SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 8, 2014 — LG Electronics today announced the retail availability of its new 79-inch class Ultra HD TV, the first of the extensive 2014 LG ULTRA HD TV lineup coming to market this year. LG’s 79-inch class (78.5 inches measured diagonally) model 79UB9800 is being launched first in Southern California with Video and Audio Center, one of the nation’s top Ultra HD TV retailers.

The new LG ULTRA HD TV – with four times the resolution of 1080p Full HD – goes on sale in the United States for the first time today at Video and Audio Center’s Santa Monica store (1426 Wilshire Blvd.). LG and Video and Audio Center launched the first Ultra HD TV in the United States in 2012.

With its third-generation 2014 Ultra HD TV models, LG is advancing the new format via streaming 4K content, the webOS Smart TV platform and superior picture quality, among many new features.

“LG’s goal is to help bring Ultra HD to the forefront for consumers in terms of excellent TV picture quality and its other outstanding benefits” said David VanderWaal, head of marketing for LG Electronics USA. “There’s no better way spread the word about Ultra HD than to offer consumers a way to experience it, and today’s launch of the 79UB9800 with Video and Audio Center is our first step in doing that for 2014.”

Setting a new standard for the home entertainment experience, the stellar UB9800 series also includes 65 and 84-inch screen sizes with a 98 inch model to be introduced later this year. Other series in the 2014 LG ULTRA HD TV lineup will also be launched nationwide this spring.

Setting the Standards for Ultra HD and Beyond

Ultra High-Definition TV represents the next step in picture detail for large-screen HDTVs. With these LG ULTRA HD 4K displays, consumers will have the sharpest, life-like picture available and a much needed detail boost for today’s larger TVs. They incorporate new technology standards – such as HDMI 2.0 and H.265 codec – – which will allow them to display native 4K content whether it’s streamed over the Internet or playing from a USB or HDMI source. With these technologies built-in, consumers will have a TV that will be ready to accept new 4K content as it becomes available.

Because of its powerful upscaling, the 79UB9800 is also great for showing regular HD content available from cable or satellite providers, Blu-ray disc players, home video cameras, game consoles and more. For excellent picture quality with non-UHD content, the UB9800 series features LG’s True 4K Engine Pro, which uses a multistep process to enhance content for a near-UHD experience. On the 2014 lineup of LG ULTRA HD TVs, no detail goes unnoticed regardless of the content’s native format.

Rounding out the picture quality story, LG ULTRA HD TVs also use IPS (in plane switching) LCD panels which reproduce more accurate colors than conventional “VA” type panels used by most other TV manufacturers. IPS panels have the added benefit of providing a wider viewing angle with less risk of color distortion or loss of contrast, even when not viewed from a center seat.

A Smarter Platform for a Smarter TV

For 2014, LG 4K ULTRA HD TVs feature the Smart TV+ platform, using webOS – a refreshingly intuitive interface that makes it easier to find and transition between content options. With webOS, live TV, streaming services and previously viewed content are all accessible via one click on its “launcher bar” menu. The platform also includes recommendation capabilities to help consumers sift through its expansive content options, which include streaming services like Netflix, YouTube Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus.

Enhanced Audio to Match Enhanced Images

The UB9800 series also boasts the deep, rich audio of the Ultra Surround sound system, developed in collaboration with high-end audio products maker harman/kardon. A forward-facing, multi-channel speaker configuration that reproduces sound with astounding clarity and precision, Ultra Surround makes the viewing experience that’s much more real.

The 79UB9800 will be available nationally for $7,999.99.

*4K/UHD content delivery standards still being developed.

**Internet connection and certain subscriptions required and sold separately. Content and services vary by product and are subject to change without notice.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $52 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. LG Electronics is a 2014 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.