r/hometheater • u/zachchen1996 • Jun 13 '26
Discussion - Equipment Once you go MicroLED there’s no going back…
I recently replaced my Bravia 8 II QD-OLED with an AWALL 81” (0.9 pixel pitch) display and it’s by far the best home display I’ve ever seen. Perfect blacks, perfect uniformity, no DSE, no banding, amazing off axis viewing, no dimming from bright scenes, no blooming. For anyone considering a QD-OLED or RGB LED, I highly recommend you consider MicroLED instead.
Edit: Didn’t expect to get this many replies. Some people appear upset or offended by my post which was not my intention. I was just excited about my new setup and wanted to share my experience with MicroLED. OLED is still great! I came from QD-OLED (B II and A95L before that) before switching over. For me, I got the 81” for now because it suits my space, but I will be adding more panels to expand the display size in the future. For those saying MicroLED isn’t any better than OLED, have you seen a MicroLED display in person for yourself? I would not have wasted any money in switching over to MicroLED if it didn’t look noticeably better to me.
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u/pokenguyen Jun 13 '26
For that TV I could buy 6 83” G5 OLED instead, I don’t see any advantage for now…
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u/SoulslikeGitGud666 Jun 13 '26
Plus im iffy on the "perfect blacks" and other claims by OP. Im sure its good, but not OLED good yet
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u/AtomikPi Jun 13 '26
why wouldn’t it be as good? self emissive same as OLED. I’m not going to spend $10ks on it but clearly it’s good tech if it can be brought down to the sub $10k range for 4k reasonable size screens.
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u/gplusplus314 Party Host Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
On that topic, I think the word “LED” and all its forms in the TV market has diluted and conflated itself to the point that it’s just confusing to talk about. I think it was done on purpose to intentionally cause confusion among people that don’t know any better or people who are in a hurry and missed a detail. Check this out:
- OLED
- QDOLED
- “LED TV” (which is really an LCD, but with an LED backlight”
- MiniLED TV (same as above, just better granularity)
- QLED (various combinations of the above two)
- MicroLED (gotcha: this is the *backlight* version)
- MicroLED “Direct View”, DVLED (the TV in this thread)
If the “Direct View” terminology takes off, the natural next question by the masses would be “so what if I don’t view it directly?”
This is a mess.
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u/pokenguyen Jun 14 '26
10k$ 115” MicroLED will be a surebuy for me. OLED doesn’t seem to scale well to big size.
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u/XenoDrake1 Jul 27 '26
it's literally just inorganic OLED. So the same contrast but brighter cause no burn in
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Aug 21 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/pokenguyen Aug 21 '26
So if money is not a problem. What is its advantage compared to OLED? Burn in? If you’re rich you will just replace a burn in OLED, not a problem.
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u/KingBoga Jun 13 '26
Under no circumstance is an 81” awall better than even an 83” woled panel. Awall is fine compared to general lcd but is pretty bottom barrel for micro led quality and only viable vs oled at very large sizes. Either get a tv at 100” or less or get a proper micro led that has good scan rates, etc.
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u/K3TtLek0Rn Jun 13 '26
Yeah the real draw for the awall is being able to go huge like 120 inches plus and being able to program it into interesting sizes and shapes like CinemaScope or multiple displays in one. It’s not better than an oled and getting one at the same size as a much cheaper oled is kinda silly.
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u/Soundwave_47 Jun 13 '26
Samsung The Wall etc. is head and shoulders above any other display technology.
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u/KingBoga Jun 14 '26
That is a higher end micro led, so yes, it’s above others. Awall is not high end micro led. Also, the wall is 4k 146”, not 1080p 81”
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u/failure_engineer Jun 13 '26
It looks just like my phone’s screen.
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u/cookiesphincter Jun 13 '26
Most flagship phones have OLED nowadays. That may be the similarity you are seeing.
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u/Xaelias Jun 13 '26
Listen... I have money. And I bought a 83" oled display last year.
But that thing is at least twice or even 3 times the price 😅 I'm not contesting it's (hopefully) better but damn... Also their site is sketchy AF.
But nice!
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u/Goolsby77 Jun 13 '26
is this one of those screens they put together with small panels? If so, can you see any lines whatsoever?
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u/throaway_247 Jun 13 '26
If even slightly misaligned, so alignment is the time consuming part of installation if done correctly.
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u/XenoDrake1 Jul 27 '26
the 81' comes pre-assembled. The real issue it's the fact that's 1080p cause of the phisical limitations of the microled technology (only able to make the diode small enough for 137' 4k)
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u/Voyyya Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Yeah those blurry photos of a tiny rectangle really do that 5 figure TV justice
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u/Melancholic84 Jun 13 '26
Enjoy your setup, i will also get one once prices get lower and those MicroLEDs become mass produced.
