Comparison Sony KD-55A1 55 " vs LG OLED55E7N 55 "

— Smart TV (own system). The operating system of the TV is represented by the manufacturer's proprietary software shell. Usually, such operating systems have an attractive and understandable menu, similar to a traditional Smart TV. A proprietary operating system is developed by the manufacturer for the hardware resources of a particular TV model or a whole line. But, as practice shows, compared to the classic Smart TV, the functionality of its own system often has significant limitations, and the system itself, in fact, is a stripped-down version of a full-fledged Smart TV.

— Smart TV (Android AOSP). This type of operating system is a modification of the popular Android OS, mainly notable for being open source. It is a versatile operating system that gives the user much more freedom to create changes and customizations within the system itself. At the same time, the installation and stability of certain applications on this platform are not guaranteed, and the overall system management was not specially “tailored” for large screens, which may cause some inconvenience. First of all, such solutions will arouse interest among users who understand the features of the Android OS, like to customize and control everything for themselves, and have time for this.

— Android TV. TVs of this type boast full-fledged Android TV software, specially adapted to work on...large screens. In accordance with the name, it is a kind of Android OS, specially “sharpened” for TVs / projectors, etc. In addition to the common features of all “Androids” (such as the ability to install additional applications, including even games), it has a number of special features: optimized interface, integration with smartphones (including the ability to use them as a remote control), voice search, etc. Thanks to this, TVs with this feature are significantly superior in functionality to models with a “regular” Smart TV. Of course, a dedicated processor, graphics subsystem and memory are provided for the operation of a multifunctional OS, and the presence of such hardware resources is reflected in the total cost of the TV. Given the same optical design, models with Android TV will cost more than classic devices with a simple multi-line menu.

— Google TV. Rebranding of the Android TV platform for TVs and smart set-top boxes, or rather, a new shell on top of the operating system under the sign of the “green droid”, introduced since 2021. Among the innovations, it has a redesigned user interface, an improved knowledge base that more efficiently distributes content by genre and collects search information from the entire list of installed applications and subscriptions. The voice assistant now understands the needs of the audience better and provides a detailed list of what was found. A separate tab in the interface contains live broadcasts of current events, whether it be sports events or a rocket launch to Mars. Among other things, the aspects that involve the use of TV as a command post for managing a single ecosystem of a “smart” home have been improved in the system.

— Sony X1. The Sony X1 processor is used in Sony TVs from several series: XH and XG. Such TVs occupy several niches at once: the low-cost category and the middle class. The most affordable models display a 4K resolution picture without support for high dynamic range (HDR), more advanced models use 4K HDR. Basically, these are simple models that are designed only for watching videos. For dynamic games, TVs with such a processor are less suitable.

— Sony X1 Extreme. The Sony X1 Extreme processor is 40% more powerful than its predecessor, the Sony X1, and is designed to work with 4K HDR images. Working with HDR dynamic range makes it possible to display a realistic picture of increased quality on the screen. TVs with the Sony X1 Extreme processor are mid-range and high-end models. The image qualit is improved by supporting dynamic backlighting. An important feature of the Sony X1 Extreme is the use of two independent colour rendering databases (Dual database processing). Object-based HDR remaster technology analyzes the image displayed on the screen, matches colours with a database and adjusts them for viewing on a particular TV. Thanks to Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR, colour transitions become smoother and more natural, making the picture even more realistic.

— Sony X1 Ultimate. The Sony X1 Ultimate processor can handle both 4K (3840 x 2160) and 8K HDR (...7680 x 4320) images, depending on the screen size. TVs with such a processor provide a picture with the deepest detail and the highest quality rendering of textures. TVs with the Sony X1 Ultimate processor are mostly advanced models from the middle and expensive segment. Such TVs provide the effect of complete immersion in the atmosphere of the video being watched. Sony X1 Ultimate supports X-Reality PRO technology with an exclusive database of colour reproduction samples. Even when displaying low-resolution images on a TV screen, the picture quality is automatically upscaled to 8K (4K) with HDR High Dynamic Range. There is support for X-tended Dynamic Range PRO technology, which distributes the backlight in accordance with the displayed scenes. Dynamic backlighting improves contrast and makes the picture as bright as possible, while blacks are more saturated than ever.

