Samsung has unveiled their biggest, broadest, best-featured line of plasma displays for 2011. This year's lineup includes 15 new plasma models across six different product series. Chief among the esteemed Korean manufacturer's design enhancements, both practical and esthetic, is the new "Plasma+1" narrow bezel across the entire 2011 collection, which brings viewers larger screen sizes than previously available but in the same dimensions as traditional models. "Picture quality and screen size remain two of the key factors for consumers looking to purchase a new TV," says John Revie, Senior Vice President of Home Entertainment for Samsung Electronics America, and these plasmas promise to deliver both.
The bold redesign is also evident in the eight ultra-slim plasma TV models that are only 1.5 inches deep. The D8000 and D7000 Series plasma TVs feature Samsung's signature brushed metal bezel, which proved popular on last year's LED TVs, while the D550 Series is distinguished by Samsung's Touch of Color. New for this year is the unique Quad Stand on the D8000 Series, for an added touch of elegance on the high end.
Samsung is introducing the new Smart Hub to select plasma models, including the D8000, D7000 and D6500 Series. Among these "Smart TV" features will be Search, to locate content on the TV and via Samsung Apps or other online services; Your Video, for specific recommendations based on viewing history; and a full Web Browser (on the D8000 series), built right into the television.
Samsung Apps, the HDTV-based apps store, now offers a wide range of paid and free apps, including video, sports, information, games and lifestyle content. And as savvy readers have been demanding for years, the remote control on the D8000 Series features a full physical QWERTY keyboard, invaluable for entering the data necessary for any serious search. The D8000 will also offer integrated Skype access.
The ultra-slim series--D8000, D7000 and D6500--offer built-in Wi-Fi, while the D550 Series and up support AllShare, to access content on DLNA devices on the home network.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Stay tuned for an upcoming story that will shed more light on Samsung's Smart TV initiative.]
Following the successful 3D TV launch last year, Samsung will now be offering 3D support on about three-quarters of its new plasma fare. with improved 2D to 3D up-conversion feature that includes customizable image depth. They will be supported by four new models of Bluetooth-enabled active 3D glasses, compatible only with Samsung's 2011 3D TVs, including the world's lightest active 3D glasses, tipping the scales at only about one ounce.
This year's flagship plasma TV models are poised to produce the deepest blacks and most vivid colors in both 2D and 3D with the addition of the proprietary Real Black Panel to reduce onscreen glare on the D8000 and D7000 Series. This panel and allows the viewer to enjoy the deepest blacks and sharpest images. The D8000 Series will also benefit from the Local Contrast Enhancer and the Cinema Black feature for even more impressive black levels versus 2010 C8000 Series, while the new Crystal Full HD engine with Cinema Smooth renders moving image details more crisply than ever. All models boast 600Hz Subfield Full HD Motion and .001 ms response time for smooth playback of any content.
The D80000 and D7000 models will become available in April, both series in screen sizes of 64, 59 and 51 inches. The estimated selling prices of the D8000 Series will be $3,799.99 $2,999.99 and $2,299.99 respectively, with the D7000s arriving at $3,399.99, $2,599.99 and $1,899.99. The D6500 Series can be had at 59 and 51 inches ($2,199.99 and $1,599.99), the D550 Series again at 64, 59 and 51 ($2,699.99, $1,899.99 and $1,299.99), with the D490 and entry level D450 Series with either 51-inch ($999.99 and $799.99) or 43-inch screens ($799.99 and $599.99). The D6500 Series and down are either available now or later this month.
Where to Buy:
More Information:
