Every year, we discover new companies with innovative ideas from talented individuals worldwide. While we often celebrate new ventures, it’s rare to honor a company that has been in existence for over four centuries. This year, our category award recipient is Zildjian, founded in 1623. With a rich history of cymbal production, Zildjian’s legacy played a pivotal role in the development of its award-winning electronic drumset. Additionally, leading TV technologies from industry giants LG and Samsung make the list, showcasing a successful year for television despite the lackluster performance of big blockbusters like Megalopolis.
(Editor’s Note: This is a section from Popular Science’s 37th annual Best of What’s New awards. Make sure to explore the full list of the top 50 innovations of 2024.)
Grand Award Winner
ALCHEM-E by Zildjian: A revolutionary hybrid electric acoustic drumset
Zildjian, a renowned cymbal manufacturer since the 1600s, made a significant impact with its debut in the electronic drum market. The ALCHEM-E drum kits feature real 7-ply maple drum shells, providing an authentic high-end drumming experience with traditional drum heads. By switching to mesh heads, the kit transforms into a fully electronic setup controlled by the E-VAULT digital controller. The digital triggers under the mesh drumheads offer rapid response and sensitivity. The cymbals, crafted from real Zildjian cymbals with laser-cut holes, deliver digital sound options from the company’s extensive archive. These cymbals offer varying sounds based on where they are struck, mirroring the experience of playing a traditional drumset. This innovative kit combines the best of both acoustic and electronic drumming experiences.
LG Signature OLED T: An innovative transparent OLED TV
LG has been a dominant force in the OLED TV market, consistently introducing innovative technologies over the years. The Signature OLED T stands out as a transparent TV that offers a unique viewing experience. By incorporating a contrast film behind the OLED panel, users can switch between a traditional TV display and full transparency. This transformation occurs with the press of a button, creating a visually stunning effect where viewers can see through the TV while still enjoying a bright on-screen image. The potential for future integration with concepts like the suitcase TV hints at even more exciting developments to come.
Samsung S95D OLED TV: Enhancing OLED viewing with a glare-resistant surface
OLED TVs are known for their exceptional color and contrast, but they often struggle with brightness levels in well-lit environments. Samsung’s S95D OLED TV tackles this issue with a proprietary matte coating that reduces glare on the screen. By diffusing light rather than reflecting it directly, the TV maintains a high-quality image even in brightly lit rooms. Combined with the Quantum-Dot-powered QD-OLED display, this technology sets a new standard for OLED TVs, offering an impressive viewing experience where other models fall short. The addition of the texture layer on the screen enhances overall picture quality, making it one of the top-performing TVs on the market.
