Compact living spaces and desktop gaming setups often leave buyers searching for reference-grade picture quality without the massive footprint of living room screens. Many shoppers specifically ask is there a 42 inch oled tv that delivers infinite contrast ratios without overwhelming a small entertainment center. The answer is yes, as major manufacturers produce dedicated 42-inch displays that retain self-lit pixel technology and rapid response times. While large screens dominate flagship cinema lineups, finding capable small panels allows bedrooms and offices to enjoy pure blacks. If you are exploring entry points into emissive display panels, comparing budget-friendly OLED models helps clarify where compact screen sizes fit within broader display lineups.
Upgrading from traditional edge-lit LCD screens to small emissive panels completely eliminates backlight haloing and washed-out dark scenes. Shoppers who previously evaluated compact 40-inch television options frequently discover that modern 42-inch OLED panels provide vastly superior viewing angles and dynamic color accuracy. Modern iterations also feature high-speed HDMI 2.1 connectivity alongside variable refresh rate protocols designed for both modern consoles and graphics cards. These compact televisions pack premium video processing engines into a desktop-friendly form factor that fits where larger displays cannot. Embracing this smaller form factor ensures you get uncompromised dark-room performance without sacrificing precious surface space.
Pros
- Exceptional black levels and contrast from OLED panel enhance movie watching
- AI upscaling improves lower-resolution content significantly
- 144Hz refresh rate with VRR makes it ideal for console and PC gaming
- Sleek, minimalist design fits well in living rooms or bedrooms
- Voice control works smoothly with Alexa and Samsung Vision AI
Cons
- Does not support Dolby Vision; uses HDR10+ instead, which may limit some content
- Brightness may not be as high as high-end QLED TVs for very bright rooms
- Price is premium for a 42-inch screen compared to similarly featured LED options
The Samsung 42-Inch Class OLED S90F is a 2025 model that brings together the best of OLED technology and advanced AI processing. This is a 4K smart TV designed for homeowners, apartment renters, gamers, movie lovers, and cord-cutters who want a premium viewing experience in a compact size. The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor uses 128 neural networks to enhance picture quality and sound, making everything from streaming shows to live sports look impressive.
Picture quality is where the S90F shines. The OLED panel delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors that make movies and games pop. OLED HDR+ technology boosts brightness to reveal fine details in shadows and highlights. The AI processor also upscales standard definition and HD content to near-4K quality, so older shows and YouTube videos look sharp. Motion handling is excellent thanks to Motion Xcelerator 144Hz, which reduces blur and judder for fast-paced sports and gaming. However, like most OLEDs, reflections in bright rooms can be noticeable, so placement matters.
For gamers, this TV is a standout. It supports 4K at 144Hz with VRR and ALLM, ensuring smooth, tear-free gameplay with low input lag. HDMI 2.1 ports are included for the latest consoles and gaming PCs. The AI processor also enhances motion for sports, keeping the ball and players clear during fast action. Smart TV features are powered by Tizen, which is responsive and offers all major streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and more. Alexa is built-in, so you can control the TV and smart home devices with your voice.
Design-wise, the S90F is sleek and minimalist. The Graphite Black finish and thin bezels look modern whether on the stand or wall-mounted. The stand is sturdy, and VESA mounting is straightforward. Connectivity includes multiple HDMI ports with eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB. The built-in speakers provide clear dialogue and decent bass, but adding a soundbar can elevate the experience for home theater enthusiasts. Setup is simple with guided on-screen instructions, and the remote is intuitive.
One limitation is the lack of Dolby Vision support. Samsung uses HDR10+, which is compatible with many streaming services but not all. Brightness is excellent for an OLED but may not match high-end QLED TVs in sunlit rooms. The price is premium for a 42-inch screen, but the performance justifies it for those prioritizing picture quality and gaming features.
Overall, the Samsung S90F is a fantastic choice for anyone building a home theater, gaming setup, or a high-end bedroom TV. Movie lovers will appreciate the cinematic blacks, gamers the smooth 144Hz, and families the easy smart TV access. If you want a compact OLED with cutting-edge AI processing, this is a strong investment.
