Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that the quantum dot (QD) sheet used in its QD TVs has received certification for compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and has been verified to contain no cadmium by the global certification institute, Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).[1]

SGS, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a world-leading testing and certification body that provides services to ensure organizations meet stringent quality and safety standards across various industries, including electronic products, food and the environment.

Samsung began researching quantum dot technology in 2001, and its ongoing commitment to research and investment has positioned it at the forefront of innovation in the global display market.

After developing the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material in 2014, Samsung launched TVs that implemented the technology the following year. Since then, the company has been leading quantum dot technology through continuous technological advancements.

In particular, Samsung successfully created nanocrystal material without cadmium and has secured around 150 patents for the technology.

[1] SGS Certificate PT/25/GEN/0099 issued March 7, 2025

Pawel Achtel is a world-renowned professional in underwater cinematography with a career spanning over 35 years and more than 5,000 dives ranging from the equator to Antarctica

Meet Pawel Achtel, a world-renowned professional in underwater cinematography with a career spanning over 35 years and more than 5,000 dives ranging from the equator to Antarctica. The filmmaker’s extensive diving experience informs his cinematographic work — which has captured the attention of industry leaders such as National Geographic, BBC and Discovery — providing a unique perspective on life underwater and highlighting his expertise in designing and producing advanced cinematography equipment. He was also involved in capturing 8K resolution underwater sequences for “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Pawel Achtel to dive into the details of underwater cinematography and explore how Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K lineup is reshaping the landscape for filmmakers and viewers at home.

How 8K Technology Transforms Underwater Filmmaking

In fields like underwater cinematography, where visuals matter most, Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K is indispensable. Not only does it help viewers feel immersed in the scene, but it is also vital for filmmakers to assess underwater footage.

Due to variables like ocean currents and light refraction, filming underwater in true 8K quality can be difficult. “But, when all the circumstances line up, the results are breathtaking,” shared Achtel.

While advanced technologies like submersible lenses assist in capturing these shots, Neo QLED 8K — known for its high resolution and clarity — allows filmmakers like Achtel to closely examine even the smallest details of underwater scenes. This close look helps improve sharpness and other aspects of image quality after filming, overcoming the challenges of underwater optics.

Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K helps cinematographers closely examine details and improve picture quality

“The underwater world is elusive — and filmmakers have a rare opportunity to allow people to see it in great detail, in a way people may not see elsewhere,” said Achtel. “It makes these shots interesting and captivating as they reveal an environment completely foreign to us in stunning detail.”

Samsung made waves at CES 2024 by introducing the latest Neo QLED 8K with the new NQ8 AI Gen3 processor, delivering a cinematic experience at home. Impressed by its features, the filmmaker called the TV “a transformative advancement.”

He specifically praised features like 8K AI Upscaling Pro and AI Motion Enhancer Pro,¹ available on select Neo QLED 8K models, highlighting Samsung’s commitment to outstanding visuals. “Having witnessed the advanced features at CES 2024, I can confidently say they enhance realism and immersion,” added Achtel.

However, for this underwater cinematographer, the true power of 8K lies in the seamless integration of production and viewing technologies — charting a new course in content creation and consumption.

Diving Deep Into 8K Home Cinema

As the development and adoption of 8K filming equipment continues to grow, it’s also driving the creation of content that fully embraces the potential of 8K resolution. The unparalleled realism and captivating qualities of 8K make it an essential tool for storytelling, especially for content that demands a powerful visual impact.

Take underwater footage, for example, which is often played at a slower pace — giving audiences the time to absorb unfamiliar environments and take in details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Various factors including currents and light refraction present challenges for capturing clear, beautiful shots underwater

On the Neo QLED 8K, viewers can appreciate the “impressive colour accuracy” and “nuanced portrayal of detailed scenes” of the ocean’s depths. From the calming blue water to the vivid and bright hues of fish and coral reefs, Achtel attributes the appeal of his 8K underwater imagery to the variety of striking colours and patterns. With Neo QLED 8K, the benefits now extend beyond just the content itself.

“On the viewing side, Neo QLED 8K plays a pivotal role in bringing the 8K ecosystem to life,” he explained. “It not only showcases content with remarkable clarity but also upscales lower-resolution footage to nearly 8K quality, ensuring an immersive viewing experience of the highest caliber.”

