In order to continue bringing the best and most vivid display to its users, Samsung has been expanding its 8K ecosystem, widening the scope of high-definition content experiences. With technology optimized to offer the brightest and sharpest 8K definition, users can enjoy a wide range of content including movies, NFT artworks and more. To learn more about Samsung’s 8K ecosystem, check out the card news below.

Samsung Electronics has been shaping the history of television through the development of its technological innovations, from FHD and 4K through to 8K, thanks to its far-sighted strategic vision and an endless passion to bring new technologies to the market.

In order to learn more about the achievements made so far in the field of TV technological innovation, as well as the future of display technologies in the age of UHD screens, Samsung Newsroom sat down with TV experts.

▲ (From left) Sangmin Lee, Head of the Picture Quality Solution Lab, Hyunchul Song from the Product Development Group and Youngseok Han from H/W Platform Lab of Samsung’s Visual Display Business

Pioneering the Future of TV Through Endless Innovation

These days, picture quality has become one of the most crucial factors consumers consider when choosing a TV. In 1977, Samsung succeeded in the development and mass production of a color TV, the Color Economy TV, for the first time in Korea, ushering in the era of color television for the country. Samsung earned the title of the first color TV manufacturer in Korea thanks to its steadfast dedication to innovation, and the company was never complacent about the colossal success of its black and white TV model, the Econo TV, which took the lion’s share within the monthly TV market at the time.

▲ Samsung’s first LED TV, launched in 2009, wowed the world as a breakthrough in TV technology.

Next to be developed was the LCD TV, and, in 2009, Samsung unveiled its breakthrough model — the Samsung LED TV. The LED TV was the culmination of all the innovative technologies available at the time, allowing for unrivalled picture quality brought about by light-emitting diodes. All components of Samsung’s LED TV were designed anew, and the number of patents acquired for this model exceeded 3,000.

▲ Samsung’s QLED TV made its global debut at CES in 2017.

In 2017, Samsung then went on to introduce the world’s first QLED TV based on cadmium-free quantum dot technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The company’s innovative TV was at the center of attention that year, boasting superb picture quality and 100% color volume.

A year later, the company brought to the market a QLED 8K model that incorporated 8K resolution into Samsung’s proprietary quantum dot technology. It featured Direct Full Array, a backlight technology able to precisely control the lighting balance across every part of the picture on-screen, as well as 8K AI Upscaling, an upscaling technology designed to intelligently upgrade lower-quality videos into vivid 8K resolution, for the first time in the industry. Samsung’s innovative QLED 8K technologies are what launched the era of 8K.

“In 2020, Samsung unveiled the world’s first bezel-less TV that completely removed the bezels from around the display,“ said Hyunchul Song from the Product Development Group. “A year later, we further solidified our position as an industry leader by introducing our Neo QLED technology based on Quantum Mini LED displays. From FHD through to 8K, we have undertaken ceaseless efforts to develop innovative products that offer differentiated experiences based on consumer needs.”

Striving for Superior Picture Quality Through In-Depth Research Into Human Behavior

Samsung continues to strive to offer the best possible viewer experiences by delivering leading picture quality. However, what does “good picture quality” mean to someone who works on its development?

“Picture quality is considered good when it delivers a sense of reality to the viewer that feels as if you are witnessing the images on-screen first-hand,” explained Youngseok Han, a developer from the H/W Lab. “To ensure good picture quality, display performance indicators such as high resolution, high luminance and excellent color expression are essential. What also matters is how well-balanced the other cutting-edge technologies of the display are, including the chip design, the picture quality algorithms and the sound.”

Han went on to provide further insight into the importance of balance to the corresponding picture quality. “The factors that impact picture quality the most are how well you organize the various relevant technologies. These include those designed to reduce distortion and any image transmission noise, those that reproduce colors precisely and richly and create sharp contrast for more vivid, clear images and those motion technologies that ensure the movement of objects on-screen appears smooth and fluid.”

It would be impossible to develop good picture quality with just one singular technology, no matter how great that technology is. This is why Samsung is committed to developing innovative technologies through all kinds of different approaches without resting on their laurels as a leader in the industry. Recently introduced on the 2023 Neo QLED TV, Real Depth Enhancer is one of the new features that has been developed to the end of further improving picture quality.

