This week I visited the LG Exploratorium, a state-of-the-art space on LG's New Jersey campus that offers all kinds of interactive technology experiences. The real reason I stopped by the Exploratorium was because LG's signature OLED R was on display.
Tom's Guide had seen a version of this supple set before, most recently during CES 2019. However, this is the first time I have actually witnessed it, and the first time the LG Signature OLED R was demonstrated as a finished product available for purchase.
Who on earth would want to spend six figures on a TV remains to be seen. When I told her what this TV does and how much it costs, my mother said J.Lo might want it. Richard Branson can buy two rolling OLEDs for each person who buys a ticket for a Virgin Atlantic Airways space flight.
Don't get me wrong. You'll never get tired of watching a 65-inch screen roll out of thin air at the push of a button. If you've ever thought a TV was an eyesore, this set lets you put it away.
At first, I was hesitant to operate the roll controller with the TV remote. However, after spreading it out a few times, I found my rhythm. [But LG's OLED R is housed in a compact compartment, made to look like the kind of interior you would actually want in your home. This compartment also houses a virtual Dolby Atmos sound system. Fortunately, a full array of HDMI 2.1 and the latest webOS software are also available at no extra charge.
I just tried the LG G1 OLED TV with OLED evo a few months ago, so I am familiar with the interface operation. I still prefer the older version of webOS, which allows me to browse without disturbing the apps that are currently on. However, the LG Signature OLED R's Line View (a neat setup that rotates only part of the display to show the input toolbar, photo gallery, and simple clock) offered redemption.
We have no independent lab test results on the rolling OLED, but anecdotally it appears to be competitive; LG says the performance is similar to its latest C series, the LG C1 OLED TV. At a retail price of $2,499, the 65-inch C1 OLED is one-fortieth the price of the Rolling Wander. To justify the cost, the OLED R's picture would have to be at least as good as the company's most popular set.
Price jokes aside, durability is probably a concern. It seems that the screen curling and unfolding over and over again puts stress on the glass glued to the OLED layer. There are several points of failure, such as moving parts no longer moving smoothly or starting to break due to stress from daily use.
However, the OLED R is capable of 100,000 deployments, which LG estimates to be 20 times per day for 20 years. At any rate, I myself witnessed no reason for concern in the latest hands-on. It rolled smoothly many times and was not surprising to see.
For now, LG's signature OLED R can be ordered for $100,000. It is only available in 65-inch sizes; other sizes have not yet been announced; LG did not comment on how many of these TVs will sell, but said the rollable OLED is manufactured on a dedicated line with dedicated materials.
So far, it is impressive to see the state-of-the-art technology in full working order. I would not order an LG Signature OLED R (unless someone lends me $100,000, preferably interest free), but as we have observed with flexible cell phones and other currently mainstream TV technologies, until manufacturing becomes more efficient, initially expensive and then Who knows. Perhaps we common folk will all have rolling TVs in our living rooms.
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