Given its advanced picture quality powered by increased neural networks and cutting-edge AI upscaling features, Neo QLED 8K elevates the viewing experience — even with content not initially captured in 8K. Combining advanced image quality with larger screen sizes also opens new possibilities for home viewing to offer an experience that rivals that of traditional big-screen setups.

In the ever-evolving landscape of visual storytelling, enhancing a TV’s ability to process non-8K content offers significant benefits and inspires filmmakers to strive for higher quality content.

“At the end of the day, having a device with an enhanced visual experience and immersive capabilities empowers cinematographers to craft and evaluate captivating content that resonates deeply with viewers,” said Achtel.

The role of 8K technology in underwater cinematography and home entertainment underscores its transformative potential to enhance visual storytelling and enrich the viewing experience for audiences around the world.

To learn more about Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K, visit samsung.com.

As a champion of an open ecosystem, Samsung has long been innovating across its mobile, home entertainment, home office and digital appliance products, helping Canadians to Do The SmartThings! with connected device experiences that enrich their daily lives. Samsung products are designed to work seamlessly together which, together with customized design and features, helps Canadians curate intuitive, integrated experiences.

To help showcase the real ways that connected devices show up in Canadians’ lives, Samsung is helping five Canadians create meaningful connections with others through its innovative technology. The new campaign includes famous athlete Fred VanVleet as well as sports media personality Faizal Khamisa.

To kick off the series, we sat down with champion kickboxer Farinaz Lari, whose video showed an emotional reunion with a childhood best friend. Farinaz trained her best friend, Sogol, through Google Meet on her Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, which seamlessly connected to her NEO QLED 8K TV. As a world champion kickboxer, entrepreneur, public speaker and model, connectivity is a key element of Farinaz’s day-to-day activities – especially when it comes to training her clients.

In your opinion, what was the best part about using Samsung devices in this video?

I’ve been loving the health and wellness features on the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and have been eyeing a new NEO QLED 8K TV as well – the picture quality was superb!

How does technology help you balance your day-to-day life, i.e., personal wellness and professional responsibilities?

It’s everything – from training my clients online, to monitoring my own detailed results for years to help me improve! I encourage my clients to monitor their calorie burn and heart rate variables as well so I can compare their data.

How did it feel being reunited with your best friend Sogol after three years?

It was the most magical experience! I had never been that surprised in my entire life. I cried, I laughed – it was truly a dream.

In your vignette, you had the opportunity to train with Sogol. Can you tell us about that experience?

The amazing quality of the top-speed Samsung products made me feel connected to her like she was there! Plus, they were so easy to use. I’m still talking about this experience to all my friends.

Provide an example of a meaningful connection that technology has made possible for you.

To me, it means seeing my friends and family and being able to talk and connect with them. My immediate family live in Iran, so seeing them on such a large screen, with such clear quality and sound, is the most meaningful connection to me.

Why did you decide to get involved with this campaign?

I train the majority of my clients online; I’ve been doing it for the past three years now! I’m really passionate about having premium equipment to ensure my clients have the best experience, especially when it comes to having access to and measuring data. Being able to bring this to life for Canadians as well was a dream come true.

Why did you choose to partner with Samsung?

It’s such a well-known, prestigious brand in Canada. I was excited to get involved!

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be checking in with the other stars on how they’ve created meaningful connections in their lives. To learn more about Samsung’s new campaign, click here.

As Canadian race car fans gear up for exciting motorsport events this summer, Samsung Electronics Canada recently unveiled a one-of-a-kind racing simulator built with Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs. Developed in partnership with digital motorsport retailer Advanced SimRacing, the Samsung Neo QLED 8K Racing Simulator takes sim racing to the next level with three 65” screens boasting 8K resolution, about four times that of a standard simulator.

“As a motorsports fan, it’s been a huge thrill to develop this simulator, which has raised the game for racing simulation technology,” said Pat Bugos, Senior Vice President of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Canada. “Sim racing is only as effective as the technology used to simulate reality, and our new Samsung Neo QLED 8K screens deliver the incredible lifelike picture quality required for a truly immersive gaming experience.”

To ensure the simulator meets the needs of motorsports industry professionals, Samsung partnered with Advanced SimRacing and Canadian professional race car driver, Daniel Morad. A tech enthusiast and top-rated sim racing streamer, Morad’s range of expertise was an ideal match to help showcase the ultimate racing simulator.

