Samsung released a plethora of information about the company's upcoming TV lineup in its First Look event leading up to CES 2021, and I’ll be unpacking it all right here!
Neo QLED
Samsung is bringing Neo QLED technology to its flagship 8K UHD and 4K UHD models—specifically, the QN900A and QN90A series. This uses a Quantum Mini LED light source controlled by Quantum Matrix Technology and the company’s Neo Quantum Processor, which is optimized for use in Neo QLED TVs and is 1/40 the height of traditional LED backlights. This backlight technology helps prevent blooming and increases the luminance scale to 12-bit with 4,096 steps to boost contrast and brightness for a more accurate and immersive HDR experience. Further, the Neo Quantum Processor uses deep learning technology and AI to upscale image quality of any source to near-4K or near-8K. Object Tracking Sound Pro helps sound seem like it’s coming directly from on-screen objects, and SpaceFit Sound adapts the TV’s audio to the room it’s installed in, tailoring it specifically for your room.
These Neo QLED TVs also sport Samsung’s nearly bezel-less design called the Infinity One Design. They include a Slim One Connect Box, which houses all the TV’s connectivity and attaches to the back of the TV to provide an easier installation and a sleeker look.
Micro LED
Micro LED technology uses 24 million micrometer-sized, self-illuminating LED lights in place of a traditional backlight array to provide greater light control across the whole panel, helping the TVs create more lifelike color and brightness. 110 and 99" models will be available at launch, with smaller sizes projected for later in 2021; these larger sizes enable some functionality that might not be so practical on a smaller screen, such as their 4Vue (Quad View) feature, which lets you watch up to four different sources at the same time.
The Micro LED TVs also have Samsung’s Majestic Sound feature, which creates a virtual 5.1-channel experience from just the TV, providing a more immersive experience.
The Frame
Samsung’s The Frame series is back this year, with a thinner design and two customizable bezel options—Modern and Beveled—to suit your décor or taste. More artwork is available via the Art Store, and the Samsung AI-based auto-curation is better suited to analyzing and finding artwork you’ll enjoy.
Sustainability and Accessibility
Samsung has doubled down on its commitment to sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint in the TV manufacturing process, improving energy efficiency in the TVs it produces, reducing waste in its Eco-packaging, and providing solar-powered remote controls instead of remotes that use replaceable batteries; this is projected to save up to 99 million batteries over the next seven years. The company also began upcycling plastics from recyclable bottles to further reduce waste.
New accessibility features include Caption Moving, Sign Language Zoom, and Multi-Output Audio, allowing hearing- and visually impaired viewers to tailor their experience to their needs and preferences.
Availability
At this early stage, pricing and availability are unknown, but keep checking back with the B&H website for CES 2021 virtual coverage!
1 Comment
All of the QLED TV's have a great picture if you view them straight on. I returned a Samsung 4K UHD ($500) because I could not view from the right side of my couch. My new $175 Vizio has no issues with view angles.