Chief among Samsung's 2012 lineup of 2012 LED HDTVs, only just announced, is the premium ES8000 Series, which will be available in a range of screen sizes from 46 to 65 inches. Samsung is upgrading and debuting a host of cutting-edge technologies in their LED TVs, for video performance and next-generation features, and the ES8000 Series represents the absolute best. The slim-bodied (not much more than an inch thick) ES8000 models arrive with a narrow brushed aluminum bezel, a new U-shaped stand, and built-in Wi-Fi standard.
This is the fifth generation of Samsung's Smart TVs, now enhanced with Smart Interaction. This new suite of technologies allows users to access what we want to see and hear in intuitive new ways: With Voice Navigation we can speak certain handy catchphrases that turn on the television and take us directly to certain TV functions, including the built-in web browser powered by the Webkit engine. Gesture Control meanwhile puts our hands to work, waving and making fists to change channels and surf the web without the need for accessories. The top edge of the TV also contains an integrated camera with noise-canceling microphone for Skype video calls and more. With its Face Recognition, we can automatically log onto our Samsung Apps account, to use our favorites and download more.
Did somebody mention accessories? Both a standard and a Smart Touch Remote Control are bundled with the TV. The Smart Touch remote is quite a departure from what we're likely used to, with a handy integrated touchpad section in addition to familiar buttons at the top, and even a wireless microphone built-in for the Voice Navigation: no need to shout at the TV from great distances! The IR Blaster even enables the TV's Smart Interaction to control compatible connected devices.
All ES8000 Series LED TVs include four pairs of active shutter glasses, and Samsung has also announced an affordable new aftermarket model for when company descends, at a mere $20/pair, launching in April. One more important option: A full-sized, Bluetooth Smart Wireless Keyboard ($99) with its own touchpad next to the rows of QWERTY keys.
Smart Content brings new ways to find favorite audio and video, while exclusive new Signature Services--Family Story, Fitness, Kids Story--strengthen communication between generations with innovative sharing within a private network, assist the health-conscious with the use of wirelessly connected devices, and help to keep the wee ones entertained. We can stream video of course, from content partners including Netflix, VUDU, Hulu Plus, YouTube and others. Movies are individually recommended based on our viewing history and ratings. Twitter, Facebook and Google Talk are also integrated so we can stay in the loop while we watch a movie or TV show.
Such multitasking is made possible in large part thanks to a dual-core processor, to launch apps quickly and juggle different activities seamlessly. But what about those rumors of Smart TVs going quad-core? No worries, as Smart Evolution will keep the ES8000 Series up-to-date with new features via a special port that will accept planned Evolution Kits containing the latest hardware and software for Samsung LED TVs.
Not surprisingly, the ES8000 Series displays 2D and 3D content in full HD 1080p. But there's more. Micro Dimming Ultimate promises vivid contrast with superior color and sharp detail by combining a custom algorithm and scanning technology to analyze the entire picture in hundreds of individual segments. With Wide Color Enhancer Plus we see picture color as intended by the filmmakers, for vibrant yet natural-looking images with subtle details and tones. And taking 240Hz motion interpolation to new levels, Clear Motion Rate 960 (where will it end?) applies 240Hz technology to four different screen zones.
Sonically, the TVs pack ten-watt stereo speakers, but also Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Pulse processing to optimize the sound quality from lesser-quality compressed video and audio content. Samsung's Digital Natural Sound engine (DNSe) employs different EQ settings and signal processing to create different presets tailored to the most common uses.
An on-sale date for the largest of the bunch, the 65-inch-class ES800065 ($5,099.99) has yet to be announced, but the rest--the 60-inch-class ES800060 ($4,399.99), the 55-inch-class ES800055 ($3,749.99) and the 46-inch-class ES800046 ($2,999.99) are all expected this month.
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