In partnership with industry pioneers 424 Post and Harbor, Samsung provided a 34-foot, 8K Samsung IWA LED and DCI-certified 4K Samsung Onyx LED displays to create a true cinema-style environment for theatrical color grading and immersive sound mixing. The groundbreaking studio environment not only signifies a leap into the future of cinematic production and consumption but also underscores the trust that experts place in Samsung’s technology.

Culver Post: A Beacon of Innovation in Post-Production and HDR Cinematography

▲ Samsung Electronics provided a 34-foot, 8K Samsung IWA LED and DCI-certified 4K Samsung Onyx LED displays to Culver Post in partnership with 424 Post and Harbor

Culver Post was created thanks to the visionary collaboration between renowned Los Angeles sound studio 424 Post and global post-production leader Harbor. This full-service post-production studio is expected to bring unmatched HDR and SDR mastering capabilities.

Why were Samsung’s display technologies specifically chosen by 424 Post and Harbor, both leaders in their respective fields? The answer lies in Samsung’s commitment to innovation, quality and the immersive viewing experience.

The Culver Post offers five stages for theatrical color grading and sound mixing, with the first stage outfitted with Samsung’s cutting-edge 34-foot, 8K IWA LED cinema display and the second stage with the DCI-certified 4K Onyx LED display. Each stage is complemented by Meyer Sound Ultra Reflex cinema sound systems featuring Dolby Atmos sound. Both stages can accommodate approximately 50 guests, which allows the post-production team to experience a true cinematic working environment for directors, cinematographers, editors, colorists and other professionals.

▲ Culver Post features a remarkable 34-foot 8K IWA cinema display for a true cinema-style environment for color grading and sound mixing

The 8K IWA LED cinema display is ideal for both HDR and SDR color grading, while Onyx, the world’s first DCI-certified cinema LED display, is perfect for HDR color grading and mastering. These displays outperform standard digital cinema projection systems in terms of detail, contrast and brightness, positioning Culver Post at the forefront of cinematic technology and ensuring that the studio is future-proofed for upcoming advancements in post-production technology.

“Samsung is committed to using innovative display technology to revolutionize the way that content is created and consumed,” said David Phelps, Head of the Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “The new Culver Post post-production studio marks a tangible milestone in the future of cinema and post-production. Filmmakers and creators can now edit and experience video content as it would be seen and heard on the big screen to enable immersive storytelling that leaves a lasting impact on audiences.”

▲ Culver Post’s groundbreaking studio environment not only signifies a leap into the future of cinematic production and consumption but also underscores the trust that experts place in Samsung’s technology

Superior Cinematic Displays to Optimize Post-Production Workflow

The selection of Samsung’s technology for Culver Post reflects the displays’ superior capabilities for HDR post-production. Enhanced brightness, contrast and detail transform the color grading and mastering process, allowing creators to see their work as it will appear in realistic viewing environments. The theaters and their immersive cinema display also turn mastering into a communal creative experience, bringing the entire production team together for collaboration.

▲ Each theater offers a cinema-style viewing experience, with enough seating to host small groups for exclusive screenings and post-production sessions

The collaboration with Culver Post is a testament to Samsung’s leadership in display technology and the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic experiences. By meeting the high standards of industry experts like 424 Post and Harbor, Samsung continues to raise the bar for post-production studios worldwide.

For more information on Samsung’s state-of-the-art displays, please visit www.samsung.com.

About 424 Post

424 Post offers complete sound packaging for all types of content including theatrical, broadcast, streaming, commercials and audio podcasts. Packages cover design/edit/ADR/mix, technical & administrative support as well as all final deliverables. The company prides on client services, and the talented group of experienced professionals is ready to tailor projects in accordance with the customers’ needs and budget.

About HARBOR

HARBOR is a global company with operations in New York, Los Angeles and London. Relentlessly focused on talent, technical innovation and protection of artistic vision, HARBOR hones every detail throughout the moving image-making process: live-action, dailies, creative & offline editorial, design, visual effects, CG, sound & picture finishing.

▲ 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.

▲ An example of Pavel Achtel’s work that captured a humpback whale up close

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.

▲ Underwater cinematographers face a plethora of challenges including ocean currents and light refraction that make optical environments drastically different from on-the-ground filming. But Achtel focuses on the “breathtaking results” that come once the obstacles are overcome (video source: link)

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 color 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 colors 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.

▲ AI Motion Enhancer Pro helps make 8K viewing experiences even smoother, not only for underwater scenes but also footages with fast-paced action like artists dancing on stage or sporting events

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.

¹ 8K AI Upscaling Pro and AI Motion Enhancer Pro are exclusive features of the QN900D model.

To answer eight common questions about 8K, Samsung Newsroom reached out to Bill Mandel, President of the 8K Association and Vice President at Samsung Research America and Chris Chinnock, Executive Director of 8K Association. Read on to learn more about topics like the state of the 8K ecosystem, market prospects, leading industry players, 8K content production methods and what users can expect for the future of the technology.

Q: Who’s leading the creation of the 8K ecosystem?