When human eyes are focused on an object, attention is directed onto the object by optimizing sharpness, clarity and texture, all while also maintaining the background scene. Samsung’s Real Depth Enhancer technology was developed based on an understanding of this human behavior, and harnesses AI to automatically separate an object from its background to create a greater sense of depth and make the images truly pop.

Furthermore, Neo Quantum Matrix Pro technology improves the playback of fine details through precise control of the quantum mini LEDs across a total of 16,384 levels.* This meticulous adjustment further adds dimension and a sense of reality to the images on-screen.

“Our Real Depth Enhancer technology is the result of an optimization of all the relevant technologies in a way that takes human psychology into account, instead of focusing only on improving resolution,” noted Han.

From 8K Games to Artworks on Samsung TVs in the Age of 8K Technology

These days, users are being bombarded by new content. Tens of thousands of new pieces of media and content are being published every day across all manner of platforms — but does the same apply for those contents being made in 8K?

“Following the recent growth of 8K devices including smartphones, anyone is able to create 8K content and view it in ultra-high resolution,” said Sangmin Lee, Head of the Picture Quality Solution Lab. “High-performance graphics cards also now make it possible for users to play 8K games, meaning that we are already living in the age of 8K UHD.”

Song further detailed the growth of 8K content in today’s viewing market. “There is a growing amount of 8K content available on social media channels, and artists are creating digital artworks in 8K,” he explained. “We added in ‘YouTube Videos in 8K’ feature to the 2023 Neo QLED TV to allow users to peruse the 8K content available on YouTube and explore digital artworks, such as an image in NFT¹ form, at a single glance.”

Samsung is also taking the lead in expanding the 8K content ecosystem by being at the helm of the 8K Association, a global non-profit organization established in 2019 with the aim of establishing 8K standards and expanding 8K content. As of February 2023, the association has 33 members, including Samsung, TV panel producers, SoC chip makers and leading content creators. Last year, Samsung released a teaser for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power series in 8K developed in collaboration with Amazon Prime Video, another member of the 8K Association.

Developing Optimal Picture Quality That Takes Viewing Experiences to the Next Level

In order to learn more about the next steps for industry leader Samsung in terms of picture quality in the age of 8K technology, Samsung Newsroom asked the three TV professionals what their goals are.

“As a developer, I feel the most accomplished when I hear the feedback that viewers think the images on-screen seem real to them,” said Han. “My goal is to further improve our algorithms by optimizing a range of components in order to deliver picture quality that is ‘more real than real’ to viewers.”

For Song, creating technologies that bring real value to users is of the utmost importance. “While the development department works to create the best picture quality through technological innovation, I am more involved in optimizing products to bring high-quality experiences to as many viewers as possible,” said Song. “I will continue to deliberate on what other kinds of user value we can bring to our viewers.”

Finally, from Lee’s perspective, the goal is and always has been to provide users with experiences that go beyond simply watching content. “The most important value that a display can provide is to present images that seem more real than reality itself,” explained Lee. “Through the best picture quality algorithms and leading sound performance, the optimal picture quality that is delivered then allows users to enjoy their favorite content without having to worry about adjusting the settings. Our ultimate goal is to offer superb picture quality that enables users to thoroughly enjoy their viewing experiences that go beyond simply watching content.”

Stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom for the second and final part in this series highlighting the role of the 8K TV and the innovative technologies Samsung has been developing to provide the best possible viewing experiences to its users.

* The number of levels in quantum mini LEDs has been corrected from 13,684 to 16,384 levels as of March 30, 2023.

¹ SAVAGE is a high quality NFT marketplace featuring 4K/8K video and photography. With over 50 titles at launch in March 2023, SAVAGE will expand throughout the year with more than 250 new pieces from top creators and brands.

Renowned global consumer technology media outlets are heaping praise on the newly-released Samsung QLED 8K TV, the Q900R for its picture quality, design and its 8K AI upscaling technology.

Unveiled at IFA 2018, the Q900R QLED 8K has been well received by industry experts and insiders. With Real 8K Resolution features embedded with Samsung’s proprietary 8K AI Upscaling technology, the company is pushing the boundaries of TV technology for consumers around the world.

