Asus, Acer and HP all showed a big monitor that has been developed by Nvidia for gamers, and known as the Big Format Gaming Display (BFGD). The 65″ UltraHD unit has low latency, WCG, 1,000 cd/m² of output and 120Hz of direct refresh (without MEMC) using G-Sync and based on a panel from AUO. It is fitted with the Nvidia shield streaming box, so if your idea of TV is just based on OTT content, it would qualify as a TV. The unit looked very good to us but we expect it to be expensive. No pricing or production dates were revealed, but it was working well and gamers that were trying it were definitely in love – although as non-gamers we found it difficult to enjoy as it was so overwhelming at close viewing distances.
The BFGD Monitor shown by HP
BOE was in one of the hotels but was not showing LCD panels and focused on TV sets for brands. The company had an 8K set with 75″ diagonal and based on a chip from Hisilicon. The company is very committed, like Sharp, to developing an ecosystem around 8K. The company also had a demo of the Stream TV AS3D solution, based on a BOE panel (Stream TV Claims No Viewing Zones on 8K AS3D).
Haier’s big news at CES 2018 was a new partnership with Google to launch a line of Android TVs with Google Assistant built in. There will be multiple series of these Android TVs (based on Oreo O/S) to be launched in North America first, but they will be launched globally later.
Haier already offers a series of TV based upon using Chromecast, so you need to “cast” content to the TV using your mobile device. This UG6550G series will continue in 2018, but previous Roku TV models seems to be absent for 2018. Screen sizes of 50, 55, 65 and 75″ are planned.
Three other series are planned for 2018 with an entry series in FHD in 32, 40 and 48″. The step up will be UHD in 50, 55 and 65″ and the third series will come in 55, 65 and 75″. These will all be Android TVs with Google Assistant built in and they should arrive this summer. No other information is available at this time, but these appear to not support HDR.
Konka was way in the back of Central Hall at CES. They have been selling TVs in the US for two years, we were told. There is apparently only one line of TVs available in 43, 55 and 65″ screen sizes.
These are based upon the Linux operating system, feature UHD resolution, Netflix access and HDR10 decoding. However, these are low luminance and low color gamut TVs.
They did show a 75” 8K TV, however, with a DisplayPort 1.4 interface, local dimming, HDR and voice control. No commercialization plans were disclosed.
Also on display were some very creative wallpaper OLED TVs, including a fully wireless system that did not look very good at all, and a crystal sound version.
NuVision used to sell TVs and other products primarily in the custom install channel, but stopped activities a few years ago. Now they are back and they used CES 2018 to announce its plans to re-enter the USA TV market, while also significantly expanding its mobile computing line-up. NuVision’s strategy is to provide a compelling mix of quality, technology and value.
With strong financial backing, the team has created all new product roadmaps and fresh brand, product and channel marketing plans. Moving forward, NuVision will partner with select quality retailers across the country, providing new opportunities with back-to-basics business practices. They want to maintain an aggressive, yet stable brand position, which they hope will establish a business positioned for managed long-term growth.
For 2018, NuVision will offer three distinct TV Series: Core, Edge and Ultra. NuVision will also offer tablets, 2-in-1 detachable and flip models, plus laptops.
Very little information is available on these series other than the following:
- Core – 1080p; Dynamic (global) Dimming; AccuMotion 120; 32, 40, 50 inch
- Edge – UHD, Direct BLU; Dynamic (global) Dimming; AccuMotion 120; HDR10; Black level enhancer; 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 inch
- Ultra – UHD; Direct BLU; Local Dimming; AccuMotion 120; HDR10; Black level enhancer; High Bright Panel; WCG and Wide color enhancer; 55, 65 and 75 inch
RCA, which is a sub-brand of Technicolor/TCL, debuted a new series of Roku TVs at CES. A partnership between the two companies was announced last April and has resulted in the new series which appears to be simply names the UHD 4K Smart RCA Roku TV.
Available now are 50, 55 and 65″ screen sizes with a 75” (120Hz) planned for later in 2018. These support HDR10, offer 250 cd/m² of brightness with a direct backlight with local dimming. The Roku platform now has an electronic program guide installed that can also capture over the air local stations and integrates that into other content offerings. Users can do voice search and there is a pause feature which stores up to 90 minutes of content. Models are currently available in stores and online at Walmart, ABC Appliances, BiMart, Amazon.com and Cooks Brothers. Prices start at $699.99
Coming in April, 2018 will be a new Smart TV line with Netflix, but without Roku or HDR support in 50, 55 and 65″ screen sizes.
Vestel of Turkey was at the show to talk to potential brand customers. Products on display included the OLED TV that the company showed at IFA. We talked about the different platforms of Android, Linux and Roku. Vestel can offer Android, but prefers to offer a Linux-based solution as the company has had many years of experience. It is reluctant to use a platform such as Roku as it feels that if it works with the company to develop the platform for the Europeedan market where Vestel is very strong, others will be able to exploit that knowledge.
Vewd, previously known as Opera, was showing its latest TV operating system, Vewd OS. The aim is to exploit the app store that it has built in supporting STBs and which we reported on at IBC (Opera TV is Now Vewd) and adopted by Kaon and others. (Kaon Chooses Vewd SDK for Next-Gen Set-Top-Box). The Vewd OS is one of the small range of non-proprietary branded OS choices for Smart TV makers, also including Google TV and Roku.
Vewd has a new front screen
Westinghouse Electronics announced a new line of smart 4K Android TVs. The company mainly sources TVs from OEM such as Chunghsin Technology Group in China.
These Android TVs appear to offer basic access to content and a Google Cast feature for pushing content from mobile devices to the TV. Equipped with Google Assistant, this allows you to use voice commands to quickly find the latest movies, browse and discover new content, check game scores in real-time and control smart home devices including connected LED light bulbs, light switches, thermostats and more.
The sets are not HDR capable with the 43” set retailing for a low $350 using a 60 Hz panel. It is unlikely these sets offer elevated luminance or wide color gamut.