In 2018, Samsung and a handful of other TV and panel makers planned the organization of a trade group focused on the evangelization and development of the 8K ecosystem. They approached Insight Media’s Chris Chinnock to discuss the future development of products and content. They also took concrete steps to establish the 8K Association (8KA) by developing the 8K Association Certified logo for 8K TVs and establishing consumer and industry-facing educational materials.

This was how the 8K Association was created in 2019 to benefit users, content creators and technology developers alike. Since then, the 8KA has put out a variety of materials to teach people about 8K technology, including a detailed “State of the 8K Ecosystem” report, educational seminars and webinars, and a weekly news service called The 8K Monitor. The Association also has a number of committees involved in developing new 8K TV specs and testing methods, along with encoding and decoding activities, content creation, marketing and promotion and more, with the goal of expanding the 8K ecosystem. Moreover, the 8KA continues to work with several standards development organizations to help create 8K specifications and support the technology’s certification.

Q: What kinds of companies have joined the 8KA?

When the 8K Association was created in 2019, it featured just five member companies. Having focused its efforts on expanding the 8K ecosystem over the last three years, the Association now features 30 members in all, which include not just TV brands but also panel makers, chip makers, content creators, streaming service providers and equipment providers, among others. Global companies like Google, IMAX, and Intel are some of the leading brands that have joined the 8K Association and are helping to bring consumers the best 8K experiences across as many devices as possible. (See the 8KA’s full list of partners.)

Q: What makes 8K-enabled devices different from others?

In addition to announcing Test Specifications at IFA 2019 and CES 2020, the 8K Association has established common industry standards, including an 8K certification program, to enable consumers to enjoy consistent, high-quality 8K experiences.

The certification program is enhanced each year through the addition of specific criteria, and strict evaluations are conducted based on various requirements. The program is composed of elements that provide users with more three-dimensional, highly immersive experiences. These include video decoding and multi-channel surround sound that supports a wide variety of 8K streaming content, as well as resolution, brightness, color and connectivity, which ensure high performance on large screens.

Q: How many 8K-enabled devices are currently on the market?

The number of 8KA Certified TV models is increasing each year. With the launch of its 2019 QLED 8K displays, Samsung became the first manufacturer in the industry to feature a complete lineup of 8KA Certified TVs. As of August 2021, 47 Samsung 8K TVs have received the 8KA Certified logo. Today, Samsung, Hisense and TCL have introduced more than 70 8KA Certified TVs to the market.

Q: How is 8K content typically produced and distributed?

A great deal of 8K content is captured using cinema-grade 8K HDR cameras. However, most of this content is finished in 4K or HDR resolution before being distributed to consumers.

That said, it is clear that the amount of 8K content available continues to expand. Content platforms YouTube and Vimeo also feature a great deal of short-form 8K content, which is mostly focused on nature and travel. This is quite similar to the way that 4K content was introduced to the market. The 8K Association is working to put the pieces in place to enable more 8K movies and shows to become available to consumers.

Q: Will 8K TV users be able to freely enjoy high-quality video even if native 8K content is not widely available yet?

8K devices’ AI-assisted upscaling technology allows users to overcome the issue of not having enough native 8K content. Samsung’s 8K TVs in particular are capable of improving resolution and picture quality using deep learning AI technology. The technology precisely analyzes various elements of every frame of content, including lines, details and noise levels, in order to upscale low-quality images to 8K.

Q: Will we be able to game in 8K?

Major gaming consoles are expected to support 8K playback through the HDMI 2.1 interface, and 8K gaming will also be possible with 8K TVs’ upscaling technology. On the PC gaming side, high-end graphics cards from manufacturers like Nvidia and AMD may include support for 8K output, even with features like ray tracing and upscaling enabled on the GPU. Although the 8KA has not yet introduced an 8K certification program for games, it is closely monitoring this area and exploring various options.

Q: What is the outlook for 8K’s adoption and expansion?

8K’s expansion is centered around users who long to test out and adopt the latest display technology. If this trend continues among these users who have historically led the widespread adoption and acceptance of new technologies, over time, this will lead to both reductions in cost and the establishment of a larger content experience ecosystem. This was the path for HD’s adoption, and 4K followed a similar route. We are seeing a similar pattern when it comes to 8K’s adoption, which has been aided by the work of organizations like the 8K Association.

For more information on the 8K Association, visit https://8kassociation.com/.

Tigers, lions, bears, giraffes, pandas, fennec foxes… These are some of the wild animals that live in Everland, the Land of Fantasy. Everland takes care of endangered animals by making sure that they are raised in an environment closest to their natural habitats and organizes a variety of ecological programs to help visitors learn about the importance of nature and all living things. To dive into the world of the mysterious world of animals, Samsung Global Newsroom has created its Online Zoo series by capturing the animals with various Samsung devices.

Today, June 21, is World Giraffe Day as designated by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF). This day was assigned to make collaborative efforts to prevent the extinction of giraffes, whose number is rapidly reducing, and to take some time to learn a bit more about these gentle giants. Considering the most characteristic feature of giraffes—their long necks—the GCF chose June 21 as World Giraffe Day as it is the summer solstice,¹ the longest day of the year.