— Sony Cognitive XR. TVs with Sony XR processor are capable of displaying a picture in 4K resolution at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz. These are high-tech models operating under the control of advanced artificial intelligence. The Sony XR is one of the world's first "cognitive" processors. He processes the video and audio components of broadcasts to improve the quality of the image and sound, which creates a realistic picture of what is happening on the screen. The software algorithms of the processor process information about audio and video in a single stream. The manufacturer claims that the processor works akin to the human brain and goes beyond the capabilities of ordinary artificial intelligence algorithms.

— LG. The hierarchy of television image processors from LG includes several large Alpha families: α 5, α 7, α 8, α 9 and α 11. Each of them is described in more detail in the corresponding help paragraphs:

— LG α 5. Alpha 5 processors are used in the brand’s inexpensive TV panels and perform minimal image processing. They cover a basic range of tasks such as improving colour reproduction, upscaling video to 4K and creating surround virtual sound.

— LG α 7. Processors from the Alpha 7 line are found on board mid-range LG TVs with NanoCell and OLED matrices. Their advanced functionality includes automatic adjustment of image and sound parameters in accordance with the broadcast genre, as well as automatic adjustment of brightness and tones to suit the conditions of the surrounding space.

— LG α 8. The Alpha 8 family is the true “golden mean” from LG. The debut of α 8 took place in 2024, and such processors are installed in the brand’s TVs with NanoCell and OLED panels. They are equipped with improved noise reduction and sharpening algorithms, support for Dolby Vision and other premium HDR formats (in most models), and advanced artificial intelligence functions for increasing image and sound quality in real time.

— LG α 9. LG's flagship TVs are equipped with α 9 rank processors - in fact, they rely on deep machine learning algorithms to analyze the genre of broadcast video content and adapt image and sound parameters to it. Alpha 9 processors work with all applicable specifications of high dynamic range technology in LG TVs and have a professional sound identification system.

— LG α 11. Alpha 11 processors will be installed in top models of LG OLED TVs starting in 2024. They are capable of working with frame formats up to 8K, while providing improved image scaling algorithms. The emphasis in the line of processors is on the highest computing power and developed functionality of AI algorithms for the finest adaptation of picture and sound.

Note that with each subsequent edition, LG image processors increase functionality. Their generations are designated by the prefix Gen with the serial number of the generation.

— Samsung Crystal 4K. The Samsung Crystal 4K processor is used primarily in Samsung's Crystal UHD series TVs. This category of TVs has an affordable price. These are simple models, the screen of which produces a picture in Ultra 4K resolution. The performance of the Samsung Crystal 4K processor is enough to bring the colour quality to the level of HDR. Of the technologies used, we can note the Contrast Enhancer and Dynamic Crystal Color, thanks to which the contrast and brightness of the image are fine-tuned.

— Samsung Quantum 4K. The Samsung Quantum 4K processor is used in Samsung TVs with QLED backlighting. High performance makes it possible to scale the image of Full HD to the level of 4K, and in the high dynamic range of HDR. The Samsung Quantum 4K processor features unique Quantum HDR technology, which makes the image more detailed, richer and more expressive. The processor supports Dual LED dynamic backlight technology, with which the picture acquires extreme contrast and at the same time high brightness. Also, the TVs have a special game mode Real Game Enhancer+ with support for AMD FreeSync technology.

— Samsung Quantum 8K. The Samsung Quantum 8K processor has been used in Samsung QLED TVs since 2020. Models in this series are capable of reproducing 8K HDR images, and a picture of such high quality can be obtained even from a source with a resolution of 4K to Full HD. Usually, these are top-level models. TVs of this class can be used as part of a professional home theater. Deep detailing of the picture guarantees complete immersion in the video content. Artificial intelligence QLED TV is responsible for image processing.