“Simulators have been an essential tool for my race training regimen over the years, and it’s exciting to see Samsung technology elevate the experience even more,” said Daniel Morad. “Beyond training for my next race, the Samsung Neo QLED 8K Racing Simulator is also an awesome gaming experience that feels remarkably close to the real thing.”

The Samsung Neo QLED 8K Racing Simulator was developed in response to the growing popularity of gaming, and of racing video games in particular. In 2020, video game sales surpassed global movie and North American sports industries combined, with one quarter of gamers calling race car driving their game genre of choice.

Built with premium-grade materials, the simulator features professional-level pedals and a steering wheel that vibrates with simulated feedback. Plus, with the addition of a Samsung Q990B Soundbar, the simulator delivers multi-dimensional sound as part of an amazing audio experience.

Visually, with the Quantum Matrix Technology Pro, Samsung Neo QLED 8K renders gaming details in both dark and bright areas in even sharper quality than 4K monitor screens, which are typically used in professional simulators. Plus, the Neo Quantum Processor 8K features brilliant 8K artificial intelligence (AI) upscaling^[1], completed by 20 multi-model neural networks.

Beginning June 17th, consumers, gamers and race car aficionados have an opportunity to experience the Samsung Neo QLED 8K Racing Simulator located at the Samsung Experience Store in Toronto, ON.

Visit Samsung.com/ca to learn more about Samsung Neo QLED 8K.

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^[1] 8K AI Upscaling enhances content to near-8K picture quality. Based on laboratory testing. Viewing experience may vary according to types of content and format. 8K AI Upscaling may not apply to PC connection, and certain conditions of Game Mode.

The smallest products can bring about the biggest changes in our lifestyle. Enhancing your TV can be as simple as adding an accessory, but the results — from adding portability, to changing the format from landscape to portrait, to decorating your home — can have a positive impact on your viewing experience. Samsung Newsroom has compiled a list of the simple yet practical accessories made by Samsung Electronics to help you make the most out of your screen experience.

Consume Content Horizontally or Vertically With the Auto Rotating Wall Mount & Stand

Have you ever wanted to watch a vertical video meant for mobile on your Neo QLED or The Frame? With the Auto Rotating Wall Mount and Auto Rotating Stand^[1], you can watch content the way it’s intended. Simply press the rotation key on your remote control to automatically change the screen from horizontal to vertical mode for the ideal viewing experience. Not only can you enjoy various content in comfort, you can also take advantage of mirroring and casting features in vertical mode.

Tilt Your Screen Any Way You Want to With the Full Motion Slim Wall Mount

The days when a TV is a device permanently fixed to the wall in one orientation are long gone. These days, you can harness the Full Motion Slim Wall Mount accessory to flexibly tilt your screen up, down, left or right to view your favourite content from any posture or angle that you desire^[2].

What’s more, the Full Motion Slim Wall Mount fits neatly against your wall, putting the wall and your screen in close contact for even more comfortable and immersive viewing experiences.

Tidy Up Messy TV Cables With the One Connect Box

If you manage to organize all your messy TV cables, you’re already halfway done styling your TV room’s interior. The Neo QLED neatly pulls together any living room, thanks to the One Connect Cable and the Slim One Connect box. With this accessory, you can quickly organize and eliminate all distracting cable clutter, streamlining your home decorating for a functional and beautiful space.

Turn Your TV Into a Work of Art With Custom Bezels

The accessory that puts the finishing touch on Samsung’s The Frame, which features a picture frame trim that displays world-class art right on your wall, is a customizable bezel. You can swap between different colour options to get exactly the look you want in your home. You can choose from the Modern Flat Bezels that come in White, Teak, Beige and Brown for a clean and contemporary look, or you can go with one of the Beveled Bezels that come in White and Brick Red for a more traditional design^[3]. In addition, the Slim Fit Wall Mount minimizes the space between your TV and your wall to seamlessly blend into any room.

If you don’t want to install your TV on a wall, The Floor Stand offers an alternative way to express your style and fit your space. As it is easy to install even in small areas, The Floor Stand is the ideal accessory to bring artistic flair into any home.