The Samsung S90F uses an OLED panel with OLED HDR+ technology to deliver exceptional contrast and color. Blacks are truly infinite, and bright highlights pop without blooming. The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor analyzes each scene to boost brightness and refine details, making HDR content look stunning. Color accuracy is excellent out of the box, and you can fine-tune settings. Upscaling of lower-resolution content is impressive, retaining sharpness and reducing artifacts. Viewing angles are wide, so everyone in the room sees consistent colors.
Gamers will love the 42-inch S90F. It supports 4K at 144Hz with VRR (48-144Hz) and ALLM for low latency. Input lag is minimal, making it responsive for competitive play. The AI processor also enhances motion to reduce blur in fast games. HDMI 2.1 ports ensure compatibility with PS5, Xbox Series X, and high-end PCs. The Game Bar interface gives quick access to settings like refresh rate and VRR status. OLED's instant response time eliminates ghosting, providing a fluid experience.
The TV runs Samsung's Tizen smart platform, which is fast and intuitive. All major streaming apps are available, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and more. Alexa is built-in, so you can use voice commands to search, control playback, and manage smart home devices. Samsung Vision AI offers personalized recommendations and ambient modes. The remote has a microphone and dedicated streaming buttons. App loading times are quick, and the interface is easy to navigate.
Pros
- Infinite contrast and true black levels characteristic of LG OLED evo technology
- Compact 42-inch screen size serves double duty as a high-end gaming monitor or bedroom television
- Comprehensive HDR support including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Filmmaker Mode
- Fast and intuitive webOS smart platform with direct Alexa voice command support
- Wide viewing angles ensure consistent color and contrast from off-center seating positions
Cons
- OLED peak brightness may not overcome heavy direct sunlight in bright sunrooms
- Compact built-in speakers deliver clear dialogue but benefit from an external soundbar for deep bass
- Screen size is too modest for large living rooms or expansive home theater seating arrangements
The LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo C6 Series Smart TV is a high-performance 4K television built for spaces where a massive panel simply will not fit. Featuring LG renowned self-lit pixel technology, this television produces absolute blacks and infinite contrast by turning off individual pixels completely. Based on product specifications, this television is an outstanding option for apartment renters, college dorm residents, bedroom television shoppers, and dedicated PC or console gamers looking for reference-grade picture performance on an office desk or cozy media console.
Picture quality is where this OLED evo display truly shines. Thanks to pixel-level dimming, dark scenes in horror films, sci-fi adventures, and prestige streaming dramas render with zero backlight bleed or haloing around bright subtitles. The inclusion of Dolby Vision and HDR10 ensures a wide color volume and nuanced highlights, while Filmmaker Mode lets cinephiles disable unwanted motion smoothing to enjoy movies exactly as directors mastered them. Additionally, AI Super Upscaling 4K works to clean up standard high-definition broadcasts, older sitcoms, and compressed streaming video, keeping everyday viewing crisp and well-defined.
Gamers will find plenty to love in this compact display. The near-instantaneous response time of OLED panels combined with low input lag ensures that fast-paced first-person shooters, competitive fighting games, and racing titles feel fluid and immediate. The TV handles rapid camera pans with minimal blur, avoiding the motion smearing typical of traditional LED screens. Wide viewing angles also make it easy to host friends for couch co-op or casual multiplayer tournaments, as the colors and contrast remain accurate even when seated off to the side.
LG webOS platform anchors the smart TV experience, offering quick access to major streaming hubs such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. With built-in Alexa compatibility, viewers can easily search for titles, switch inputs, or adjust volume using simple voice commands. The audio system features Dolby Atmos decoding for expanded sound staging. For setups incorporating an LG soundbar, WOW Orchestra functionality allows the television speakers to work in harmony with the external sound system to reinforce vocal clarity and frontal presence.
