Samsung SA last night introduced a new range of prestige ultra-high-definition (UHD) TV models to South African consumers.
There are a number of features that set these SUHD - with the S denoting their top of the Samsung range status - models apart from their competitors and previous generation models.
Samsung, which has 21.8% of the global LCD TV market, has launched the TVs with curved screens so that all points of the TV are equidistant for viewers, which it says makes the viewing experience more natural and engrossing.
The curvature of the screens has changed slightly over previous models, with the new smaller models, which would likely be used in smaller rooms, optimised for approximately three metre viewing distance. Larger models have an optimum viewing distance of approximately five metres.
In addition, Samsung has included Nano Crystal technology, which is an ultra-thin film located between the LCD and the front of the TV. This layer has been described as a colour converter which aids LCDs in creating brighter colours and a wider colour range.
Curve your enthusiasm
Nano Crystal technology in the TVs is supported by Samsung's intelligent SUHD re-mastering engine, which analyses the brightness of images to minimise power consumption, boost contrast levels, and enhance brightness by up to 2.5 times more than standard TVs. The new models additionally feature twice the adjustment points for calibration purposes, and what Samsung calls 64 times more "expression" than conventional TV's.
Models on display at last night's launch showed vivid colours, with superb contrast and an extremely wide viewing angle. ITWeb expects to receive a TV to review soon so that this can be confirmed.
From this year, all new Samsung Smart TVs, including the SUHD models, are powered by Tizen, Samsung's new and more intuitive user interface that offers what Samsung says is an integrated entertainment experience and more ways to access content.
Features include Quick Connect, where Samsung smartphones are automatically recognised once paired via Bluetooth low-energy technology; the ability to share video content from a Samsung smartphone to a smart TV; and the capability to watch programmes from a mobile unit, without any apps or complicated pre-settings.
Content too
In partnership with Times Media Group, Samsung will launch VIDI, and it has partnered with Vonetize to launch Aflix, which offers access to Hollywood movies, television series and other video entertainment to African consumers in 30 countries across the continent.
Samsung has also partnered with eNCA to provide users with access to local news and weather, and is working with SuperSport to give users access to sports highlights and information. It also offers ONTV, a lifestyle application which provides content such as magazines, vehicle and travel information, as well as recipes in video format.
Consumers who pre-order the 65- and 55-inch curved models from 22 April to 17 May will be offered free delivery and installation, and those who order a 66-inch model in the same time frame will receive a free Samsung S6 Edge.
SUHD models are available in JS9500, JS9000 and JS8500 variants, and in seven screen sizes varying from 55-inch to 88-inches. The recommended retail prices vary from R35 000 to R300 000 (model dependent).
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