Samsung Intros Fall Plasma, LCD HDTVs

The new Series 6 630 utilizes Samsung’s latest Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology.

A 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, Internet connectivity and additional HDMI ports are some of the features in Samsung's new lines.

At an attractive 4-floor townhouse in the West Village of New York City Wednesday, Samsung launched several new LCD and plasma HDTVs that will become available at retail in the next 30 to 60 days. Continuing its proprietary ToC or Touch of Color bezel design, which gives Samsung’s cabinetry a distinctive look, the new models offer stylish and innovative design features. The new models are divided into Series, and each Series offers a set of features that are carried through all screen sizes within that Series. These new models are in addition to ones that were introduced just a few months ago. Samsung is bullish on the TV market, and offers models utilizing LCD, plasma, and DLP enabled with LED PhlatLight technology that appeal to every niche within the TV marketplace.

Plasma
The new Series 7-760 Plasma HDTVs deliver a Full HD1080p picture with up to a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for excellent detail and vibrant colors, employing Samsung’s proprietary Ultra FilterBright technology. Ultra FilterBright is an anti-glare technology that reportedly helps keep the picture clear and bright even in well-lit rooms. To further improve picture performance, the Series 7-760 also features next-generation DNIe Pro video processing and 18-bit Natural True Color that helps to ensure the subtle details are not sacrificed.

The Samsung Series 7 Plasma HDTV includes a professional day-time and night-time calibration mode for optimized viewing. The two special customization (Day and Night) and enhancement modes can only be accessed once a professional calibrator to make the necessary adjustments. The set saves the picture settings made to match the ambient lighting in the room for optimum either day or night. The Series 7 features the one-button, on-demand InfoLink RSS service, which is powered by content from USA Today. Once connected to the Internet, InfoLink displays news, weather and stock information onscreen via adjustable overlays, allows users to view stock quotes from their personal portfolio and local weather information.

The Series 7 Plasma also offers several connection options. The set offers a total of four HDMI 1.3 inputs (three at the rear, one on the side). Beyond their ability to handle the latest color and HD audio processing, all four connections include CEC networking, allowing control of multiple components using only the TV’s remote control. Through the use of WiseLink Pro, which is side-mounted USB 2.0 port, a memory drive or digital camera turns the television into a jukebox or photo album. The TV recognizes not only MP3 and JPEG files but also XviD and MPEG4 files for video playback.

In addition, the Series 7 comes with a Digital Content Management feature that allows the user to sort images based on usual parameters like time and even more uncommon ones like color and composition. As well, the Series 7 Plasmas are compatible with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) for easy connection to and content sharing with other DLNA-certified products, such as a computer.

For added convenience, the Samsung Wireless LinkStick allows consumers to access the InfoLink feature on their Series 7 Plasma HDTV wirelessly. While a connection to the Internet via an appropriate modem and wireless router is still needed, viewers will no longer need to run an Ethernet cable directly to their HDTV. The Wireless LinkStick (WIS-08BGX/XAA) is available now with an estimated selling price of $34.99.

The Samsung Series 7 Plasma HDTVs will be available in August in 50-inch (PN50A760 - $2,799), 58-inch (PN58A760 - $4,499) and 63-inch (PN63A760 - $5,499) screen sizes.

LCD
The first of the new LCD HDTVs is the Series 6 630, which deliver full HD 1080p picture with up to a 40,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and utilizes Samsung’s latest Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology improved picture clarity even with fast motion scenes. Designed to minimize the motion judder and image blurring that can occur in fast-paced action scenes or sports broadcasts, Samsung’s Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology estimates and inserts an extra frame between frames to create a smoother viewing experience. The extra frame makes images flow seamlessly, allowing even the fastest action scenes to be presented with precision and clarity. 