Weighing around 22 pounds, this display is remarkably easy to handle, whether mounting to a standard VESA wall bracket or placing it on a sturdy desktop. It offers three HDMI ports and three USB inputs, providing ample room for gaming consoles, streaming dongles, and external storage drives. As with most OLED panels, peak brightness is tuned for controlled lighting rather than sun-drenched sunrooms with unshaded windows. Furthermore, while dialogue clarity is crisp for news and talk shows, action movies and bass-heavy soundtracks will sound significantly better with an external audio system.
For anyone looking to build a high-tier compact entertainment hub, the LG 42-Inch C6 OLED evo strikes an impressive balance between size and picture fidelity. Whether you are binge-watching your favorite streaming series in bed, tackling marathon PC gaming sessions, or watching weekend football games in a cozy apartment living room, this television delivers authentic flagship visual performance in a manageable, space-saving format.
Thanks to its self-illuminating pixels, the LG C6 series OLED eliminates the need for a separate LED backlight. This allows the panel to achieve true blacks, which dramatically enhances visual depth and highlights fine shadow details in dark games and films. Colors remain rich and punchy across a wide spectrum without looking artificially oversaturated.
The 42-inch form factor is especially popular among PC gamers and console enthusiasts who sit close to the screen. With rapid pixel response times, fast motion handling, and low input lag, this display helps eliminate ghosting and screen tearing during intense gameplay. It functions seamlessly as an ultra-premium desktop monitor that effortlessly transitions into an evening movie display.
Running on LG intuitive webOS smart platform, the C6 Series offers rapid app switching and an uncluttered home dashboard. Built-in Alexa integration provides hands-free convenience, letting you launch apps, check weather updates, and control compatible smart home devices with voice prompts.
On the audio side, the television incorporates Dolby Atmos processing to create a wider, more dimensional soundfield from the integrated speakers. When paired with compatible LG soundbars, the WOW Orchestra feature enables simultaneous sound output from both the television and soundbar, elevating dialogue height and creating a more immersive acoustic presentation.
Pros
- Exceptional black levels and contrast from OLED technology create a truly immersive viewing experience
- Outstanding gaming performance with 144Hz, low input lag, and full HDMI 2.1 support for next-gen consoles
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos enhance both picture and audio for movies and shows
- webOS 24 interface is fast, intuitive, and offers extensive app selection including Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video
- Magic Remote with Alexa integration simplifies navigation and voice control
Cons
- Peak brightness may not be as high as some Mini-LED TVs, potentially limiting performance in very bright rooms
- 42-inch size might be too small for large living rooms or home theaters seeking a bigger screen
- Premium price compared to LED alternatives may not suit budget-conscious shoppers
The LG 42-inch OLED evo C4 is a 2024 model that brings the brand's renowned self-lit pixel technology to a compact size, ideal for apartment renters, bedroom TV buyers, and gamers who prioritize picture quality. This 4K smart TV uses over 8 million individually lit pixels to deliver perfect blacks and infinite contrast, making every movie, show, or game pop with lifelike depth.
Home theater enthusiasts and movie lovers will appreciate the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, which together create a cinematic experience at home. The a9 AI Processor Gen7 enhances lower-resolution content via AI Super Upscaling, so even older shows look crisp. Families with kids and cord-cutters benefit from webOS 24, which offers fast access to streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, plus over 300 free LG Channels for live TV.
Gamers are a key audience for this OLED TV. The 144Hz refresh rate, 0.1ms response time, and support for NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR eliminate screen tearing and stutter. Four HDMI 2.1 inputs let you connect a PS5, Xbox Series X, and a soundbar without compromise. The Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer give you full control over settings for competitive play.
Build quality is excellent, with a slim bezel and a sturdy stand that can be wall-mounted using a standard VESA pattern. The Magic Remote includes Alexa for voice commands, and the TV's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make streaming and pairing accessories effortless. Setup is straightforward, and the webOS interface loads apps quickly.
One realistic limitation is that the 42-inch screen may feel small for large living rooms or family gatherings. Additionally, while OLED black levels are superb, peak brightness is moderate, so very bright rooms with direct sunlight may cause reflections. The built-in speakers handle dialogue clearly but adding a Dolby Atmos soundbar would elevate the experience.