Using some of Samsung Electronics’ most innovative devices, Samsung Global Newsroom followed the everyday lives of the twelve giraffes that live in Everland, from the story of the world record-breaking head of the giraffe family to the surprisingly belligerent nature of giraffes, and finally their charming yet subtle characteristics. Read on and take a look at the videos below to learn more about these gentle yet surprising creatures, and see if you can work out how the Galaxy S21 Ultra and The Sero TV made their way into the footage as you do.

The Most Famous Giraffe in South Korea

Giraffe matriarch Jang-Soon is living the life of a superstar who cannot escape the spotlight. Since making it into the Guinness Book of World Records for a special reason and becoming the most prominent giraffe in Everland, Jang-Soon’s conjugal harmony, silver wedding and other events have been reported on the news. The next giraffe to likely continue Jang-Soon’s legacy in the giraffe family has also come to the forefront. Who is this next contender for the leader of the superstar Everland giraffe family? Let’s find out by following a day in the life of Jang-Soon and her family.

Slow Yet Stealthy: the Hidden Abilities of Giraffes

“If you encounter a giraffe in the wild, don’t look back and run for your lives!” noted Jun-Yeong Park, Everland zookeeper who has been working with Lost Valley’s giraffe family for over 10 years. In fact, the giraffe is one of the top 10 strongest fighters among African land animals. ‘Cheong-Ryong’, the heaviest and strongest member of the giraffe family of twelve, in fact weighs 1.5 tons. If a giraffe harnesses its heavy body and starts kicking with full strength to defend itself, it is enough to break the skull or spine of a lion into pieces.

What’s more, their big eyes, each of which is the size of a tennis ball, grants them excellent eyesight and a visibility range of 4 to 7km, meaning that giraffes are very good at escaping from their enemies. Let’s learn more about some of the surprising physical characteristics of giraffes that are disguised behind their beatific eyes and relaxed gait.

The Longer the Neck, the Higher the Blood Pressure

One of a giraffe’s most characteristic features is its long neck, which is hard to see in one go even if you tilt your head as far as you can. Male giraffes engage in fights using their necks, known as ‘necking’, in order to compete for females, meaning that it is more advantageous to have a longer neck as it increases a fighter’s overall centrifugal force.

That said, as giraffes have to pump blood all the way to the top of their heads which sit 3m above their hearts, giraffes inevitably have high blood pressure, with their normal blood pressure being 270/180 mmHg. The blood pressure of the giraffe is two times that of the human, which is 120/80 mmHg, but nevertheless, giraffes manage to eat, drink, sleep and play with ease. So what is their secret?

Giraffes that group with others live longer than less sociable individuals, according to the team of researchers led by Professor Barbara König at University of Zürich. World Giraffe Day was designated to promote collaborative efforts to the end of preventing the extinction of giraffes. After enjoying this dynamic tale of Everland’s giraffe family captured in the Galaxy S21 Ultra and The Sero, let’s be sure to pay more attention to protecting these gentle giants.

¹ One of the twenty-four solar terms, the summer solstice has the longest day and the shortest night of the year.

In addition to the existing requirements for resolution, luminance, color and connectivity standards that ensure powerful big-screen performance, the 8K Association Certified logo program now recognizes a broader set of video decoding standards that will promote the wider availability of 8K streaming content. In addition, the updated requirements ensure that 8K TVs enable access to advanced multi-dimensional surround sound formats for a truly immersive home theater experience.

“During this difficult time when a communal movie theater experience is not possible for many, the availability of big-screen TVs with super-sharp 8K resolution offers an alternative cinematic option at home,” said Dan Schinasi, Director of Product Planning at Samsung Electronics America. “With the 8K Association’s support in promoting standards that include audio-video performance and interface standards, we expect that more homes will choose 8K TVs and more 8K content will be soon available in those homes in the year ahead, offering an exceptional home theater experience.”

In addition to the 8KA’s updated performance standard for TVs, the organization expects to promote the growth of the 8K ecosystem with a focus on educating video content creators on the benefits of capturing, producing and distributing video in 8K resolution.

Established just two years ago, the 8KA has grown to encompass a broad membership of leading companies that represent all the different parts of the ecosystem. From 8K content creators and technology suppliers that enable 8K content creation to semiconductor producers, panel manufacturers and the world’s biggest TV brands – 8KA member companies are at the forefront of delivering the most impressive visual images from lens to the living room.

Packed with Samsung’s best photography and video features, the Galaxy Note20 Ultra’s pro-grade camera is perfect for capturing stunning shots of your furry friends. Galaxy user Jiyoon Kim has been using the device to record life with her two dogs, Miso and Ara, and sharing tips and memorable moments with viewers on social media. Let’s take a look at how the varied features offered by the Galaxy Note20 Ultra have helped Kim capture Miso and Ara’s most adorable sides.

① Professional-Grade Pet Portraits

Many pet owners like to visit specialty studios to have high-quality photos taken of their four-legged companions. However, it can prove challenging to make your pet look natural and comfortable in an unfamiliar setting. With the Galaxy Note20 Ultra, you can now take high-quality pet portraits and create amazing video recordings of your furry friend from the comfort of your home.

You only need three items to create incredible pet photos – a suitable backdrop, a tripod, and your Galaxy Note20 Ultra. A conveniently placed patch of colored wallpaper at home works great as a backdrop. Alternatively, you can purchase some colored paper in your preferred tone and carefully fasten it to your wall to establish your backdrop. Another trick is to add cute costumes and props and shoot from a range of angles to give variety and character to your pet portraits.