Trusted Reviews, a renowned technology news and reviews media website based in the United Kingdom, awarded the Q900R a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars noting that, “For a start, it’s the first ‘proper’ 8K TV. Secondly, it’s far and away the brightest TV ever released. Put these two innovations together, and you’ve got a set that can take you to picture quality places you’ve never been before.”

Pocket-Lint, a UK-based consumer technology news site, also praised the processor, noting that it is “capable of processing huge volumes of data that helps to further improve the TV’s performance,” and the QLED 8K TV delivered “the best HDR (High Dynamic Range) experience that [they]’ve seen in any TV to date.”

HD Guru, a US-based technology review website, gave the Q900R an overall score of 5 out of 5 stating, “Even with Standard Dynamic Range Full HD content, colors were exceptionally bright and vibrant, where they were intended to be. The Samsung QLED 8K TV delivered the brightest pictures [they]’ve ever tested along with deep and rich black levels that registered nearly perfect black and clearly visible deep shadow detail.”

Forbes Magazine also expressed enthusiasm stating, “Even with so little native 8K to go on, though, it was instantly and staggeringly clear that all those extra pixels have a stunning and mesmerizing impact on picture quality.”¹ Another renowned technology news outlet Digital Trends echoed the sentiment, “Right now, there’s no better 85-inch TV on the planet.”

AVS Forum, one of the biggest audio and video review forum, awarded the Q900R its coveted “Top Choice 2018” distinction saying, “If you can afford it, and you can fit it in your home, then there is no question that this-the Samsung Q900-is the AVS Forum Top Choice for 2018. It’s an amazing display by any measure, and of course it’s also first when it comes to 8K TVs you can actually buy.”

¹ From the Forbes Contributor Network and not necessarily the opinion of Forbes Media LLC. ©2018, Forbes Media LLC. Used with Permission

From August 31 to September 1, Samsung’s “Perfect Reality” campaign placed a series of attention-grabbing advertisements at three Berlin landmarks: the Berlin Congress Center, the Weinmeister station, and RAW-Gelände, a cultural center.  The unique ads spotlighted QLED 8K’s industry-leading picture quality with captivating scenes centered around the themes of sport, food, and sci-fi.

Utilizing real-life models and objects to encapsulate the “Perfect Reality” that QLED 8K, with its ultra-high resolution and image-optimizing technologies, is capable of providing, the intricate and arresting scenes caused many a passerby to come in for a closer look. Clips of the public’s reactions to the ads were shared on various social media channels by Germany’s most popular influencers, including renowned photographers and YouTubers.  

QLED 8K is currently being showcased at Samsung’s IFA 2018 booth, located on the second floor of CityCube Berlin.

QLED 8K’s “Perfect Reality” campaign placed eye-catching ads at a total of three Berlin landmarks, including the famous Berlin Congress Center.

At Weinmeister station, passersby take a second to admire the campaign’s intricate setups, which utilized actual models and objects to showcase QLED 8K’s industry-leading picture quality.

Visitors to RAW-Gelände draw closer to the strikingly detailed scene of two travelers in space, one of three ads designed to encapsulate QLED 8K’s “Perfect Reality”.

Samsung Electronics is committed to developing products that suit consumers’ changing lifestyles. Along this line, Samsung understands that the TV screen is everywhere these days – no longer just serving its traditional role of a television provider. TV screens are becoming the ultimate lifestyle product, and Samsung is at the forefront of evolving screens beyond previous size, resolution, form and usage limitations. For the first in the Online Docent series, Samsung invites you to join us on a tour of Samsung’s TV technology, straight from the City Cube Berlin. Read on for a virtual guide of the state of the art display technology on offer in Samsung’s dedicated booths at the IFA Exhibition Hall.

The Ultimate in TV Picture Quality: QLED 8K

This year at IFA, Samsung is introducing the QLED 8K, the very latest example of how Samsung products put you right into the center of the action. Right at the front of the visual display zone is a curved wall showcasing the QLED 8K, offering users the most advanced version of the current TV image on the market.

