Las Vegas (United States) (AFP)

Always bigger, more beautiful and more connected: televisions must be technological jewels constantly renewed if they want to keep their place of choice in the living room already invaded by many other screens.

Market leaders presented their latest innovations on Monday at CES in Las Vegas, the annual electronics and technology high mass.

All of them had to adopt the very high definition known as 8K for their luxury models, because the small screen has become too large for 4K, especially from formats of 165 cm diagonally.

Televisions, however, are a little ahead of content producers and distribution channels.

Manufacturers therefore hope that the availability of 8K screens on the market and consumer appetite for home theater, live events and the many series of different streaming services will motivate media groups to take the plunge .

The Japanese chain NHK has thus planned to broadcast the Tokyo Olympic Games (summer 2020) in 8K.

"We need everyone in the industry to work together to really realize and honor the potential of very high definition," said Tony Wang, owner of Skyworth TV.

- The 8K, there is more than -

"The 8K is in full development, so this is the best time to launch a screen in this resolution, just when spectators are going to be able to enjoy it," he added.

At least the affluent spectators. The Chinese group, well established in its domestic market, has unveiled high-end televisions which it will sell on the American and European markets: the Q91 190 cm diagonally, with the 8K, will thus cost 5,999 dollars in the United States .

Samsung, meanwhile, is working with YouTube and other partners to be able to stream 8K content directly to its most expensive TVs, according to Joe Stinziano, executive vice president of Samsung Electronics America.

He predicted that 2020 would be a "turning point" for 8K to spread more widely in homes.

Demand for flat panel displays did not reach expected levels last year, mainly due to tensions between China and the United States and a global economic slowdown, according to IHS Markit.

Mas for this year, it expects "robust growth".

"Although there are still uncertainties due to the Sino-US trade war, demand for flat screens is expected to increase due to historically low prices and the various sporting events that take place in even years," says Ricky. Park, research director and sector specialist.

- TV shopping -

To stay in the race, televisions have also adapted to ultra-connected digital uses. Many integrate voice assistants from Amazon, Google or Apple, and offer functionalities suitable for streaming via film and series or video game platforms.

The latest models presented at CES include very advanced technical characteristics in terms of graphics and sound, to satisfy players who are eager for immersion.

"Game monitors have become an important growth engine for us," said Joe Stinziano of Samsung.

Televisions are also becoming more and more interactive. Equipped with cameras, they can be used to make video calls with several people, located in different locations.

On certain models, the South Korean LG offers spectators to ask questions about the programs (sports, news, films) and obtain answers in real time.

From this year, owners of a webOS connected TV will even be able to buy objects they see on the screen in partner shows, thanks to technology developed by the start-up TheTake.

© 2020 AFP