While AV enthusiasts with relatively deep pockets may still be drawn to LG’s premium G4 OLED TVs with their Brightness Booster+ Micro Lens Array technology or LG’s mid-range C4 models with their powerful processors and premium panels, the brand today confirmed that it will significantly is more affordable This year, the B-series are also seriously attractive for anyone with a tighter budget to work with.
The 2024 B4 OLED series is available today in 77, 65 and 55-inch screen sizes and costs $3,299.99, $2,299.99 and $1,499.99 respectively on LG’s website. At the time of writing, these B4 prices represent savings of $200, $200, and $300 respectively over the prices for the same size C4 series models.
The new B4 series is finally available and offers improved features and gaming support.
If you’re wondering what you’re missing out on if you choose a B4 over a C4, there are four important things. Their panels lose the Brightness Booster specification of the C4s, their designs are not considered ‘Ultra Slim’, their processor drops from the C4s’ Alpha 9 Gen 7 platform to the Alpha 8 AI Processor 4K, and gaming support reaches a peak of 120 Hz, instead of the 144 Hz of the C4s. This last point will obviously only be of interest to PC gamers with equipment and games that can support the still quite rare 144 Hz refresh rate.
Another edge difference is that the B4s lose the Far Field Voice Recognition feature of the C4s, which means you have to press the microphone button on the B4s’ remote to issue voice commands.
One of the features you don’t get with the B4s’ Alpha 8 processor that you do get on the C4s Alpha 9 system is the most powerful version of LG’s Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro system, which creates HDR images per scene in real time. optimized to the capabilities of the screen. However, a key new feature that the Alpha 8 AI processor shares with the Alpha 11 and Alpha 9 processors of the G4 and C4 models is Object Enhancing By Visual Perception, where the processing can detect and can sharpen this in a subtle way. the background information, creating a sense of depth and image focus that better matches the way your eyes interpret the real world.
The B4s also improve on their B3 predecessors by supporting 4K gaming at 120Hz and variable refresh rates (including both the Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync formats) across all four HDMIs, instead of just two. The Alpha 8 AI processor on the B4s also offers a decent power gain over the B3s’ Alpha 7 system when it comes to upscaling sub-4K sources.
The LG B4s don’t have Ultra Slim Designs and central desktop stands, but they still look sharp … [+]
Other notable features of the B4 series include LG’s Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer tools; a claimed GtoG response time of 0.1ms; built-in support for Amazon Alexa, Apple Airplay 2, HomeKit and Chromecast; support for external Google Assistant devices; virtual 9.1.2 channel audio upscaling; and LG’s WOW Orchestra system, where the speakers in the TV can join forces with those in compatible LG soundbars.
Finally, smart features are delivered by LG’s latest webOS 24 smart system, which now offers access to over 300 free streaming channels within the LG Channels platform, as well as all the usual streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, YouTube etc.) that you would now expect on a premium TV.
The B4 range is now also available in the UK, with prices for all three models currently £3,299.98 for the 77-inch, £2,299 for the 65-inch and £1,499 for the 55-inch.
—
Related reading
LG TVs become the first in the world to feature Apple Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos support
Loewe launches new ‘Stellar’ flagship OLED TVs with MLA screens and unique concrete design
Panasonic unveils full range of OLED and LCD TVs for 2024, including the first TiVo models