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OLED TVs have been around for some time, and we can all agree that they offer impressive picture quality at 4K or 8K resolution. LG has been at the forefront of manufacturing bigger and brighter screens using OLED display technology. As is the norm, LG, the leading tech company announced new innovations during CES 2023, among them a television that we all thought was in the distant future — the world’s first wireless OLED TV.
The LG Signature M OLED TV combines an OLED display with a wireless design where all wires that could ruin your TV’s setup and distract the eye when you’re enjoying a premium viewing experience are gone. It’s a dream, right?
The wireless TV design unlocks a new level of freedom when positioning your TV around the house, such that now you can have it as a centerpiece provided there’s a power supply nearby. However, does this pricey innovation tick all the boxes for an OLED TV of the future? Read on to find out all there is to know about the LG OLED M3 and other wireless OLEDs TVs.
LG M3 Wireless OLED TV Overview
The LG M3 is a wireless TV that comes with a separate shoe-sized box that houses all the connections and transmits video, audio, and Wi-Fi to the television.
Unlike the Displace TV, a close wireless rival also launched during the same event, the LG M3 has a power cable that runs down one of the easel stand’s legs. In contrast, the Displace is completely wireless and uses batteries. Other than the power cable, the LG doesn’t have any other cables or ports on it; all these are conveniently located on the separate transmitter box that can be placed up to 30 feet from the TV. This transmitter is called the Zero Connect Box.
The features and specifications discussed here are derived from the prototype presented during the biggest tech event of the year, the CES 2023, and we expect it to hit the stores any time from May 2023.
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Release Date and Price
LG has yet to announce the release date or put a price on their first wireless TV set. However, based on reliable speculations drawn from what we’ve seen with the pricing of similar innovations, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny to take this one home. As we’ve seen in previous years, LG Signature TVs are quite exorbitant, but this one should be easier on the pocket than some of the 2022 front-liners, like the LG Signature Rollable OLED TV that costs up to $100,000.
We expect it to be more than $25,000, which is the price of the standard 97-inch OLED TV, and between $4200 and $13,000, which is the current cost for the standard 77-inch OLED models. You can also expect to spend a little more on the LG M3 than you would on the largest 8K OLED sets from the manufacturer.
Different Models
The LG M3 Wireless TV is not the only one in the company’s 2023 lineup. Later in the year, LG will also be launching three other OLED evo TVs that come with the Alpha 9 AI Processor Gen 6. This processor in the anticipated 2023 LG OLED evo panels offers more brightness and color accuracy, as well as improved sound quality. You also get an advanced WebOS platform with more smart features and services.
These new OLED evo TVs include
- The Z3: An upgrade from the LG Z2, launched in 2022, which is available in only two sizes (77” and 88”) and has an impressive 8K resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
- The G3: Better known as the “Gallery OLED”, the G3 is a follow-up to the 2022 LG G2 with a flush-fitting design that hangs on a wall like a portrait with sleek metallic bezels.
- The C3: It’s here to replace the top-selling LG C2, which is perceived to be brighter than its predecessor thanks to the new algorithm embedded in the new Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor.
Other Wireless OLED TV Models: Displace TV
On the same day that LG unveiled their first wireless OLED TV, a little known company called Displace also revealed a close competitor — the first fully-wireless OLED TV. The Displace Wireless 55-inch 4K OLED TV has no cable in sight, instead it uses four rechargeable lithium ion batteries that power your screens for up to six hours a day for a month. It comes with a charger you can use to boost the juices whenever necessary.
The major selling point for the Displace TV is that you can stack up to four of them to create a 110-inch 8K TV at $9,000 while one panel goes for $3,000. If you want to go all the way, stack 16 together to create a 220-inch 16K TV. The wireless base station that comes with the Displace TV holds all connections and supports multiple video input, which enables simultaneous viewing from the various sources. You can also use a pinch and expand gesture to move content from screen to screen thanks to the top-mounted cameras that track hand movements.
Even more mind-blowing is the easy installation of this TV, unlike the regular mounting we see on all other TV Models, you simply stick it to the wall thanks to the proprietary active-loop technology. The technology makes the TV portable but does not override the fact there’s an unsightly gap between the screens, which you don’t get with the massive 97-inch LG M3.
Features
Size and Design
The wireless LG M3 prototype on display during the CES 2023 had a beautiful and enormous 97-inch screen, which is currently the biggest OLED TV display in the world today. This minimalist TV with ultra-thin bezels and a two-legged easel stand boasts a clean and uncluttered design that adds an edge to any space.
We expect that it’ll also be available in 77- and 83-inch options, which will boast the simple wireless design with an inconspicuous power cable running down one of the TV stand’s legs. It also comes with an integrated wall-mount bracket, which allows you to add a hard-to-miss and functional detail to your accent wall. The panel only houses the display and speakers, so this TV is as slim as they come.
All the circuitry and connections are held in a small black box known as the Zero Connect box that you can place anywhere in the room. This transmitter box has three HDMI cable ports on the back, two USB sockets, an Ethernet port, a 3.5mm audio input, and a main port plug. It also has an antenna on top and an optical output on the front.
Display
LG is the leading manufacturer of OLED TV sets, starting with the LG G2 Gallery Series, which boasts spectacular picture quality with captivating brightness, infinite colors, rich blacks, and infinite contrast. We expect the LG Signature M OLED TV to be this good if not better, and from what we’ve heard so far, it’ll definitely impress. The M3 should be at least 75% brighter than the LG B3 77-inch TV, with about 1,800 nits at peak brightness.