Miso’s ears perk up when he’s happy. He loves photo time.

Ara makes people smile – an authentic, happy aura is captured when shooting in a familiar space

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra comes with a 108-million-pixel, ultra-high-resolution camera. It can capture amazing details and textures, such as patterns in the fur or the color of the eyes.

“You can take great pet portrait photos with your dog looking towards the camera,” says Kim. “An important tip for taking this kind of picture is to grab your pet’s attention with fun toys while using your S Pen as a remote controller to take the photo. These kinds of tricks can help you take professional-quality pictures and really have a lot of fun with your shoot. The Galaxy Note20 Ultra can take pictures with very high resolution, which means you can get them developed and hang them up at home.”

The perfect puppy portrait!

Take pet portraits with the Galaxy Note20 Ultra and hang them up at home.

② Record Special Moments in 8K

Filming a video is the best way to record your pets’ unique characteristics. The Galaxy Note20 Ultra enables you to capture memorable moments with your pets in 8K UHD video. Just take a look at this adorable video of Miso and Ara jumping over rows of toilet paper and weaving between paper cups.

It’s easy to miss photo opportunities when you’re busy having fun with your pets. With the Galaxy Note20 Ultra, you can easily turn your favorite scenes from a video clip into high-resolution photos. Screenshots captured with the device’s 8K video function are vivid and extremely detailed, which means you can isolate memorable images from longer videos.

Ara pokes her face through a hole in the tower of toilet paper. Cropping screenshots brings vivid image quality to life.

Getting the timing just right can be challenging. With high-resolution screenshots, you can easily isolate your favorite images from longer videos.

“I used to film memorable moments when I was too busy to take individual photos. But it was hard getting high-resolution screenshots from these videos,” says Kim. “With the Galaxy Note20 Ultra, I can create high-resolution screenshots from the 8K videos. The picture quality of these shots is comparable to still photos. This feature lets me have fun with my dogs while capturing everything on camera.”

③ Transform Ordinary Scenes Into Epic Moments

Some moments with your pets can only be captured properly when they are slowed down. The Galaxy Note20 Ultra’s Super Slow-mo feature makes it possible for you to transform fleeting scenes into epic videos. With this feature, you can catch every detail of your pets splashing around in water or can even turn ordinary scenes, like taking a bath or blow drying hair, into fun and memorable experiences.

You can also try inserting a Super Slow-mo clip into one of your 8K videos to make your pet videos stand out even more.

“I love this clip of Miso’s hair blowing in the wind. I just want to watch it over and over again,” says Kim. “The quality of the video is amazing and I can just post it on my pet’s social media account without much editing.”

④ Capture Everything All at Once  

For those who love recording their pets but find themselves missing the mark when capturing just the right moments, the Galaxy Note20 Ultra has a solution in the form of the AI-powered Single Take feature. Single Take provides you with a wide range of photo, video, and even ‘meme’able mode results based on just one shot. Once you have selected the mode and captured a short clip, Single Take harnesses AI to analyze the background and subject in order to recommend the best cuts of your picture or video, removing the need for manual scrolling of the different results.

Single Take captures Ara’s various sides, providing a range of picture options. The ‘best cut’ is enlarged at the top of the screen or highlighted with a crown

Features like Single Take are particularly useful for those who are video production beginners. Single Take also provides results that apply background music and immersive video effects for a professional feel. In a video of Ara running and striking a pose, for instance, the application of a lively melody in addition to a time-lapse effect changes the feel of the clip completely. The combination of all these effects can enhance the experience of revisiting some of your favorite moments.

What’s more, users of the Galaxy Note20 Ultra can also harness various features and lenses including ultra-wide, Live Focus, and time lapse while filming. From there, they can pick and choose their preferred outcomes from among a broad range of results. Those who prefer still cuts can choose individual images, while those who like watching short clips of cute-looking dogs can apply other, more meme-worthy effects. “As a person who enjoys filming, I was fascinated by the AI-powered Single Take feature,” said Kim. “I find myself using the feature regularly as it enables me to capture my dogs from a range of different perspectives.”

An image captured through Single Take, which delivers steady, well-structured images

Single Take delivers a meme, which highlights a moment and presents it in an eye-catching way

Pets bring a lot of joy to our lives and the Galaxy Note20 Ultra is the perfect companion for recording all the amazing moments you spend with them.

“I have had my dogs since they were puppies. I often think it’s a shame that I wasn’t able to take more photos and videos of them growing up,” says Kim. “With the Galaxy Note20 Ultra, I can now capture every moment I spend with Miso and Ara.”

Camera: Realize Your Cinematic Vision

Capturing jaw dropping footage just got easier. Pro Video mode lets you produce high-fidelity videos with just the Galaxy S20 series alone.

• If you want to give your videos a cinematic look, all you need to do is shoot in 8K with 24fps frame rate. With the option to record footage in 21:9 aspect ratio, you can capture more of your experiences.

