In a game-changing revelation at IFA 2023, Hisense showcased a prototype of its forthcoming flagship TV, the UXN, scheduled to hit the market in 2024. This next-generation mini-LED model, still in the developmental phase, promises a wider color gamut, increased brightness, and more dimming zones than any of its existing TV models. Although the final judgment on its image quality is yet to be made, the UXN already stands out for its innovative feature – the new anti-reflection technology.
The anti-reflection technology is set to revolutionize the viewing experience, a feature that has already been seen to enhance the performance of high-end OLED TVs this year. Usually, the most effective way to combat reflections is to increase brightness. However, reducing the intensity of reflections means that less brightness is needed to overcome them. This is particularly beneficial for OLED TVs, which have a lower average brightness than mini-LED TVs, and are therefore more prone to reflections. But even mini-LEDs, like the UXN, stand to gain significantly from reduced reflections, making this an exciting development in the TV industry.
Hisense Unveils UXN: A Mini-LED, Anti-Reflection Powerhouse
At IFA 2023, Hisense offered a sneak peek into their latest project, the UXN. Slated for a 2024 release, this cutting-edge mini-LED model promises a wider color gamut, increased brightness, and more dimming zones than any of its current TVs.
Anti-Reflection Technology: A Game Changer
Though the UXN is still under development, one feature that stood out was its new anti-reflection technology. Reflections on a TV screen can significantly hamper the viewing experience. Conventionally, the solution to this issue has been to increase the brightness of the TV. However, this approach isn’t always ideal as the brightness only helps in bright scenes and fails to overpower reflections in darker ones.
Hisense’s new anti-reflection technology seeks to address this by reducing the intensity of reflections, making them less disruptive to viewers. This feature proves beneficial for both OLED and mini-LED TVs. While OLED TVs have lower average brightness and are more prone to reflections, mini-LED TVs can also benefit from reduced reflections, as their brightness is useful primarily in bright scenes.
Reflection Reduction: A Comparative Analysis
The company compared the new UXN model with its current one to demonstrate the significant reduction in the intensity of reflections. Though still visible, reflections on the UXN are more precise and don’t spread over as much of the panel, thus causing less interference with the viewing experience.
The UXN’s high brightness levels, reaching thousands of nits at peak, can effectively wipe away any hint of reflection in bright scenes, as demonstrated in Hisense’s demo reel.
The Future of Mid-range TVs
Experts suggest that anti-reflection technology might be the next big thing for mid-range TVs. Better polarizers can make these TVs appear brighter and clearer without any drastic changes in the actual image technology. This could be a cost-effective way to improve their performance.
As a leading player in the mid-range TVs market, Hisense’s introduction of this new tech is a significant development. Currently, the anti-reflection technology is part of the high-end "Obsidian" panel, which also features improved mini-LED tech and next-gen color reproduction.
My Takeaways
While it’s challenging to market lower reflectivity as aggressively as higher brightness or a more natural color range, it could bring about the most substantial practical change to high-end TVs. The UXN, with its advanced anti-reflection technology, could set a new standard in the industry. I’m eager to see how this feature will impact the UXN’s performance when it hits the market in 2024. Hisense’s initiative might even inspire other manufacturers to follow suit, potentially ushering in an era of improved viewing experiences for all.
