Last January at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), LG introduced its latest generation of OLED TVs, which featured “new panel technology, even more powerful processors, and a completely redesigned webOS experience.”

Among the products announced at the time was a new 42-inch OLED gaming TV. And while traditionally TVs that are introduced at CES in January arrive before the end of that year, a new report says we might not see that 42-inch gaming OLED TV until 2022. The TV would be the smallest OLED TV yet, after the previous smallest was fort-eight inches. 

According to the Korea Economic Daily, the 42-inch TV, which had been expected to arrive by the end of the year, will instead arrive as part of the 2022 lineup. The unveiling is expected to take place at CES in 2022. 

“Apparently, LG wants to add the model to next year’s TV lineup to maximize its marketing efforts rather than unveiling it later this year,” a source told the Korean publication. 

The TV, whenever it arrives, will be optimized for all of the major gaming consoles, PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X. In addition, the panels would be mass-produced by LG Display. 

“If all of this pans out, it’ll ideally have a 120Hz refresh rate display with multiple HDMI 2.1 ports that allow 120 frames per second 4K gameplay (in games that support it) on PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X,” The Verge said regarding news of the delay. “It should also support variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low-latency mode, which are features that can make gaming look and feel smoother and more enjoyable. Though, with specs like that, I wouldn’t expect this to be a particularly affordable TV. The current 48-inch C1 was originally priced at $1,499.99 (but can currently be purchased for $1,299.99), so this smaller one will hopefully cost a little less.”

Following the virtual CES that took place in January 2021, the massive trade show is scheduled to return to Las Vegas next January, although the event will still have a virtual component. The organizers of CES announced last week that they will require proof of vaccination for in-person attendees of the event. 

"Based on today’s science, we understand vaccines offer us the best hope for stopping the spread of COVID-19,” Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, of CTA, said in a statement announcing the move. “We all play a part in ending the pandemic through encouraging vaccinations and implementing the right safety protocols. We are taking on our responsibility by requiring proof of vaccination to attend CES 2022 in Las Vegas.”

 Stephen Silver, a technology writer for The National Interest, is a journalist, essayist and film critic, who is also a contributor to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly Voice, Philadelphia Weekly, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Living Life Fearless, Backstage magazine, Broad Street Review and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @StephenSilver.

Image: Reuters