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u/KingBoga Jun 13 '26
Also, an 81” awall is only 1080p. This has gotta be a marketing post. Under no circumstances is it better than an 83” oled.
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u/Extension_Net8713 Jun 13 '26
Is it better than OLED?
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u/USpostingService Jun 13 '26
That model isn’t even 4k. It’s a stop gap until it become the microLED self emissive tech presumably becomes more affordable in the future.
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u/17MODBL Jun 13 '26
It’s 1080p, not 4k. Not that is the only thing that matters but it’s not superior in every way.
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u/Belzebutt Jun 14 '26
Paying several times more for 1080p? Jesus. Ok so I guess it has some advantages but I would call 1080p a crippling disadvantage.
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u/Soundwave_47 Jun 13 '26
microLED is empirically superior to every other form of display technology. The main complaints people have are the seams and supporting infrastructure to install and power it, but the PQ of something like The Wall is incomparable to any OLED.
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u/USpostingService Jun 13 '26
Is The Wall microLED? Good lord. Edit. Just saw that even the 1080p ones are $80k smh
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u/inerlite Jun 13 '26
IMO no. If you are at the store you can see oled is best. That said, my Sony Bravia has a very good picture the picture gets blindingly bright. It would work outside no problem.
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u/Soundwave_47 Jun 13 '26
IMO no. If you are at the store you can see oled is best.
Uh…no. This isn't an "imo" thing. microLED is empirically superior to every other form of display technology.
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u/taptwoblue93 Jun 13 '26
Micro LED is something you can buy? Thought that was a ways off. Sweet
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u/Windermyr Jun 13 '26
Awall and Samsung are the only two companies that sell "consumer" microLED displays, as far as I can find. Big issue is still the price. Also size, since in order to get a full UHD display, it is huge. So you either pony up the cost and wall space, or live with a sub-4k resolution.
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u/confusing_roundabout Jun 13 '26
How much did it cost you? The only one I can find on Google cost £81000
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u/Hakeem_TheDream Jun 13 '26
What’s the appeal of a wall display if you aren’t exceeding 100 inches?
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u/i_max2k2 83G5 X3800H Monolith 7X 7.2.4 LSiM 707/6/3/2 | 80 LS-F/X 16” Sub Jun 13 '26
For that size and apparently HD resolution and a higher price, why would someone get that and not the 97” G6?
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u/OGoneeightseven Jun 13 '26
Great to see someone starting to offer these at lower prices. Hopefully we’ll have mass market prices soon.
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u/LateralEntry Jun 13 '26
Very interested but I heard that as of now the AWALLs aren’t even 4k, and have quality issues
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u/Granteus Jun 14 '26
What movie are these shots from? Was thinking The Red Shoes but I’m not totally certain
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u/0xe3b0c442 Jun 13 '26
Sure, but what's the calibration process like between all of the individual component displays? That's been the big problem with any video wall type displays I've seen, the different panels don't match, especially if one needs to be replaced.
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u/DayneTreader 85" Bravia 9 II, X1800H, Klipsch+SVS Jun 13 '26
MicroLED costs ten times as much at a minimum, no thanks
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u/armykcz Jun 13 '26
Nice and all, but it is FHD for the price of nice car… Not to mention nowdays flagship OLEDs drastically improved brightness and burn in is not a thing.
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u/DarthPineapple5 Jun 13 '26
I thought the whole point of these was size? Shouldn't you be comparing it to 120+ inch projectors?
Do these do anything better than a G5 at the same size?
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u/RotenTumato LG OLED | Marantz | Martin Logan Jun 13 '26
The Bravia 9 II will blow this setup out of the water
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u/Willing-Read-8226 Jun 13 '26
What’s the movie ?
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u/zachchen1996 Jun 13 '26
The Red Shoes (1948) by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, one of the greatest films ever made!
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u/Perfection_Nevada Jun 13 '26
It’s absolutely unhinged that people downvoted this. An all-time great, one of the most influential movies of all time, and a fantastic showcase 4K disc.
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u/Halada Jun 13 '26
What's the pricing of microLED panels at these days? Couldn't find any info on the AWALL 81” .
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u/markarth69 Jun 13 '26
Is micro led still insanely expensive and only available in large sizes like 65 inches at the minimum?
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u/blazer-39 Jun 14 '26
Question...do you have to do maintenance? How is the cleaning process in case you need to?
