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Samsung Delivers the Future of Smart TV Now

Tuesday 24 April 2012, 4:31PM

By Pead PR

3,686 views

The Future of Smart TV is here. Samsung New Zealand, a market leader in consumer electronics, today unveiled its highly anticipated 2012 range of Smart TVs designed to provide an amazing viewing experience with exceptional internet and TV functionality, incredible picture quality, stunning design and exclusive content and services.

The new models, which will begin shipping in April, represent Samsung’s fifth generation of Smart TV. While features vary by model, highlights of the products include:

  • Voice and Motion Gesture Control1 that allows users to control their TV and to access web content intuitively without having to rely on the traditional remote control;
  • USB Keyboard and mouse compatibility that delivers a great internet TV experience;
  • A Full Web Browser2 based on the powerful Webkit engine that supports HTML5 and Flash, providing an outstanding web browsing experience;
  • Dual-core CPU3 for quick app launch, exceptional web browsing and for multi-tasking such as surfing the web while using or downloading apps simultaneously;
  • Improved picture quality with Micro Dimming4 Ultimate and Real Black Pro contrast, detail and colour technologies (compared to a Samsung TV without Micro Dimming);
  • Stunningly slim design with ultra-slim bezels on a wide range of models;
  • Great 3D experience5 with two pairs’ active 3D glasses provided with each 3D TV and access to Samsung’s Explore 3D Video On Demand service;
  • Unique Smart Evolution10 hardware slot that provides compatibility with future Smart Evolution kits that allow users to keep their TV up-to-date with newer features;
  • AllShare Play6 for connectivity to other compatible wireless devices and to content hosting from the cloud.
  • New roster of exclusive Signature services

 

 

“Our goal with this year’s models was to try and redefine what a TV can be while providing exceptional choice to the consumer,” says Glen Chean, Television and Audio-Visual Product Manager at Samsung New Zealand.

“2012 marks the year where the internet TV experience undergoes a complete transformation, with Samsung offering consumers different ways to control, connect and access content from their TV without having to rely on the traditional TV remote control. Viewers can do this via voice activation, motion gesture control, keyboard and mouse compatibility, remote access using smart devices and on selected models, by using a new generation Smart Touch remote control.

“In addition, Samsung continues to deliver the incredible picture quality and beautiful design that consumers have come to expect from the brand,” he adds.

Samsung Smart TVs: Outstanding Connectivity, Content and Control 

Samsung’s 2012 TVs offer innovative features designed to make it easy for consumers to enjoy their entertainment experiences.

Voice Control and Motion Gesture Control1 are available in the LED ES7500, LED ES8000 and Plasma E8000. For example – users can say “web browser” to get online, use voice recognition to start a search, and swipe a hand to control the mouse cursor and select links. Face Recognition7 lets each member of the family log in to their Samsung account and automatically sign into Facebook, Twitter and more without having to go enter an individual password.

Also new in 2012, the Smart Touch Remote – included with the LED ES7500, LED ES8000 and Plasma E8000 – makes navigating content and channels effortless. The built-in touchpad makes web-surfing a pleasure, while channel and volume buttons are on the edge for easy access. The Smart Touch Remote Control also has a built-in microphone for Smart Interaction commands when the viewer is too far from the TV’s built-in microphone.

For those looking for even greater flexibility and control of their Smart TV experience, Samsung provides USB keyboard and mouse compatibility across all models of Smart TVs. With Plug and Play support, all it takes is for the user to connect a USB PC keyboard and mouse to the USB input of the Smart TV for an outstanding web browsing experience and easy navigation. In addition, wireless USB RF keyboards and mice are also supported.

Exceptional Picture Quality

Samsung’s 2012 line of Full HD LED7 and Plasma TVs deliver fantastic 2D and 3D picture quality.

Samsung’s Micro Dimming4 will be extended to significantly more LED models this year, beginning with the LED ES6700. Micro Dimming Pro helps to add colour and detail to the LED ES7500 for true-to-life colours and sharp detail. Micro Dimming Ultimate, available on the LED ES8000, analyses the picture in hundreds of areas across the screen to help optimise the LED backlight and video signal in real time. This leads to a noticeable improvement in contrast, richer colours and finer detail compared to Samsung TVs without Micro Dimming.

For 2012, all Samsung Plasma TVs incorporate Samsung’s proprietary Real Black Panel, to deliver outstanding black levels, colour and contrast. In the flagship E8000 Plasma, Samsung incorporate their advanced Real Black Pro panel technology to deliver fantastic image quality with exceptional contrast and colour.

Stunning Designs, a New LED Line and a great entertainment experience

Samsung virtually re-defined “slim” in slim TVs and in 2012 Samsung’s line-up of Full HD TVs continue to deliver outstanding design. The ES8000 LED TV features the ultra-slim ONE Design bezel first introduced by Samsung in 2011; it is complemented by a new Arch Flow stand that complements the minimalistic design of the set.

From the new line, Samsung’s slim-edge ES5500 LED TV is a great option for consumers looking to embrace a Smart TV experience. Thanks to the bonus wireless LAN adapter provided with this model, consumers can use Samsung Smart Hub1 to easily access a wide range of apps on Samsung Apps or browse the web; it also supports Skype8 and Samsung AllShare Play6. The ES5500 series also offers a narrow bezel design and 1080p resolution for sharp pictures and bright colours.

Samsung’s E8000 Plasma TV sports a new ultra-slim Plasma+1 bezel design in brushed metal black with a crystalline border. The gap between the bezel and the screen content is significantly reduced compared to previous Samsung Plasma TVs without a +1 bezel design so consumers can get more screen real estate without increasing the size of the TV.

