LCD TVs from LG to get new 'Nano LED' backlights

At press event in New York, LG Electronics took the wraps off a new LCD TV backlight technology called "Nano LED." It's a way of improving full-array LED backlights with local dimming while allowing the set remain incredibly thin.

The new technology, which will debut this spring in new 3D-capable LW9500 and LW7700 sets, looks to improve the overall brightness of the TV, with better light uniformity across the entire back panel. To achieve these improvements while keeping the TVs' depth to less than an inch, the LEDs are embedded in a thin film across the entire back panel of the TV.

By increasing both the density of the LEDs and the number of dimmable "zones" in the backlight, the sets can produce better blacks and higher contrast without producing some of halo effects we see with conventional edge or full-array LED backlights, the company claims. The film also has a new light dispersion pattern in the film thst distributes light more evenly across the panel.

LG didn't say how the sets will cost when they're available this spring, but they will likely be flagship Infinia models based on the features they include. Both are 3D-capable models that will include LG's NetCast Internet service and a new anti-reflective panel to reduce glare. The LW9500 includes LG's TruMotion 480Hz technology, while the LW7700 sets get a 240Hz frame rate. Based on our short preview of the sets, it appears that the TVs continue to use IPS panels, which we've found helps produce a wider-than-average viewing angle for an LCD TV set.

The LW9500-series sets will be available in 55- and 60-inch screen sizes, while the LW7700 sets will be offered with 47- and 55-inch screens. By the time they arrive, it's likely they be certified by THX for both 2D and 3D.

We'll be taking a longer look at these sets again in a few weeks when we head to the Consumer Electronics Show. Keep checking back with our blog for more news from the show during the first week of January.

—James K. Willcox