viewing distance for a 70-inch screen based on THX's numbers."