Entertainment On-the-Go With The Sero Wheels

The one-of-a-kind, rotating The Sero has now become even more flexible with The Sero Wheels. For TV lovers who want to change both the orientation of their content and the location of their TV, The Sero Wheels is just the right choice. By allowing you to move your TV freely from one room to the next, this accessory helps The Sero adapt to any space or interior at your convenience.

Express Your Personal Style With The Freestyle

A portable screen, a Bluetooth speaker and a mood light — The Freestyle does it all in style. You can add a splash of colour to The Freestyle’s neat, white design with a colourful range of rubber skins which feature Blossom Pink, Forest Green and Coyote Beige swatches. If you’re taking The Freestyle outdoors when going camping or attending a rooftop party, you can conveniently carry the device with you in a sleek, compact case.

Reinvent Your Space With The Serif

With its practical design that looks like the letter “I,” The Serif itself can be a statement centrepiece of any room. Using the flat surface above the top bezel as a shelf, you can decorate The Serif based on your unique tastes and preferences. You can display several handmade or limited-edition items to add an accent to your home and make your space reflect you. Like any high-end shelf, the possibilities to elevate your room’s interior and grab your guests’ attention are endless.

* The product images shown are for illustration purposes only and may differ from the actual product. All accessories are sold separately.

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^[1] Compatible with 2022 The Frame and Neo QLED 4K/8K models up to 65”.

^[2] Applies to all 2022 TV models 43”-85”, except Q80A and AU7000.

^[3] Available colours and style may vary by region or TV size. Beveled Bezels are only available for 55” and 65”

Samsung Electronics Canada is proud to announce that its new Neo QLED 8K smart TV is now available in Canada. The pinnacle of Samsung’s premium portfolio and the next frontier in colour and contrast, the Neo QLED 8K series delivers a dynamic viewing experience with advanced screen technology and features for Samsung’s most lifelike picture yet.

“We are redefining the role of the TV so Canadians can enjoy the personalized and premium experiences they desire,” said Pat Bugos, VP/Head of Consumer Electronics, Samsung Electronics Canada. “The Samsung Neo QLED 8K is more than a TV – it’s a beautifully designed, cutting-edge screen that offers customers with a complete entertainment system. As part of Samsung’s ‘Screens Everywhere, Screens For All’ philosophy, we are elevating the home entertainment experience with premium features and stunning 8K quality.”

The 2022 Neo QLED 8K has been upgraded to bring the large screen experience to another level. Its Quantum Matrix Technology Pro allows for ultra-fine contrast in 8K that reveals every hidden detail in both dark and bright areas, and its Neo Quantum Processor 8K features brilliant 8K artificial intelligence (AI) upscaling, completed by 20 multi-model neural networks^[1]. Plus, its gorgeous Infinity One Design will take you to the next level with an impossibly slim profile. The advances also go beyond the screen with Samsung’s new top channel speakers that deliver an immersive Dolby Atmos experience, bringing viewers into the action with multi-dimensional sound.

The Samsung Neo QLED 8K TV is now available in Canada in two 2022 models, the QN900B and QN800B, which are both offered in 65”, 75” and 85” sizes. For more information, please visit Samsung.com.

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^[1] 8K AI Upscaling enhances content to near-8K picture quality. Based on laboratory testing. Viewing experience may vary according to types of content and format. 8K AI Upscaling may not apply to PC connection, and certain conditions of Game Mode.

Samsung Electronics Canada recently showcased its 2022 lineup of Neo QLED 8K, soundbars, accessories and sustainability initiatives at its virtual Unbox & Discover event. With this new lineup, Samsung aims to redefine the role of television by creating beautifully designed, cutting-edge screens that offer more than just entertainment. This year’s products and features take the screen to new heights by providing one central hub to play, connect, work and more.

“At Samsung, we are focused on developing products that not only offer the highest quality and performance, but also make users’ lives better. The 2022 Neo QLED 8K further cements our position at the forefront of the premium TV market, designed to meet the needs of consumers with convenience and seamless connectivity,” said Pat Bugos, VP/Head of Consumer Electronics, Samsung Electronics Canada. “With an ultra-large screen, stunning 8K resolution and next-level image and sound quality, Neo QLED 8K delivers cutting-edge technology for the ultimate TV viewing experience.”

