The 2010 lineup from Samsung is clearly built around its 3D-enabled products. Today, at a press event in New York City, the company announced plans to sell 17 different Full HD 3D-enabled products, ranging from 3D-ready displays, Blu-ray 3D players and even 3D-ready home theater in a box (HTiB) systems.
This year's premium 3D-enabled LED TV models include the C7000, C8000 and C9000, and these will feature Samsung's Real240Hz refresh rate technology, and more importantly Samsung's proprietary built-in 3D processor that is compatible with all major 3D format standards. These sets are optimized for viewing 3D content, and the professor further allows viewers to experience a 3D effect from standard 2D content, rendered in real time [editor's note: I saw a 2D-to-3D demo of "Star Trek" on Blu-ray at the event, and it looked pretty realistic in 3D, albeit less dramatic than "real" 3D content].
These models will also come with Internet@TV connectivity including the new Samsung Apps, which allow users to access the Internet or wireless network to download and view internet and network-based content on their TV screens. These provide viewers with content from leading services such as Netflix, Pandora and Twitter, as well as USA Today, The Associated Press and VUDU. More than 20 apps are scheduled to launch by the end of this month. These product lines also include Allshare, which allows for wireless connectivity and multimedia sharing across DLNA Certified devices. Users can transfer photos, movies and music from PCs, mobile phones and digital cameras to their TVs for that Big Picture Big Sound experience.
The premium LED TV models are energy efficient and all exceed the stringent EnergyStar 4.0 guidelines. Samsungs says they are their highest performing and most eco-conscious HDTV products to date. The C7000 line will be available at retail beginning March 21 but is already in stock at Amazon.com. It comes in 40-inch ($1,999.99 MSRP), 46-inch ($2,599.99 MSRP) and 55-inch ($3,299.99) sizes; while the higher performance C8000 series will arrive in July with a 55-inch size ($3,499.99); and the super-slim (1/3-inch panel depth) C9000 models will be available in April in 46-inch ($5,999.99) and 55-inch ($6,999.99) sizes.
In addition to the LED TV models, the LCD TV lineup features the flagship C750 series, which will include advanced connectivity functionality and a new Ultra Clear panel to enable enhanced picture quality. The 750 line will also include the built-in 3D technology, which was developed to comply with the major 3D standards. Like the LED models, the 750 series LCD TVs can render 2D content, including broadcast TV, gaming content and legacy DVDs, into 3D in real-time. The 46-inch LN46C750 will be available in May for $1,699.99.
And you plasma fans won't be left behind as Samsung showcased a new C7000 and C8000 series of Full HD 3D-enabled plasma HDTV sets at the event, which will also feature 2D to 3D upconversion in addition to support for the major 3D standards (including Blu-ray 3D, naturally). These are expected to be available in May at sizes ranging from 50 to 63 inches. Models include the 50-inch PN50C7000 ($1,799.99), 58-inch PN58C7000 ($2,699.99), 63-inch PN63C7000 ($3,499.99), and the 50-inch PN50C8000 ($2,099.99), 58-inch PN58C8000 ($2,999.99) and 63-inch PN63C8000 ($3,799.99). Both sets offer similar performance with the C8000 offering some additional set-up and calibration features.
Samsung also unveiled the BD-C6900 Blu-ray 3D player, which will allow for playback of full HD Blu-ray 3D content. The player is compatible with Samsung's new 3D HDTVs, and features a slim form factor along with a transparent cover to allow consumers to see the disc spin as it plays. It further offers built-in Wi-Fi, 1GB of embedded memory for BD-Live capability right out of the box, a single USB port and 7.1-channel analogue outputs. The BD-C6900 will arrive in stores later this month for $399.99. This model was happily spinning an actual Blu-ray 3D disc of Paramount's "Monster Vs. Aliens" on Blu-ray Disc at the event showing that this technology is ready for prime time.
On the sound front this year will see the release of the 1330W HT-C6930W and the HT-C6730W, which feature 7.1 channel surround sound as well as Blu-ray 3D playback. Both systems include a built-in digital signal processor (DSP) to allow for a realistic vertical sound experience, and support Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio high-definition audio formats. These systems each include eight speakers, with a wide center channel and powered subwoofer, as well as two HDMI inputs, and wireless rear satellites. The C6730W will arrive at retail in March for $799.99, while the C6930W will follow in April at $899.99.
Where to Buy:
