Samsung today unveiled its latest AV offerings for the Australian consumer space, including some exciting additions to its SMART LED TV range and a new SMART 3D Blu-ray player with 1TB of PVR storage. Here's a quick look at some of the new products Samsung is launching...
Samsung SMART LED TV range
Boasting Flash-supported web browsing, Twitter, Facebook and Google Talk functionality, access to BigPond Movie rentals and a growing range of Samsung Apps, the new LED TV range is attempting to make television as interactive as possible.
There are 25 new LED models in all, ranging from the 60in ‘ultimate entertainment showpiece’ Series 8 (D8000) to the ‘value model’ Series 6 (D6660).
According to Samsung Australia’s CE Group Product Manager Brad Wright, the new range is all about “immersive and inclusive entertainment”. The range will also bring high-end features previously only available in premium-level TVs, such as an ultra-thin bezel design and 3D functionality (16 of the new LED models offer 3D technology).
Highlights of the new SMART LED TV range include:
- Web Browser – full Flash-supported web browsing on your TV while watching shows and movies.
- Social TV – join in conversations on Twitter, Facebook and Google Talk from your TV screen while you watch TV programs or movies, with picture in picture support.
- Samsung Apps – HDTV-based application store offering a range of apps that cover sports, entertainment, information, games and/or social networking. Local apps available now and coming soon include BigPond Game Analyser, BigPond Movies, BigPond TV, a suite of NineMSN apps and ABC iView.
- Search All– search for desired content on your TV and other DLNA-certified devices, networked PCs and mobile devices, plus Internet and video-on-demand services.
- Your Video – delivers movie recommendations based on a user's viewing history.
The new range comes with a 200Hz refresh rate, 2 millisecond motion picture response time (MPRT), 800 CMR and improved LED backlight scanning (compared to Samsung's previous LED range). Connectivity options includes USB, inbuilt WiFi and an SD memory card slot.
Pricing for the new TV models range between $2099 (for the 46in Samsung Series 6) and $4099 (for the 55in Samsung Series 7).
Samsung BD-D8900A 3D Blu-ray player
The Samsung SMART BD-D8900A Blu-ray player is being touted as an "ultimate media hub" for the lounge room. It comes with PVR functionality (including a whopping 1TB of inbuilt storage), access to Samsung Smart Hub via built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, a twin HD digital tuner and system-on-chip (SoC) 2D to 3D conversion of movies.
The 1TB hard drive is capable of recording "days" worth of HD-quality broadcasts. The new player also grants users access to AllShare, Samsung Apps and Your Video.
The Samsung BD-D8900A Blu-ray player will be available some time in April for an RRP of $899.
Samsung HT-D6750W Home Theatre System
Samsung's HT-D6750W Home Theatre is a high-fidelity audio solution that boasts new '3D Sound' technology through a 1,300W 7.1 channel speaker system. The 3D Sound is created using four vertical surround swivel speakers, offering enhanced vertical and horizontal surround sound compared to traditional home theatre setups. It also features wireless rear speakers to minimise cable clutter.
The HT-D6750W includes Samsung’s Crystal Sound Plus and 2D to 3D conversion. Supported HD formats include Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio. In addition, the HT-D6750W comes with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows it to access content on DLNA-enabled devices through AllShare.
The HT-D6750W is also compatible with Samsung’s Smart Hub interface. This allows users to access content on demand through Samsung Apps, Search All to locate any files on any device on their home Wi-Fi connection and even receive movie recommendations via the Your Video function.
The HT-D6750W goes on sale in April with an RRP of $999.
New Samsung TV accessories
QWERTY TV Remote Control
Samsung's new Qwerty TV Remote has more than 60 buttons on one side, including a button for Samsung's Smart Hub - a menu where you can access things like Facebook, Pandora, Skype, and Web video services. Meanwhile, the opposite side resembles a reglar TV remote, offering the user the best of both worlds.
The full QWERTY keyboard allows for text input and navigation when using a Samsung SMART TV. It is primarily designed for web use, such as entering Web addresses and writing Tweets or Facebook messages.
The Samsung QWERTY TV Remote Control will have an RRP of $149. You can read more about Samsung's QWERTY TV Remote Control here.
Skype-Certified High Definition TV Camera
The Samsung Skype-certified TV camera allows users to transform their TV screen into a plus-sized videophone. The TV camera enables video calls on a Samsung TV without the need for a headset or webcam. Highlights include a built-in HD sensor (720p at 30 fps), an auto-focusing lens, four high-fidelity microphones and advanced HD video encoding.
The Skype-certified TV camera plugs into compatible Samsung televisions via a USB cable. It attaches to the back of the TV via inbuilt magnets. The camera's head can be adjusted via a flexible neck.
Prescription-Ready 3D Active Glasses
Samsung's latest 3D active glasses weigh in at 29g, which purportedly makes them the world's lightest. If Samsung is to be believed, its new range of 3D eyewear provides a brighter 3D picture than previous offerings. They also cut down on image ghosting and minimise viewer fatigue.
The new glasses connect to TV via Bluetooth. Interestingly, users with prescription glasses can order custom-made lenses that attach to the 3D eyewear. This allows them to view 3D content while wearing just one pair of glasses.
Samsung will launch three different pairs of glasses in all; an entry level option (RRP: $129), a Step-Up model (RRP: $149) and a Premium edition (RRP: $189).
Compare the new Samsung SMART LED TVs to Sony's 2011 Bravia HD TV range.