Nearly two years ago, we reported on a seemingly impossible tech invention revealed by LG Electronics called “wallpaper television.” It was an ultra-thin OLED screen that affixed itself to a wall using a thin magnetic mat. At the time, LG indicated the technology would likely be applied to wearable screen and vehicle dashboard segments, with an outside possibility of finding its way into consumer homes. Frankly, the possible seemed nearly impossible, and LG’s gorgeous Picture on Glass OLED televisions stole the show during 2016. The idea of a wallpaper television simply became an afterthought.
Heading into the end of the year, however, the rumor mill began to suggest that LG was poised to reintroduce its wallpaper design at CES 2017. And, the company did not disappoint, officially revealing a new flagship “Signature” line called the W-Series. It features Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos sound, and a razor-thin “Picture on Wall” design.
Yes, folks, they’ve done it. LG is officially bringing the wallpaper design to market. And if you’re skeptical about this being a gimmick, take note now: it’s not. In fact, Best Buy already has the W-Series’ first model (65-inch OLED65W7P) listed for pre-order. A 75-inch model will also be available (but at a later date).
“Led by the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W-series, our TV lineup at CES 2017 demonstrates our commitment to innovation and leadership in OLED and the premium TV market globally,” said Tim Alessi, head of product marketing at LG Electronics USA. “With Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos integrated into our newest OLED products, viewers can recapture the magic of the cinema and experience their favorite movies with their original clarity, depth and imagination intact.”
David VanderWaal (VP Marketing) introduces LG’s W-Series at CES 2017
Stands need not apply for the W-Series, as it does indeed attach directly to a flat magnetic mounting system. It’s so flat that the television and mounting system protrude mere millimeters from the surface of the wall. The brains of the television are housed in a fancy looking speaker bar system that also offers four HDMI and three USB input slots. A flat minimalized cable connects the bar to the television.
LG says that W-Series meets (and possibly exceeds) the picture performance offered by LG’s 2016 OLED models, which is incredible considering its overall thickness. And of course it offers both HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, in addition to the new backward-compatible HLG HDR standard (which, like HDR10, offers 10-bit color).
The technical merits of OLED are absolutely off the charts, and if your eyes haven’t been treated to one of LG’s OLEDs displaying 4K with HDR, then drop what you’re doing and find a demo. It truly is mind melting. The thought that LG has made a consumer set so incredibly thin and lightweight (the 65-inch weighs only 17-pounds) is flat out amazing.
Is it possible to put in an order for a 110-inch cinemascope sized wall mount screen, please?
One can only dream.
The 65-inch OLED65W7P should begin shipping in March and is currently priced at $7,999.
Image Credits: LG Electronics