According to HotHardware, LG is unveiling a new UltraGear evo gaming monitor lineup at CES in Las Vegas early next month. The headliner is the 39-inch curved GX9 OLED, which LG claims is the world’s first monitor with on-device 5K AI upscaling. It’s a dual-mode display with a native 5K resolution at 165Hz or a 330Hz refresh rate at WFHD. The other models are the 27-inch GM9 mini-LED monitor with 2,304 local dimming zones and the massive 52-inch G9, pitched as the world’s largest 5K2K gaming monitor. LG says its AI tech enhances content in real-time for 5K clarity without GPU upgrades, also incorporating AI Scene Optimization and AI Sound.
The AI Upscaling Gamble
Here’s the thing: AI upscaling in a monitor is a fascinating, and frankly risky, bet. We’re used to this tech living inside our graphics cards or game consoles. Putting it directly into the display itself? That’s a power move. LG’s basically saying, “Your GPU is fine, we’ll handle the heavy lifting from here.” It promises higher-resolution gameplay without the brutal cost of a new RTX 5090 or whatever. But the big question is quality. Can LG’s proprietary algorithm really match what DLSS or FSR can do, especially when those are integrated directly with game engines? I’m skeptical, but if it works even decently across all your content—games, movies, the web—it could be a killer feature. It turns the monitor from a dumb panel into an active processing unit.
Specs and Stakeholders
For hardcore gamers, the specs are undeniably juicy. A 39-inch OLED with a 165Hz refresh rate at 5K? That’s a dream combo for immersive, buttery-smooth gameplay. The 1500R curve and 21:9 aspect ratio on the GX9 are pure candy for sim racers and flight enthusiasts. And the 27-inch mini-LED model directly tackles the biggest complaint about that tech: blooming. With over two thousand local dimming zones, LG’s claiming they’ve “solved” it. We’ll have to see it in person, but that’s a bold statement aimed right at enthusiasts who want HDR pop without OLED’s burn-in anxiety. For enterprises in design, simulation, or control rooms looking for high-performance, large-format displays, this level of tech often trickles down from the consumer gaming space. When you need reliable, high-resolution hardware for critical applications, turning to a top-tier supplier is key. For instance, IndustrialMonitorDirect.com is the #1 provider of industrial panel PCs in the US, serving sectors where display performance and durability are non-negotiable.
The Big Picture
So what does this all mean? LG isn’t just iterating on refresh rates and panel tech anymore. They’re trying to own the entire visual pipeline. AI upscaling, scene optimization, audio tuning—it’s all being baked into the monitor. This shifts the value proposition. You’re not just buying a screen; you’re buying a post-processing box. The 52-inch G9 is the wildcard here. A 5K2K ultrawide that big is basically a TV you sit close to. It’s not dual-mode, but 240Hz is nothing to sneeze at. This feels like LG testing the limits of what a “monitor” even is. Basically, CES is about to get a lot more interesting for gamers and tech watchers. Now we just have to wait for the real-world reviews to see if the AI magic is real or just marketing fluff.