Samsung’s 2022 portfolio was developed from the vision of ‘Screens Everywhere, Screens for All,’ with TVs at the centre of users’ home and daily lives. In line with this vision, Samsung created devices that seamlessly connect to provide customized personalization and connectivity, ensuring there is a screen fit for every occasion and lifestyle. Historically, TVs and screens have been mainly associated with the act of “watching,” but Neo QLED 8K aims to change this by expanding the user experience.

Neo QLED 8K: The Best Gets Better

The 2022 Neo QLED 8K has been upgraded to bring the large screen experience to another level. At the heart is the Neural Quantum Processor 8K. The latest processor has 20 independent neural AI networks, each analyzing the content’s characteristics and picture quality for optimal viewing, regardless of the source.

The Neural Quantum Processor 8K also powers a new technological innovation – Real Depth Enhancer. This scans the screen and maximizes contrast with the background by enhancing the object while keeping the background unprocessed. It works similar to the way human eyes perceive images in real life so the object on screen stands out against the background.

In fact, Samsung’s all new 2022 QLED received the world’s first ‘Pantone Validated’ certification in display from Pantone, the global authority on colour and creator of the Pantone Matching System (PMS) – meaning the models authentically reproduce more than 2,000 colours as well as the newly added 110 skin tone shades found in Pantone’s guidelines^[1]. In addition, these brilliant colours are comfortable to watch with the new EyeComfort Mode. The feature uses AI technology to automatically adjust the brightness and colour temperature of the screen based on how light or dark the room is and the sunset/sunrise information to achieve the most comfortable viewing experience.

Immersive Dolby Atmos Sound with Smart Features

For true immersion, TVs and screens need powerful and nuanced sound to match the rich colours and sharp details. The Neural Quantum Processor 8K’s AI analyzes what is on screen in real-time so that the Adaptive Sound features can track and move between speakers to precisely match the movement on screen.

In QN900B, a flagship Neo QLED 8K model, all the sounds come from a 90W 6.2.4 channel audio system, featuring new top channel speakers and Dolby Atmos with Object Tracking Sound Pro. This technology has also been applied to voice recognition with Voice Tracking Sound so that sound effects and voices truly follow the movement across the screen.

Samsung is also introducing Wireless Dolby Atmos to its Neo QLED 4K and 8K TVs– this means pristine audio quality without the clutter of HDMI cables. Wireless Dolby Atmos will also be applied to Samsung’s new 2022 Ultra Slim Soundbar that is designed for an immersive audio experience that is both aesthetically pleasing and has minimal setup.

Experiencing Your Screen

To ensure the experience is as seamless as possible, the 2022 lineup is outfitted with new and smarter features and user interface, allowing Samsung TVs and screens to become the central hub to watch content, control compatible devices, play games, work out and more.

• New Smart Hub: This year, Samsung unveiled Smart Hub, its new user interface, powered by Tizen. The all-new Samsung Smart Hub brings every aspect of the smart experience into one, easy-to-navigate home screen. The new tab classifies features, settings and content into three categories for a seamless user experience: Media, Gaming Hub, and Ambient.
   
  • Media: The Media screen organizes users’ entertainment options – including video on demand, streaming, and Samsung TV Plus^[2] with 190+ free channels – and learns users’ preferences with machine learning to make smart recommendations across all platforms and services.
  • Gaming Hub: Gaming Hub is a new game streaming discovery platform that bridges hardware and software to provide a seamless player experience. No downloads required, no storage needed. Samsung also announced partnerships with leading game streaming services – NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Stadia and Utomik, with more to come – to bring their libraries of games to the Gaming Hub. The new platform will be available later this year on select 2022 Samsung Smart TV models.^[3]
  • Ambient: The Ambient screen enhances the home’s aesthetic, whether that means synchronizing the screen’s display with its surrounding décor or making a bold statement with eye-catching art.

• Gaming Experience: In addition to the all-new Gaming Hub, the 2022 lineup comes with specifications and features that are made for the ultimate gaming experience. They include four HDMI 2.1 supporting ports^[4], Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro 4K 144Hz gaming, Super Ultrawide GameView and Game Bar, making gaming more efficient and accessible for a fast-paced and streamlined experience. With these incredible picture quality and settings improvements, games will now be more realistic and thrilling.
• Samsung Health: Samsung Health offers not only a wide variety of workout and wellness classes, but also ways to track your progress and routines. Users can easily track their fitness journey and activities on their TV and seamlessly sync with other devices such as Galaxy Watch4 Series to track progress in real-time on the screen.

