By Paul Hayes
SYDNEY, NSW: Samsung Electronics this morning revealed two startling pieces of news at the release of its 2010 LED and Plasma Series 7, the first launch of Full HD 3D TV in Australia.
The company unveiled a very aggressive price point strategy for its 3D range, with its entry level 3D TV available for RRP $2,499.
Samsung will also beat all other companies to the 3D market in Australia, with their new range available in-store from next week, Monday 19 April 2010.
“We are excited to be the first company to provide 3D TV to Australia,” said Mark Leathan, head of marketing, consumer electronics, Samsung Electronics Australia.
“Samsung is committed to developing technology and products that exceed today’s expectations of innovation.”
Samsung will be offering 3D TV across all three formats, LED, LCD and plasma, but said the 3D experience is best viewed through LED, ensuring superior images with vibrant colours, deep blacks and better contrast ratios.
The new 3D TVs also support 2D to 3D conversion, so everyday content can be viewed in a 3D environment.
Watching 3D in any medium still requires wearing specialised glasses. Samsung offers three different models: one battery type model and a rechargeable model available in two sizes.
Two sets of glasses will be included with every TV purchase, with additional battery and rechargeable sets available for RRP $99 and RRP $129, respectively.
Despite the spotlight on 3D TV, it was not Samsung’s only focus at today’s launch. The company also announced an IPTV agreement with Telstra BigPond.
Samsung’s 2010 3D TV range features built-in Ethernet and wireless capabilities which will allow users to access online content and applications such as YouTube, Twitter and Skype.
The All Share feature also allows consumers to view content on the Samsung TV from a PC, camera or mobile phone through a wireless network.
Director of Telstra Media, Chris Taylor, said that consumers now view media differently and Australia is currently at a tipping point in terms of TV connectivity.
“Samsung is an obvious choice as a partner for our BigPond TV Platform and we look forward to announcing more details about how viewers will be able to access our range of entertainment in conjunction with Samsung in the very near future.”
The total 2010 3D TV product range includes the LED Series 7, 8 and 9, as well as the Series 7 LCD and Plasma and 3D Blu-ray player.
TV prices range from a RRP of $2,499 – $4,799, with the Blu-ray player available for RRP $599.
All products are compatible with multiple 3D standards including half and Full HD resolution and use the Blu-ray Disc Association ratified Blu-ray 3D standard.