• To produce pro-grade videos, audio quality is as important as the visuals. Pro Video mode on the Galaxy S20 series gives you the ability to control the smartphone’s mic direction, so you can pick up specific sounds when you shoot. When paired with the Galaxy Buds line-up, you can use the earbuds as a pro-style lavalier microphone to minimize background noise and record crystal-clear audio.

Samsung Notes: Experience Next-Level Productivity

The latest Galaxy S20 update is bringing even more powerful features to Samsung Notes to help you get more done faster.

• With Audio Bookmark, you can synchronize your notes with audio recordings of lectures or meetings. When you review your notes, you can simply select a section of what you wrote to play back the corresponding audio. Alternatively, you can scroll through audio recordings to see the matching notes.

• The updated Samsung Notes also lets you import and write on PDF files, making it simpler for you to review and revise documents on-the-go.

• When you are working with multiple devices, Samsung Notes’ Auto save & sync function keeps you in the flow by letting you quickly access notes across your Galaxy S20, tablet, and PC. With new template and background color options available, as well as the ability to add handwritten text to typed documents, Samsung Notes can help you work more efficiently, no matter your style.

Samsung DeX: A Smarter Way to Multitask

• When it comes to multitasking, two screens are better than one. By tapping on the Samsung DeX icon in the quick panel, you can now connect your Galaxy S20 to a Smart TV wirelessly and instantly enjoy more space to work and play.²

• Samsung DeX also lets you use the Galaxy S20 as a touch pad to control the second display with multi-finger gestures. Simply swipe up with three fingers to see recently opened apps, down to return to home screen, or left or right to switch between apps.

Seamless Connectivity and More

• Enjoy advanced Wi-Fi connectivity with the latest Galaxy S20 update. You can easily share the password of the Wi-Fi you are connected to with nearby Galaxy devices that are in your contact list. The new Wi-Fi feature will also show you the speed of the connections in your surroundings, so you can quickly find the one that suits your needs.

• With the updated Reminder app, you can preset time and location for upcoming meetings and tasks.

¹ Updates available on following devices: Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, S20 Ultra, S20+ 5G, S20+, S20 5G, S20/S10 5G, S10+, S10, S10e, S10 Lite, S9, S9+/Note10+ 5G, Note10+, Note10 5G, Note10, Note10 Lite, Note9/Z Flip 5G, Z Flip, Fold 5G, Fold. For other Galaxy devices, Samsung is committed to providing the latest update until the hardware specifications allow to provide the optimized mobile experience for our users. Supported features may vary by devices.

² Samsung DeX wireless connection is available on smart TVs that support Phone Screen mirroring only. For the optimal experience, use the feature with Samsung Smart TVs launched 2019 or later.

The global market for large screen televisions is on a surge. According to global market research firm Omdia, global shipments of TVs with displays over 75-inches are expected to increase by 17% compared to 2019 and 8K TVs are set to increase by 110% this year as well.

Given the market demands, Samsung is doubling down on its efforts to give consumers large screen TVs that not only offer the best picture quality but also the best sound experiences.

At the heart of that is Samsung’s AI Quantum Processor.

The AI Quantum Processor is a high-performing chip developed using Samsung’s proprietary technologies that can process complex algorithms quickly using machine learning-based upscaling. That gives consumers the ability to stream 8K content in real-time paired with dynamic, location-based acoustics.

Samsung is peeling back the secrets of the AI Quantum Processor to share on how it brings these experiences together to get better resolution, better sound and better picture integrity.

One of the leading questions consumers continue to ask about large screen TVs is how to watch ultra HD content in 8K resolution given that it isn’t widely available yet. That’s where Samsung’s AI upscaling technology comes in.

Today, the technology transforms not only 4K content into 8K, but it also works for lower-resolution SD, HD and FHD-quality content as well. The AI Quantum Processor 8K combines the advantages of existing machine learning capabilities with new deep learning technologies to analyze and deliver content at some of the most granular levels possible.

This hybrid approach helps to remove unnecessary noise and creates life-like textures and smooth edges on upscaled 8K content that only Samsung can deliver. It also adjusts content brightness and darkness levels according to the light and living room conditions the display is set up in.

AI Quantum Sound for the Most Suitable Audio Experiences

Adding a truly effective audio experience to high-quality picture quality serves to bring about an even deeper sense of immersion to viewers. Samsung’s AI Quantum Sound, bolstered by artificial intelligence, provides a listening experience similar to that of a movie theater right in your living room.

Samsung’s new innovative sound technology Object Tracking Sound+ follows movement on-screen to match the direction of the sound to the action. The technology recognized and analyzes the recorded audio synced to the content in real-time and evenly distributes the audio tracks to the six speakers embedded in the TV.

And due in part to the Active Voice Amplifier (AVA), users will never miss a word of dialogue, regardless of what is happening around the TV. The feature monitors the sound environment so that if there is noise louder than the TV’s audio, it will increase the volume of just the dialogue audio so as not to overwhelm users while ensuring no word goes unheard. Also, sound will be delivered seamlessly thanks to real-time deep learning audio separation technology, high-performance NPU (Neural Processing Unit).