The AV Gear Box
As noted previously, the secret behind the LG M3’s wireless design is a shoe-sized zero connect box that comes with it. This transmitter box is known as the Zero Connect box, which wirelessly transmits Wi-Fi, video, and audio to the television from a distance of up to 30 feet.
The Zero Connect uses RF technology to transmit 4K video content at up to 120Hz. The Zero Connect transmitter box has three 2.1 HDMI ports, two USB ports, and an Ethernet port that you can use to connect Blu-ray players, game consoles, and numerous other audio and visual transmission devices.
The transmitter works up to 30 feet away from the TV. However, you must be sure that there are no obstructions with the 180-degree spinning antennae pointed toward the TV for the strongest possible wireless signal. The antennae will transfer data through an algorithm that determines the optimal transmission paths with minimal disruptions and errors. It also recognizes changes in the environment, such as someone passing in front of the screen and switching to a better and clearer path.
Wondering if the signal will be affected by other wireless devices in the room? No, LG says, the Zero Connect box uses the same technology as standard Wi-Fi routers, so it’s not affected by Wi-Fi traffic from other devices. They add that it’s about three times as fast as the all-powerful Wi-Fi 6.
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Performance and Picture Quality
The LG M3 boasts the highest resolution and frame rate (4K and 120Hz resolution) for top-tier OLED TVs. It’s powered by the impressive Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor, which supports a variety of HDR formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and other home theater features. Even more, this is on top of being G-Sync certified to ensure you enjoy a smooth gaming experience without hitches or dropouts.
Connectivity
As we’ve already said numerous times, the Zero Connect AV gearbox houses all the connections. For starters, you’ll find three 2.1 HDMI ports at the back. However, it’s actually quite a bummer considering most TVs at the same price point have four HDMI ports for ultimate convenience. However, this doesn’t have to be a deal breaker, considering you also get two USB ports, an ethernet port, a 3.5mm audio input, and a serial port for home automation control.
Furthermore, all the HDMI ports support the transmission of 4K content at 120Hz (variable) and support Nvidia G-Sync, and AMD Freesync certification to assure you an unmatched gaming experience. At the front of the transmitter box is an optical output that streams audio wirelessly to a compatible soundbar. Even better, you can choose between the remote and the voice recognition function to control the TV.
Specifications
LG is yet to reveal the full specs of this wireless TV of the future, but from the prototype displayed at CES 2023 and speculations by tech industry gurus, we have a pretty clear idea of what to expect. Here’s a table highlighting some specs of the LG M3.
To give you a clear glimpse of how awesome the LG M3 is, we’d like to give a head-to-head comparison of the specs with the rival Displace TV.
| Specifications | LG Signature OLED M | Displace TV |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Announced during the 2023 CES to be released in the second half of the year | It’s ready for pre-orders |
| Price Range | $25,000 – $100,000 | $3,000 |
| Sizes | 77, 83, 97 inches | 55 inches |
| Display | 4K OLED panel, 100 -120 Hz | 4K OLED panel |
| Processor | Alpha 8 processor | AMD processor backed by NVIDIA GPU |
| HDMI Ports | 3 | 4 |
| Special Features | Wireless Zero Connect Box | Battery charging unit Four rechargeable units |
LG Signature M OLED TV: Review
From the demonstration of the 97-inch LG M3 OLED TV seen at CES 2023, it’s a dream. The minimalist and wireless design is one that’s practical and desirable for years to come. Notwithstanding, the high-quality pictures without the clutter of cables around the display significantly elevate your viewing experience.
Due to its amazing features, the M3 is definitely worth looking forward at its release in the second half of the year. The LG M3 is not a gimmick or prototype as we’ve seen with many devices at CES previously, it’s a fully realized TV that a few people will take home as soon as it’s officially released. Unfortunately, the steep price point makes the M3 inaccessible for most people.
So, for the greater demographic, it’s better to focus on the other OLEDs expected to be released in 2023, like the LG G3, LG Z3, and LG C3. All these options will have amazing picture quality, good audio, numerous customization options, and a fair price point. The only downside is that you’ll have to contend with finding a convenient way to manage the wires.
LG M3 Wireless OLED TV: Pros and Cons
All things considered, there’s quite a bit to love and anticipate from the LG M3, but also a few things to cause a frown on most people.
Pros
- Supports transmission of 4K content at 120Hz
- Slim and minimalist design
- Innovative design
- Wireless design that improves position possibilities
- Impressive Zero Connect transmitter box that houses all connections
- Great picture quality
Cons
- Only has 3 HDMI ports instead of 4
- Not completely wireless because it has a power cable
- Expected to be particularly expensive
LG M3 Wireless OLED TV: Is It a Buy?
Buy It If…
You’re looking for a premium wireless TV set with amazing picture quality, and your budget is unlimited. It’s also a good choice if performance is a priority because it runs very smoothly and without lag, thanks to the Apha 9 Gen 6 processor, as well as the FreeSync, G-Sync, and VRR technologies.
Don’t Buy It If…
Your pocket is tight. There’s so much to love and desire about the LG M3, but the price point will have many consumers looking the other way. Not to worry, though, because LG has more affordable options like the G3, Z3, and C3 coming in at the same price as the M3.
