LG has been betting on OLED technology for the high-end for several years. The Korean manufacturer's OLED TV catalog has four different series: B series, C series, E series and W series. As you can imagine, the B series is the entry model to the OLED range. It has an inferior processor and some "trimmed" features. However, the C series is the first to feature the Alpha 9 processor. This makes it one of the best-selling models year after year. In 2019 we have the LG OLED C9, a model that includes the second generation Alpha 9 processor . In addition to the new processor, the LG OLED C9 maintains the best features of last year. It is compatible with the vast majority of HDR formats, has Dolby Atmos sound and equips the webOS system with Artificial Intelligence. It is already available in some specialized stores in three different diagonals and with a price that starts from 2,500 euros. Let's review its characteristics.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET LG OLED C9
| Diagonal | 55, 65 and 77 inches |
| Resolution and technology | 4K, Alpha 9 Gen. 2 processor with Deep Learning, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Panel type | OLED |
| Support | Central |
| Operating system | webOS 4.5 with ThinQ |
| Control | Magic Remote |
| Sound | 2.2ch, 40W (20W + 10W woofer per channel), AI Sound, Dolby Atmos |
| Connections | 4 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x USB, optical out, headphone out |
| Wireless connectivity | 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2 |
| Others | Gallery mode Compatible with the Google Assistant |
| Dimensions (with base) | 55 inches: 122.8 x 73.8 x 25.1 cm 65 inches: 144.9 x 86.2 x 25.1 cm 77 inches: 172.2 x 104.7 x 25.3 cm |
| Weight (with stand) | 55 inch: 23 kg 65 inch: 33.9 kg 77 inch: 36.5 kg |
| Release date | Available |
| Price | 55 inches: 2,500 euros 65 inches: 3,500 euros 77 inches: 8,000 euros |
New 2nd generation Alpha 9 processor
It is the star of the new generation OLED from LG. The manufacturer has improved its image processor through Deep Learning . Without going into too many technical details, what Deep Learning does is use a series of algorithms to improve the image and sound. The Alpha 9 Gen.2 optimizes clarity, sharpness, detail and brightness by analyzing content and ambient light for sharper images.
The processor uses Artificial Intelligence to, after recognizing the quality of the original content, optimize clarity and sharpness. Additionally, the LG OLED C9 features AI Brightness to intelligently adapt the brightness of the image . The light sensor detects ambient light and the processor automatically optimizes the image brightness, regardless of the surrounding lighting.
The smart brightness system also applies to the HDR Dolby Vision system. Intelligent Brightness Control technology uses AI to adjust the brightness to the light in the room .
Also, the new processor doesn't just work with the image. The Alpha 9 Gen.2 chip in the LG OLED C9 also optimizes sound based on audio genre by identifying voice, effects, and frequency. Additionally, spatial recognition technology helps deliver balanced sound that adapts to space. It is also capable of mixing 2.0 channel surround sound with 5.1 surround sound.
Thus, the AI sound system included in the LG OLED C9 is capable of achieving the best sound , regardless of the layout of the room and where the viewer is sitting. With the technology that recognizes the point of view the user will be able to enjoy to the maximum with an optimized sound.
Along with the novelties offered by the new processor we have the great image quality that OLED televisions have. We have perfect black with over 33 million self-luminous pixels that can autonomously control their own brightness. This makes the rest of the colors stand out more.
Slightly revamped design
The LG OLED C9 sports a somewhat different design than what we saw last year. It is not a radical change, but it does have some new details. For example, the base is still elongated but this year it is not as striking as the LG OLED C8 . It looks more like the one we saw in the OLED C7, but larger. It reaches almost to the ends of the TV, leaving only a small part on each side without "support." Thus, despite being a central support, it offers us good stability even in the largest models.
The base is metallic and of a dark color. Although there is also a model with a base that has the same design but has a much lighter silver color.
The back has a nice dark silver metallic finish again on most of its surface . However, the thicker lower area is kept to equip the panel electronics. This is where we find all the connectors on the TV. And, oddly enough, it is in the connections where we have one of the great differences compared to other OLED models of this year.
The LG OLED C9 is equipped with four HDMI 2.1 connectors , thus being the only OLED TV to equip these connectors. This means that the TV is ready for future devices to come. In addition to the HDMI connectors, the TV has three HDMI ports, a fiber optic output, 802.11ac WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth 5.0 .
In addition, this year the support has a cable manager . This keeps all the connections more organized, by being able to guide them so that all the cables exit from the same place.
Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and Smart Smart TV
The LG OLED C9 includes all the features that we already learned about last year. It supports all major HDR formats, such as Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, HDR Converter, and Technicolor . The latter makes the image as faithful as possible to how the creators devised it. With Technicolor Expert Mode, the LG OLED TV has been optimized to display content as approved by directors at the industry-leading Technicolor facility.
As for the sound, it has a 2.2 channel system with a total power of 40W . In addition, it is equipped with Dolby Atmos surround sound technology .
On the other hand, the LG OLED C9 comes with the webOS 4.5 system . LG's system is one of the most complete on the market, as it provides us with access to the most demanded applications (including HBO). It is also one of the most intuitive and easy to use, thanks to the Magic Remote control and its stylus.
We also have the interesting Gallery Mode . This allows us to convert the television into a box when we are not using it. The application provides us with access to a wide gallery of images with famous travel attractions around the world, updated every season on TripAdvisor.
On the other hand, the LG OLED C9 is equipped with LG's ThinQ technology. This system will allow us to control our connected home without external hubs . Through the Home Dashboard, we can control most of the smart devices on the market with only our voice through Magic Control. We can even create a daily routine just by asking the TV.
In addition, the ThinQ system will allow us to control the TV using voice commands . You will also provide us with information of all kinds. And if LG's system wasn't enough, the LG OLED C9 is also compatible with the most popular assistants.
Through Magic Control we can ask the Google Assistant while we are viewing our favorite content, observing what it responds to on the screen. And not only with the Google Assistant, as it is also compatible with Amazon's Alexa.
Also, for the first time, LG's new OLED TVs are compatible with Apple's AirPlay 2 . Apple's wireless transmission system will allow us to play music and all kinds of content from our Apple device. And not just for playing content, it also includes HomeKit for smart device control.
Through Magic Link we can use the mobile to view information about the content of the screen or access the EPG. We will do it from the LG SmartThinQ application and thus avoid interrupting the program that we are watching at that moment.
Finally it is worth noting that LG has not forgotten about the gamers. The entire 2019 OLED range boasts an impressive 1ms response time and 12.9ms input lag . It also includes VRR and ALLM , both HDMI 2.1 compliant, offering the best graphics with minimal image interruption at the highest speeds.
Price and availability
In summary, we are facing a complete television that this year comes with important improvements in the graphics processor. The Alpha 9 Gen.2 chip promises to take image quality to the next level , from any source and be it SDR or HDR. In addition, the AI system also acts on the sound, improving all aspects of the television.
This new processor is joined by all the features we saw last year. It has support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos sound and a Smart TV with ThinQ from LG and now includes the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. To all this we must add HDMI 2.1 connectors and features specially designed for gamers, such as an impressive Imput Lag.
The LG OLED C9 is now available in specialized stores. We can find it in three diagonals, thus adapting almost any room. On the one hand we have a model with 55 inches , available with an official price of 2,500 euros . We also have a 65-inch model , the most common among users who buy a high-end TV. This has an official price of 3,500 euros . Finally we have a 77-inch model , intended for enthusiasts looking to have the home theater. Its price, as you can imagine, is not suitable for all audiences. Its official price is 8,000 euros .
