We first came across the Samsung 3D TVs at CES 2010 in Las Vegas this January, but we never really had an opportunity for an up close and personal experience with these sleek, sexy panels. That was until we were invited for a sneak preview of the Korean chaebol's upcoming audio-visual offerings, as well as behind-the-scene technologies and 3D content partnership late this week in Singapore. Content-wise, we learned that Samsung is tying up with Dreamworks to exclusively distribute 550,000 copies of Monsters vs. Aliens 3D Blu-ray Discs worldwide and securing a deal with Warner Brothers for the US market. A total of up to 16 3D movies are expected in 2010.
Touching on the hardware, the consumer electronics giant has lined up a full range of 3D-ready HDTVs for Asia comprising the series 7000, 8000 and 9000 LED-lit TVs, series 750 LCD TVs and series 7000 plasma TVs. These will be complemented by its C5900, C6900 and a third yet to be confirmed 3D Blu-ray player with active shutter 3D glasses for a complete home 3D solution. Most of these products are due in the first half of this year with the exception of the series 9000 panels and C5900 player. The following are some snapshots of the high-end UE46C8000X prototype which is pretty close to the production unit launching in the coming weeks.
Touching on the hardware, the consumer electronics giant has lined up a full range of 3D-ready HDTVs for Asia comprising the series 7000, 8000 and 9000 LED-lit TVs, series 750 LCD TVs and series 7000 plasma TVs. These will be complemented by its C5900, C6900 and a third yet to be confirmed 3D Blu-ray player with active shutter 3D glasses for a complete home 3D solution. Most of these products are due in the first half of this year with the exception of the series 9000 panels and C5900 player. The following are some snapshots of the high-end UE46C8000X prototype which is pretty close to the production unit launching in the coming weeks.
At a glance, the series 8000 LED-lit TV stands out with its ultrathin bezel and four-legged quad swivel stand in attractive chrome finish. Although the actual measurement is pending confirmation, we were informed that it is narrower than the 29.9mm-thin Samsung entries from the past year.
Instead of the standard piano black finish, this model is given a silver-brushed metal makeover which is a lot more stain- and dust-resistant compared with the glossy plastic bezels. There's also a lighted Samsung logo as part of the overall aesthetics of the panel.
Touch-sensitive controls are nothing new when it comes to Samsung HDTVs, but the UE46C8000X's "floating" variation pushes the Wow factor to a whole new level. All that remains is some form of backlighting to perfect the design for dark home theater environments.
Thankfully, the newly overhauled Samsung remote controller features backlit keys to complement the panel's onboard buttons. This clicker is also given a matching chrome and brushed metal treatment, and is probably the first of its kind to come with full touch-sensitive controls.
The LED-edgelit UE46C8000X can deliver deep blacks and fluid pictures, thanks to its newly developed pinpoint dimming and motion-enhancement engines. Although details are sketchy, we were told the former utilizes thousands of micro shutters inside the light guide plate to provide finer backlighting.
For movie buffs, the UE46C8000X is one of the first HDTVs to support both Dolby Digital Plus and DTS sound. What's more, there're also new additions such as Dolby Pulse designed to enhance broadcast audio quality and an SRS TheaterSound virtual surround sound engine.
Unlike the 2009 Samsung LED-lit TVs, the series 8000 panel is equipped with one instead of two woofers to boost bass reproduction. This seems like a downgrade, but we wouldn't mind at all if its engineers could resolve the nasty rattling problem we experienced with its predecessor.
Little has changed in terms of the tight A/V ports' layout which utilizes breakout cables for component-video and composite-A/V inputs, save for two new proprietary ports: Ext1 (RGB) and Ext 2.
On the right (top to bottom): Earphone jack and Common Interface slot (not in view), analog audio out, optical audio out, USB x 2 and HDMI 1.4 x 4.
At the bottom (left to right): Ethernet, antenna, Ext1 for PC input, Ext2, composite-A/V, component-video and analog audio in.
On the right (top to bottom): Earphone jack and Common Interface slot (not in view), analog audio out, optical audio out, USB x 2 and HDMI 1.4 x 4.
At the bottom (left to right): Ethernet, antenna, Ext1 for PC input, Ext2, composite-A/V, component-video and analog audio in.
According to the press briefing, these Samsung panels are compatible not only with the 3D Blu-ray standard, but also all available 3D formats such as "top and bottom" used in broadcasts and PC-oriented "line-by-line". However, users will have to manually toggle between these 3D implementations as pictured above.
Here's an onscreen footage of Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D viewed through the naked eyes. The Samsung 3D TVs are also equipped with real-time 2D-to-3D conversion for regular content. The pseudo 3D effects were less immersive, though this function will be handy till 3D material becomes readily available.
The Samsung 3D glasses are based on active shutter and inference-resistance infrared technology. This runs on a coin-shaped battery housed in the left arm and features a power button on the right arm. Samsung was unable to confirm the number of glassed to be bundled with its panels or the pricing information. According to its spokesperson, we're still a good five years from glassless 3D displays.
Samsung apps
Samsung apps
Besides 3D visuals, the next big thing for these HDTVs is Samsung app support. Up to eight applications will be available upon launch. Additionally, up to 50 offerings will be released for the region by the end of 2010. The company says it is committed as well to bringing localized content that is tailored for each Asian country.
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