New in 2012, the EH line of LED9 TVs featuring Samsung’s innovative Direct LED technology, is ideal for consumers who value the picture performance of LED technology. This line delivers rich colours and sharp images, even in fast moving scenes. Samsung EH LED TVs also sport Samsung’s signature narrow bezel design that provides consumers with an immersive viewing experience. 

In 2012, Samsung will extend 3D capability to even more LED and Plasma TV models.5 As the volume of 3D video content increases, consumers will be able to get closer to the action with breathtaking, immersive 3D entertainment on their Samsung LED and Plasma TVs. All Samsung 3D TVs will ship with 2 pairs of active 3D glasses and on 3D capable Smart TVs, consumers are provided with easy access to Samsung’s Explore3D Video on Demand service with over 100 3D titles from documentaries through to kids programs that are made available.

AllShare Play6

AllShare Play, premiering in 2012, lets consumers easily share their content through a variety of new features.

With the Remote Access feature of AllShare Play, content can be shared between supported mobile devices, PCs and a Samsung Smart TV – whether they are in the same room or on the go via the cloud.

Consumers will also have access to free cloud-based storage for images and videos, accessible through compatible Samsung Smart TVs, PCs and mobile devices.

Television Evolved

You won’t need to quit a feature or an app on internet TV to start a new one thanks to the Samsung dual-core processor3 in the LED ES6800 series and up and on the Plasma E8000 series. Samsung’s Dual-Core processor not only helps optimise web performance, it also allows consumers to toggle between active apps with ease. 

In addition, Samsung’s Smart Hub2 user interface has been redesigned for fast performance and convenience with a clean, intuitive interface in Full HD. Users can open multiple pages at a time using the tabbed web browser built using the powerful Webkit engine, and easily track recently accessed content via the new History Bar.

Samsung is also giving consumers an easy way to keep their TV up-to-date on technology improvements with Smart Evolution10. Beginning in 2013, consumers will be able to purchase evolution kits to add new hardware and software enhancements to their 2012 TV.

New Signature Services – Exclusively on Samsung TVs

Three new signature services will be available on all Samsung 2012 Smart TVs and Smart Blu-ray Players.

Family Story allows consumers to chronicle and share their lives with up to 20 family members in a private network. They can organize photos and enjoy slide shows on the big screen, and share memos, activity calendars and reminders virtually anywhere they are via a compatible phone, tablet, PC or TV.

Fitness gives consumers a convenient way to stay healthy. They can connect their Samsung TV to a Samsung smartphone via a mobile Fitness app, or connect to a Wi-Fi-enabled scale to help manage their weight goals. They can also use the TV’s built-in camera available on selected models8 to create a virtual mirror to monitor their exercise routines.

Finally, Kids offers a wealth of infotainment and games in a kid-friendly interface that parents can control and monitor.

Pricing and availability

Samsung’s new range of TVs is available from selected retailers nationwide.
ES8000 LED TV: RRP $5,499.95 (55”), $6,999.95 (60”)
ES7500 LED TV: RRP $3,699.95 (46”), 4,699.95 (55”)
E8000 Plasma TV: RRP $2,499.95 (51”), $4,499.95 (60”), $5,499.95 (64”)

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Notes

1 Voice Control and Gesture Control available on Slim LED ES8000, ES7500 and Plasma model E8000. Performance may vary depending on the language spoken and surrounding environment including ambient noise. Voice Control may not be available in all languages and dialects. Certain features may require Internet access. Use of the Samsung Smart Touch Remote Control is recommended for Voice Control.

2 Smart Hub, Samsung Apps and Web browsing available on ES8000, ES7500, ES6800, ES6700, ES6600, ES6200, ES5500, EH5306, EH4500, E8000 and E550. Some features may require additional peripheral devices which are sold separately. Certain advertised features, applications and services may not be available on all devices. Internet connection required. Data download and subscription charges may apply. Visit www.samsung.com/nz for more information.

3 Dual Core Processor is available only on Slim LED ES8000, ES7500, ES6800 and Plasma E8000.

4 Micro Dimming is available only on Slim LED ES8000, ES7500, ES6800 and Plasma models E8000 and E550.

5 3D TV is available only on Slim LED ES8000, ES7500, ES6800, ES6200 and Plasma models E8000 and E550

6 AllShare Play is only available on ES8000, ES7500, ES6800, ES6700, ES6600, ES6200, ES5500, EH5306, EH4500, E8000 and E550. To use AllShare Play web storage requires separate registration with a third-party storage provider. Usage is subject to service provider agreements. AllShare Play web storage is accessible via compatible Windows based PC’s and Samsung mobile android devices. Internet connection required. Data download and subscription charges may apply. In Samsung TV models without built-in wireless, a Samsung Wireless LAN Adaptor is required to use Samsung’s AllShare Play application, sold separately. Samsung takes copyright seriously. Samsung's AllShare Play application is intended solely for private and domestic use. Any other use may be contrary to the law, including copyright law.  It is a breach of copyright to record any broadcast other than solely for private and domestic use by watching or listening to the material broadcast at a more convenient time. Samsung does not authorise, sanction, approve or countenance any use of its AllShare Play application that infringe copyright or are otherwise contrary to law.

7 Face Recognition available only on Slim LED ES8000, ES7500 and Plasma model E8000. Face Recognition does not provide as high a level of security as logging in with an ID and password.

8.In-built camera available only on Slim LED ES8000, ES7500, and Plasma model E8000. All other models require the purchase of the Samsung Skype TV camera, sold separately. Skype firmware updates required for face recognition.

9 Samsung LED TV’s utilise LCD screens with LED back or LED edge lights

10 Smart Evolution Kit, sold separately, will be available in 2013. Actual performance may vary and is subject to model specs and hardware limitations.  Smart Evolution improvement levels are based on year of purchase.