2019: A Landmark Year for Gaming TVs
2019 stands out as a pivotal year for television technology, especially for gamers. This year saw significant advancements in panel technology, input lag reduction, and high dynamic range (HDR) implementation, creating a new standard for immersive gaming experiences. Choosing the right TV for gaming became less about compromises and more about finding the perfect fit for individual needs and preferences. Whether you were a competitive esports enthusiast demanding lightning-fast response times or a casual gamer seeking breathtaking visuals, 2019 offered a compelling selection of displays. This article revisits some of the standout models from that year, exploring their strengths and highlighting why they remain relevant even today. From budget-friendly options to premium powerhouses, we’ll break down the key features that made these TVs gaming champions.
Top Tier TVs for the Dedicated Gamer
LG C9 OLED: The King of Contrast
The LG C9 OLED reigned supreme in 2019, offering unparalleled picture quality thanks to its self-emissive pixel technology. This resulted in perfect blacks and infinite contrast, making dark scenes in games incredibly detailed and atmospheric.
Beyond its stunning visuals, the C9 boasted incredibly low input lag, making it a favorite among competitive gamers. Its support for variable refresh rate (VRR) further enhanced the gaming experience by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering.
The C9’s sleek design and robust smart features also added to its appeal. While OLED technology had some concerns about burn-in, LG’s advancements in mitigating this issue made the C9 a reliable long-term investment.
Samsung Q90 QLED: The Brightness Champion
For gamers who prioritized brightness and vibrant colors, the Samsung Q90 QLED was a top contender. Its quantum dot technology delivered exceptional color volume and peak brightness, making HDR content truly pop.
The Q90 also excelled in its gaming performance, offering low input lag and support for FreeSync. Its local dimming capabilities further enhanced contrast, although not to the same extent as the OLED technology found in the LG C9.
Samsung’s robust smart TV platform and sleek design rounded out the Q90’s impressive feature set, making it a strong alternative for those who preferred QLED technology.
Mid-Range Marvels: Balancing Performance and Price
Sony X950G: The Full Array Local Dimming Star
The Sony X950G stood out in the mid-range category with its impressive full-array local dimming capabilities. This technology allowed for precise control over backlighting, resulting in improved contrast and black levels.
The X950G also delivered excellent motion handling and low input lag, making it a great choice for action-packed games. While its HDR performance wasn’t as impactful as the higher-end models, it still offered a noticeable improvement over standard dynamic range.
Sony’s clean and minimalist design, coupled with its Android TV operating system, made the X950G a well-rounded package for gamers on a budget.
Vizio P-Series Quantum X: The Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
The Vizio P-Series Quantum X offered exceptional value for its price, delivering impressive picture quality and gaming features. Its quantum dot technology provided wide color gamuts and decent peak brightness, making HDR gaming more accessible.
The P-Series Quantum X also boasted low input lag and support for FreeSync, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. While its local dimming wasn’t as refined as the Sony X950G, it still offered a noticeable improvement over edge-lit displays.
Vizio’s SmartCast platform provided access to a wide range of streaming apps, further enhancing the P-Series Quantum X’s value proposition.
Best Budget Option: TCL 6 Series
TCL 6 Series: Punching Above Its Weight
The TCL 6 Series proved that budget-friendly TVs could still deliver a satisfying gaming experience. Its Roku TV platform provided a seamless and intuitive smart TV experience.
While it lacked the advanced features of higher-end models, the TCL 6 Series still offered respectable picture quality and low input lag. Its support for HDR also added a touch of visual flair to compatible games.
For gamers on a tight budget, the TCL 6 Series represented an excellent entry point into the world of HDR gaming.
| Model | Technology | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| LG C9 | OLED | Perfect Blacks |
| Samsung Q90 | QLED | High Brightness |
| Sony X950G | LED | Local Dimming |
- Low Input Lag: Crucial for responsive gaming.
- HDR Support: Enhances visual detail and color.
- Variable Refresh Rate: Eliminates screen tearing.
Conclusion
2019 was a fantastic year for gaming TVs. The models discussed above represent some of the best options available at the time, offering a range of features and price points to suit different needs. While newer models have since been released, these 2019 TVs still hold their own and can provide an excellent gaming experience.
What is input lag?
Input lag is the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the action on screen.
What is HDR?
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and it expands the range of colors and brightness a TV can display.
What is VRR?
VRR stands for Variable Refresh Rate, and it synchronizes the TV’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate to eliminate screen tearing.
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