Like he usually does, Phillips presented its innovations and new video and audio products at a press conference in Amsterdam. The manufacturer notably unveiled its OLED televisions vintage 2023 and follows in the footsteps of LG and Panasonic by adopting LG Display’s META technology.
Two OLED series were presented at the conference, the OLED908, which Philips places under the OLED+ banner, is equipped with META technology and its microlenses, while the OLED808 features OLED EX technology. A new diagonal is also appearing with a 42-inch Philips OLED808.
OLED+908: META technology and record peak light
In the battle between LG Display and Samsung Display, only Sony has so far ventured to offer OLED panels from both suppliers in the same catalog. Without too much surprise, Philips has chosen to continue its production by adopting LG Display’s META technology, which will also be found this year with the LG G3 and the Panasonic MZ2000 (pending Sony’s announcements which should be soon) .
Philips’ flagship model also pushes up the brightness numbers. As expected, the OLED908 seeks to impress on paper by announcing a record light peak of 2,100 cd/m². Philips has therefore chosen to communicate on this value, obtained with the Vivid mode, where Panasonic does not announce more than 1,500 cd / m² by also using META technology. Of course, the improvements do not stop there since progress would also be observed in terms of viewing angles (with an improvement of around 60%), and especially in terms of reflectance, because with the adoption of new Venta Black anti-reflective filter that we already mentioned in our TV recap of CES 2023. This element could, in fact, be decisive in the choice of an OLED television as the reflectance of these glossy screens is often some.
P5 7e gen, B&W audio, Ambilight and new remote control
META technology, however, may not be enough for Philips to clearly stand out. The manufacturer is indeed counting on its expertise in image processing to go further, and of course, on its Ambilight system which is most often very popular with consumers. This new generation of panel is therefore logically accompanied by the 7th generation Philips P5 processor. In terms of new features, Philips has refined its “Ambient Intelligence V2” function, which automatically adjusts certain image settings according to the environment of the room where the television is located. We are talking in particular about adjusting the level of color temperature and gamma, and without forgetting the brightness. Philips also intends to stand out on upscaling with a Super Resolution function that would be able to result in a sharper image rich in detail than before. The other substantial optimization compared to last year’s model is Dolby Vision compatibility at 120 Hz. Of course, the OLED908 supports VRR, ALLM and 4K at 120 Hz, via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
For the rest, there is an 80W Bowers & Wilkins 3.1 audio system which includes no less than 6 front-mounted and viewer-facing speakers, as well as a rear subwoofer with four passive membranes. to improve bass accuracy. Regarding the Ambilight, the OLED908 is satisfied with lighting on three sides which, however, takes advantage of the new generation Ambilight technology, with more precise colors to match the image broadcast on the screen.
Remote control and support join the rank of novelties. The glossy black central foot allows rotation adjustment on the left and on the right, while the remote control is equipped with a rechargeable battery via USB-C, and a “hidden” numeric keypad that appears thanks to the backlight after having pressed the “123” button associated with the keypad. Finally, unlike The Xtra series which deploys a brand new operating system, it is Google TV which will take care of animating the interface of Philips OLED televisions. The OLED+908 will be available in 55, 65 and 75 inch diagonals during the third quarter.
OLED808: OLED EX panel and 42-inch diagonal
Philips is also introducing an OLED808 series to its catalog, which will undoubtedly be distinguished by more affordable prices than the OLED+ series, but also by a much wider variety of diagonals (from 42 to 77 inches), in particular with the introduction of a 42-inch model.
No META technology and microlenses on the horizon, but recourse to the previous generation of LG Display panels, namely OLED EX technology. All of these televisions will integrate the improvements already mentioned for the OLED908 and The Xtra series, in particular with the 7th generation P5 processor and its Ambient Intelligence V2 and Super Resolution functions. Note, however, that the 42 and 48-inch models offer a light peak slightly lower than that announced from the 55-inch model (1,000 cd/m²).
However, Philips wanted to make the audio section a strong point of its OLED ranges. We find once again Bowers & Wilkins at work with a 2.1 system of 70 W (50 W for the 42-inch model) and more precise control of the distribution between the loudspeakers. The new generation Ambilight (on three sides) as well as the pivoting central foot are included. Only the 77-inch model has satin chrome stick legs.
Source: Philips Press Conference
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