If there is one dominant trend in 2023, it is the remarkable increase in brightness of TVs. Whether it’s OLED or mini-LED FALD (full-array local dimming) LCDs, the luminance improvements are substantial. The OLED category, in particular, has seen significant gains, with LG claiming a 70% gain and peak brightness levels now easily surpassing 1,000 nits, which is sufficient to display most HDR content without requiring tone mapping.
2023 Is the “Post-CES” Year
I can’t recall another year where there was seemingly more AV news released in the weeks after CES than during the show itself. As a result, I traveled on a weekly basis to attend manufacturer-hosted press events. The goal? To stay updated on the latest technological developments.
For instance, Sony unveiled a range of new AVRs, TVs, and soundbars following CES. Other companies did the same, including Apple with its HomePod Gen 2, Definitive Technology with its Dymension series speakers, Sonos with its Era 100 and 300 spatial audio-capable speakers, and Elac and Klipsch with new subwoofer lines — all products from major manufacturers that were introduced after the show.
CES 2023 Editor’s Picks
Although CES 2023 in Las Vegas was not quite the fountain of AV product launches it has been in years past, there was still a plethora of new and exciting technology to explore. In Sound & Vision’s CES 2023 Editor’s Picks, I highlighted 20 of the show’s most captivating products — whether existing, forthcoming, or still just concepts.
100 Inches Is the New 85 Inches
There’s a certain enchantment associated with the number 100, particularly when it comes to screens. Historically, the 85-inch threshold has marked the boundary between TVs and projection systems. However, recently there has been a surge of activity centered around this screen size, as ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors and 100-inch TVs (usually ranging from 97 to 98 inches, measured diagonally) compete to occupy the coveted “primary display” spot in living rooms, basement entertainment areas, and even dedicated home theaters.
The 100-inch trend is so new, it’s hard to find TV stands or wall mounts for a screen that size! Having a screen so large that works in brightly lit spaces is a game-changer. From 4K live sports, to gaming and sims, to displaying high-resolution artwork, there’s a lot you can do with a giant TV.
New Reviewer, New Reviews
As the latest TV models for 2023 start shipping we will be there with a focus on reviews of OLEDs and mini-LED FALD LCDs such as TCL’s excellent 6 Series 4K Roku TV. We will continue to review high-performance projectors that deliver value, such as Sony’s impressive VPL-XW5000ES, which offers an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio in its class.
Recent Top Pick reviews of note that fall outside of the TV/video category include Daniel Kumin’s comprehensive report on the NAD’s versatile C 3050 LE stereo integrated amplifier and Leslie Shapiro assessment of the affordable new Ai81 active tower speakers from Fluance. And then there’s David Vaughn review of Polk’s new entry-level sub, the Monitor XT10 and my take on the formidable, expensive, but ultimately sublime JBL 4349 speakers.
Finally, we are delighted to welcome Jim Wilson to the Sound & Vision review staff with his debut review of the Arendal Sound 1723 speaker system, featuring the powerful 1723 Subwoofer 2S.
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