Comparison LG 55SM9800 55 " vs Sony KD-55XG9505 55 "

— Smart TV (own system). The operating system of the TV is represented by the manufacturer's proprietary software shell. Usually, such operating systems have an attractive and understandable menu, similar to a traditional Smart TV. A proprietary operating system is developed by the manufacturer for the hardware resources of a particular TV model or a whole line. But, as practice shows, compared to the classic Smart TV, the functionality of its own system often has significant limitations, and the system itself, in fact, is a stripped-down version of a full-fledged Smart TV.

— Smart TV (Android AOSP). This type of operating system is a modification of the popular Android OS, mainly notable for being open source. It is a versatile operating system that gives the user much more freedom to create changes and customizations within the system itself. At the same time, the installation and stability of certain applications on this platform are not guaranteed, and the overall system management was not specially “tailored” for large screens, which may cause some inconvenience. First of all, such solutions will arouse interest among users who understand the features of the Android OS, like to customize and control everything for themselves, and have time for this.

— Android TV. TVs of this type boast full-fledged Android TV software, specially adapted to work on...large screens. In accordance with the name, it is a kind of Android OS, specially “sharpened” for TVs / projectors, etc. In addition to the common features of all “Androids” (such as the ability to install additional applications, including even games), it has a number of special features: optimized interface, integration with smartphones (including the ability to use them as a remote control), voice search, etc. Thanks to this, TVs with this feature are significantly superior in functionality to models with a “regular” Smart TV. Of course, a dedicated processor, graphics subsystem and memory are provided for the operation of a multifunctional OS, and the presence of such hardware resources is reflected in the total cost of the TV. Given the same optical design, models with Android TV will cost more than classic devices with a simple multi-line menu.

— Google TV. Rebranding of the Android TV platform for TVs and smart set-top boxes, or rather, a new shell on top of the operating system under the sign of the “green droid”, introduced since 2021. Among the innovations, it has a redesigned user interface, an improved knowledge base that more efficiently distributes content by genre and collects search information from the entire list of installed applications and subscriptions. The voice assistant now understands the needs of the audience better and provides a detailed list of what was found. A separate tab in the interface contains live broadcasts of current events, whether it be sports events or a rocket launch to Mars. Among other things, the aspects that involve the use of TV as a command post for managing a single ecosystem of a “smart” home have been improved in the system.

— Sony X1. The Sony X1 processor is used in Sony TVs from several series: XH and XG. Such TVs occupy several niches at once: the low-cost category and the middle class. The most affordable models display a 4K resolution picture without support for high dynamic range (HDR), more advanced models use 4K HDR. Basically, these are simple models that are designed only for watching videos. For dynamic games, TVs with such a processor are less suitable.

— Sony X1 Extreme. The Sony X1 Extreme processor is 40% more powerful than its predecessor, the Sony X1, and is designed to work with 4K HDR images. Working with HDR dynamic range makes it possible to display a realistic picture of increased quality on the screen. TVs with the Sony X1 Extreme processor are mid-range and high-end models. The image qualit is improved by supporting dynamic backlighting. An important feature of the Sony X1 Extreme is the use of two independent colour rendering databases (Dual database processing). Object-based HDR remaster technology analyzes the image displayed on the screen, matches colours with a database and adjusts them for viewing on a particular TV. Thanks to Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR, colour transitions become smoother and more natural, making the picture even more realistic.

— Sony X1 Ultimate. The Sony X1 Ultimate processor can handle both 4K (3840 x 2160) and 8K HDR (...7680 x 4320) images, depending on the screen size. TVs with such a processor provide a picture with the deepest detail and the highest quality rendering of textures. TVs with the Sony X1 Ultimate processor are mostly advanced models from the middle and expensive segment. Such TVs provide the effect of complete immersion in the atmosphere of the video being watched. Sony X1 Ultimate supports X-Reality PRO technology with an exclusive database of colour reproduction samples. Even when displaying low-resolution images on a TV screen, the picture quality is automatically upscaled to 8K (4K) with HDR High Dynamic Range. There is support for X-tended Dynamic Range PRO technology, which distributes the backlight in accordance with the displayed scenes. Dynamic backlighting improves contrast and makes the picture as bright as possible, while blacks are more saturated than ever.

— Sony Cognitive XR. TVs with Sony XR processor are capable of displaying a picture in 4K resolution at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz. These are high-tech models operating under the control of advanced artificial intelligence. The Sony XR is one of the world's first "cognitive" processors. He processes the video and audio components of broadcasts to improve the quality of the image and sound, which creates a realistic picture of what is happening on the screen. The software algorithms of the processor process information about audio and video in a single stream. The manufacturer claims that the processor works akin to the human brain and goes beyond the capabilities of ordinary artificial intelligence algorithms.

