As consumers continue to embrace 3D TV in their homes, or they prepare to incorporate the engaging new format into their home theater, Samsung announces a variety of versatile sound and/or video solutions packing the very latest technologies. In fact, all four of these new models won CES 2011 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards.
The Samsung HT-D7100 3D Blu-ray Theater System has a unusually modular, almost cubist design. It supports full HD 1080p video playback for Blu-ray and upconversion for standard DVDs and other non-HD content that passes through. It can also convert 2D material into a simulated 3D. Audio-wise, the HT-D7100 decodes Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, with the bonus of an advanced DSP effect generator, called 3D Sound, which apparently enhances the audio to better match immersive 3D movies and such. Samsung's improved Crystal Sound Plus technology also protects the speakers and the listeners' ears from potentially harmful volume peaks and signal distortion.
The Samsung HT-D6730W puts an emphasis on high-fidelity, high-volume audio, combining the 1080p/Blu-ray 3D features of the HT-D7100 with a mighty 1,300-watt, 7.1 channel home theater sound system. The wideband amplifier extends the audible range to 50 kHz, way beyond what we get with run-of-the-mill home theater amps. When combined with the set's super-tweeter loudspeakers, the results are warmer and more natural-sounding.
In addition to the previously mentioned decoding, Crystal Sound Plus and 3D Sound, the HT-D6730W is the first home theater system to offer Samsung's Advanced Vertical Surround Sound. Front height speakers--the next frontier?--have now been incorporated into the tall-boy mains for a cleaner appearance, but are adjustable to deliver a newfangled vertical surround sound experience.
An Apple iPod/iPhone dock brings quick access to video, music and photos stored on those portable devices. The HT-D6730W also adds built-in Wi-Fi so that it can wirelessly sync with supported devices via AllShare as well as receive Web-based content and easy firmware updates. The rear speakers connect wirelessly too, for greater placement flexibility.
For a high-performance, integrated home theater experience, the HW-D7000 Blu-ray AV Receiver is the world's first 7.1-channel receiver with Blu-ray 3D playback and Internet-based services in a single integrated component. The HW-D7000 can also access online content like Samsung Apps and stream movies and music from web-based services such as Netflix and Pandora. It too has built-in Wi-Fi and is DLNA-certified to more easily connect to certified devices on a home network. The Blu-ray slot is hidden behind a sophisticated touch-screen front panel.
The AV receiver supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which creates an extra height channel. The hi-fi-quality 7.1 amp cranks out 120 watts per channel and features standard binding posts to connect to just about any loudspeakers, all sold separately. The four HDMI inputs allow consumers to organize their devices easily with Samsung's Anynet HDMI-CEC interoperability. The unit also offers HDMI 1.4 with 3D video support and the handy Audio Return Channel (ARC), which uses a single HDMI cable to send audio from the TV back to the receiver.
And for a big stride forward for most consumers' audio without a lot of complicated setup, the two-piece HW-D550 sound bar brings the benefits of Samsung's 3D Sound and Crystal Amp Plus without the need for satellite speakers. The glossy black sound bar is 46 inches wide to fit with a variety of TVs, and all of its connections (including HDMI ARC) are hidden around back. It also syncs wirelessly with the included subwoofer.
Pricing and availability details on this foursome are expected soon from Samsung.
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