For video enthusiasts seeking a replacement for the now-defunct plasma television, the large-screen OLED TV waiting game has been a long and protracted one, not least due to the difficulties manufacturers face in making this mouthwatering display technology commercially viable. However, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel, with several signs pointing to the imminent arrival of LG’s highly anticipated 4K Ultra HD OLED TVs in the United Kingdom.
At the company’s 2015 UK product launch event earlier this month, we were told that 2014’s carry-over 65EC970V and this year’s new LG 55EG960V and 65EG960V 4K OLED displays will be released together at around the same time between March and April. Now, it seems increasingly likely that the EG960V series – featuring a faster processor and upgraded WebOS Smart TV software – will land on these shores before the EC970V that’s been repeatedly delayed since June last year.
Last week, the team at AV publication What Hi-Fi tweeted a photo of an exclusive review sample of what appeared to be the new LG EG960, judging from the curved base carrying an “OLED” inscription, and the transparent stand to give a “suspended-in-air” impression. Also, LG UK put up a video of a new ad extolling the virtues of OLED’s true blacks, ending with a product shot of the 65EG960V instead of last year’s 65EC970V:
Last but not least, British retailer Currys has this week listed the 55-inch LG 55EG960V for sale at £3,799 (which is accurate to the retail price suggested by the South Korean manufacturer during its UK launch event), with availability slated for between two and four weeks. 4K UHD (ultra high-definition) OLED is here finally, and we can’t wait!
Any idea when LG plan to release the 55″ flat version? ( 55EF9500 )
Really excited for this! I bought the 65″ Sony 4K tv last year and wish I had held off longer for this one.
Likely to wait til early next year (once more details on 4K bluray are released) and then will get a variation on one of LGs 4K OLED models (ideally flat!).
One thing – when you review these sets are you able to include more screenshots of film content – whilst all the tech info is great, those not in the know just want the basics – will my current blurays look amazing on this TV?
Appreciate all the work you do and cannot wait to see this reviewed!
Yeah, any information on the whereabouts of the 55EF950V? Haven’t heard anything of the flat ones for a while now. I thought they were supposed to launch with the EG960V, or am I mistaken? Do we have to wait for IFA 2015?
Also what’s with the price? Hasn’t LG claimed the price of the 55 inch 4K OLED will be “similar” to the 55EC930V? I mean, of course it’s going to be more expensive, but I was really hoping for below 4000€. At £3.8k that’s highly unlikely. I’m sad now.
No, LG never said that the 55EF950 would launch at a similar pricepoint as the 55EC930. Only that they plan to release a cheaper 4K OLED later it the year, read IFA or later. That’s when the flat EF950 and EF980 are supposed to be released as well.
My mistake then. I always thought the cheaper model (similar price to EC930) was supposed to be the EG960/EF950. If the flat OLEDs are scheduled for end of the year I honestly expect 2016. Doesn’t matter anyway, LG will f*ck up something, as always.
Currys are currently offering 10% off the £3,799 price, and Quidco are giving 10% cashback on large LG TV purchases from Currys. All in all, works out about £3077 including release date delivery. Taken a punt!
All reports say 4k led with HDR gives more wow to the picture then oled….. Stats about absolute black on paper don’t match real world HDR performance..
Von’s hiber
Even if that is statement 100% true, (Which I have my doubts) over the next 3-5 years, what overall percentage of content you’ll be watching do you think will be ‘HDR’ ? Bearing in mind this is a standard which hasn’t even been agreed on or ratified as of yet?
Think ill stick with the inferior non HDR OLED sets ;)
I will wait for the flat version..
I’m at least three or four years away from a replacement for my 55″ plasma. By then, I anticipate all this nonsense about curved panels to have gone the way of 3D, another silly marketing scam to mug people off.
After being told 2 – 4 weeks for delivery when ordering on Tuesday, I get a call to say its turning up tomorrow. Their site is offering Sat delivery now too, so looks like stock is here finally.
To everyone waiting for the flat version: from what I gather, you’ll be waiting for some time… it’s not a priority for LG.
@James: wow, that’s quick! Where in the UK are you based?
Warmest regards
Vincent
Hi Vincent, I’m based in East Sussex. Should be turning up in the next few hours. Gonna put on an Off the Wall Origin II S4 stand.
Would love to see this in the flesh, can I pop over when it’s all set up?
Do you know the exact date?
I’m a minimum of 3 or four years aloof from a replacement for my 55? plasma. By then, I anticipate all this nonsense concerning flexuous panels to own gone the method of 3D, another silly selling scam to mug folks off.
Penos, oh that’s very good, I see what you did there. Well done!
The 960 65” has gone from John Lewis website…….. and is neither on Currys nor RicherSounds.
The 970 i65” is showing on the latter two stores………. Wotz is going on?
Where is the 960 65”?