— LG. The hierarchy of television image processors from LG includes several large Alpha families: α 5, α 7, α 8, α 9 and α 11. Each of them is described in more detail in the corresponding help paragraphs:

— LG α 5. Alpha 5 processors are used in the brand’s inexpensive TV panels and perform minimal image processing. They cover a basic range of tasks such as improving colour reproduction, upscaling video to 4K and creating surround virtual sound.

— LG α 7. Processors from the Alpha 7 line are found on board mid-range LG TVs with NanoCell and OLED matrices. Their advanced functionality includes automatic adjustment of image and sound parameters in accordance with the broadcast genre, as well as automatic adjustment of brightness and tones to suit the conditions of the surrounding space.

— LG α 8. The Alpha 8 family is the true “golden mean” from LG. The debut of α 8 took place in 2024, and such processors are installed in the brand’s TVs with NanoCell and OLED panels. They are equipped with improved noise reduction and sharpening algorithms, support for Dolby Vision and other premium HDR formats (in most models), and advanced artificial intelligence functions for increasing image and sound quality in real time.

— LG α 9. LG's flagship TVs are equipped with α 9 rank processors - in fact, they rely on deep machine learning algorithms to analyze the genre of broadcast video content and adapt image and sound parameters to it. Alpha 9 processors work with all applicable specifications of high dynamic range technology in LG TVs and have a professional sound identification system.

— LG α 11. Alpha 11 processors will be installed in top models of LG OLED TVs starting in 2024. They are capable of working with frame formats up to 8K, while providing improved image scaling algorithms. The emphasis in the line of processors is on the highest computing power and developed functionality of AI algorithms for the finest adaptation of picture and sound.

Note that with each subsequent edition, LG image processors increase functionality. Their generations are designated by the prefix Gen with the serial number of the generation.

— Samsung Crystal 4K. The Samsung Crystal 4K processor is used primarily in Samsung's Crystal UHD series TVs. This category of TVs has an affordable price. These are simple models, the screen of which produces a picture in Ultra 4K resolution. The performance of the Samsung Crystal 4K processor is enough to bring the colour quality to the level of HDR. Of the technologies used, we can note the Contrast Enhancer and Dynamic Crystal Color, thanks to which the contrast and brightness of the image are fine-tuned.

— Samsung Quantum 4K. The Samsung Quantum 4K processor is used in Samsung TVs with QLED backlighting. High performance makes it possible to scale the image of Full HD to the level of 4K, and in the high dynamic range of HDR. The Samsung Quantum 4K processor features unique Quantum HDR technology, which makes the image more detailed, richer and more expressive. The processor supports Dual LED dynamic backlight technology, with which the picture acquires extreme contrast and at the same time high brightness. Also, the TVs have a special game mode Real Game Enhancer+ with support for AMD FreeSync technology.

— Samsung Quantum 8K. The Samsung Quantum 8K processor has been used in Samsung QLED TVs since 2020. Models in this series are capable of reproducing 8K HDR images, and a picture of such high quality can be obtained even from a source with a resolution of 4K to Full HD. Usually, these are top-level models. TVs of this class can be used as part of a professional home theater. Deep detailing of the picture guarantees complete immersion in the video content. Artificial intelligence QLED TV is responsible for image processing.

— Samsung NQ4 AI. Intelligent processor that provides high quality images and sound using artificial intelligence technologies. Used in mid-range Samsung TVs with OLED and Neo QLED matrices, it provides work with frame formats up to 4K (including image scaling from lower resolutions in real time). The processor supports flexible Quantum Matrix backlight control, and thanks to the AI ​​Customization function, the TV can independently determine the genre of video content, adjusting the brightness and contrast settings to achieve the effect of complete immersion in what is happening on the screen.

— Samsung NQ8 AI. Top-level processor found in flagship 8K Samsung Neo QLED TVs. Relying on machine learning algorithms and a built-in NPU neural engine, the processor guarantees a great video viewing experience regardless of the input source. Samsung NQ8 AI supports real-time upscaling to 8K, ensures smooth and clear depiction of fast movements in the frame thanks to AI Motion Enhancer Pro, and Real Depth Enhancer Pro allows viewers to immerse themselves in the action on the screen. In parallel, the processor is tasked with processing multi-channel audio, optimizing images in games and for each scene, depending on the user’s preferences.

