The Hisense UR9 RGB LED TV marks a significant entry into the competitive television market, particularly against OLED technology. Priced at $3,500 for the 65-inch model, this television brings advanced backlighting technology and vibrant color representation into consumer households, making it a noteworthy opponent for established OLED brands like LG and Samsung.
As the first RGB LED TV released by Hisense, the UR9 utilizes individual red, green, and blue LEDs for its backlight, allowing for enhanced brightness and color accuracy. This model offers a glimpse into the potential of RGB LED technology, surpassing traditional mini-LED TVs that have dominated the market in recent years.
The UR9 delivers impressive HDR performance, showcasing colors beyond the P3 color space, which is especially beneficial for films and TV shows designed for wider color gamuts. However, its pricing places it alongside high-end OLEDs, presenting a challenge for Hisense as it competes for consumer attention.
Key Features and Performance
The Hisense UR9 comes in various sizes, including 65 inches ($3,500), 75 inches ($5,000), 85 inches ($6,000), and a massive 100 inches ($9,000). This pricing strategy directly pits the UR9 against flagship OLED displays, raising the stakes for its performance and features.
Measuring 1.8 inches thick, the 65-inch version of the UR9 employs a pedestal stand and includes three HDMI 2.1 inputs, complemented by a USB-C DisplayPort connection. While the placement of the USB-C port on the side might detract from its aesthetic appeal, the TV supports a native refresh rate of 180Hz, along with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, with plans for a future update to enable Dolby Vision 2.
Testing Methodology
In evaluating the Hisense UR9, a thorough testing process was implemented. The TV was set up in a home theater environment, utilizing various streaming services, a 4K Blu-ray player, and gaming consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. This method ensured performance was assessed under diverse lighting conditions and scenarios, providing insights into out-of-the-box capabilities without calibration.
Color Performance and Comparison with OLED
The UR9 excels in color representation, achieving near-complete coverage of the BT.2020 color space, which is a notable advancement over previous technologies. It performed admirably, particularly with HDR content such as the BBC documentary series Planet Earth II, displaying vibrant greens and colorful imagery of wildlife accurately.
Despite its strengths, the Hisense UR9 encounters some challenges compared to OLED technology, primarily in contrast levels. While RGB LED technology improves brightness and color saturation, it still relies on LCD panels, which can lead to issues like light blooming and limited viewing angles. OLED's pixel-level control remains superior in delivering deep blacks and contrast, essential for depth perception in visual media.
Specifications Overview
Display Type: RGB LED
HDR Formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Operating System: Google TV
HDMI Inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.1 (with eARC), 1 x DisplayPort over USB-C
Audio Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual X
Gaming Features: 4K/180Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro
Available Sizes: 65, 75, 85, 100 inches
At $3,500 for the 65-inch model, the Hisense UR9 positions itself as a premium option, challenging the pricing strategies of its OLED counterparts. This competitive landscape raises questions about the future direction of television technology, especially as RGB LED TVs gain traction.
Hisense's move to introduce the UR9 alongside more affordable models like the UR8 suggests a strategic approach to capture a broader market segment, potentially shifting consumer preferences in the coming years.
The advancements in RGB LED technology hint at a bright future, although for now, OLED still reigns supreme in terms of picture quality. As innovations continue, consumers can expect an exciting evolution in display technology.
Source: The Verge News