Samsung Electronics thinks your TV should be a lot smarter. The company is out at this week's 2013 International CES, showing off its smartened up line of 2013 TVs.
Of course, the new TVs boast bigger screen sizes, better pictures, and lower prices. However, it's probably going to be this year's crop of web-based features that will finally get people to wise up about having a smart TV. These goodies will be available in Samsung's LED, OLED and even Ultra High Definition (UHD) Smart TVs, which will include more models above the 60-inch mark.
First up is the Samsung Smart Hub, which should be pretty familiar to existing Samsung users. However, instead of just supplying all sorts of new streaming services, the 2013 version offers up five intuitive panels so users can split their time -- and their screen. The panels can display what's currently on TV, content from other providers, social media and apps, as well as photos, videos and music. Also, all of that content can be controlled through hand gestures.
Next up is a new feature dubbed S-recommendation. This perk allows TV viewers to search for programming, as well as VOD, apps, social media and stored content on personal devices. It even offers up recommendations, based on a user's preferences.
Other new features include Smart View to share content between devices, AllShare, mirroring features for Galaxy tablets and phones, advanced smart interaction for better language and gesture control, and the previously announced Evolution Kit.
Now, on to the actual TVs! First up is the Samsung S9 UHD TV. This model includes a proprietary engine that can upscale HD content to UHD-level picture quality. Other features include Samsung's own Precision Black Pro technology for deep black levels and Ultimate Dimming control, which uses hundreds of blocks of LEDs and precise BLU control to display super-sharp images.
Now, the S9 doesn't just look good, but boasts the sound to match the image. It actually has a new type of TV sound system, which uses a fast quad-core processor and 3-way 2.2 channels of 120-watt sound. The end result should deliver about six times the sound that you'd hear coming out of a standard HDTV.
Next up is the Samsung F9500 OLED TV, which includes self-emitting red, green and blue sub-pixels. That means that the F9500 doesn't need backlighting to produce great images. This set is also the first to offer Samsung's Multi-View feature, which can put two full HD images on the same screen. Multi-View does require special 3D glasses -- and not any Samsung's existing 3D glasses. These allow you to view the sides of the screen separately and have a built-in sound system, so you'll have audio to match up with the proper picture.
Samsung will also have plenty of LED Smart TVs this year, starting with the F8000 Series. This model includes proprietary Micro Dimming Ultimate technology for better images and better 3D. It also has a quad-core processor, so users can toggle between apps, online services and on-air TV. Just like the OLED and UHD TVs, there are no prices or release dates for these sets just yet. However, we do know that the F8000 Series will come in 46-, 55-, 60-, 65- and 75-inch screen sizes.
The F7500 Series has Micro Dimming Pro technology, as well as a slim bezel with rose gold accents. Other features include the same quad-core processor that's mentioned above, in 46-, 55- and 60-inch screen sizes.
If you're partial to plasma, the F8500 Series boasts some deep blacks and bright images, via Samsung's Deep Black Algorithm and Real Black Pro II technology. This line also includes native support for HEVC-encoded content, as well as a futuristic, dark titan metal design. This one will come in 51-, 60- and 64-inch models.
"As the plethora of apps and content grow, consumers are faced with the overwhelming challenge of discovering quality content that appeals to their interests. They are looking for ways to experience converged content, and they want to do it easily," said Kim Hyun-Suk, executive VP and head of the visual display business at Samsung Electronics. "We have simplified the process with TVs that offer more intuitive features, endless connectivity and content options, and larger screen sizes with true-to-life picture quality. Consumers can now enjoy the ultimate lean back experience, which is richer and easier than ever before.
Samsung will be showing all of these products at this week's 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show. The show runs from January 8-11, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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