Welcome to “You Asked,” where we tackle your most pressing questions about TV acronyms. Today, we’ll cover ABL, WCG, MLA, and eARC.
Can SDR content trigger ABL on OLED TVs?
Auto brightness limiter (ABL) is a feature designed to extend the lifespan of OLED TVs by reducing their brightness. ABL can be triggered by both SDR and HDR content, but it’s more likely to occur with HDR due to its higher brightness levels. David Cobham, a hockey fan from Canada, is concerned about ABL affecting his viewing experience of hockey games on an OLED TV. While ABL can dim the TV when displaying bright white ice, David can rest assured that it’s less likely to be a constant issue, especially with the advancements in ABL technology.
Wide color gamut and HDR
Wide color gamut (WCG) and HDR are often mentioned together, but they’re not inherently linked. HDR deals with dynamic range, while WCG expands the color palette. Jay asks about the availability of WCG content. While WCG content is available, it often comes packaged with HDR due to delivery limitations. Both HDR and WCG require TVs capable of supporting these features, with quantum dots and OLEDs being desirable options for wide color gamut.
Any downsides to MLA OLED technology?
MLA (micro lens array) is a technology used in premium OLED panels to enhance brightness. Roy Rosenthal inquires about any potential downsides to MLA. Based on testing the LG G4 OLED with an MLA panel, there appear to be no inherent issues with the implementation of MLA. Instead, it seems to offer a pure win for brightness enhancement.
eARC on HDMI 2.1 ports
Bruce Macartney-Filgate questions the common complaint about eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) ports occupying HDMI 2.1 ports on TVs. While it would be advantageous for video switchers using A/V receivers, it’s not always necessary. The eARC port primarily serves to transmit audio to soundbars or receivers, and in most cases, it doesn’t need to be an HDMI 2.1 port. HDMI 2.1 ports are only essential for devices requiring 4K resolution at 120Hz, such as the Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, or high-end gaming PCs.
So, there you have it – some of the most commonly asked questions about TV acronyms answered concisely and helpfully. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask, and we’ll do our best to address them. Thanks for watching!