AI Streaming for Minimal Data Loss

Thanks to the widespread use of the Over the Top (OTT) streaming services, more and more users are taking advantage of their large screen TVs and stream 8K content. However, existing network infrastructures cannot always guarantee image quality that meets users’ high-resolution expectations. This is why at the Samsung Developers’ Conference in 2019, Samsung introduced its AI Scalenet technology, designed to overcome these infrastructure limitations and support effective 8K streaming and low-latency livestreaming.

AI Scalenet is a CES 2020 Innovation Award-winning AI codec technology that generates resolutions four times higher than conventional technologies without any change to the network infrastructure. It minimizes the data loss that may occur during the compression and playing of videos through deep learning technologies, meaning users can enjoy 8K-quality content regardless of their network infrastructure. Even during peak usage, AI Scalenet dramatically improves image quality and content speed according to the network status and reduces picture breaking and ambient noise.

These days, more content than ever can be enjoyed on our TVs, meaning that the expectation for immersive viewing experiences in the home has increased, too. Samsung plans to continue to use a range of innovative technologies, starting with artificial intelligence, to bring the best experience 8K content and audio experiences to living rooms across the world.

163 zettabytes (ZB) is the amount of data expected to be generated worldwide by 2025, according to market research firm IDC. Within the span of just a decade, data produced by humankind will see a tenfold increase, which means we will see more data created in the next couple of years than has been accumulated over the past decades.

As more and more data is collected, we are able to access the information we want and enjoy high-quality content anytime, anywhere. Advancements in 5G, AI and 8K technologies, in particular, are further enriching people’s lives, resulting in the generation of a colossal amount of data on a daily basis.

Energy-Efficient DRAM and SSD

Most electronic data is stored in data centers which are often called “archives of human knowledge”. Data centers consist of a massive network of servers and are the epitome of cutting-edge information technology. The operation of data centers, naturally, requires a massive amount of electricity, and this is where the potential for the future of energy-efficient memory technology lies.

HDD or SSD is where data actually gets stored on servers. SSD is a NAND flash memory-based storage device and it delivers higher performance than disk-based HDD while using 50% less energy. With recent developments in technologies, DRAM needed for computing has also been optimized to perform better and consume less electricity.

Replacing HDDs with SSDs across all data center servers released in 2020 can be translated into saving 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy per year. Upgrading server DRAM  from DDR4 to the new DDR5 has the effect of saving 1TWh. These power savings amount to 4TWh, which is large enough to light all the street lights in Korea for an entire year, or power all homes in the country for a month.

Furthermore, additional electricity is required to cool down the tens of thousands of servers hard at work. That is why many data centers are located in Finland, Sweden or Ireland, to give them access to the cooler air and sea water needed for cooling. The less energy used in data center operation by adopting more SSDs and DDR5, the less heat generated, which ultimately leads to less electricity being needed for the cooling process. A total of 3TWh of electricity can be saved per year by following this process. A combined energy saving of 7TWh is enough electricity to replace 2.5 coal-fired power plants. The growing demand for servers driven by rapid growth in data and continued semiconductor innovation are placing a heightened importance on energy-efficient memory solutions.

Our Vision for a Sustainable Future                                               

When the Paris Agreement was signed to fight climate change in 2015, an international environmental organization singled out electricity as the main culprit of global warming in its report, claiming that the energy sector is responsible for 72.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. They urged the IT industry to join its efforts in reducing energy consumption given that energy consumption in data centers and networks was forecast to soar.

Samsung Electronics has long been aware of the value and potential of energy-efficient memory. Since it launched its “Green Memory Campaign” in 2009, it has been introducing memory solutions with maximized energy efficiency year after year as a part of its commitment to contribute to environmental protection.

In addition, our various sustainability initiatives across manufacturing processes and site operations have been recognized. Samsung Electronics became the first company in the semiconductor industry to earn a number of environmental certifications, including the Carbon Footprint and Water Footprint Certifications and the Zero Waste to Landfill Validation of Gold Level.

The path ahead for Samsung Memory is clear: to produce high-performing and energy-efficient products, and in turn, to empower all users to take part in saving the planet.

As a decades-long global IT leader, Samsung Electronics will continue to work for a more sustainable future as we explore new and innovative approaches to protect our planet.

“We are proud to be one of the founding members of the 8K Association and to have our new lineup of QLED 8K TVs certified by the program,” said Hyogun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our goal is to provide consumers with the ability to easily identify premium 8K displays from other devices when making purchasing decisions. Home entertainment and TVs are important investments for many of our consumers, and we hope that the 8KA Certification Logo will help guide them.”

The 8KA Certification Program aims to distinguish televisions featuring four times as many pixels as the standard 4K televisions for clarity, contrast and color and high dynamic range (HDR) performance. Among the features tested include display resolution reaching 7680 x 4320, peak brightness greater than 600 nits, image transmission of HDMI2.1 and high efficiency video codec (HVEC).

Member companies like Samsung Electronics will be able to promote 8K certified TVs after they are validated by the 8KA. The 8KA also plans to increase educational programming efforts this year across many different industries in order to promote member participation, innovation and content development within the 8K ecosystem.

In addition to expansion across different industries, the 8KA plans to spread promotional activities for the 8K industry through demos, showcasing the advanced technological development of 8K-enabled products, production workflow, delivery options and display devices. The programs and initiatives will showcase how consumers can engage with 8K content, the ecosystem and its standards.

