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Consumer electronics experts at Digital Trends have offered timely insights into critical considerations for television purchases, addressing common dilemmas from upgrading existing OLED models to assessing the long-term implications of emerging display technologies like Dolby Vision 2. The guidance comes as consumers navigate a rapidly evolving market, with questions arising about display quality, processing capabilities, and future-proofing against new standards.
Key Points for TV Buyers
- For consumers upgrading from an OLED like the Sony A80K, the Samsung S90F QD-OLED is recommended for superior color and HDR brightness, while the LG C5 W-OLED offers strong SDR brightness and Dolby Vision support for Xbox gamers.
- Sony's image processing consistently leads the industry for upscaling standard definition and 1080p content, outperforming competitors in cleanup of lower-quality source material.
- The emergence of Dolby Vision 2 in 2026, primarily supported by TCL and Hisense initially, requires the MediaTek Pentonic 800 chip, but experts suggest it may not be a compelling reason to delay a high-end TV purchase, as its biggest improvements are seen in budget-friendly models.
- High-end televisions from major brands, including Sony, are anticipated to eventually integrate Dolby Vision 2 capabilities, potentially via future software updates.
Navigating Premium OLED Upgrades
For those looking to replace damaged or outdated OLED televisions, such as the Sony A80K, the decision between current premium models often boils down to subtle yet significant technological differences. A common query involves choosing between the LG C5 and the Samsung S90F, both highly-rated contenders in the OLED market.
According to experts, both the LG C5 and Samsung S90F represent a substantial upgrade in terms of HDR brightness and peak highlights compared to previous generations. The primary differentiator lies in their panel technology and Dolby Vision support. The Samsung S90F features a QD-OLED panel (at 55, 65, and 77-inch sizes), offering a noticeable boost in color volume over the C5's W-OLED panel. However, Samsung televisions do not support Dolby Vision, a premium HDR format present on the LG C5, which can be particularly advantageous for Xbox gamers.
"The competition between the C5 and S90F is very close, and it probably comes down to whether or not you care about having Dolby Vision with the C5," stated a Digital Trends expert. "What the S90F does have that the LG doesn't... is a QD OLED panel... It provides a good bit more color than the C5."
Conversely, the LG C5 holds an advantage in SDR brightness. Both models, however, come equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports, offer wide viewing angles, and deliver outstanding contrast characteristic of OLED technology, making either a strong choice depending on individual priorities.
The Quest for Superior Upscaling
A persistent challenge for television owners is the quality of non-4K content, such as basic Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming platforms that predominantly offer HD (1080p) or even standard definition signals. The ability of a TV to effectively "upscale" this content to fit its native 4K resolution is crucial for optimal viewing.
While definitive side-by-side tests across all models are rare, industry observations consistently point to Sony's image processing as the frontrunner in upscaling performance. Historical comparisons, such as pitting the budget-friendly Vizio Quantum Pro against the premium Sony A95L OLED, starkly illustrated Sony's superior handling of lower-resolution content. Even when compared to other premium models like the Samsung QN90C mini-LED, Sony's processing has demonstrated a notable edge.
"Sony's processing has been the running favorite for years now," a Digital Trends expert confirmed. "While Sony's processing and upscaling is top-notch, unless you put it side by side with some of Samsung and LG's best, I'm not sure it's something that just jumps out at you from TV to TV."
This superior processing is particularly evident with older, blocky, grainy, or poorly lit content that hasn't been remastered. For well-produced 1080p content, most modern high-end TVs will deliver a good image, but Sony's capabilities shine brightest in the challenging task of cleaning up less-than-ideal sources.
Dolby Vision 2: To Wait or Not to Wait?
The prospect of Dolby Vision 2 (DV2), slated for potential widespread adoption around 2026, has raised concerns among consumers about the longevity and value of purchasing new, expensive televisions today. Initial reports suggest that only manufacturers like TCL and Hisense might support DV2 early on, with other major brands potentially adopting a "wait and see" approach, and existing TVs requiring significant hardware upgrades for compatibility.
The key hardware requirement for Dolby Vision 2 is the MediaTek Pentonic 800 chip. While specific manufacturer plans remain largely undisclosed, there is speculation that companies like Sony, which often partners with MediaTek for its system-on-chips, could integrate this technology, possibly enabling DV2 support via future firmware updates, especially in high-end models.
However, experts caution against delaying a purchase solely for DV2, especially for those considering premium televisions. Demonstrations at CES showed that while Dolby Vision 2 offers a noticeable improvement over original Dolby Vision, its most significant impact is observed in lower-end and budget-friendly TVs. The difference between Dolby Vision and DV2 on higher-end displays was less pronounced.
"If you need to get a high end or expensive TV, or if you just want one because you're due for an upgrade, I don't know that Dolby Vision 2 is going to be the reason to delay that purchase," advised the expert. "HDR10 and 10 Plus also look great... you can't tell me this stuff doesn't look great."
Ultimately, the decision to purchase a TV involves a multitude of factors—from processing and upscaling capabilities, HDMI inputs, brightness, contrast, and overall image quality to brand loyalty and specific feature needs. While Dolby Vision 2 represents an advancement, consumers are encouraged to assess these broader considerations alongside their curiosity for new technologies before making a final decision.
