Hasta La Gadget!

Samsung is going big with TVs at CES 2013: big in screen size, and big in resolution, with the record-setting 85-inch Ultra HD UN85S9000 at the top of a new HDTV line-up that also includes OLED models. The largest UHD set we’ve seen so-far, the Samsung UN85S9000 delivers four times the resolution of an 1080p Full HD TV, as well as 3.2-channels of 120W sound and all of the Smart TV functionality you’d hope for. Meanwhile, Samsung has refined its 55-inch OLED monster, with a special new 3D feature catering for two people wanting to watch different things.

Inside the 85-inch behemoth, there’s not only 2D to 3D conversion, but HD to UHD conversion, along with Smart TV features like streaming, apps, motion control, and voice control. It’s all powered by an A15 quadcore 1.35GHz processor, something you’d more commonly expect to find in a high-end phone or tablet, as well as support for the Smart Evolution Kit which will add new features further down the line. However, it’s likely to unusual easel-style mount which will grab the most attention (at least before the screen gets powered on).

Samsung has been pushing OLED as the Next Big Thing in TV technology, and the 55-inch KN55F9500 Real OLED TV is the latest iteration of the company’s vision. Built around the same quadcore processor as the UN85S9000, and with all the Smart TV functionality including voice control and streaming media, the OLED set is also the first to feature Samsung Multi-View, which uses 3D display technology to show two viewers (each wearing active 3D glasses) different content simultaneously.

That works in 2D and 3D, and even delivers stereo audio to the viewer thanks to tiny speakers built into the glasses. There’s also Smart Evolution Kit Connector support, and a new version of Motion Control gesture recognition that can better track hands held at up to 45-degree angles.

Most regular buyers will head to Samsung’s LED 8000 Series or LED 7000 Series sets, of course, also new for CES 2013. The 60-inch UN60F8000 borrows the 1.35GHz quadcore A15 of its bigger brother, along with the same Smart TV functionality, motion and voice control, and streaming from the web and mobile devices. It also gets Micro Dimming Ultimate for more precise control of the LED backlighting, and De-Jagging Pro for cleaner edges. 3D crosstalk is down too, by 30-percent, and even web content is meant to look better, with text and image processing applied to the TV’s browser.

As for the 60-inch UN60F7500, that sticks with the same quadcore processor but does without the Micro Dimming Ultimate technology; otherwise, it’s the same mixture of De-Jagging Pro smoothing, Precision Black intelligent contrast control, and improved 3D crosstalk prevention. Both the 8000 and 7000 Series support the Evolution Kit.

Finally, there’s a new plasma set on offer, the Samsung Plasma 8500 Series, with the 64-inch PN64F8500 promising the darkest blacks and brightest pictures ever from a plasma TV. It shares the processor and Smart TV features as its LED brethren, but adds Deep Black Algorithm II and Real Black Pro for a combination of computer-controlled white light reduction – keeping those black areas inky – as well as 2.5x brighter whites when necessary. There’s also a new “nanocarbon compound” used to reduce stray ambient light.

Samsung doesn’t have availability or pricing details for either the UN85S9000 or the KN55F9500, though neither is likely to be cheap. The LED 8000 Series will ship in the first half of 2013, along with the LED 7000 Series, and the Plasma 8500 Series.

Samsung reveals full Ultra HD, OLED and Smart TV lineup at CES 2013 is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Talk about distracting. While LG was discussing washing machines and other smart appliances, we couldn’t take our eyes off the 55-inch OLED display sitting on the side of the stage. It’s one of two new sizes being added to the family, alongside the enormous 84-inch model. The first thing you’ll notice, if you’ve seen its bigger brother is that, all things considered, this is a fairly modest set. Well, relatively, of course. The next thing you’ll pick up on is just how sharp the thing is. While playing some slow-motion video of liquid flying through the air throughout the event, it was impossible to take our eyes off the thing.

We managed to get a little closer after the end of the event, and caught a glimpse of some really great viewing angles on the set — though those were hampered a bit by the glossy finish. If you’re not watching the screen on stage at a CES press event, however, that shouldn’t be much of a problem. Also apparent once you approach is just how thin the set it — the bezel, too. The TV will run $12,000 when it starts shipping in March, so start saving those pennies now.

Myriam Joire contributed to this post.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, LG

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Samsung knows there’s more to a home entertainment room than a big screen TV alone, and the company has a bevy of new A/V kit for CES 2013 including home theater systems, Blu-ray, and the wireless speakers. Those looking for the complete surround sound experience have the Samsung HT-F9750W Home Theater System to consider, offering 1,330W of 7.1-channel surround sound (and virtual 10.1-channel support thanks to the DTS-Neo Fusion codec “upscaling” from 5.1- or 7.1-channel source material). It uses a vacuum tube and digital amp combo for sound as well as a 4K scaler processor and de-blocking algorithm for video – running on a 900MHz dualcore – together with the same AllShare streaming support as Samsung’s Smart TV line-up over the integrated WiFi connection.

