Samsung Electronics today unveiled additional details, pricing and availability of its full lineup of LED TVs for 2012, showcasing breakthroughs in both performance and design. Some are already shipping here in the United States with more to follow this month and beyond, starting with the LED 6-series and higher. These new models represent Samsung's fifth generation of Smart TV, an initiative begun with select 2008 TVs.
Specific features vary by model, but a strong emphasis is being put on connectivity, content and control. Voice Control and Gesture Control are available in the top two series, the LED ES7500 and new head-of-the-class LED ES8000. With Voice Control, we simply speak several preset commands, such as "Web Browser!" and the TV does the rest, in this case taking us online. We can then refine the search and click on through by waving a hand to control the cursor on the screen, then making a fist to click.
Face Recognition further enables each member of the family log into his/her Samsung account and automatically sign into Facebook, Twitter and more, just by showing up. Also new in 2012, the Smart Touch Remote, which is again included with the LED ES7500 and LED ES8000 series, offers a built-in touchpad for easy web surfing, with easy-access channel and volume buttons on the edges. The Smart Touch Remote Control also has a built-in microphone for Smart Interaction commands when we're far from the TV's own integrated mike.
In response to last year's remote controls which added a compact QWERTY keypad, Samsung is also introducing an optional, full-sized Smart Wireless Keyboard, with its own touchpad. The keyboard uses Bluetooth to connect to the TV, and also has an IR emitter to control standard TV functions. The $99 Smart Wireless Keyboard can also pair with Samsung's Galaxy Tab and other mobile devices.
Samsung's Micro Dimming contrast enhancement will be offered on many more LED models this year, beginning with the LED ES6600. Micro Dimming Pro adds color and detail enhancements to the LED ES7500 for superior color and sharp detail. And Micro Dimming Ultimate, available on the LED ES8000, analyzes the picture in hundreds of segments, in order to optimize the LED backlight and video signal for each area in real time, providing a noticeable increase in brightness plus richer colors and a higher contrast ratio.
All Samsung Plasma TVs will have Samsung's proprietary Real Black Filter, a feature that was previously only available in premium models. The Real Black Filter improves black levels and color contrast and--in the higher-end ES6500, ES7000 and ES8000 models--Samsung is employing the new Real Black Pro to deliver even better black levels. The technology has an unprecedented ability to absorb external light reflections through an increased wedge depth, which leads to "blacker" blacks, more realistic pictures and higher color contrast.
Samsung Smart TVs also offer De-Blocking and De-Mosquito picture filters that significantly improve the viewing experience for low resolution video, welcome for a generation the embraces poorer-quality user-generated streaming video from YouTube and the like.
New for 2012, the EH line of LED TVs is potentially a good fit for those seeking both video performance and energy efficiency, here in Samsung's most affordable LED TV offering thus far. This line delivers richer colors and sharper images than a traditional LCD, even in fast moving scenes, yet consumes half the power.
EH LED TVs also sport Samsung's signature narrow bezel design so consumers can have a larger screen without increasing the overall size of the TV. The EH5300 LED TV specifically is a great TV for consumers looking to embrace a Smart TV experience, with built-in Wi-Fi that enables Samsung Smart Hub access to apps and the web. It also supports Skype communication and Samsung AllShare. The EH5300 offers a narrow bezel design and 1080p resolution for sharper pictures and brighter colors versus traditional CCFL LCD TVs. The ES8000 LED TV boasts the slim ONE Design bezel first introduced in 2011, complemented by a new U-shape stand.
Samsung will be extending 3D capability to more LED models this year as well. With more 3D programming available than ever, consumer interest is expected to increase, and all Samsung 3D TVs will now ship with at least two pairs of active 3D glasses, while higher-end TVs will ship with four pairs. Additional pairs--compatible with all Samsung 3D models except the 2010 line--can be had for as low as $20, with the SSG4100GB active shutter glasses, launching in February. In addition to the lower price point, these glasses will offer exceptional battery life.
AllShare Play, premiering in 2012, empowers easy content sharing across different devices, with bonus tricks such as the ability to browse any website from a mobile device and then display that site on the big Smart TV screen with just a tap. With Remote Play, content can be seamlessly shared between supported mobile devices, PCs and a Samsung Smart TV, locally or from remote, internet-connected locations. Consumers will also be given five gigabytes of free Cloud-based digital content storage, accessible through compatible Samsung Smart TVs, PCs and mobile devices.
A dual-core processor inside the LED ES7000 series and up means that the TV can toggle effortlessly between active applications, and the Smart Hub user interface has been redesigned for faster performance and improved convenience with a cleaner layout in full high definition. We can now open multiple pages at the same time using the tabbed web browser, which was built with the Webkit engine.
Beginning this year, Samsung Smart TVs are designed and built to support "Smart Evolution." That means that next year, consumers will be able to purchase "Evolution Kits" that bring new hardware and software enhancements to their 2012 TVs, making obsolescence and buyer's remorse, well, obsolete.
Three new Signature Services will be available on all Samsung 2012 Smart TVs and Smart Blu-ray Players. "Family Story" allows consumers to share photos and enjoy slide shows on the big screen, and share memos, activity calendars and reminders with up to 20 family members within a private network via phone, tablet, PC or TV. Health-conscious viewers can connect a Samsung TV to a Samsung smartphone via a mobile "Fitness" app, or connect to a Wi-Fi-enabled scale to help track weight loss, and the TV's built-in camera can be used to create a virtual mirror that monitors exercise routines. And "Kids" pushes educational entertainment and games in a friendly interface that parents can control.
Here is a complete list of Samsung 2012 LED models, with pricing and on-sale dates:
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