Note that Samsung NQ4 AI and NQ8 AI processors were released in several generations, designated by the Gen prefix with a serial version number. The newer the edition, the more advanced the processor is.

– Philips P5 Perfect Picture. The Philips P5 Perfect Picture Processor is used in Philips OLED TVs. The processing power of the processor is enough to reproduce the 4K image. In older models, an extended dynamic range of HDR colours is found. TVs with the Philips P5 Perfect Picture processor cover several cost categories at once, the low-cost segment and the average price range. A high-quality picture is displayed on the screen of such models, but, usually, it falls short of the reference Ultra 4K HDR, since this requires a more professional matrix. The P5 Perfect Picture processor is the first Philips CPU to use artificial intelligence. Philips P5 Perfect Picture supports technologies such as Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Perfect Natural Motion and Micro Dimming Pro.

– Philips P5 Pro Perfect Picture. The Philips P5 Pro Perfect Picture Processor is used in Philips TVs with enhanced OLED. Models with this processor are capable of displaying an image in Ultra 4K HDR resolution. Usually, it is found in advanced class TVs. Philips P5 Pro Perfect Picture processor TVs use a machine intelligence neural network interface. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice assistants are supported. The processor uses the following image and sound technologies: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+, Micro Dimming Perfect and Wide Color Gamut.

The type of matrix used in the TV. Among them, OLED, QLED, QD-OLED and NanoCell deserve the most attention, which are found in TVs of the relevant price category. Now more about each of them and other more classic options:

— OLED. TVs with screens that use organic light-emitting diodes — OLED. Such LEDs can be used both to illuminate a traditional LCD matrix, and as elements from which a screen is built. In the first case, the advantages of OLED over traditional LED are compactness, extremely low power consumption, backlight uniformity, as well as excellent brightness and contrast ratios. And in matrices, consisting entirely of OLED, these advantages are even more pronounced. The main disadvantages of OLED TVs are the high price (which, however, is constantly decreasing as the technology develops and improves), as well as the susceptibility of organic pixels to burn-in during long-term broadcast of static images or pictures with static elements (TV channel logo, information panel, etc.).

— QLED. TVs with screens using "quantum dot" technology — QLED. Such screens differ from conventional LED matrices in the design of the backlight: multilayer colour filters in such a backlight are replaced with a thin-film light-transmitting coating based on nanoparticles, and traditional white LEDs are replaced with blue ones. This a...llows to achieve a significant increase in brightness and colour saturation at the same time as improving the quality of colour reproduction, besides, it reduces the thickness and reduces the power consumption of the screen. The disadvantage of QLED matrices is traditional — the high price.

— QD-OLED. A kind of hybrid version of matrices that combine “quantum dots” (Quantum Dot) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) in one bottle. The QD-OLED modification was introduced by Samsung at the end of 2021 in response to advanced OLED panels from LG. The technology takes the best from QLED and OLED: it is based on blue LEDs, self-luminous pixels (instead of external backlighting) and “quantum dots”, which play the role of colour filters, but at the same time practically do not attenuate the light (unlike traditional filters) . Thanks to the use of a number of advanced solutions, the creators managed to achieve very impressive characteristics, significantly superior to many other OLED matrices. Among them are high peak brightness from 1000 nits (cd/m²), excellent contrast and black depth, as well as colour coverage of over 90% according to the BT.2020 standard and more than 120% according to DCI-P3. Such matrices are found mainly in flagship TV panels.

— IPS. A type of matrix originally designed for high quality colour rendering. Indeed, IPS screens produce bright and rich colours, have a good colour gamut, and demonstrate wide viewing angles. The initial disadvantage of this technology was the low response time, but in modern modifications of IPS this point has been practically eliminated. Matrices of this type are very popular in the advanced budget and mid-price segment of TV panels.

— *VA. In this case, we mean one of the varieties of VA (Vertical Alignment) type matrices - MVA, PVA, Super PVA, etc. Specific varieties may vary slightly in properties, but they all have common features. In fact, *VA matrices are a more affordable alternative to IPS panels: they are relatively inexpensive, provide fairly good colour reproduction and viewing angles of up to 178°. The main disadvantage of such screens is the long response time, but in modern models this has been practically eliminated thanks to the constant improvement of technology. *VA matrices are used in TVs that are positioned as functional and at the same time affordable models.

— PLS. In fact, it is one of the varieties of the IPS matrices described above, developed by Samsung. According to the manufacturer, in such matrices it was possible to achieve higher brightness and contrast than in traditional IPS, as well as to slightly reduce the cost.