There are two HDMI inputs and Bluetooth, while the bundled speakers include two towers and a rear wireless unit. All get Ceramic Polypropylene Injection Diaphragm spacer cones, for what Samsung promises is an improvement in audio response times.

If that’s too big for you, the Samsung HW-F750 Soundbar also features a vacuum tube and digital amp comp, with 310W out of 2.1-channels and support for virtual surround sound. A wireless subwoofer keeps the bass end happy, and there’s 3D Sound Plus processing which matches the virtual surround sound depth with the depth of 3D images on-screen. Bluetooth streaming supports mobile devices and certain Samsung TVs.

Also toting Bluetooth is the Samsung DA-F60 Portable Wireless Speakers, using aptX for higher quality streaming (with compatible source devices, such as Samsung’s more recent smartphones) and NFC for easier pairing. It also supports streaming from select Samsung TVs.

While streaming from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Video on Demand, and other online sources has been built into Samsung’s Smart TVs for some time now, the company also has a new Blu-ray player for CES. The Samsung BD-F7500 can upscale to 4K resolution, and features integrated WiFi for AllShare streaming from mobile devices. It can also stream to a Samsung phone or tablet, thanks to Smart View support. Inside there are two 900MHz dualcore processors, and 7.1-channel analog audio outputs.

The Samsung HT-F9750W Home Theater System, HW-F750 Soundbar, DA-F60 Wireless Speakers, and BD-F7500 Blu-ray player all will go on sale in the first half of 2013, with pricing to be confirmed.

Samsung reveals TV and audio accessories galore at CES 2013 is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

LG has announced that it will start taking pre-orders in Korea for its 55-inch WRGB OLED television. The dates that pre-orders for the TV will begin in other countries will be announced over the next couple months, along with the pricing in each location. For Korean customers, the TV will start shipping in February.

The WRGB OLED TV has a lot going for it, aside from its massive OLED display. The unit measures in at 4 millimeters wide, and weighs in at less than 22lbs. The device offers “infinite contrast ratio” so that the contrast stays consistent regardless of what angle the screen is being viewed at or the lighting in the room where it is located. There’s also the inclusion of a white sub-pixel via LG’s Four-Color Pixel for excellent colors.

The previous version of the 55-inch wonder was awarded Best of Show at CES, and has been eagerly anticipated. LG operates in excess of 1400 retail locations throughout Korea, all of which will begin taking pre-orders on January 3. Of course, the limiting factor here is going to be cost, with the unit priced at 11 million Korean Won, or about $10,000 USD.

LG’s President and CEO Havis Kwon offered this statement: “We are extremely pleased to be able to make this announcement at the start of the new year because we believe that OLED will usher in a whole new era of home entertainment … When high definition TV was first introduced 15 years ago, the public’s reaction was ‘wow!’ but when customers see our razor-thin OLED TV for the first time, they’re left speechless.”

[via LG]

LG accepting $10,000 pre-orders for 55-inch WRGB OLED TV in Korea is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

As LG continues its slew of CES pre-announcements, it’s revealed details about the new HDTVs it will be showing off in Las Vegas next week. Predictably, they include three lines of plasma models (fewer than previous years, but still kicking) in 42- to 60-inch sizes, and new LCD HDTVs in various levels of trim and sizes from 22-inches up to 60-inches. Most notably, this year all of its new LCDs are LED, as it’s kicked the old CCFL tech to the curb. LG has already detailed upcoming changes for its voice/gesture Magic Remote control and a couple of Google TV models, however other new features for 2013 include an “On Now” recommendation system that learns what you watch and offers relevant selections from live TV and video on-demand services. Expect new tie-ins to be announced with both streaming and local TV providers to help fill out the selection around the world.

Hardware-wise, new feature boxes checked this year include NFC, thanks to a new “Tag On” sticker smartphones and other devices can easily pair with. Getting content from mobile devices to the display will also be easier thanks to Miracast and WiDi support, and MHL ports will be readily available as well. LG’s FPR 3D tech isn’t going anywhere, and Smart TV features should be speedier than ever thanks to CPUs with a promised 120 percent speed boost, and 300 percent faster GPUs. As seen in the pics, the design has also been altered slightly with a new stand that both swivels and rolls, plus a reduced bezel size.

If you’re looking for the latest and greatest however, LG will be showing off the 84-inch Ultra HD 4K set it just started shipping and the 55-inch OLED display we’re waiting for. No word yet on shipping dates or price for any of the new models, but as we surmised from LG Display’s plans, we should see a couple of 55- and 65-inch Ultra HD TVs appear before the year is out. There’s a couple more pictures of the new HDTVs in the gallery plus a press release with all the details after the break. Beyond that, HD Guru has a model-by-model breakdown of the available information — we’ll check back with our in-person impressions in a few days.

Continue reading LG details LCD, plasma HDTV lineup for 2013: 4K, Miracast, NFC, WiDi and more

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD, LG

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Source: LG