The best TVs of CES 2022 get bigger, crazier and more expensive

LG's CES 2022 Lineup: A Closer Look at Their Exciting New TVs

I had the pleasure of attending LG's new Jersey showroom just a few weeks ago, where I got to check out their exciting new TV lineup for 2021 and 2022. My favorite high-end TV from last year was definitely the C1 series, and I'm happy to report that the 2022 version, called the C2, is just as impressive. LG promises the same excellent OLED image quality as the C1, along with improved processing and some other tweaks. One of the standout features is a new "dark room mode" for gaming, which will help reduce eye strain in low-light environments. Additionally, LG has introduced user profiles for its Smart TV system, allowing viewers to tailor their viewing experience to their individual preferences.

Another exciting development from LG is their smallest OLED TV yet, a 42-inch model that's perfect for gamers who want something bigger than a standard PC monitor. This TV is targeting the gaming market in particular, and I have no doubt it will be a hit with enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Step-up G2 series boasts improved brightness thanks to a new heat dissipation technology, making it even slimmer and more stylish. My personal favorite from this lineup, however, was the massive 97-inch OLED TV - yes, you read that right, 97 inches! It's certainly not for the faint of heart, with a price tag that's sure to put it in the stratosphere (I wouldn't be surprised if it costs more than $50,000).

LG Display also made waves at CES with some innovative concept products that won't make it to stores just yet. One of my favorites was this giant, half-circular reclining chair with a 55-inch curved OLED screen attached - the screen can even rotate from landscape to portrait mode and back! LG is working with a Korean massage chair company to develop something similar, which I think we should all be excited about. Another concept that caught my eye was "Virtual Ride", an exercise bike surrounded by more curved OLED screens, which LG claims will let riders experience simulated forests or cities while burning calories.

LG also showcased some truly cool transparent OLED panels, designed primarily for digital signage in malls and shopping centers. While not necessarily a consumer-facing product, it's still worth noting how impressive these panels look - who wouldn't want to display stunning visuals on the sides of buildings? One thing that did get me excited is that LG will soon be getting some competition in the OLED TV market from a new kind of OLED TV called QD-OLED. CNET colleague got to see a demo of this technology, which promises improved color accuracy compared to regular OLED TVs.

Meanwhile, Samsung also had its fair share of exciting announcements at CES. Their Frame Art TV got an update with a matte finish, while their QLED TVs received some impressive new features, including a Cloud Gaming Hub that will allow users to stream games seamlessly from any device. But the real showstopper for me was the Freestyle - a compact, portable 1080p projector that's perfect for on-the-go movie nights. Unlike many portable projectors we've reviewed, however, it lacks a built-in battery, but you can connect a USB power pack to keep it going.

Samsung also introduced some cool accessories, including a waterproof case and an attachment that lets you screw the Freestyle into a light bulb - talk about convenience! But what's really interesting is that Samsung made their Freestyle available for purchase now, at a price point of $900. That's right, folks - you can get this amazing portable projector today.

TCL was also on hand to show off their Google TV-powered lineup, including an enormous 98-inch television that's already hitting stores for a relatively affordable $8,000. Meanwhile, Hisense made some big announcements as well, including their full 2022 lineup complete with pricing. The coolest models from this lineup are the super-bright mini-LED powered 76-inch TV for $3,200 and a pair of laser-powered projectors, including one with an enormous 120-inch screen for $5,000.