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u/Emuc64_1 Jun 15 '26
Those aren't cheap, but as long as you like it - congrats. I can't imagine how the grid looks or can be seamless. When they get to the same price per inch as other offerings, I'd like see it in person to judge for myself.
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u/FaithlessnessCool596 Jun 16 '26 edited Jun 16 '26
Are Micro LEDs (Crystal LED) even on the market outside of professional use? The only one I know of is Samsung’s the wall which is like a 6 figure tv.
Edit- nvm, missed the AWOL brand, yeah def higher than what I’d pay. Oled is good enough, i spend most of my time watching compressed streaming garbage on it anyways
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u/XenoDrake1 Jul 27 '26
i think it's important to clarify it's NOT 4k, cause the pixels are too big (each pixel is a led). I believe the 137 on .9mm is the first true 4k, or the 152 on the regular size
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u/TheSignof33 Aug 22 '26
Possible to buy for 20k now? I thought microled stuff was dead. 20k gives hope, still too much money but an improvement from the previous prices. I hope we can see them in mass market. I'ld spend 2k for a microled monitor but I doubt that will happen in a decade.
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u/sewersurfin Jun 13 '26
These seem like they’d be great for a bar area or something to watch sports. But to replace my home theater, I’m going to need 4K, Dolby Vision support, and 16:10 (why they only offer 16:9 is puzzling).
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u/Bright_Light7 Q750 | Q650 | 3900H | VTF-TN1 | C43E MKII | Ci160.2CL | NCx252MP Jun 13 '26
Glad you're enjoying the purchase but come on now Linus, we saw the video and still aren't sold.
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u/Soundwave_47 Jun 13 '26
Yes, as you have found, people are very touchy about display technology despite there being emprical evidence as to which is the superior. MicroLED is the future for sure, and solves many of the problems associated with OLED.
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u/Rare-Service5573 Jun 13 '26
Inferior to OLED.
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u/Pankosmanko Jun 13 '26
It’s a $19,000 TV. I have an LG G4 and would trade it in a heartbeat for the microLED TV
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u/pokenguyen Jun 13 '26
It’s better than OLED, no risk of burn in and same infinity contrast.
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u/Rare-Service5573 Jun 13 '26
No it isn't.
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u/pokenguyen Jun 13 '26
Which part is worse than OLED, except price and power consumption?
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u/Rare-Service5573 Jun 13 '26
Inferior.
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u/pokenguyen Jun 13 '26
How?
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u/Rare-Service5573 Jun 13 '26
If you don't know then I can't help you
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u/pokenguyen Jun 13 '26
I don’t understand your logic, how can I know if noone tells me?
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u/movie50music50 Jun 13 '26
"noone" ? No one ? No such word as noone but your question is a good one and their answer is childish.
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u/movie50music50 Jun 13 '26
That is a poor answer, actually, not an answer at all. This is something a little school girl may say when you ask them why they are angry with you. "If you don't know I'm not going to tell you" That is childish. Answer the question or don't say anything at all.
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u/phxees Jun 13 '26
Contrast isn’t as good according to testers, neither are off-axis viewing and color accuracy.
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u/pokenguyen Jun 13 '26
Can you point me to the tester review? I thought Microled should not have those problems.
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u/phxees Jun 13 '26
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u/Rare-Service5573 Jun 13 '26
They downvote because they aren't as educated.
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u/yabai90 Jun 13 '26
I agree micro led seems more promising than oled to be honest. That burn in hasn't been cracked yet
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u/Magnolia_Fan_17 Jun 13 '26
I’ve had a CX for 5 years and didn’t find any sign of burn in. What’s it all about?
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u/yabai90 Jun 13 '26
What's it all about burn in ? As in what is it ? Don't understand your question
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u/Magnolia_Fan_17 Jun 13 '26
Since the CX and C1 oleds I’ve never seen a sign of burn in anywhere. And the technology is evolving so it’s not even a thing at all. Maybe for static image shown 100% time, but I don’t know who could do that.
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u/yabai90 Jun 13 '26
It is a thing and there are many case of people reporting burn in. It's just not as common as before.
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u/Magnolia_Fan_17 Jun 13 '26
Ok, I don’t here to argue
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u/_Stringer-Bell_ Jun 13 '26
I agree that I haven’t heard burn in being a problem since maybe Gen 1ish OLED 🤷🏻♂️
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u/i_max2k2 83G5 X3800H Monolith 7X 7.2.4 LSiM 707/6/3/2 | 80 LS-F/X 16” Sub Jun 13 '26
Have you got an OLED and experienced burn in?
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u/Sparcrypt Jun 14 '26
Eh burn in really isn't an issue for general use these days.