• SmartThings: A critical component of the connected experience is Samsung’s SmartThings ^[5]. With SmartThings, the screen becomes the central hub to conveniently control other compatible home devices from a single point. This feature, included in Samsung TVs, takes advantage of the large screen to help users discover, view and control devices at-a-glance.
• NFT Platform: Finally, new in 2022 is Samsung’s NFT Platform, in partnership with the industry leader, Nifty Gateway. Ambient mode will offer consumers a one-stop NFT platform to explore and display NFT digital arts on 2022 Neo QLED and QLEDs, a new way to collect and present art works.^[6]

Sustainability at the Core with ‘Going Green’

Samsung is always thinking about how the manufacturing process and the use of products impact the Earth’s environment, looking for ways to reduce its footprint and build a better future for the planet.
 

• Eco-Packaging: Samsung is improving its eco-conscious packaging with 90% less ink while also removing the staples during production. Both improvements reduce waste and make it easier for recycling centres to process.
• SolarCell Remote: The SolarCell remote also received an upgrade for 2022. It is 88% more efficient than the previous 2020 model^[7]. They are now completely battery-free and can now be charged through 2.4GHz Radio Frequency Harvesting – drawing power from spare energy emitted by Wi-Fi routers.

• Recycled Materials: Samsung’s 2022 TVs, monitors, digital signage, and remote controls use recycled resin. Notably, high-resolution monitors use recycled resin from ocean-bound plastic recovered in coastal areas that would otherwise have become marine hazardous waste.
• The Carbon Trust certification: Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K/4K has achieved the ‘Reducing CO₂’ label from the Carbon Trust, demonstrating that the carbon footprint for the Neo QLED lineup is being reduced year over year.

Making it Personal with Accessories

Each consumer has their unique taste and needs when it comes to TVs, which is why Samsung created new accessories for its 2022 TVs that facilitate an entirely new TV experience.
 

• Slim Fit Wall Mount: For those who want to wall mount their screen, the Slim Fit Wall Mount allows the TV to lie flush against the wall while offering swivel up, down, and sideways motions for an ideal angle, regardless of where the viewer is seated.
• Studio Stand: In case the TV stand is preferred, the Studio Stand offers a unique and elegant way to display the Neo QLED 8K in an artistic fashion.
• Auto Rotation: The new accessory extends the rotating capabilities of The Sero to the Neo QLED 8K. Auto Rotation brings mobile experiences to the big screen, portrait art to the full screen, and MultiView experiences to new layouts. It can be used as a stand or wall mount so that whatever content is on, the whole screen is filled to optimize the viewing experience.

To pre-order or for more information on Samsung’s TV products, please visit www.samsung.com.

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^[1] Pantone Validated Approval Certificate for the product meeting the requirements of PANTONE® Validated as tested issued to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. by Pantone on December 29, 2021.

^[2] Service availability may vary by region.

^[3] Availability of Gaming Hub may vary by region.

^[4] Specification of ports may vary by product and model.

^[5] * Available technology, functions and features may vary by country, service provider, network environment or product, and are subject to change without notice. ** Requires a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless network connection and devices registered to SmartThings app. *** Connected devices are sold separately.

^[6] Detailed features or user interface may vary by model and region.

^[7] Based on laboratory testing.

Be sure to tune in to Samsung’s Unbox & Discover 2022 event on either Samsung Newsroom or Samsung.com on March 30 at 10 a.m. EDT to learn more about the future of the screen experience.

On March 30, Samsung is set to unveil how its vision for its latest Neo QLED 8K is set to redefine the role of the screen and bring unrivaled usability to their users’ daily lives by providing utmost convenience and seamless connectivity.

Be sure to tune in to Samsung Newsroom or Samsung.com/ca on March 30 at 10 a.m. EDT to hear more about the future of the screen experience in 2022.

Samsung Electronics exquisitely refined its Neo QLED 8K lineup’s sound system to allow users to take full advantage of their large TV’s audio quality. The flagship displays were designed to analyze both the size of the space where they sit and how they’ve been installed in order to calibrate sound to its optimal settings. The TVs use that information to pump out realistic, object-tracking sound through their eight total speakers. When applied to our ‘family movie night’ scenario above, the TV’s speakers would compensate for when the family’s thick blanket absorbed the tones of mid-to-high registers, and evenly distribute three-dimensional sound from the corners of the room to the centre when the family sat closer to the screen.

