March 2019 News
ertonline.co.uk
Samsung signals super-large QLED TV era at 2019 Dealer Forum
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● By Steve May
Prepare to enter the age of super-large, hyper connected TVs. That was the message from Samsung at its annual dealer Forum, held in Porto, Portugal earlier this month.
The company used the event to unveil its largest collection of 4k UHD QLED screens yet, including more models in the super-large screen (75-inches and over) category. It said sales in this sector had doubled over the past 12 months.
Guy Kinnell, Senior Director of Marketing and
Product Management, said the range reflects this sales surge. “Super-large offers by far the most cinematic experience,” he proclaimed. During the recent Super Bowl, Samsung produced a TV ad that explicitly promoted the screen size. Leading the brand’s 2019 line-up
is the Q90R,
supported by the Q85R, Q80R and Q70R. All are full array direct LED models, offering precise HDR handling and contrast. A cheaper Q60 QLED uses edge lighting, and is being positioned as a slimline designer option.
The Q85R is exclusive to the UK and Europe, and like the Q90R, uses a One Connect box for system hook-up. The company believes there is significant opportunity for big screen sales, not just from traditional home entertainment buyers, but also gamers. “Three out of four connected televisions are connected to a games console,” noted Mr Kinnell. “That market is experiencing exponential growth. Our QLED screens have the fastest response times in the industry, with an input lag of under 15.4ms. We are continually evolving our technology.” New this year, at least on Samsung’s high-spec models, is Ultra Viewing Angle technology, which uses a new technique that allows the backlight to pass more evenly onto the screen, significantly improving off axis viewing. Just the ticket for family buyers. The new 4k sets are also adopting AI image processing first developed for Samsung’s 8k range. A new Quantum Processor handles upscaling to 2160p, regardless of source, and that includes screen mirroring from mobiles. One potential consumer disappointment is that Samsung is still not supporting Dolby Vision on any of
its screens. However, all Samsung 2019 QLED TVs will feature HDR10+, the open standard alternative to Dolby Vision.
Samsung also refreshed its 8k offering, with the Q950R models, topped by a spectacular 98-inch flagship. Samsung announced that all 2019 QLED 8k TVs will support the advanced HDMI 2.1 interface. One key selling point is the addition of an exclusive
iTunes app which will allow viewers to watch movies directly from their iTunes library. Sets also feature smart assistant interoperability with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and the brand’s own Bixby platform. Samsung confirmed that its designer Frame and Serif models will all use QLED panels.
The company also used its Forum to showcase its nascent Micro LED technology. “Soon screens from small to large will be able to expand in size and resolution,” said Mr Kinnell. “We see four meaningful freedoms with Micro LED… freedom form, size, ratio and bezel. “With Micro LED we are at the forefront of the intelligence picture display technology.”
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