Overall, the LG C4 is a fantastic choice for gamers, apartment dwellers, streamers, and anyone seeking a premium OLED experience in a manageable size. It balances picture quality, gaming features, and smart TV convenience, making it a strong contender for a bedroom, home office, or dedicated gaming setup.
The LG OLED evo C4 delivers breathtaking picture quality thanks to its self-lit pixels. Black levels are absolute, allowing vibrant colors to stand out with 100% Color Volume and 100% Color Fidelity. HDR content in Dolby Vision looks stunning, with bright highlights and deep shadows that preserve detail. The a9 AI Processor Gen7 enhances standard dynamic range content, reducing noise and sharpening edges for a clean, natural image. Motion handling is smooth at 144Hz, reducing judder during fast-paced sports and action films. Viewing angles are excellent, so the picture remains consistent from almost any seat in the room.
Gamers will find the C4 a powerhouse. With a 144Hz refresh rate and 0.1ms response time, motion is fluid and input lag is minimal. It supports NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR, ensuring tear-free gameplay on both PC and consoles. Four HDMI 2.1 ports provide full bandwidth for 4K at 120Hz on next-gen systems. The Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer let you adjust settings like black stabilizer and crosshairs on the fly. Whether you play competitive shooters or expansive RPGs, this OLED TV keeps you in the action.
webOS 24 is the backbone of the C4's smart experience. It offers a clean, customizable home screen with quick access to apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, and Hulu. LG Channels provides over 300 free channels spanning news, sports, movies, and kids content. The Magic Remote includes a scroll wheel, voice control via Alexa, and a dedicated button for popular apps. You can also use the TV with Google Assistant through compatible devices. The WebOS Re:New Program guarantees software updates for five years, keeping your TV current.
The LG OLED evo C4 has a sleek, minimalist design with thin bezels that maximize the screen area. The stand is sturdy and offers a small footprint, ideal for media consoles. For wall mounting, the TV is VESA compatible and lightweight enough for a single-person installation. Cable management channels help keep wires tidy. The build quality feels premium, with a metal-like finish on the bezel. The 42-inch size makes it a great fit for smaller rooms, apartments, or as a secondary gaming monitor.
The Reality of 42-Inch OLED Televisions: Production, Performance, and Practical Uses
Emissive display technology is no longer confined to massive living room installations. Modern manufacturing techniques allow premium display brands to produce authentic 42-inch OLED panels that preserve reference-grade picture quality. Compact panels now deliver the same per-pixel illumination, infinite contrast, and self-lit hardware found on larger cinema screens. Buyers searching for a space-saving display can easily find dedicated options equipped with cutting-edge processors and gaming features.
How Mother Glass Manufacturing Made 42-Inch OLEDs Possible
Display fabrication relies on massive sheets of glass known as mother glass substrates. For many years, Gen 8.5 fabrication facilities cut these sheets into standard sizes like 55-inch and 65-inch panels to maximize cutting efficiency. Cutting smaller sizes previously caused excessive glass waste, which kept manufacturers from releasing compact consumer televisions. Advancements in multi-model glass cutting changed this dynamic by allowing fabricators to cut smaller panels alongside larger ones from a single substrate sheet.
Panel manufacturers specifically pair 42-inch cuts with 83-inch cuts on modern production lines to minimize unusable material. This engineering efficiency established the 42-inch form factor as the standard entry point for consumer OLED televisions. Shoppers looking for smaller displays often notice that 32-inch OLED panels are manufactured almost exclusively as dedicated desktop computer monitors. Meanwhile, consumers migrating from older 40-inch or 43-inch LCD units will find that a 42-inch OLED serves as a seamless dimensional replacement.
Available Models and Panel Variations Across Leading Brands
LG spearheaded the introduction of small-format emissive screens with its popular C-series lineup. The LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo C4 Series Smart TV 4K delivers self-lit pixels alongside the specialized a9 AI Processor Gen7. This model incorporates 100% Color Volume and 100% Color Fidelity, ensuring that deep shadows and vibrant tones remain faithful to source content. LG also supports long-term software support with its webOS Re:New program, ensuring system updates and menu refinements over five years of ownership.
