The lifespan of a TV is around five years according to Samsung, so emerging trends should be taken into account when selling a TV. And the two trends Samsung wants you to know about? Curved and LED Ultra HD TVs.
Last night in Sydney, Samsung launched its Series 9 Curved UHD LED TV (HU9000) and the flagship Series 8 FHD LED TV (H8000). Samsung is the first brand to market a curved LED Ultra High definition TV in Australia. Those other fans of bent screens, LG, have a different combination of features in their TVs: a curved OLED monitor and their own flatscreen Ultra HD TVs.
The curved HD 9000 is available in three different sizes 55, 65 and 78 inch models, with the respective RRPs $4,999, $6,999 and $16,999.
Philip Newton, corporate vice president of Samsung Electronics Australia said Australian’s tended to be progressive and early-adopters of new TV technology.
“This year, the expansion of the Samsung UHD LED TV range and introduction of our curved TV technology represents our firm commitment to driving fundamental advancements in offering Australians and the most innovative products possible,” he said.
The curved form-factor is billed as an “immersive viewing experience” and Samsung set up a side-by-side comparison of a curved and flatscreen UHD TV to showcase the differences.
The curved screens have an Auto Depth Enhancer, which examines each part of the image and adjusts the contrast to create a sense of depth on the bent screen.
Samsung Electronics Australia director of AV Brad Wright said, “More than 40 per cent of TVs in Australian homes are smart, so Australian consumers are coming to expect more and more from their entertainment technology.
“One of the most dynamic changes in technology and the consumption of entertainment is dual screening. We know that dual screening has become a natural habit among Australians.”
Samsung Multi-Link feature allows the screen to be divided into four sections for multitasker who wants to tweet or search for content related to their favourite show or sport.
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With all the new models to be available before the World Cup kicks off in Brazil, Samsung have added Soccer Mode which analyses action from the game, paying particular attention to the commentators and scoreboard to automatically record the key highlights so you can go back and watch them again. A mode specifically designed for Australian sports is also being developed.
Smart Hub has been upgraded. Content is organised into five separate panels, including a new multimedia panel that combines personal content from previous photo/video/music and social panels and a new games panel will support a variety of popular family, sports, action and racing games from games partners, such as EA Games, that can be downloaded from Samsung Apps.
Samsung also launched a range of audio products under the name Samsung Sound, including the Samsung Wireless Audio Multiroom M5 and M7 speakers and the Series 7 Soundbar (HW-H751) to be used in conjuction with a Samsung Smart TV. The Wireless Audio Multiroom speakers can be used alone or in combination with other speakers to create an integrated home sound system.
The 7.1 surround sound Series 7 Home Theatre System (HT-H7750) was also unveiled as an all-in-one home entertainment solution. The 1330W system features Samsung’s 2014 Smart Hub4, an upscaling Blu-ray player, valve amp technology, and compatibility with the Samsung Wireless Audio Multiroom System.
Pricing and Availability
Samsung Series 9 Curved UHD LED TV 78”+ (HU9000) – RRP $16,999, available in June 2014
Samsung Series 9 Curved UHD LED TV 65”+ (HU9000) –RRP $6,999, available in April 2014
Samsung Series 9 Curved UHD LED TV 55”+ (HU9000) –RRP $4,999, available in April 2014
Samsung Series 8 UHD LED TV 48”+ (HU8500) –RRP $2,999, available in May 2014
Samsung Series 8 UHD LED TV 55”+ (HU8500) –RRP $3,999, available in May 2014
Samsung Series 8 UHD LED TV 65”+ (HU8500) –RRP $5,699, available in May 2014
Samsung Series 8 Curved HD LED TV 65”+ (H8000) –RRP $5,699, available in April 2014
Samsung Series 8 Curved HD LED TV 55”+ (H8000) –RRP $3,799, available in April 2014
Samsung Series 7 Home Theatre System (HT-H7750) –RRP $1,099, available in May 2014
Samsung Wireless Audio Multiroom M7 speaker –RRP $499, available in May 2014
Samsung Wireless Audio Multiroom M5 speaker –RRP $399, available in May 2014
Samsung Series 7 Soundbar (HW-H751) –RRP $899, available in May 2014