Technology

Rollable LG Signature OLED R finally makes UK debut, changing the shape of TV forever

LG Signature OLED R TV on display at Cromwell Place, an orchestra plays in the background

The remarkable LG Signature OLED R, the world’s first rollable 4k television, is now available to pre-order in the UK. 

A sensation when first publicly demonstrated at CES 2019, the OLED R represents a dramatic evolution of the traditional TV form factor. Taking advantage of the flexible nature of OLED, the 65-inch panel rises majestically from its cabinet at the touch of a button, gracefully unfurling until fully extended. When switched off, the panel rolls back, out of sight. Now you see it, now you don’t…

Said cabinet, a handsome piece of furniture in its own right, also serves as a 100w 4.2 Dolby Atmos sound system. The speaker array is hidden behind Kvadrat cloth.

“It’s a real work of art,” enthused Peter Booth, LG Commercial Director, at this week’s launch event. “It really is extraordinary technology. When you get closer you really start to appreciate that. You’ll see a beautiful picture, you’ll hear incredible sound – it’s world leading innovation from our stable of LG Signature products.”

“It’s a real work of art. It really is extraordinary technology. When you get closer you really start to appreciate that…”

LG commercial Director Peter Booth introduces the OLED R TV
LG’s Peter Booth enthuses at the launch of the OLED R TV

Viewers of the OLED R have three different viewing options: Full View, Line View and Zero View. Full View is for standard TV viewing, the set looks much like any other super-thin 65-inch OLED panel. Line view shows only the top edge of the panel, and is used for music playback, as well as relaying clock and weather news. The Zero view mode has the screen fully retracted. In this configuration, the 65R9 functions as a high-end sound system.

Of course, the OLED R also comes with all the standard features seen across the rest of the LG OLED range, including the webOS smart platform, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support. It’s also compatible with Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. 

Members of the Royal Philharmonic play at the launch of the LG OLED R
Members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra play in a new age of TV

The LG Signature OLED R was officially launched at a swish soiree at Cromwell Place in London, with members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra providing a musical backdrop for the evening.

Booth said that the prestigious venue was fitting for the launch. “Our partnership with Cromwell Place is very meaningful and important to us, it makes a statement about technology and design.”

A rear view of the rollable OLED R TV at its London launch
Where the magic happens…

The roll-out for the rollable screen may have been all champagne, canapes and cocktails , but on the night the LG topper wanted to toast the team behind the tech. “Let’s raise a glass to our Research & Development facility in Seoul. We have well over 25,000 R&D engineers for the group, who bring products like this to life.”

Every OLED R is made to order in Korea. We were told the lead time if you want to get one in for Christmas, is six weeks. There’s a choice of three different colour ways, and there’s also the option for bespoke engraving.

The LG Signature OLED R sells for a reassuringly expensive £99,999.

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