Brand innovation continues with advanced options like the LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C6 Series Smart TV. This series incorporates an upgraded artificial intelligence processing platform designed to refine low-resolution upscaling and dynamic audio output. It supports key cinema standards including Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, alongside Filmmaker Mode for director-intended color balance. The physical dimensions remain exceptionally compact, allowing easy integration on shallow media consoles or corner desks.
Samsung provides an alternative powerhouse with the SAMSUNG 42-Inch Class OLED S90F 4K Smart TV. This display features the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, which uses 128 AI neural networks to optimize picture clarity and sound rendering. Motion Xcelerator technology supports fluid action at up to 144Hz, making fast sports and fast gaming visually sharp. Samsung Vision AI and OLED HDR Plus intelligently analyze scene data to reveal fine details in complex highlights and deep shadows.
Compact Form Factor Benefits for Desktop Gaming and Small Rooms
Pixel density increases significantly when 4K resolution is concentrated into a 42-inch diagonal screen. A 42-inch 4K panel yields roughly 105 pixels per inch, which produces remarkably sharp text and crisp fine details. This pixel density makes the size ideal for dual-purpose workstations where users alternate between productivity software and entertainment. Users sitting three to four feet away enjoy expansive immersion without the visible pixel structure common on larger screens.
Dedicated bedrooms, studio apartments, and home offices often lack the wall span required for huge displays. A 42-inch television fits comfortably on standard computer desks or modest dressers without forcing awkward furniture arrangements. The screen delivers wide viewing angles without the severe color wash-out associated with standard twisted nematic or vertical alignment LCD panels. Off-axis viewers can sit anywhere in a compact room while enjoying identical color saturation and contrast.
Gaming Capabilities: 144Hz Refresh Rates and HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth
Modern 42-inch OLED televisions have become the preferred display choice for competitive console and PC gamers. Models such as the LG C4 and Samsung S90F support native 144Hz refresh rates alongside instantaneous 0.1ms pixel response times. This rapid pixel response practically eliminates motion ghosting during rapid camera sweeps in high-action games. Players gain smooth visual clarity that traditional LCD gaming panels with slow backlight transitions struggle to match.
High-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs are essential for unlocking high-frame-rate performance on modern hardware. The LG C4 provides four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing users to connect multiple consoles and a gaming PC simultaneously. Integrated support for NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and HDMI Forum Variable Refresh Rate eliminates screen tearing across fluctuating frame rates. Auto Low Latency Mode automatically switches the display into Game Mode whenever an active console signal is detected.
Software features further enhance the gaming experience through specialized on-screen dashboards. The LG Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer give players quick access to input latency toggles, frame rate readouts, and black stabilizer adjustments. Samsung includes dedicated gaming menus and Motion Xcelerator enhancements that ensure tear-free performance at maximum refresh rates. These built-in utilities allow players to calibrate visual settings without navigating deep into system menus.
HDR Performance and Brightness Dynamics in Compact Enclosures
High dynamic range presentation on an OLED display relies on per-pixel emissive control rather than raw blinding brightness. Because each pixel can turn completely off, dark night scenes and starfields exhibit true pitch-black backgrounds without backlight bleed. Small specular highlights, such as headlights and neon signs, stand out vividly against these deep blacks. This per-pixel contrast creates a perceptually impactful image even when overall room lighting is moderate.
Thermal realities within a compact chassis influence peak brightness behavior on smaller panels. A 42-inch panel packs pixels closer together than a 65-inch display, concentrating thermal energy across a smaller physical surface area. Manufacturers tune the Automatic Brightness Limiter slightly more conservatively on 42-inch models to protect the organic emissive layer from excessive heat. Full-screen white scenes, such as winter sports or bright web browsers, will dim slightly to keep panel temperatures within safe operating limits.
Viewers who require significantly higher sustained brightness for sun-drenched living rooms might consider larger form factors. If you have the physical space to expand your entertainment setup, opting to step up to a 55-inch streaming screen provides a larger panel footprint that dissipates thermal energy more broadly. However, for light-controlled bedrooms, dark offices, or evening viewing, a 42-inch OLED delivers stunning dynamic range that easily satisfies cinephiles.