In the example video, see how 8K video brings you so close to the image with an immersive result that is truly life-life, making you feel like you could reach out and touch the details on screen; the quality of the image means you can even make out the minutiae of the hair on the ant’s back. This is because the QLED 8K has 33 million pixels, four times more than a 4K UHD TV. Because more pixels are packed into the same size display, you can sense the real vividness and clarity of the image even when looking close-up. In particular, extra-large screen options of 65-inch, 75-inch and beyond give you an unprecedented sense of depth, just like being in a movie theater.

With 4,000 nit peak brightness –the highest amongst mass-produced TVs and the standard followed by major Hollywood studios – viewers can see things they have never seen on a TV screen before. Real 8K resolution, combined with QLED Quantum Dot technology and Q HDR 8K, has come together to create the viewing experience that users actually want – be it the detailing in the flicker of a campfire or the contrast balance of afternoon sunlight passing through leaves.

At this exhibit, visitors can get a sense of the QLED 8K’s revolutionary AI upscaling features, which transform UHD, HD and even SD content into near-8K quality resolution. On the right-hand side of the 8K HL Zone, an informative panel is set up to inform visitors about the 8K QLED’s AI features. The 8K AI Upscaling capabilities use machine learning to upscale your content to near 8K standards. Visitors can compare 4K and upscaling 8K picture quality: details not previously visible in at 4K resolution are now rendered vividly present. Comparing the two resolutions of the same content side by side, you can clearly see how the upscaling feature optimizes textures and features so that they appear sharp and life-like, in comparison with the other resolutions which, next to 8K, appear pixelated and less vibrant.

Smarter Lifestyle, Meaningful Screens: Perfect Solutions

Moving along to the Living Room section, visitors can peruse the multitude of Samsung’s solutions to keeping your television and living space as aesthetically pleasing as possible, such as the One Invisible Connection.

Across from this presentation space is the Ambient Mode Zone, offering the ultimate in complementary smart TV design. With Ambient Mode, Samsung presents a rebuttal to the notion that TVs are useless once switched off by enabling users to customize the ‘off’ screen with pictures, weather updates, soothing patterns – and, as demonstrated to visitors in the Ambient Mode Zone, even existing wallpaper patterns for seamless design consistency.

Just next to this Ambient Mode display is the Contest booth, showcasing the finalist designs for this year’s exciting competition put on by Samsung and design magazine Dezeen to create the next Ambient Mode lifestyle screen options, conceptualized by users themselves. The competition’s grand prize winner is to be announced here at IFA, with shortlisted works on display at Ambient Mode Contest booth.

Fine Art for Every Taste, Made Effortless: The Frame 2018

Directly across from the Ambient Mode presentations is The Frame 2018, a game-changer in the lifestyle TV category. Visitors are enjoying the latest improvements to The Frame’s beloved art display features, with various screens showcasing the ‘Slideshow’ function, which changes the display content automatically on user-set time patterns. The ‘Favorite’ feature can highlight and prioritize the most-viewed artwork so that users can view their favorite contents, displayed in crystal-clear quality. The variety of content options offered by The Frame has also expanded to feature over 850 iconic pieces of art, with new artworks available on the Frame’s Art Store from such revered collections as the Tate, London, and the Uffizi, Florence.

The Future of Content Displays: The Wall

Coming now to the very front of the visual display section, and the end of our tour, we reach the Wall – the zenith of display technology that goes beyond previous conception s of screen size, resolution and form limitations. Visitors to this presentation are experiencing the awe-inspiring  picture quality and definition of the 146-inch screen with a module-based, bezel-less design and MicroLED technology. MicroLED technology emits color and light without color filters and backlights, and ultra-low reflection black technology and HDR10+ further contributes to the most vivid, life-like image quality to date.

Visitors are taken aback by the luminosity of the Wall’s image quality, with none of the images – regardless of scale – losing their contrast or textures. Not a single detail or color point is compromised on this impressive display. The Wall is built with inorganic materials for excellent luminescence efficiency and durability, and is free from the burn-in. The Wall for B2B was launched in June this year, and this latest Wall will be released for home line next year.

Stay tuned for further installments in this series exploring more of Samsung’s IFA 2018 booths and find out more about different ways Samsung Electronics is making the everyday more innovative.