With Super Bowl Sunday coming up in two weeks, you may have considered checking out the newest technology in home entertainment systems, especially if you are in the market for a new one.

Using the expertise of local retailers and national manufacturers, I found innovative technologies in the home entertainment industry.

Don Nealon, owner of Schilling TV in Pittsfield, pointed to Samsung’s NEO LED TV, which is more advanced than the QLED. Nealon explained that LED stands for light emitting diode, which produces the light and color viewed from the television. QLED stands for quantum emitting diodes which is more efficient and displays brighter colors than traditional LEDs.

But the NEO QLED (neo/new quantum light emitting diodes) can project almost 10,000 mini-LEDs, resulting in enhanced clarity, vibrant colors, better resolution, and is more energy efficient than the other types of LEDs on the market.

Samsung has a website that details a description of QLED TVs.

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Another technological advancement is Sony’s sound system, which generates the sound at you, rather than shooting down — problematic for people that may be sitting far away from the television or may have problems hearing it up close.

Another technological advancement is Sony’s sound system, which generates the sound at you, rather than shooting down — problematic for people that may be sitting far away from the television or may have problems hearing it up close, Nealon said.

The size of the television set is also increasing, where some are as large as 98 inches. The cost of these units can cost between $5,000-$6,000. Years ago, they cost $30,000, or more. Now, the cost is more approachable, Nealon said.

Sonos has released a soundbar and subwoofer that are considered to be “a first-of-its-kind transducer (carries signals) technology, called Sound Motion,” according to a spokesperson. This premium soundbar, the Sonos Arc Ultra ($999), delivers a deeper bass, crystal-clear dialogue, and contains a “spine-tingling spatial audio experience,” called a Dolby Atmos. This soundbar has a powerful speaker projecting sound toward the listener, the sides of the room and the ceiling,

In addition, the spokesperson also announced the Sonos Sub 4 ($799), “its next generation of iconic subwoofers — with dual custom woofers that generate deep, dynamic low frequencies that enhance every beat, roar and rumble of the crowd. The Sub 4 is a game changer when paired with the Sonos Arc Ultra.”

Another innovation announced by the Hisense Group earlier this month at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas was its “RGB Local Dimming Technology.”  RGB is found in Hisense’s 116-inch TriChroma LED TV (116UX), said Ken Hong, head of public relations for America’s Region Hisense Group.

This technology introduces independent red, green and blue LEDs that generate pure colors directly at the source. Traditional systems rely on white or blue backlights filtered through a quantum dot filter to create color, Hong explained.

“This is a groundbreaking achievement in home entertainment as the only consumer model to use RGB Local Dimming Technology. This cutting-edge development offers unparalleled color precision, vibrancy, and efficiency, not only setting a new benchmark for big-screen TVs but also leading the Mini-LED into a new era,” he added.

In addition to Hisense, other home entertainment manufacturers announced their innovations at the CES Las Vegas Conference.

LG Electronics introduced its wireless OLED evo M5, and OLED evo G5 models, which includes LG’s latest α (Alpha) 11 AI processor Gen2, which enhances picture and sound quality. Also, it comes with an AI power-driven personalization which can greet users and provides tailored recommendations based upon preferential viewing habits.

Samsung has incorporated its Samsung Vision AI in its Neo QLED, OLED, QLED, and The Frame — surpassing the conventional TV watching experience by making your TV aware of its surroundings, adapt to your viewing preferences, and can even eliminate language barriers with real-time subtitle translations. 

Panasonic introduced its Z95B Series OLED TV consisting of a Fire TV built in (allows you to stream applications like Netflix, HULU and Amazon Prime), an Alexa Integration and Personalized UI (allowing a tailored experience) and supports voice control.

TCL launched the all-new Precise Dimming Series in which the TCL QM6K offers a higher level of picture quality which includes the new Halo Control System. This QLED, QD-Mini LED reduces light from bright objects which projects onto darker areas surrounding it, called “bleeding” or the halo effect.

Given the complexity of home entertainment products, I recommend potential buyers consult an expert who can fully explain all its features before making a purchase.

RX TIPS FOR SAVINGS: When comparing home entertainment products, make sure you factor in the installation and delivery costs, as well as the warranty protection coverage. Also, look for sales promotions as you get close to Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 9).