LG shows me the world's first wireless OLED TV

The Digitec and Galaxus editorial team will be reporting on site from IFA 2023 in Berlin. You can find all the news and background information published so far in our overview

"Yellow gate entrance? Yellow gate entrance? Are you sure you're looking for LG?" a perplexed-looking Korean lady asks me in front of LG's exhibition hall. "Yes, I am. That's what it says in my invitation. Here!" I reply, slightly nervously. I'm running late. The meeting point described cryptically in my invitation obviously doesn't exist. And because the trade fair is not yet open to the general public, the lady from LG doesn't want to let me through the normal entrance to the press event that has already started.

"He's with me," shouts a rushing LG representative I know from Switzerland. Phew. I was lucky. I definitely don't want to miss today's event. LG has something big up its sleeve, I was told the night before via various channels. As soon as I enter the LG premises, I find out what it is: the LG Signature OLED M3, the world's first wireless OLED TV. I get to take a look at it.

The magic in the box

First of all, this: In terms of price, the M3 is unlikely to be of interest to mere mortals. The 97-inch version on display at the IFA will cost over 30,000 francs/euros and will only be available from specialist dealers from October 2023. Nevertheless, the M3 is exciting. After all, it shows what technology awaits us one day, even in more moderately priced televisions.

In concrete terms? One box. The Zero Connect Box. It can be placed up to ten metres away from the TV. External playback devices such as consoles, Blu-ray players or set-top boxes are then no longer connected directly to the TV, but to the Zero Connect Box. It then streams the video and audio signals to the TV with UHD resolution and at up to 120 hertz - uncompressed, including all HDMI 2.1 features, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. For this, the OLED M3 has already been honoured with the CES 2023 Innovation Award.

The wireless transmission technology is particularly impressive. LG claims to have developed an algorithm to identify the optimum transmission path. The algorithm should also help to minimise errors or interruptions. For example, by recognising changes in the immediate environment and adapting the transmission path accordingly. For example, when people or animals move around in the same room.

In fact, there was not even the slightest loss of picture during the presentation of the M3 - despite dozens of journalists standing directly in front of the TV and therefore right between the TV and the box. "What about interference? Is my Wi-Fi not interfering?" I ask my LG contact. "No problem, you can see how it works perfectly even here, with all the people and manufacturers who all have their own Wi-Fi," he replies. LG works with high frequencies. This allows even higher bandwidths than the upcoming new Wi-Fi 7 standard. Otherwise, LG could not promise that UHD Dolby Vision content would be transmitted uncompressed.

The 97-inch OLED TV is not completely wireless after all: it still draws its power from a cable. However, I think this can be hidden well via the stand.

The box itself has four HDMI 2.1 inputs as well as access for USB, RF, LAN and Bluetooth. Power consumption? They couldn't (wouldn't) give me an answer (yet). If I get it, I'll provide it right here. Because anyone who cares about the environment will now find the idea of having to power not only a TV but also a separate connection box absurd.

... and the picture?

I really liked the picture. No wonder: the panel in the Signature M3 is essentially the same as the one LG used in this year's OLED G3. Incidentally, I have tested it extensively. You can find the report here:

In concrete terms, this means that the M3 also relies on META technology. On the one hand, this consists of convex microlenses that focus and amplify the light produced. On the other hand, an improved algorithm - the META booster - selectively increases the maximum brightness. Together, this makes the G3 the brightest OLED TV I have ever tested. By far. And without sacrificing the perfect black levels typical of OLEDs. In addition, the colour fidelity was remarkably high, straight out of the box and without calibration. LG's Signature M3 should be in no way inferior to this.

As already mentioned, the 97-inch version shown here is due to arrive in Europe this October and will be available from specialist retailers. If the trick with the Zero Connect Box proves successful, this should become standard for every TV in a few years' time. However, an 83-inch and a 77-inch version of the M3 will be available sooner. My LG contact and I are already working out if, when and how I can test it. Perhaps we will then also include the TV in our range. But I can't make any promises.