LG OLED C8 vs C9

[aiman04]

Hey guys. My Panasonic plasma finally broke down. Now I'm forced to finally upgrade to 4k. Been researching the past few days (something I haven't done a long time) and came to conclusion that OLED is the closest we can get to plasma quality. I've narrowed down to LG C9 as Sony AG9 or even AF9 is out of my budget. CX will mean more budget and more wait, don't think I can I've been suffering with my TV-less home theater for a week now (projectors not my thing).

But then I found a really good deal for C8, that will spare me some money for other stuffs.

LG C8 - $8,888
LG C9 - $11,000 (Free LG SL5Y Soundbar worth $800)
Sony A9F - $13,000
Sony A9G - $17,000

*Not US dollars.

Will remain at 65" as that's already too big for my theater room.

So now I'm undecided between C9 and C8. I understand that both uses the same panel, with C9 having a little edge with better peak brightness, dynamic tone mapping and HDMI2.1.

I don't mind those new upgrade so much, even though thinking the Avatar sequels are being filmed in variable frame rate (24fps slow shots, HFR fast action shots) and that it could start a trend for future films, and I don't play games anymore. Although I think Avatar will be a little different from games of which the frame rate changes proactively.

I'm more worried about the reliability of C8. From my research the C8 has more reported issues (some within hours or days) with uneven grayscale, horizontal/vertical lines, dead pixels, no powering up, etc. Even burn-in which isn't something new to me and I'm not gonna watch boradcast news or sports at all, but some are reporting it just after a few days.

While C9, even though also has glowing reviews (interestingly reviewers rate it 9/10 instead of 10/10 for C8) I'm seeing much less issues. I'm thinking from the feedback of C8, LG probably has improved on the reliability with C9? I don't just mean the pixel refresher tool or whatnot that C8 could've also got with software updates, but maybe on the hardware itself.

So I would appreciate if our members here can help me decide. As you can see it's a lot of spending for a TV, our currency isn't as strong as it used to be. To give some perspective we can have a decent lunch for less than $10.

I save a lot with C8 and generally better reviewed but seems prone to issues, will it be worth the extra money to get C9 instead?

Thank you in advance for your advice.

[LordoftheRings]

If you find someone with OLED TV expertise and solid experience from all picture parameters, a salesman with a guarantee against burn-in and banding, let me know.

But they still are the best...Panasonic OLED, Sony and LG. Me I think nobody can make a decision for you but only you because no two people watch TV the same.

OLED TV reviews are always fun to read ... the latest LG model, the one among you are inquiring about, the 65" Class C9 ....
▪ https://www.avforums.com/reviews/lg-...v-review.15745

[LordoftheRings]

Another thing; about ten years ago some Kuro Elite plasma TVs were rated 10/10 from some reviewers.
Today some OLED TVs are rated between 8 and 10 out of 10.
Does it mean they are equal? No way. So for the C8 and C9 rating scores it has that similar factor.
The C9 has the latest video processing chip, and is also more future-proofing (HDMI v. 2.1).

[aiman04]

Thanks, been reading those reviews as well. I've been watching plasma TVs for 12 years but they don't make it anymore so I have no choice.

[LordoftheRings]

You are not alone. But fare well; MicroLED is in the near horizon, and 8K-3D marriage. It can only get better. We are already @ the threshold of a new vision.

...Avatar sequels are coming, and Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese's latest, and double 07, James Bond, without forgetting Maverick...Top Gun II.

For now I think OLED is the TV ruler for a fair bunch. Is it perfect? No, but then what is?

[shane01]

I've had my C8 for about 6 months now and I love it! I'm a total amateur when it comes to tech. My last TV was a hand-me-down Sharp Aquos, so really any UHDTV would've blown me away.

Complaints and criticisms are loud online for anything, but tech and movies are the two big ones, so buying tech like OLED to watch movies will lead you to some very passionate complaints and criticisms that just don't give the full picture.

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

For now I think OLED is the TV ruler for a fair bunch. Is it perfect? No, but then what is?

This is a good and important thing to remember. No TV is perfect. I tried a Vizio P-Series Quantum before the C8 and that was definitely a great display, but had gradient issues that drove me nuts.

I think you have to decide what compromises you're willing to live with. My C8 has developed very, very slight vertical banding recently that I've gone cross-eyed trying to find in every single thing I watch (I rarely see it, but knowing it's there gives me a stomachache). I've read vertical banding is the most common issue for the C8, not burn-in. If I can spot the vertical banding in a scene with 3% grayscale, that's something I can deal with to get the picture quality the C8 offers.

Good luck!

[Bluyoda]

I just bought a C9 65inch LG, as the prices are finally where I wanted them to be, and I have saved up enough money to be able to afford one.
I'd spend a little more and get it, instead of the C8.
The C9 finally has the Smooth Gradient separate from the noise reduction, some other refinements, as well as HDMI 2.1, so firmware updates can make it even more of a beast.
I also got the 5 year extended warranty. With my luck, it would have died 1 day after the 2 year warranty. LOL

Good luck to you.

Also, I have had my Pioneer Kuro LX5090 for nearly 11 years now, and it's still going strong, but I need something bigger, and want to make the most of my Oppo UDP-203 and my UHDs.

[Bluyoda]

This sums it up nicely:

LG C9 OLED TV: 2019 Upgrades (HDMI 2.1, Game Mode Calibration) vs 2018 C8 - YouTube

[LordoftheRings]

Vincent is thee TV man.

[SlaughterX]

if you're a gamer go for the C9, otherwise get the C8, especially if it's significantly cheaper. I would have rather had the C9 as well, but I got a great deal on the 65 inch C8 and I couldn't be happier.

[aiman04]

Thanks everyone, I have decided on the C9. Hopefully I can get it by this weekend, have so bored without a TV fora week. I have a Samsung LED in the living room but the picture look so fake, I've tried to calibrate it but there's not much I can do. It's good for news/sports though.

[rdm5777]

Grabbed the 65" C9 on Friday. HDMI 2.1 was a big factor in the decision.

[Bluyoda]

Got my C9 65' yesterday!
INSANE picture quality! I am in awe.
Have already calibrated the SDR picture in isf Dark Room.
Everything is spot on, except for Gamma 2.2, which doesn't seem to be possible, according to my Disney WOW calibration disc. Any tips?

[aiman04]

My 65 C9 arrived last week. I'm still drooling every time I watch something. My plasmas still looks more natural but boy, the blacks are insane here. Every movie is now one of those amazing award winning photography work. Now I have to re-watch all my movies from my collection again!