Samsung

It's a well-known fact that new technology ushers in a barrage of deals on the previous-generation tech it replaces. We've seen that occur with processors, smartphones, laptops, and even tablets. But this year the stakes are higher as the TV industry braces itself for one of the biggest debuts we've seen since the introduction of high definition.

At this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, both LG and Samsung showcased their next-generation OLED HDTVs. As CNET succinctly puts it, OLED has the potential to be the best TV technology ever. And as the waiting game begins for the first big-screen OLED HDTV to hit the U.S. market (CNET estimates LG's 55" 55EM9600 will debut first in Q3), we can't help but wonder how OLED will affect prices of other TVs, specifically LED-based LCDs.Read more

2012 Blu-ray line features new cloud-based services, full web browser on Samsung’s Smart Hub and sleek design

January 2012 --LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. this week announced an innovative Disc to Digital feature on its 2012 Blu-ray Players that helps consumers turn their personal DVD collection into digital content, and facilitates the sharing of this content on multiple devices in the home and on the go. This service is one of several new features available on Samsung’s new smart Blu-ray line, which also includes a full web browser and a wealth of web-based content and services through Samsung’s Smart Hub.

The flagship 3D Blu-ray products from the market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics include:

• Compact Blu-ray player boasting a slightly larger-than-a-disc form factor (model BD-ES6000);
• 3D Blu-ray with Dual HDMI Inputs and built-in WiFi (model BD-E6500).

DIRECTV and Samsung Showcase Multi-room DVR Technology On Samsung Smart TVs

January 2012 --LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At the 2012 International CES this week, DIRECTV and Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd. unveiled their plans to offer DIRECTV’s more than 19.7 million customers the ability to watch live broadcast and stored content from a compatible DIRECTV DVR on Samsung’s 2012 line of Smart TVs without the need for additional set-top boxes. This newly enabled feature will also provide the same seamless user experience and replicate the full User Interface (UI) of a DIRECTV DVR set top box. Installers and homeowners alike will benefit from the ability to mount the TV without having to worry about locating an additional set top box.

As founding members of the RVU Alliance, Samsung and DIRECTV are committed to providing a more seamless entertainment experience for consumers across multiple rooms and a variety of screens through the use of standardized Remote User Interface (RUI) technology. Samsung and DIRECTV previously announced the launch of the first RVU-enabled Televisions models at the 2011 CES, with DIRECTV launching their first RVU capable DVR in late 2011.

This year, Samsung will embed the RVU protocol in its entire line of Smart TVs and underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to deliver to consumers high-quality, visually enhanced and connected entertainment experiences in their home. Based on industry standards such as DLNA and UPnP, RVU allows a set-top box server to provide a complete, multi-room viewing experience that includes DVR services across all the connected TVs in the home through a single set-top box.Read more

This year's CES should bring out the latest HDTV sets from all the big names including Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba and more. We expect to see more connected TVs with more iPads and other tablets controlling them. A challenge they will all be facing is how to make their TVs stand out from the pack. With little differentiation between one, high refresh rate, LED backlit big screen HDTV set, and another, TV manufacturers are going to have to differentiate in order to make their TVs more appealing than others. One differentiation we may see is added TV "smarts" either built into the TV itself or provided in a companion device like a tablet. TVs with more smarts will help but with rumors of an Apple TV coming in 2012, we wonder if any of the major TV brands will be able to compete with Apple in the battle for the living room.

TV Brands Used to Be Enough of a Differentiator
Unfortunately, throwing pixels on a screen is not enough to sustain a TV manufacturer's market share. HDTVs like laptop computers are becoming something of a commodity; there is little to differentiate one brand from another. Even Sony who has been able to command a price premium in the past now has TVs that are priced similarly to Vizio TVs. Of course there will always be new technology advances like Ultra High Definition (UHDTV), quantum dots, and big screen AMOLED TVs but these won't come for some time and once one vendor gets one of these features, they all will.Read more

Breakthrough vacuum tube technology delivers rich, natural sounds for superior audio quality; Sophisticated style elements enhance every home entertainment room 2012 International CES

January 2012--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced a new range of home theater systems with purer sounds and superior video experiences to delight any home entertainment enthusiast and audiophile. Highlighted products include:

Samsung's 7.1 Channel Blu-ray 3D Home Theater System – the first home theater system that features Samsung’s proprietary vacuum tube amplifier technology that combines both vacuum tubes and a digital amplifier into one unit to create a powerful entertainment experience (model HT-E6730W).

Samsung's Wireless 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System – a home theater hub that delivers superior surround sound and explosive video quality in full HD 1080p for a complete entertainment experience (model HT-E5500W).

Samsung's Surround Sound Bar with 3D Depth Sound – a transformable sound bar speaker system that creates virtual surround sound with leading-edge audio technologies (model HW-E550).

The new line of home theater systems will be on display at Samsung's booth #12004 in the Central Hall at the 2012 International CES, which will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), from January 10-13, 2012. The Samsung HT-E6730W also received a CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award.Read more

Second generation unified desktop hub and premium quality HDTV monitor increase productivity, versatility and offer mobile connections for users on-the-go

January 2012--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, today introduced the next evolution of its award-winning Central Station, the Series 7 Samsung Smart Station, as well as a redesigned Series 7 HDTV monitor for a whole-home solution. Part HD monitor, part wireless docking station, the second generation Series 7 Smart Station (CB750) builds upon the successes of its predecessor and now integrates with mobile devices in addition to notebook PCs, peripherals, network and AV, providing users with a simple and convenient way to increase productivity. The new Series 7 HDTV monitor (TB750) includes HDTV functionality with a built-in TV tuner and integrated wireless display (WiDi) technology from Intel® for added connectivity to the TB750 as well as integrations with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets for added versatility. The Series 7 Smart Station, available in 24- and 27-inch configurations, and the Series 7 HDTV monitor, available in 24- and 27-inch configurations, will be available on display during the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas at Central Hall booth #12004, January 10-13. Read more

Samsung’s Natural Color Expert technology gives advanced consumers best-in-class color calibration wrapped in an ergonomic aluminum design

January 2012--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, today introduced a new generation of premium monitors with its visually striking Series 9 monitor. With over five years of global market share leadership, the new Series 9 monitor incorporates the best that Samsung has to offer in monitors, including its exclusive Natural Color Expert technology, which provides a richer viewing experience for discerning consumers working with photos and video content. The new 27-inch Series 9 monitor (S27B970) will be shown for the first time at Samsung’s press conference at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 9, 2012 and on display in Central Hall booth #12004 January 10-13.

"The new Series 9 monitor, with Samsung’s exclusive Natural Color Expert technology, answers a need for higher resolution for meticulous detail editing, regardless of the job. Its unique minimalist design draws users in for truly immersive computing and delivers Samsung’s signature best-in-class viewing experience."

"Interest in user-generated content and a premium computing experience is growing as consumers are demanding products that allow them to better view, edit and share their photos, videos and entertainment content," said Todd Bouman vice president of product marketing at Samsung Enterprise Business Division. "The new Series 9 monitor, with Samsung’s exclusive Natural Color Expert technology, answers a need for higher resolution for meticulous detail editing, regardless of the job. Its unique minimalist design draws users in for truly immersive computing and delivers Samsung’s signature best-in-class viewing experience." Read more