Curved TVs surged in popularity around 2014-2017, championed primarily by Samsung and LG as offering a more immersive, theater-like experience and potentially wider perceived viewing angles.
Why Curved TV Popularity Declined
- Limited Immersive Benefits: The effect was subtle, especially on common screen sizes viewed from typical living room distances.
- Viewing Angle Drawbacks: The curve worsened off-axis viewing, distorting the picture for anyone not sitting centrally.
- Reflection Issues: The curved surface made managing glare and reflections from windows and lights more problematic.
- Panel Uniformity Problems: Manufacturers faced challenges achieving consistent brightness and color across the curved panels.
- High Cost & Wall Mounting Hassles: Curved TVs cost more than comparable flat models and were difficult and less aesthetically pleasing to wall-mount.
- Rise of Superior Technologies: The massive immersion gains from large, flat OLED screens and QLED technology overshadowed the minor advantage of curvature. Ultra-wide flat PC monitors also offered alternatives.
Samsung effectively exited the consumer curved TV market around 2017-2018, and LG and others largely followed suit by 2020, shifting focus decisively to flat OLED and QLED displays.
Are Curved TVs Still Good to Buy?
Generally No, for most people:
- Extremely Limited Availability: Major brands no longer produce them for mainstream consumer TVs.
- Outdated Technology: Any remaining stock uses older display tech lacking current HDR brightness, color performance, and smart features.
- Practical Drawbacks Persist: Viewing angle limitations, glare issues, and wall-mounting difficulties remain.
- Far Better Alternatives Exist: Modern flat OLED/QLED TVs offer vastly superior picture quality, immersion via size, and overall performance. Large flat monitors provide desktop immersion.
The Exception: Consider a curved monitor for dedicated single-user PC gaming or productivity setups, where close viewing distance can maximize immersion and provide peripheral vision coverage. For living room TVs, flat is universally the superior choice.