— Samsung NQ4 AI. Intelligent processor that provides high quality images and sound using artificial intelligence technologies. Used in mid-range Samsung TVs with OLED and Neo QLED matrices, it provides work with frame formats up to 4K (including image scaling from lower resolutions in real time). The processor supports flexible Quantum Matrix backlight control, and thanks to the AI ​​Customization function, the TV can independently determine the genre of video content, adjusting the brightness and contrast settings to achieve the effect of complete immersion in what is happening on the screen.

— Samsung NQ8 AI. Top-level processor found in flagship 8K Samsung Neo QLED TVs. Relying on machine learning algorithms and a built-in NPU neural engine, the processor guarantees a great video viewing experience regardless of the input source. Samsung NQ8 AI supports real-time upscaling to 8K, ensures smooth and clear depiction of fast movements in the frame thanks to AI Motion Enhancer Pro, and Real Depth Enhancer Pro allows viewers to immerse themselves in the action on the screen. In parallel, the processor is tasked with processing multi-channel audio, optimizing images in games and for each scene, depending on the user’s preferences.

Note that Samsung NQ4 AI and NQ8 AI processors were released in several generations, designated by the Gen prefix with a serial version number. The newer the edition, the more advanced the processor is.

– Philips P5 Perfect Picture. The Philips P5 Perfect Picture Processor is used in Philips OLED TVs. The processing power of the processor is enough to reproduce the 4K image. In older models, an extended dynamic range of HDR colours is found. TVs with the Philips P5 Perfect Picture processor cover several cost categories at once, the low-cost segment and the average price range. A high-quality picture is displayed on the screen of such models, but, usually, it falls short of the reference Ultra 4K HDR, since this requires a more professional matrix. The P5 Perfect Picture processor is the first Philips CPU to use artificial intelligence. Philips P5 Perfect Picture supports technologies such as Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Perfect Natural Motion and Micro Dimming Pro.

– Philips P5 Pro Perfect Picture. The Philips P5 Pro Perfect Picture Processor is used in Philips TVs with enhanced OLED. Models with this processor are capable of displaying an image in Ultra 4K HDR resolution. Usually, it is found in advanced class TVs. Philips P5 Pro Perfect Picture processor TVs use a machine intelligence neural network interface. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice assistants are supported. The processor uses the following image and sound technologies: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+, Micro Dimming Perfect and Wide Color Gamut.

The type of coating used on the TV screen.

— Matte. Historically, the first type of coating for LCD screens, which is often found today. Screens with such a coating generally have average characteristics of brightness, saturation and colour reproduction quality, in terms of these indicators they are inferior to glossy counterparts. However, the matte coating has one important advantage: it has virtually no glare from ambient light. In some situations, this can be an important advantage — for example, if the TV is installed opposite the window. And for some users it is more pleasant to look at the screen without glare, albeit relatively dim.

— Glossy. A coating designed to improve the brightness and colour quality of the visible image compared to matte screens. The creators have managed to achieve this goal: "glossy" screens really provide rich, vibrant colours and a brighter image. The key disadvantage of such screens is the appearance of glare from ambient light on them — this can ruin the whole viewing experience. Because of this, the classic glossy coating is practically not used today, anti-glare solutions have taken its place (see below).

— Glossy (anti-glare). Modification of the glossy coating, created, as the name implies, in order to eliminate the main drawback of the classic gloss — glare from external lighting. This is not to say th...at such screens do not glare at all, but there are much less reflections on them than on ordinary glossy ones. As for the image quality, it is at least not much worse, and often even better (especially since such coatings are constantly being improved). Thanks to all this, most modern TVs of all price categories are equipped with anti-glare screens.

TV support for Upscaling function. This feature is only available on models with 4K and 8K resolution screens.

