An internet TV widgets interface developed by Samsung and Yahoo! will soon debut on TV screens across the world, bringing Yahoo!, Flickr, YouTube and other online services into the living room.
Samsung today launched its new 8000, 7000 and 6000 Series TVs, which build on the success of Samsung’s first- and second-generation LED TV models.
Benefits of using LEDs include ultra-high contrast ratios, slim depths that allow for more artful designs and increased energy savings.
In addition, a variety of state-of-the-art networking features give the ability to adapt to how consumers view and experience shows, movies, games and other multimedia at home.
“Samsung has again shone the light as an innovator, not follower, with the launch of a new category LED TV. These new sets will redefine design, picture quality and interactive use of TVs as we know it, and we are very excited to be at the forefront of this TV revolution” said Kevin Maguire, country manager, Consumer Electronics at Samsung Ireland.
Compared to a traditional cathode ray tube TV, LEDs produce darker blacks that appear endlessly deep to the eye. Whites also remain crisp and bright with vivid colours. The result is much more life-like picture quality.
Samsung’s Wide Colour Enhancer Pro feature on its new LED TVs lets consumers enjoy a broader colour palette, and its Ultra Clear Panel further allows the preservation of every detail, even in brightly-lit, imperfect viewing conditions. This is done by effectively allowing more light to pass through the screen and simultaneously reducing reflections from ambient light.
The entire Samsung LED HDTV line-up also incorporates a number of innovative features to reduce the motion blur and image judder when displaying fast movement. All three series boast Samsung’s acclaimed Motion Plus frame interpolation technology.
The 8000 Series uses a swift refresh rate of 200Hz – four times the rate of other TVs – which almost eliminates the ill effects of displaying quick, action-packed motion.
The 7000 and 6000 Series feature an also-quick 100Hz refresh rate, which helps ensure crisp, easy viewing of sports, video games and movies.
In 2009, Samsung plans to redefine what it means to watch television with the ‘Internet@TV – Content Service’ developed with Yahoo!.
The internet information interface will be available on a number of 2009-model Samsung TVs. Using either a wired or wireless Ethernet connection included in the 8000 and 7000 Series, the Internet@TV – Content Service lets consumers access content onscreen from Yahoo!, Flickr, YouTube and more with the push of a button.
The widgets-based interface and scrollbar run along the bottom of the screen for easy browsing of the latest programmes and content. Even after purchase, consumers will be able to enjoy a growing library of widgets, as the widget development kit will be open to content providers willing to create new offerings.
Beyond online entertainment, Samsung’s LED TVs can also connect to a variety of other devices and content with ease. Included USB ports and DLNA connectivity make viewing videos and photos or even playing music from a media player or accessing multimedia files from a PC simple.
By using LEDs, Samsung has been able to shave all three series down to ultra-thin depths. At less than 30mm depth, the sets remain trim, without cutting back on connectivity options or foregoing a built-in digital terrestrial television (DTT) tuner.
Samsung’s LED TVs are also mercury-free, which adds another degree of environmental friendliness and safety. Energy consumption is reduced by 40pc+ versus traditional LCD TVs of similar size.
The company’s LED TVs also include an optimised energy-savings mode that adjusts the backlight and picture quality, while continuing to produce smoother, more natural images.
Available from Harvey Norman, Power City, DID Electrical, Soundstore, Euronics and Expert stores nationwide, prices start from €1,749.99 for the 6 and 7 series LED range and from €1,999.99 for the 8 series.
By John Kennedy
Pictured: the Samsung LED 7000 internet-ready television