The 8KA anticipates further adoption of 8K content creation, distribution and home adoption, similar to the evolution of 4K standards adoption and consumer purchase cycle over the past several years. To-date, partner companies and organizations have all joined the 8K Association – further broadening the membership to more than 22 companies.

For more information on the 8K Association and Samsung QLED 8K TVs, please visit www.samsung.com.

About the 8K Association
The organization’s mission is to grow appreciation and awareness of 8K products which will provide an even higher level of entertainment which is paramount to large screen entertainment. Our activities include development performance and interface specifications, compliance logo programs, education and coordination with 8K ecosystem developers to help build the 8K market.

To help you catch up with these and other exciting updates from San Jose, here’s a handy list of the top themes on display at SDC19.

Held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in sunny California, this year’s Samsung Developer Conference is a showcase of the hottest topics in tech.

Expanding the Bixby and SmartThings Ecosystems

This year at SDC, Samsung is showcasing strides it’s made to integrate Bixby into a wide range of devices. The company is also introducing enhancements that will make it easier for developers to enrich Bixby and the SmartThings IoT platform with useful services, and in doing so, create more ways for users to infuse intelligence into everything they do.

Outlining Samsung’s efforts to offer developers more ways to work with Bixby, Eui-Suk Chung, EVP, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, discusses the AI platform’s expansion. “In 2019, we made it even easier to use Bixby,” Chung explains. “We added new capabilities not only on our flagship devices, but also on most of our A-series devices, on more Galaxy tablets and watches, TVs and home appliances. Just to give you countless new ways to integrate intelligence into everything you do.”

Samsung demonstrates how enhancements to the Bixby Developer Studio, including new Bixby Templates and Bixby Views, will streamline the development of capsules that work across Bixby’s ever-growing ecosystem of devices.

In addition to unveiling a new Rules API that will spur the creation of more automated smart home experiences, Samsung introduced a SmartThings Device SDK beta program – set to launch early next year – that will help third-party manufacturers build SmartThings-supported devices.

New Devices and Experiences

Those visiting SDC19 are treated to first looks at some of the latest and greatest products of Samsung’s innovation. Spanning categories like mobile devices, UX design and more, the devices and experiences showcased at the conference hold the power to transform the way people live, work and connect.

The launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold established a brand-new product category – one that opens the door to a new era of mobile experiences. To help realize its vision of a foldable future, Samsung is demonstrating its commitment to developing a variety of foldable form factors at SDC19. Enriching the category with more options will help Samsung and developers explore new use cases and user experiences.

Also on display at SDC is the new, Bixby-enabled Galaxy Home Mini, which fosters continuous IoT experiences when managing connected devices, and offers powerful pound-for-pound audio quality.

Seeing is believing: An SDC attendee examines how Samsung’s AI ScaleNet technology makes it possible to stream high-quality 8K videos on networks with lower bandwidth capabilities.

Peeks at Cutting-edge Blockchain and Enterprise Solutions

SDC19 offers partners and developers a chance to learn more about one of the hottest trends in technology today: blockchain. Speakers and sessions discuss how enterprises and developers can utilize Samsung’s latest blockchain-powered services to capitalize on the technology’s incredible potential.

The conference also offers attendees an opportunity to see how Samsung is leveraging its years of experience leading innovation in a variety of industries – ranging from retail and manufacturing to transportation and healthcare – to provide enterprises with customized services tailored to their needs.

Seungyun Lee, Principal Engineer, Knox Platform for Enterprise, Samsung Electronics, discusses Samsung’s commitment to advancing blockchain technology – a commitment that’s seen the company produce one of the first smartphones with blockchain technology built-in, and streamline data and cryptocurrency management with the launches of the Samsung Blockchain Keystore and the new Samsung Blockchain Platform SDK. “Together,” Lee explains, “all of these innovations mark a new beginning for the blockchain ecosystem – with Samsung at the forefront.”

SDC attendees eagerly explore the various blockchain innovations being displayed at SDC19. Included among these is the new Samsung Blockchain Platform SDK, which opens up exciting opportunities for developers by 1) offering them more options for securely storing private keys, 2) supporting cryptocurrency transactions, and 3) enabling apps to be smoothly integrated into a mobile space.

Samsung’s SDC19 booth also includes exhibits that illustrate why enterprises in a variety of fields – including industries known to employ the strictest security standards – trust Samsung to help them customize solutions.

But Wait, There’s More!

At the end of the day, SDC is about inspiring people to pursue meaningful innovation. Which is why those visiting the conference are also exposed to projects and initiatives that are making a tangible difference in the world, like the Samsung Global Goals app.

Created to support the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the educational and donation-based mobile app offers a simple way for the Galaxy community to support the causes they care about. To help maximize the app’s impact, Samsung has announced that it will match proceeds generated through the app and donate the same amount.¹

That’s all for now, but there’s plenty more to come as SDC19 enters its second day. For more information on the topics and innovations being discussed at the event, be sure to check out Samsung Newsroom’s ongoing coverage. And don’t forget to check back here for more updates on Samsung’s latest AI, IoT and developer innovations.

¹Samsung has pledged to match donations with ad proceeds generated through the Global Goals app; up to $5 million annually.