Upscaling to 4K allows you to increase the resolution of the original “picture” to 4K (3840x2160), if it was initially lower - for example, viewing a movie in 4K that was originally recorded in Full HD (1920x1080). In this case, we are not just talking about “stretching” the image to fill the entire screen (all TVs are capable of doing this), but about special processing, thanks to which the actual video resolution is increased. Of course, such video will still be inferior to content originally recorded in 4K; however, upscaling provides a noticeable improvement in quality compared to the raw signal.

Upscaling to 8K works on the same principle, only relevant for 8K TVs.

The maximum brightness of the image provided by the TV screen.

The image on the screen should be bright enough so that you do not have to strain your eyes unnecessarily to view it. However, too high brightness is undesirable — it will also lead to fatigue. The optimal brightness level depends on the surrounding conditions: the more intense the ambient light, the brighter the TV screen should be. So, on a sunny day, the screen may have to be “turned up” to the maximum, and in the evening, in dimmed light, a relatively dim image will be more comfortable. In addition note that large screens require higher brightness, since they are designed for a greater distance from the viewer.

Thus, the higher the number in this paragraph, the greater the margin of brightness this model has, the better it will show itself in intense ambient light. The lowest indicator sufficient for more or less comfortable viewing in any conditions is 300 cd/m² for models with a diagonal of up to 32", 400 cd/m² for models in the range of 32 – 55" and 600 cd/m² for large screens of 60" and more. In this case, the brightness margin anyway will not be superfluous. But with lower indicators, you may have to darken the room somewhat for comfortable viewing.

The highest frame rate supported by the TV.

Note that in this case we are talking specifically about the screen’s own frame rate, without additional image processing (see “Index of dynamic scenes”). This frequency must be no lower than the frame rate in the video being played - otherwise there may be jerks, interference and other unpleasant phenomena that degrade the quality of the picture. In addition, the higher the frame rate, the smoother and smoother the movement in the frame will look, and the better the detail of moving objects will be. However, it is worth noting here that playback speed is often limited by the properties of the content, and not by the characteristics of the screen. For example, films are often recorded at a frequency of only 30 fps, or even 24 - 25 fps, while most modern TVs support frequencies of 50 or 60 Hz. This is enough even for viewing high-quality content in HD resolutions (speeds above 60 fps in such video are extremely rare), but there are also “faster” screens on the market: 100 Hz, 120 Hz and 144 Hz. Such speeds, as a rule, indicate a fairly high class of the screen; they also often imply the use of various technologies designed to improve the quality of dynamic scenes.

TV support for one or another brightness / contrast enhancement technology.

Usually, in this case, software image processing is implied, in such a way as to improve brightness and/or contrast (if necessary). Specific processing methods may be different — in particular, in some cases we are actually talking about turning standard content into HDR (see above), and some manufacturers do not specify technical details at all. The effectiveness of different technologies can also be different, and besides, it is highly dependent on the specific content: in some cases, the improvement will be obvious, in others it may be almost imperceptible. Also note that this feature is not always useful, so in most models it is turned off.

The TV's support of one or the other colour enhancement technology.

Such technologies usually involve image processing in software to provide brighter and/or more accurate colours. Specific processing methods may be different, some manufacturers do not specify technical details at all, limiting themselves to advertising statements. The effect of using such technologies can also vary: in some cases it is clearly visible, in others it is almost absent, depending on the features of the picture. It is also worth saying that this feature, usually, needs to be turned on manually in the TV menu (accordingly, it can be turned off if desired).

TV supports some kind of black enhancement technology.

Deep blacks are as important to an image as the quality of other colours. At the same time, it is not as easy to achieve it as it might seem at first glance: the black areas of the screen are “lit up” by the backlight and, without additional tricks, may not look dark enough. Thus, modern TVs use various additional black enhancement technologies. One of the options for this technology is local backlighting, in which LEDs are placed not on the sides of the screen, but behind it: each of them illuminates its own section of the sensor and can be turned off if necessary. There are other, more complex ways to achieve high-quality black.