This year LG’s TV lineup has a renewed focus on picture quality, size and of course, 8K picture quality.
I was recently able to get a private demo of some of the company’s latest and greatest TVs/soundbars and once again, it looks like LG is going to be the manufacturer to beat for living room dominance.
It’s also working on the TV’s smart capabilities. There are are some new LG ThinQ tricks and a lot more Google and Alexa integration this time around.
OLED TVs
LG’s top of the line television is the Signature OLED ZX 8K, and it delivers on every aspect promised by the company.
The TV comes in only two sizes — 77-inches and 88-inches — and LG has worked hard to make sure that the picture quality surpasses the minimum requirement to use 8K branding. When I was visiting LG, a representative from the company told me that to use 8K or 4K branding on a TV, the display needs to hit a certain standard threshold. LG’s new sets not only hit the 8K threshold but also go above it.
The ZX 8K is the first television to make the 8K Ultra HD mark.
Beyond the ZX, which will likely be priced out of many customers’ budgets, there is a new TV series called the GX Gallery Series 4K OLED TV. This is the spiritual successor to the company’s highly-rated wallpaper TV.
The Gallery TVs are still very thin, coming in at 20 millimetres thick. While this is a bit larger than the stunning wallpaper TV, it does allow for convenient tradeoffs. The Gallery TVs have all of the speakers and ports built into the back of the screen like traditional TVs. The wallpaper TV’s ports and speakers couldn’t fit on the screen, so they had to be packed into an included soundbar.
LG found that when people were spending this much on a TV, they really wanted to control the sound experience so the soundbar-port-hub workaround wasn’t the best alternative.
In practice, the 20 millimetres thin TV is still skinny and, from most angles, gives off the illusion of being flush with the wall. You can buy the Gallery TV in 55-inch, 65-inch and 77-inch models.
All of the new OLED TVs are outfitted with the company’s latest a9 gen 3 processors, which feature new upscaling capabilities to sharpen faces and produce more natural skin tones along with a host of other picture quality improvements.
The processor doesn’t only improve picture quality, but it also enables a few audio enhancements. LG’s press release says that it can isolate and boost speech volume. It’s unclear if this feature is on by default or if it’s just an option.
Nanocell TVs
The company’s 8K LED display TVs also have the new a9 chipset. So while these TVs might not have the strong colour and contrast of an OLED set, they’ll still have the software ability to upscale content and provide sound enhancements.
The 4K Nanocell TVs only have the a7 processor since they don’t need to push around 8K resolution files. Still, the a7 uses deep learning to upscale and provide the best picture possible.
Some of these TVs also support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos providing two of the highest-end audio and picture formats available.
Smart features
The big draw this year is LG’s new smart home system. The new TVs are equipped with a new dashboard that allows people to control their smart homes.
In my time with it, LG showed me the smart light controls (which looked nice) and the room cards. Overall, it did seem a bit more complicated than a regular TV, but LG’s Magic pointer makes navigating this menu feel very natural and intuitive.
You can also control products that are in the LG ThinQ family by using Google Assistant, which is built into the TV.
Beyond typical smart home controls, the new OLED TVs feature Nvidia G-Sync and the HDR Gaming Interest Group’s HGiG Mode, which LG says will help with console HDR gaming.
The other feature that’s slowly dispersing through LG’s product line is called ‘Filmmaker mode.’ This has been around for a while, but it disables post-processing effects, motion smoothing and other picture settings to present the movie in as close to the director’s original vision as possible.
LG says that the OLED lineup will start at $1,999 CAD in Canada and that it’s set to go on sale this spring.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
