About this episode
On this week's show we look at an article from What Hi-Fi titled "I just tested one of 2025's best small OLEDs – and it proves most companies are focusing on the wrong thing". And that thing is brightness. We look at what would make a perfect TV. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: Major TV streaming service abruptly hikes prices 33% Everything you need to know about new ESPN streamer You Don't Actually Own That Movie You Just "Bought." Brightness Isn't Everything We saw an article over at What Hi-Fi titled "I just tested one of 2025's best small OLEDs – and it proves most companies are focusing on the wrong thing" and thought there is a lot of truth to what the author is saying. So today will expand on this article with the HT Guys take. The author argues that TV manufacturers like LG, Samsung, and Sony focus too much on making OLED TVs brighter to compete with Mini LED sets. After testing 2025's top small OLED TVs, he believes brightness isn't the key to a great viewing experience. Instead, authenticity, color accuracy, and balanced performance are more important for delivering a cinematic experience true to the director's vision. Here are six takeaways from the article: The Brightness Obsession: A Misguided Priority? The What Hi-Fi? article criticizes the TV industry's focus on maximizing brightness, which can harm picture quality. In tests comparing 48-inch OLEDs (LG C5, Samsung S90F, Panasonic Z90B), brighter screens often lost subtle details and immersion. For instance, in Dune: Part Two's desert scene, an overly bright TV turned nuanced red and orange dune shades into stark white, flattening the image. OLED TVs were historically dimmer than LED TVs, but new tech like Micro Lens Array and QD-OLED has boosted their brightness to 2000-3000 nits, closing the gap. However, the focus on brightness often overshadows OLED's strengths—precise light control, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. The What Hi-Fi? review notes that manufacturers prioritize specs over overall picture quality, while the Panasonic Z90B shows a better balance. The Panasonic Z90B: A Lesson in Balance The 48-inch Panasonic Z90B excels in cinematic authenticity, prioritizing accurate colors and contrast over exaggerated brightness. In Civil War, it