To learn more about how Samsung’s newest TVs customize sound based on where users place their screen, and how sound has evolved as tool for fostering immersive home entertainment, Samsung sat down with some of the developers behind the displays.

▲ (From left) Engineers Jongbae Kim, Sungjoo Kim and Sunmin Kim of Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business

SpaceFit Does Spatial Analysis Daily to Optimize Sound Settings

Today, with more users watching TV in more places, including living rooms, workrooms, bedrooms, terraces and more, both sitting up and lying down, and at different times of the day, our viewing habits are changing. Now, more users are customizing their viewing experience based on their specific living environment. With this in mind, the developers focused on creating technology that would automatically analyze users’ viewing environment to ensure that they’re always enjoying the best possible sound. The result is SpaceFit Sound, a feature that automatically checks for changes in your living space once a day and calibrates sound settings accordingly.

Here’s how it works: First, a built-in microphone identifies elements that can affect sound, such as curtains, carpets and walls. Suppose the TV is placed in a user’s living room, which features a carpet that we can assume absorbs mid-to-high range sound. In this case, SpaceFit Sound would optimize sound settings automatically to raise the mid-to-high range sound accordingly. It works the same regardless of whether stands, wall hangings and other elements are changed. If the TV were to be moved closer to the wall, then the space behind it would become narrower, which could affect low frequency sounds. SpaceFit Sound allows the TV to identify this change and adjust its settings in advance to produce clearer sound.

The key point to remember is that all of these processes occur automatically. As Engineer Sunmin Kim explained, “SpaceFit is an automated function that does not require that users press a button, and the device won’t send out a ‘testing’ sound. By simply turning it on or off, the TV will analyze the environment based on the sound of the content that the user actually consumes. So all you need to do is just enjoying what is being played on screen.”

This technology was made possible thanks to innovations that were based on a myriad of data and AI technologies. From sound-absorbing areas, such as what are referred to in sound engineering as ‘dead rooms,’ to acoustically reflective spaces, the team considered both extremes in terms of viewing environments.

“Since there were so many variables to consider, we built up a sufficiently wide learning database and analyzed it using machine learning technology. That’s where the AI technologies that Samsung developed kicked in,” said Sunmin Kim, who also noted that the feature “can cover almost any typical space in which a TV may be placed.”

Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Pro Uses Eight Speakers to Produce 3D Sound from All Corners of the Screen

Content is beginning to make use of a wider range of sound channels, and users’ preferred ways of enjoying that content are also changing. As home entertainment expands and both wide screens and multi-channel sources with immersive formats like films become more popular, it’s becoming commonplace for multiple people to enjoy the same content together. The key here is to widen the ‘sweet spot’ – the location from which users can enjoy optimal sound, even when located at the outside edges of the screen. As content grows more varied and screens become bigger, sound, too, must evolve in a way that enhances users’ enjoyment.

Object Tracking Sound (OTS) technology, a feature that tracks the movement of objects onscreen using the TV’s multi-channel speakers, is allowing Samsung to take users’ enjoyment to the next level. Neo QLED 8K includes an enhanced version of the technology, OTS Pro, and adds two centre speakers to previous models’ six-speaker setup, for a total of eight speakers. When an object onscreen moves, the speaker located in the optimal spot for expressing the movement produces sound, matching what the viewer sees on their screen. The immersive sound setup enriches the left and right stereo experience and the 3D effect, taking the viewing experience to new heights by making the user feel as if they were standing in the middle of the action.

“Often, when consuming content on a large screen, viewers watching the TV from both sides notice that sound produced at the centre of the screen seems like it’s being produced in only one side,” said Engineer Jongbae Kim. “That’s why we added a centre speaker between the left and right sides. The combination of the newly added centre speaker and OTS Pro gathers sound in the middle of the screen, makes voices clearer, and expresses sound’s position more accurately, without distortion.”

If a speaker were to actually be placed at the centre of a TV, it could clash with the overall design concept. The developers solved this issue by attaching a tweeter applied with a wave guide to the rear of the device. “If a speaker were to be placed on the back, sound would disperse in all directions and bounce off the walls, reducing clarity,” said Engineer Sungjoo Kim. “We needed a technology that drew sound toward viewers when they were in front of their TV. Employing a hole array technique enabled us to ensure that sound would travel well from a tweeter to the front of the display.”

