The Future of TV is Here: RGB, Bigger Screens, and a Battle for the Art TV Crown
CES 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for television technology. Forget incremental upgrades – we’re looking at a fundamental shift in how TVs are made and how we experience content. The buzz isn’t just about bigger screens or smarter features; it’s about a new display technology, RGB, poised to disrupt the OLED and QLED dominance. And the competition? Fierce.
RGB TVs: Beyond OLED and Mini-LED
For years, CES has been dominated by the OLED versus mini-LED narrative. Now, RGB TVs are stepping into the spotlight. But what exactly *is* an RGB TV? Traditional QLED and mini-LED TVs rely on blue or white backlights filtered through quantum dots to create color. RGB TVs, however, utilize thousands of microscopic red, green, and blue LEDs, each individually controlled. This allows for a 100% color gamut coverage – a truly full spectrum of visible colors – and unparalleled color accuracy.
Samsung and LG are leading the charge with their “Micro RGB” implementations, while Hisense is opting for “RGB mini-LED,” and Sony is rumored to be using “True RGB.” Regardless of the branding, the promise is the same: brighter, more vibrant, and more accurate colors than ever before. Early reports suggest RGB TVs will address the contrast limitations of traditional LCDs while exceeding the peak brightness capabilities of OLED.
The Expanding Universe of TV Sizes: Small is Getting Smart, Big is Getting Bigger
The trend towards larger screens continues, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. 85-inch and even 100-inch TVs are becoming increasingly common flagship models. Samsung’s leaked lineup includes a 98-inch version of The Frame, signaling a shift towards larger sizes even in lifestyle-focused TVs. LG’s Micro RGB line is currently slated for 75, 86, and 100-inch models, demonstrating a commitment to premium large-format displays.
But it’s not just about going big. Smaller TVs are also getting a significant upgrade. We’re seeing a “yassification” of smaller screens, with premium features trickling down to 32-inch and 43-inch models. Samsung is extending its Frame and OLED technologies to these smaller sizes, and Hisense is offering affordable QLED options. This means consumers no longer have to sacrifice quality for a smaller footprint.
According to data from Statista, the average TV screen size purchased in North America has increased from 55 inches in 2019 to 65 inches in 2023, and this trend is expected to continue. However, the demand for smaller, high-quality TVs for bedrooms and kitchens is also growing, creating a dual-market opportunity.
The Art TV Arena: LG Challenges Samsung’s Frame
Samsung’s The Frame has long been the undisputed king of art TVs. But LG is finally entering the fray with its new Gallery TV, announced in December. This isn’t just a rebadged LCD; it features LG’s MiniLED technology with full-array local dimming, a significant improvement over The Frame Pro’s edge-lit design. Both TVs require a subscription for access to a curated art library – $5/month for LG Gallery+, matching Samsung’s Art Store.
TCL is also joining the competition with the Nxtvision A400 Pro, already available in China and potentially headed for a US launch at CES. This TV also boasts local dimming, further intensifying the battle for the art TV crown. The increased competition promises more innovation and potentially lower prices for consumers.
OLED Accessibility: Trickle-Down Tech and Budget-Friendly Options
OLED technology, once reserved for high-end models, is becoming increasingly accessible. Leaks suggest Samsung is planning more affordable OLED options, including a 55-inch S85H model priced around $1,000. This follows a familiar pattern: QLED and mini-LED started as premium technologies before becoming more widespread and affordable.
As manufacturing processes improve and panel costs decrease, we can expect to see OLED technology trickle down to more budget-friendly models. This will make the superior picture quality of OLED available to a wider range of consumers. Industry analysts predict that OLED TV penetration will reach 30% of the global TV market by 2028, up from 15% in 2023.
FAQ: Your Burning TV Questions Answered
- What is RGB TV? RGB TVs use self-emissive red, green, and blue LEDs to produce color, offering a wider color gamut and greater accuracy than traditional QLED or mini-LED TVs.
- Is RGB TV better than OLED? RGB TVs have the potential to surpass OLED in peak brightness while maintaining excellent contrast and black levels.
- Will smaller TVs get better features? Yes, manufacturers are increasingly incorporating premium features into smaller screen sizes (32-43 inches).
- What is an art TV? An art TV is designed to blend into your home décor when not in use, displaying artwork or ambient visuals.
- Is OLED becoming more affordable? Yes, OLED prices are decreasing as manufacturing processes improve and competition increases.
Stay tuned to Mashable for full coverage of CES 2026 as we bring you the latest news and hands-on reviews of these groundbreaking TV technologies. What are you most excited to see at CES? Let us know in the comments below!