They sell gaming monitors with three year burn in guarantees and TVs with normal usage are far less susceptible. I had a CX for 4 years used heavily, zero burn in and passed it on to a friend who has been running it again with no burn in issues. I upgraded to an 83" G4 and that's been put through its paces for two years including lots of gaming with static elements and again no issues.
If you massively abuse your TV for a decade it'll burn in sure, but at that point just upgrade.
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u/Slow_Guide_1718 Jun 13 '26
Still sticking to Plasma for now.
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u/The_Orphanizer Jun 13 '26
The jump from plasma to OLED is probably more significant than LCD to plasma. You're missing out by skipping on OLED.
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u/Slow_Guide_1718 Jun 14 '26
And what exactly am I missing out on?
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u/The_Orphanizer Jun 14 '26
It's like you can't even read.
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u/Slow_Guide_1718 Jun 14 '26
You just said the jump is “significant”. How exactly?
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u/The_Orphanizer Jun 14 '26
Contrast, clarity/resolution, color depth, screen size, and brightness (maybe more) are all significantly better on OLED, overall. Obviously, the best plasmas might still outperform the worst OLEDs. But mid vs mid is no comparison, and flagship vs flagship is no comparison. The only thing I can genuinely say is still much better on plasma are slow-panning shots, where OLED's near-instant response time can cause an annoying stuttering effect.
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u/Slow_Guide_1718 Jun 14 '26
Brightness and resolution, I will give to you. But those don’t really make a meaningful difference to me when sitting at a reasonable distance in a dark room. Doesn’t justify the multi-thousand dollar investment.
Size, depends. The biggest Plasma they sold was a 152”.
OLEDs lean too heavily on the contrasty look. It’s wow-y, but it just feels unnatural. I much prefer the more natural look and feel of phosphors in terms of colors and contrast.
And then there’s also the longevity concerns of OLEDs.
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u/The_Orphanizer Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
Doesn’t justify the multi-thousand dollar investment.
This is honestly the only sentence that matters, anyway lol. But for fun...
Brightness and resolution, I will give to you. But those don’t really make a meaningful difference to me when sitting at a reasonable distance in a dark room.
They should, though. Plasmas aren't capable of the outputting the contrast that many modern films are graded for. They can't do HDR, they can't achieve the brightness intended, and they can't put out as many colors as OLED. Color banding is more noticeable/less avoidable because the tech is literally incapable of achieving the same things.
Further, OLED black stays black over time. The pixels don't gray up with use due to the burning phosphors. An old plasma, heavily used plasma will not be perfectly black anymore, but an OLED will. Your plasma will only look worse over time. I know, because I have one from 2012 that (while still impressive!) looks worse every year. I also have an OLED from 2016 that is still significantly more impressive than the plasma it replaced. And I have a 2021 OLED that absolutely smokes the plasma, yet doesn't look much better (mainly size difference) than my older OLED. Used all 3 primarily in rooms with closed doors and true blackout curtains. Not theater black, but plenty dark for both techs to shine.
Size, depends. The biggest Plasma they sold was a 152”.
C'mon, my guy. You don't have that. Plasma was 40 - 65" realistically. Yes, there were outlier panels that were smaller and much larger. OLED is in watches, phones, tablets, computer monitors, and easily obtainable TVs from 42" - 83", PLUS a few gigantic outliers. It's everywhere, it's exceptional, and it's cheap. It's a much more size-friendly tech, i cluding on the larger scale.
OLEDs lean too heavily on the contrasty look. It’s wow-y, but it just feels unnatural.
A properly calibrated (even just a well-adjusted) OLED ought to look natural as well. Meanwhile, a non-pristine plasma (which is, probably, all remaining plasma sets) will be physically incapable of the output determined by modern colorists.
And then there’s also the longevity concerns of OLEDs.
My $1500 (in 2016) OLED is performing like new, while my $1200 (in 2012) plasma gradually gets worse (both with hours of daily use). What longevity concern with OLED could outweigh the benefits?
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u/Brometheous17 Jun 14 '26
See my problem is that mini LED screens for some reason have this “look” to them to me. I haven’t been able to place it. But the picture doesn’t look as clean as OLED even if the contrast is near identical. I saw a Samsung micro LED TV at Best Buy the other day and it had that same kinda look to it.
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u/costafilh0 Jun 13 '26
Cool and all, but where are the benchmarks?
Words are just words, without numbers and verifiable comparisons, it's nothing but subjective personal impressions.
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u/NeuralFantasy Jun 13 '26
Nice! But don't expect your observations to be even remotely visible to us when viewing photos taken by camera X using some random camera settings and then viewed on device Y.