Get the full picture on LG NanoCell TV tech before deciding if it's the right fit for your living room.
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#LGNC TV, #Nanocell, #LG TV, #4KTV, #SmartTV
What is LG NanoCell TV Technology?
LG NanoCell is a type of LCD LED TV that uses nanoparticles layered over the screen to filter out impure colors and improve color accuracy. These nano-sized particles act as “cells” that absorb unwanted wavelengths of light, resulting in enhanced reds, greens, and whites.
Essentially, the NanoCell layer purifies the color spectrum being emitted, creating more vibrant and lifelike colors compared to standard LED screens. This technology is exclusive to LG TVs across varied model lines and price ranges.
While the company hasn’t provided exact details on how NanoCell functions, tests show improved DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and wider viewing angles thanks to LG’s customized IPS display panels. Read on to learn all about the advantages and disadvantages of LG’s NanoCell TV tech.
How Does LG NanoCell TV Work?
The NanoCell layer in LG TVs is made up of nanoparticles or molecular dyes that filter out impure colors from the source RGB lights. This helps achieve truer, more saturated color tones.
You can think of it like paint – removing contaminants from the red, blue, and green subpixels allows for purer hues just like filtered paint pigments enable cleaner shades of red, yellow, or green.
Over time, LG has paired the color-enhancing NanoCell layer with quantum dots, local dimming zones, and miniLED backlights across higher-end NanoCell TV model lines to boost contrast and brightness.
NanoCell TV Benefits
Let’s explore the main advantages of LG’s NanoCell TV technology when it comes to color vibrance, viewing angles, and motion handling:
Enhanced, Accurate Colors
The NanoCell layer filters out wrong color wavelengths to produce cleaner RGB lights, resulting in enhanced color depth and saturation, especially with reds and greens. Complexions appear more natural and landscapes seem more vibrant.
Wider Viewing Angles
Most LG NanoCell TVs utilize customized IPS panels known for extra-wide viewing angles. So the picture retains brightness and color accuracy even when watching from off-center seats.
Superior Motion Handling
Higher-end LG NanoCell models integrate techs like native 120Hz refresh rates as well as variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM). This results in smoother motion clarity and lag-free gaming.
NanoCell TV Drawbacks
However, LG’s NanoCell TV tech isn’t without some downsides especially when it comes to contrast, backlight blooming, and limited HDR performance:
Mediocre Contrast Ratios
The IPS panels used in NanoCell TVs suffer from weaker native contrast and black levels compared to VA panel types. This affects picture depth in dark room viewing.
Backlight Blooming
Fewer local dimming zones coupled with the IPS panel structure make NanoCell TVs prone to backlight blooming or halos around bright objects.
Underwhelming HDR Experience
While colors may seem bolder, poor contrast coupled with a lack of intense peak brightness leads to an average HDR experience on LG NanoCell TVs.
NanoCell vs Competing TV Technologies
How does LG’s proprietary NanoCell tech stack up against leading options like Samsung’s QLED or LG’s own OLED TVs? Let’s compare the differences:
NanoCell vs QLED
Both improve colors over regular LED TVs but QLEDs leverage quantum dots for superior color volume, brightness, and black levels owing to their VA panel-based construction.
NanoCell vs OLED
LG’s self-lit OLED pixels render perfect blacks and infinite contrast for the best picture depth. NanoCell TVs cannot match this performance due to their LED backlight-based IPS panels.
For a more detailed technical and performance assessment across different price tiers, check out the NanoCell versus QLED and OLED sections in the FAQ below.
Who Should Buy an LG NanoCell TV in 2023?
LG NanoCell TVs bring enhanced color performance and solid smart features at an affordable price point compared to premium QLED and OLED sets.
Here's a quick guide on the best-suited buyers for LG NanoCell TVs:
Casual Viewers
The excellent viewing angles coupled with the color and motion upgrades make NanoCell TVs a great fit for family rooms and casual TV watching.
Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Those seeking higher-end features without the premium price tag will appreciate the performance and connectivity offered by mid-range LG NanoCell TV models.
Next-Gen Gamers
Serious console or PC gamers will benefit from gaming-centric tech like 4K 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM available even in entry-level LG NanoCell TV options.
Bright Room Watchers
Thanks to elevated brightness and anti-reflective screens, LG NanoCell TVs make for a vibrant big-screen experience even in sunlit living spaces.
