The Hisense UR9 RGB LED TV: A New Contender
Hisense has made a bold entry into the TV market with the UR9 RGB LED TV, which utilizes individual red, green, and blue LEDs for its backlight. This innovation positions the UR9 as a serious competitor to OLED technology, particularly at its price point.
As the first RGB LED TV available in 2026, the Hisense UR9 showcases the viability of this new backlight technology beyond demo room settings. The TV delivers impressive HDR performance with vibrant colors and accurate brightness, offering a viewing experience that exceeds traditional mini-LED TVs. Priced at $3,500 for the 65-inch model, it goes head-to-head with high-end OLEDs from manufacturers like LG and Samsung.
Key Features and Performance
The UR9 is not only the first affordable RGB LED model released this year but also follows the expensive Hisense 116UX, which debuted at $30,000 last year. The UR9 stands out with its ability to display colors beyond the P3 color space, which is crucial for modern movies and TV shows. The 65-inch version of the UR9 is 1.8 inches thick and features a pedestal stand, while supporting a native refresh rate of 180Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, HDR 10+, and Dolby Vision.
Despite its strengths, the UR9 is not without drawbacks. It is priced similarly to flagship OLEDs, making competition fierce. Users might notice some motion judder during fast-paced scenes, an area where OLEDs typically excel due to their pixel-level control.
Specifications and Options
The Hisense UR9 is available in multiple sizes: 65 inches ($3,500), 75 inches ($5,000), 85 inches ($6,000), and 100 inches ($9,000). This pricing strategy positions it directly against the flagship OLED displays from LG and Samsung, which feature similar pricing for comparable sizes.
In terms of connectivity, the UR9 offers three HDMI 2.1 inputs, one of which supports eARC/ARC, along with a USB-C DisplayPort connection. However, the placement of the USB-C port on the side of the TV is less than ideal for users who want a clean setup.
Visual Performance and Content Compatibility
One of the standout features of the UR9 is its ability to achieve 100 percent of the BT.2020 color space, allowing for a more extensive range of colors. While HDR content primarily uses the smaller P3 color space, the UR9’s capability to extend into BT.2020 is notable, especially for future-proofing as more content becomes available.
During testing, content such as the BBC documentary series Planet Earth II demonstrated the UR9’s strength in reproducing vibrant greens and other rich colors. However, there was some motion judder observed, which could be mitigated by adjusting the motion settings to Film mode.
Color crosstalk, a potential issue with RGB LED technology, was not apparent during the review, indicating effective processing capabilities. The TV’s handling of reflections and color accuracy contributes to an overall positive viewing experience.
Comparative Analysis with OLED Technology
While the UR9 excels in certain areas, OLED technology still holds advantages, particularly in contrast ratios. The ability of OLEDs to display deep blacks and maintain excellent viewing angles sets them apart from LCD-based technologies like the UR9. Although the UR9 performs well in reducing issues like blooming and contrast, OLED remains the preferred choice for those prioritizing picture quality.
As the market for TVs evolves, the introduction of RGB LED technology provides consumers with more options. The performance of the UR9 indicates that RGB LED TVs can compete with traditional mini-LEDs and may eventually challenge OLEDs as technology advances.
Conclusion
The Hisense UR9 RGB LED TV represents a significant step forward in display technology, offering bright, colorful images at a competitive price. While it may not fully rival OLEDs in contrast and picture quality yet, it certainly sets a high bar for future RGB LED models. For consumers looking for an impressive viewing experience with advanced features, the UR9 is a compelling choice in the ever-crowded TV market.
Source: The Verge News