— NanoCell. Matrix based on quantum dots. This type of matrix is used in LG TVs and was first introduced in 2017. NanoCell matrices use the structure of classic LCD displays. But unlike the latter, they use so-called quantum dots instead of the classic general backlight, which provide monochromatic light. NanoCell technology reduces power consumption while increasing colour gamut and viewing angle. It is worth noting separately that NanoCell matrices are not the only ones using quantum dot technology. Similar solutions are offered by: Samsung (QLED matrix), Sony (Triluminos matrix), Hisense (ULED).

The level of static contrast provided by the TV screen.

Contrast in a general sense is the ratio in brightness between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks that the screen can produce. Other things being equal, the higher the screen contrast, the better the quality of colour reproduction and detail, the lower the likelihood that it will be impossible to see details in too bright or too dark areas of the image. Static contrast, on the other hand, describes the maximum difference in brightness that can be achieved within one frame without changing the brightness of the image — this is its difference from dynamic contrast (see below).

The values of static contrast are much lower than those of dynamic, but this characteristic is the most "honest". It is on it that the properties of the image seen on the screen at a particular moment depend, it is describes the basic properties of the screen, without taking into account the software tricks provided by the manufacturer in the hardware of the TV.

TV support for one or another brightness / contrast enhancement technology.

Usually, in this case, software image processing is implied, in such a way as to improve brightness and/or contrast (if necessary). Specific processing methods may be different — in particular, in some cases we are actually talking about turning standard content into HDR (see above), and some manufacturers do not specify technical details at all. The effectiveness of different technologies can also be different, and besides, it is highly dependent on the specific content: in some cases, the improvement will be obvious, in others it may be almost imperceptible. Also note that this feature is not always useful, so in most models it is turned off.

TV supports some kind of black enhancement technology.

Deep blacks are as important to an image as the quality of other colours. At the same time, it is not as easy to achieve it as it might seem at first glance: the black areas of the screen are “lit up” by the backlight and, without additional tricks, may not look dark enough. Thus, modern TVs use various additional black enhancement technologies. One of the options for this technology is local backlighting, in which LEDs are placed not on the sides of the screen, but behind it: each of them illuminates its own section of the sensor and can be turned off if necessary. There are other, more complex ways to achieve high-quality black.

The nominal power of the sound produced by the TV's sound system.

The larger the screen and the greater the estimated distance to the viewer, the more powerful the sound system must be in order to be heard normally. Manufacturers take this moment into account, moreover, most often they also provide a solid volume margin. So if a TV is bought for home viewing in a quiet, calm environment, you can not pay much attention to the sound power: it is guaranteed to be enough for such a usage. It makes sense to specifically look for models with high-power speakers for a noisy environment — for example, a cafe or other public space. Detailed recommendations on this matter can be found in special sources, but here we note that even in such cases, connecting external speakers can be a good alternative.

The presence of a subwoofer as part of the TV sound system.

A subwoofer is a specialized speaker for bass and ultra-low frequencies. It makes the sound richer in the bass, which is especially useful when watching adventure films with appropriate sound effects (bumps, explosions), as well as concerts. It should noted that the specifications of built-in subwoofers are usually much more limited than those of external ones; so don't expect cinema-like bass from a TV audio system. However, the advantage in bass quality for such TVs (compared to models without a subwoofer) will still be noticeable.

A decoder can be broadly described as a standard in which digital audio (often multi-channel) is recorded. For normal playback of such sound, it is necessary that the corresponding decoder is supported by the device. Dolby Digital and DTS were the first in multi-channel decoding, gradually improving and introducing new features. The final stage for 2020 is Dolby Atmos and DTS X decoders.

– Dolby Atmos. A decoder that uses not a rigid distribution of sound across channels, but the processing of audio objects, due to which it can be used with almost any number of channels on a reproducing system — the sound will be divided between channels so that each audio object is heard as close as possible to its proper place. When using Dolby Atmos, ceiling speakers (or speakers facing the ceiling) are highly desirable. However, in extreme cases, you can do without them.

— DTS X. An analogue of the Dolby Atmos described above, when the sound is distributed not through individual channels, but through audio objects. The digital signal contains information about where (according to the director's intention) the object audible to the user should be and how it should move, and the processor of the reproducing device processes this information and determines exactly how the sound should be distributed over the available channels in order to achieve the required localization. Thanks to this, DTS X is not tied to a specific number of audi...o channels — there can be as many as you like, the system will automatically divide the sound into them, achieving the desired sound. Also note that this decoder allows you to separately adjust the volume of dialogues.