LG Nanocell TV Recommendations
[Under $1000]
FAQs on LG NanoCell TVs
Get answers to the most common questions surrounding LG's NanoCell TV technology - from differences between model lines to ideal viewing environments and more:
Is LG NanoCell better than QLED?
In terms of color accuracy after calibration – yes. But QLED TVs offer higher peak brightness, superior native contrast levels, advanced local dimming, and better overall HDR performance.
How does NanoCell compare to OLED TV?
LG’s self-emitting OLED TVs beat NanoCell models on almost all picture quality aspects including perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wider viewing angles.
What’s better for gaming – LG NanoCell or Samsung QLED?
For hardcore gaming, Samsung QLED TVs are better performers thanks to higher brightness, tighter input lag, and variable refresh rate support. Casual gamers will still appreciate LG’s solid gaming credentials at a lesser price point.
Is an LG NanoCell TV good for watching sports?
Yes, LG NanoCell TVs offer excellent motion handling with fast response times and TruMotion processing making them great displays for fast-paced live sports.
Is a bright room better for an LG NanoCell TV?
Yes, LG NanoCell TVs utilize IPS panels and anti-glare filters enabling them to showcase vibrant colors and deep blacks even in bright living spaces.
What is the difference between NanoCell and Nanocell?
None – NanoCell and Nanocell are simply two trademarked brand names for the same technology used across LG’s LED LCD TV lineup over the years.
Is LG NanoCell worth buying over LG UHD TVs?
If color accuracy is vital to your TV viewing experience, LG’s mid-range to premium NanoCell TVs offer superior color depth over regular LG UHD LED TVs.
Should I buy LG OLED or LG QNED TV?
LG’s newest QNED miniLED TVs close the gap with OLED in terms of contrast and black levels while showcasing brighter, punchier HDR highlights. If your usage is mostly movies/gaming and budget permits, still go for LG C-Series OLED.
Why are LG NanoCell TVs cheaper than Samsung QLED TVs?
The use of IPS panels and lack of quantum dot technology allows LG to price most NanoCell TV models lower than Samsung QLEDs with comparable sizes/specs.
How long will an LG NanoCell TV last?
Like most LED LCD TVs today, LG’s NanoCell TVs are built to easily last over 5-7 years of average use. Enabling pixel refresher and avoiding static content is key to prolonging long-term durability.
Are all 4K LG TVs NanoCell?
No, only select mid-range to premium LG 4K UHD and 8K TV model lines feature NanoCell technology – namely the NANO, QNED and newer QNE miniLED TV series.
What is a NanoCell black frame insertion?
This is an optional motion-handling feature that inserts black frames between content frames to sharpen motion clarity. It may negatively impact brightness so enable only if motion blur is noticeable.
Is LG NanoCell better for PS5 or Xbox Series X?
LG NanoCell TVs support key next-gen gaming tech like 4K/120fps, VRR, and ALLM. Though Samsung QLED edges them out on game visuals, LG NanoCell provides better bang for the buck for the latest consoles.
Why are LG NanoCell TVs heavier than regular LED TVs?
The extra NanoCell layering and more elaborate full-array local dimming backlight designs on premium NanoCell TVs contribute to increased weight over standard LCD TV variants.
Which NanoCell technology is better – LG or Sony?
LG pioneered and patented the NanoCell brand. While Sony X95K TVs promise improved contrast via a unique “NanoCell+IPS” structure, reviewer tests crown LG NanoCell TVs as better color performers.
What is the picture quality of the LG NanoCell TV?
LG NanoCell TVs deliver good picture quality with excellent color reproduction but contrast is merely passable resulting in black levels appearing elevated especially in dark room viewing.
Is NanoCell LCD or LED?
NanoCell TVs utilize LED backlighting but the screen technology is still a specialized form of LCD panels and not self-emitting LED screens.
Is LG cheaper than Sony?
Yes, LG TV models usually retail for lower prices compared to Sony sets of equivalent display sizes and specs. The differences can be anywhere from $50 up to $800+ between comparable models.
Why is Sony OLED better than LG?
In head-to-head comparisons, LG’s latest OLED EVO TVs surpass Sony’s A90K OLEDs on color vibrancy, gaming capabilities, and processing power. The Sony OLED sets compete on styling and acoustic prowess instead.
Conclusion
Hope this detailed but digestible guide helps you decide whether an LG NanoCell TV is the right fit for your entertainment needs and budget! Have more questions? Feel free to start a conversation below.
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