Samsung has announced a whopping 44 new TVs for 2012; including an aggressive line of budget LEDs that come in at entry-level LCD prices.
The new EH Series uses rear-projection technology and are thicker than other LEDs on the market. This has allowed Samsung to cut costs dramatically, with the 26in model costing just $479 -- a price point that pits it against competitor's LCDs. The most expensive EH model, the 60in EH6000, will retail for $2399.
According to Samsung Australia's AV director Phil Newton, the EH Series looks the same as other Samsung LEDs when viewed front-on, with no significant compromises in image qualty. They will also come with Samsung’s smart apps hub.
The EH range comprises six models spread across Series 4, 5 and 6 -- the EH4000, EH4500, EH5006, EH5306 and the EH6000. All models (save the 32in EH400) are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 26in to 60in.
New features and content for high-end models
In addition to the EH range, Samsung also launched a brace of new high-end LED models, including the top-of-the-range ES 8000, which boasts dual-core processing and improved local dimming technology.
The high-end range also comes with innovative features such as voice and gesture control, face recognition, a touch- and voice-sensitive remote with an inbuilt touchpad and a handful of new content deals. These include inbuilt Foxtel integration, the kid-focused Wiggles Time TV and eight 2012 Olympic Games channels exclusive to Samsung.
Free installation service
But perhaps the most interesting announcement -- particularly for technology-phobes -- is Samsung's new installation and education service. Essentially, this will ensure that a customer's TV is correctly installed and that they know how to use it. It will be offered Australia-wide.
Phil Newton, director at Samsung Electronics Australia claimed that the service was part of a new strategy to understand its customers more.
"We need to be closer to the consumer," he acknowledged. The installation service will allow consumers to learn the ins-and-outs of the product and will also ensure it has been optimised for their specific location.
"The environment you set [the LED TV] up in is critical," Newton explained. He then gave the example of someone living near an amphitheatre. The Samsung service will explain to the user how to use features such as voice recognition "when it's noisy".
Future-proof TVs?
For $149 per year, Samsung HDTV owners will be able to 'upgrade' their model via expansion boards which slot into the back of your TV. This will allow you to install new Smart TV features and processors when they debut on future Samsung TVs, without having to go out and buy a new model.
Samsung has promised this will allow you to keep your TV up-to-date for the next five years -- not too shabby when you consider that most vendors refresh their TV range at least twice per year.