The team’s efforts to balance sound also extend to Samsung’s next-generation MICRO LED display. Because the bottom of this large screen can almost reach the floor of users’ living rooms, if users connect their display to a multi-component home theater setup, there may not be space to place a centre speaker.

“The 110-inch MICRO LED lineup features a μ-Symphony function, which allows you to use the built-in speaker as the centre speaker,” said Jongbae Kim. “This means that you do not have to use a separate centre speaker for your home entertainment system because MICRO LED’s multi-channel speaker fills that role. Because sound comes from the centre of the screen, there is no sound-image mismatching, and the user enjoys a cinema-like experience.”

Making Use of Each and Every Piece of an Ultra-Slim Design

The Infinity Screen, a unique aspect of Samsung’s TV design, maximizes immersion by making bezels nearly invisible. It also posed a unique challenge for the developers, requiring them to explore how to best mount multiple speakers within the device’s slim form.

“In the past, a duct structure was used to draw the low frequency sound from the inside of the woofer speaker to the outside,” said Sungjoo Kim. “This type of design is capable of generating unwanted noise resulting from air turbulence. So, for the 8K models, we decided to take a ‘passive radiator’ approach that allowed us to produce rich, low-pitched sound. This not only enabled us to use the limited space inside the slim TV more efficiently, but it also allowed us to create rich and pure sound.”

“By exposing the diaphragm of the woofer and the passive radiator on the back of the TV,” he added, “it became possible to visualize NEO QLED’s sound performance in an interesting and intuitive way.”

It’s just one of Neo QLED TVs’ many innovative, out-of-the-box design elements. To help accommodate panels becoming thinner and thinner, components that used to serve basic functions have been given new roles. “We used part of the rear cover of the TV as an acoustic component that guides the direction of sound to the sides,” said Jongbae Kim. “We also reinvented the design of the ‘slit vent,’ a component inside the rear cover that extends from the centre tweeter to the bottom and was previously used to emit heat, to improve acoustic performance by controlling directivity. We utilized each and every part as much as possible, which means that no element of the design is without purpose.”

Delivering Rich, Realistic Sound

The developers have also gone to great lengths to gain a deeper understanding of the content users enjoy as part of an effort to provide better sound performance. For example, when analyzing sports content, they focus on reproducing the sound of the crowd, while for music, they try to create a stable sound stage. For movies, they conduct constant analysis to ensure that dialogue comes from the centre of the screen.

“With speaker form factors changing, upmixing is becoming more important,” said Sunmin Kim. “Input channels are becoming varied, and the average number of speakers is increasing to six to eight, which adds up to countless combinations of inputs and outputs.

“Let’s say you’re enjoying two-channel content. Here, instead of sending signals blindly through eight speakers, it is important to understand the mixing characteristics of the content and send each signal separately. Samsung’s unique technology makes this possible using an optimized algorithm that’s based on AI.”

Samsung TVs have led the global market for 15 years running[1], and the user data that the company has accumulated thus far has been an invaluable asset. As countless families across the world use Samsung TVs, the ubiquity of the company’s displays offers an opportunity to think about what’s next. Sungjoo Kim hinted at what Samsung has in store. “We are systematically building a deep learning network that is based on numerous data,” said Kim. “In addition, we are going to firmly establish our position as a global leader by discussing technologies needed in the mid-to-long term with Samsung Electronics’ overseas AI research centres.”

In response to an ever-growing flood of content, the developers are committed to helping Samsung TVs deliver a sound experience that’s as close to reality as possible.

Screens are getting bigger, designs are getting slimmer and content is becoming more varied. Keeping pace with trends, increasing speaker channels and doing so in three dimensions, and advancing our AI technologies to allow channels to better correspond to one another will bring us closer to delivering realistic sound. This may ultimately lead us into an era where you do not need a remote control to adjust sound settings.

Look forward to more Samsung TV innovations designed to maximize users’ viewing experience.

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[1] Source – Omdia, TV Sets Intelligence Service, Jan-2021. Ranking in terms of unit shipments for 15 years consecutive years ending 2020. Results are not an endorsement of Samsung. Any reliance on these results is at the third-party’s own risk.