Samsung is also including their Wide Color Enhancer 2 technology that reportedly maximizes the expanded color range used in HDTV broadcasting. Reds, greens, and blues are strengthened to bring depth and intensity to images that may appear weak on another display, allowing consumers to appreciate the look originally intended by the movie’s director, or game’s developer. Other features include DNIe, WiseLink (USB 2.0), and twin down-firing 10-watt speakers with SRS audio technology. Three HDMI 1.3 connectors are included.

Samsung’s Series 6 630 LCDs also feature an “Energy Saving Mode” that ensures the HDTV is compliant with the EPA‟s EnergyStar rating system. By adjusting the HDTV‟s backlight brightness with a Low, Medium or High selection, power consumption is decreased substantially compared to similar 2007 models.

The Series 6 630 Full HD LCD TVs will be available in August in 40-in. (LN40A630 - $1,699), 46-in. (LN46A630 - $2.099), and 52-in. (LN52A630 - $2,699) screen sizes. 

The next new LCD series is the Series 8-850 and 860. The Series 8-850 and 8-860 LCD HDTVs feature the next generation implementation of Samsung’s ToC design, which is offered in a new slim and narrow frame with a depth of only 1.9 inches at its widest with integrated digital tuning. In addition to rose (850), Samsung now offers its ToC design in deep blue (860). The Series 8 delivers full HD 1080p picture with up to a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and features Samsung’s latest Auto Motion Plus 120Hz and Ultra Clear Panel technologies for continual rich details and lifelike color.

The Series 8 also features minimal edging around the screen that seemingly blends screen with frame. Key features include Samsung’s Ultra Clear Panel, which is designed to improve contrast ratios and produce deep black levels. Able to perform in any lighting condition, the Ultra Clear Panel ensures that the TV flawlessly displays bold, bright colors and deep, dark black tones. For vibrant and pure onscreen portrayal of nature-perfected colors, Samsung’s Wide Color Enhancer 2 technology maximizes the expanded color range used in HDTV broadcasting. By strengthening the reds, greens, and blues, depth and intensity are added to images that could appear weak without over-saturation. Like in the Series 6 models, Samsung is employing its Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology.

The Series 8 LCD HDTVs also include the one-button, on-demand InfoLink RSS service. The Series 8 LCD HDTVs recognizes not only MP3 and JPEG files but also XviD and MPEG4 videos. In addition, it comes with a Digital Content Management. Additionally, the Series 8 LCDs are compatible with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) for easy connection to and content sharing with other DLNA-certified products, such as a computer. The Series 8 is also EnergyStar rated, and includes 4 HDMI 1.3 connectors.

The Series 8-850 LCD HDTVs will be available in September in the 46-in. (LN46A850 - $2,699) and 52-in. (LN52A850 - $3,399) screen sizes. The Series 8-860 LCD HDTVs, which include an additional USB 2.0 connection and a variation on the bezel design, will be available in 46-in. (LN46A860 - $2,799) and 52-in. (LN52A860 - $3,499) screen sizes in September.

Samsung’s new Series 9-950 is the new 2008 flagship model of its complete line of LCD HDTVs. The Series 9 utilizes Samsung’s 2nd generation LED SmartLighting with proprietary local diming technology. Local diming allows for additional detail in dark scenes by turning off specific LEDs. By using LED backlighting rather than a traditional cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL), the Series 9 950 LCD HDTV is also mercury-free. This model further adds 120Hz technologies, which was not previously available, and results in a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for full HD 1080p picture. 

The Series 9 includes all of the features found on the Series 8 LCD HDTVs such as Ultra Clear Panel technology plus Auto Motion Plus 120Hz. Other key features include InfoLink RSS Service, WiseLink Pro, and DLNA technology. In addition to including twin down-firing speakers (15-watts per channel for the 55-in. model), the Series 9-950 also includes an integrated rear woofer. This model is also EnergyStar rated.

The Series 9 LED LCD HDTVs will be available in August in 46-in. (LN46A950 - $3,199) and 55-in. (LN55A950 - $4,199) screen sizes.