Dynamic HDR Ecosystems: Dolby Vision Versus HDR10 Plus
Dynamic HDR formats optimize contrast, color saturation, and brightness frame by frame using embedded metadata. LG televisions feature Dolby Vision decoding alongside standard HDR10 and HLG formats. Dolby Vision remains widely adopted across major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Apple TV. Pairing Dolby Vision with Filmmaker Mode ensures you see streaming movies with the exact color grading and cadence envisioned by the director.
Samsung models take a distinct format path by supporting HDR10+ and OLED HDR Plus while omitting Dolby Vision. HDR10+ dynamically adjusts scene contrast on compatible platforms like Amazon Prime Video and select physical media. The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor on the S90F actively processes standard content, transforming SDR material into HDR-like quality with enhanced highlight separation. Choosing between these platforms largely depends on which streaming services and content libraries your household utilizes most frequently.
Audio Hardware and External Soundbar Routing
Ultra-slim display enclosures present natural physical constraints for integrated acoustic drivers. Built-in speakers in 42-inch televisions handle daily dialogue and casual viewing with clear voice processing, but they lack deep low-frequency punch. LG addresses this through Dolby Atmos decoding and Wow Orchestra synchronization, which unifies the television speakers with compatible soundbars. Samsung incorporates AI sound optimization to balance dialogue clarity during action-heavy broadcasts.
Connecting an external soundbar or AV receiver through an eARC port preserves uncompressed multichannel audio formats. Buyers interested in exploring dedicated televisions engineered for sound quality often use compact soundbars to enhance their setup without crowding the desk. On models equipped with four full HDMI 2.1 inputs, using the eARC port leaves multiple high-bandwidth connections open for consoles. This setup avoids bandwidth bottlenecks and eliminates the need to swap cables between gaming sessions.
Long-Term Panel Preservation and Burn-In Mitigation
Prospective buyers frequently express anxiety regarding permanent image retention or display burn-in. Modern 42-inch OLED televisions integrate multiple automated safeguards designed to protect organic emissive subpixels. Pixel shift technology subtly moves the entire picture by microscopic increments over time to distribute subpixel load. Logo luminance reduction actively identifies static scoreboard graphics, news tickers, or gaming HUDs and gently dims those specific zones.
Automated maintenance compensation cycles run silently in the background whenever the television enters standby mode. Users should always leave their television connected to wall power rather than turning off master power strips so these cycles can finish. If you use a 42-inch display as a desktop monitor, simple habits provide extra peace of mind. Hiding the operating system taskbar, running a dynamic screensaver, and rotating varied content will keep the panel uniform for years.
Desk Ergonomics and Wall-Mounting Considerations
Mounting or positioning a 42-inch OLED requires thoughtful consideration of stand footprints and eye alignment. Most 42-inch models feature compact tabletop feet that rest easily on desks with standard depths of 24 to 30 inches. The screen height aligns naturally with standard seated eye levels, reducing neck strain during extended productivity or gaming sessions. An ultra-thin profile also ensures the screen sits close to the back edge of the workspace.
Standard VESA mounting patterns on the rear chassis simplify installation on articulating monitor arms or low-profile wall brackets. Heavy-duty monitor arms rated for television weights allow users to float the display and reclaim precious desktop real estate. When unboxing and handling these displays, always use two hands and avoid applying pinch pressure directly to the thin outer glass edges. Proper positioning ensures you enjoy perfect viewing geometry while keeping side-facing HDMI ports accessible for quick cable management.
Making the Right Decision for Your Space
Choosing a 42-inch OLED television represents an ideal balance of compact physical dimensions and uncompromising picture quality. Whether you select the versatile LG C4 with its four HDMI 2.1 ports or the rapid Samsung S90F with its 144Hz processing, you receive true emissive performance. These displays prove that buyers no longer need to sacrifice black levels or gaming responsiveness simply because they have a smaller room. Evaluating your primary input sources, room lighting, and audio equipment will ensure you select the perfect small-format display for your needs.
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