CES 2019 has officially begun, and Samsung’s booth is abuzz with people eager to get a closer look at the company’s latest groundbreaking innovations.

Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Convention Center, ‘Samsung City’ is a must-see site for attendees of the tech industry’s biggest event. With ‘districts’ showcasing the company’s newest TVs, monitors, appliances and more, this innovative hub allows visitors to experience, firsthand, Samsung technologies that are taking AI, IoT and connectivity to the next level – and changing the way people live, work and connect.

If you won’t be able to make it to CES to see the company’s innovations in person, don’t fret. Here’s a handy roundup of five key themes that sum up this year’s showcase.

#1 Appliances Get Better with Bixby

Many of the innovations on display in the booth demonstrate dynamic ways that the latest version of Samsung’s intelligent platform, Bixby, will change how people manage daily life.

Housework is a breeze with Bixby-enabled appliances, which allow users to easily automate common household tasks and take the guesswork out of others. For example, when users place their clothes into Samsung’s new Air Dresser, Bixby helps the device select the optimal setting to treat them. It can also help users find the perfect cycle to finish their laundry with the new WF6300R Front Load Washer. Once the laundry load is done, Bixby will automatically set the dryer to the appropriate setting.

In the kitchen, Family Hub’s Bixby integration allows users to streamline everything from meal prep to entertainment. Whether you want to preheat the oven or find a delicious new recipe, with Bixby’s voice support, all you have to do to is say the word.

And thanks to its deep integration with Samsung’s 2019 QLED TVs, you can also command Bixby to tell you more about a particular show or film you’re watching, manage playback controls, and help you find more content you’ll love.

#2 Samsung’s Steering the Future of Display Technology

Speaking of TVs, Samsung kicked off CES 2019 with the reveals of a number of innovative displays that demonstrate how the company is leading the future of this technology – setting new standards for immersion, and making the screen ‘the center of the AI era‘.

Perhaps the most eye-catching addition is the new, 219-inch, 6K version of Samsung’s modular Micro LED display, The Wall. The follow-up to last year’s debut model seamlessly blends into any space – whether it be as a 219-inch 6K screen, a 16:9, 146-inch 4K display, or a 21:9 aspect ratio wide screen. It also features a fresh new user interface, as well as Samsung’s Quantum Processor 8K chip – the industry’s first AI-powered picture-processing engine.

With the push of a button, visitors to the interactive exhibit can see for themselves how the revolutionary processor, which is featured throughout Samsung’s 2019 QLED 8K lineup, upscales any content – regardless of the native resolution – to near-pristine 8K quality.

The combination of pristine QLED picture quality and likewise beautiful aesthetics allow Samsung’s newest lifestyle TVs, The Frame and Serif TV, to offer a TV experience unlike any other. Both feature award-winning designs that elevate the décor of any living space, as well as enhanced smart features that offer users greater control over their content.

#3 Taking Gaming to the Next Level

Visitors to Samsung City will find plenty of fun and excitement, especially when they see what Samsung has in store for gamers.

When gaming, a monitor’s performance can mean the difference between experiencing the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Samsung optimized its new, 49-inch CRG9 gaming monitor with gamers’ needs in mind, combining standout specs – including HDR10 support, a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a 5120 x 1440 resolution – to offer users an edge over the competition.

The result of the company’s efforts is the world’s first Dual QHD super ultra-wide gaming monitor, and an official Honoree in the CES 2019 Innovation Awards’ Gaming and Computer Peripherals product categories, respectively. Visitors to the booth can see for themselves how the monitor’s premium performance, immersive design and comfort-enhancing features elevate the entire gaming experience.

Also featured in the showcase is the latest addition to Samsung’s powerhouse lineup of gaming laptops: the new Notebook Odyssey. This year’s model is packed with enhancements that foster next-level gaming experiences, including a flawlessly smooth 144 Hz G-Sync display, an innovative Jet Blade cooling system that ensures smooth performance during heavy gameplay, and other performance-minded enhancements.

#4 Shifting the Connected Car from Concept to Reality

Samsung’s CES 2019 lineup demonstrates exciting ways that the company is steering the future of connected technologies. And perhaps no single exhibit encapsulates Samsung’s role as a driver of innovation quite so effectively as the demo for the latest version of its Digital Cockpit platform.

This year, Samsung is inviting CES 2019 attendees to experience for themselves how the company’s latest advancements in 5G, AI and IoT technologies have allowed it to create a connected car experience that not only adds new layers of comfort to users’ daily routines, but is also seamless, intelligent, and above all, safe.

Hands-on demos illustrate how the platform’s Bixby and SmartThings support offers users seamlessly control over their home’s IoT devices when they’re in the car, in addition to enabling them to easily manage key vehicle functions from home. The platform also takes personalization to the next level – tailoring seat, temperature and entertainment settings to each passenger – and is compatible with a front-facing camera and driver-monitoring system that helps drivers focus on the road and drive safely.

The exhibit also includes an eye-catching diorama that allows guests to see exactly how Samsung’s connected driving and C-V2X (Cellular-Vehicle to Everything) technologies will transform cities just like theirs, helping people commute more safely and efficiently.

#5 Robotic Companions Are on Their Way

The robotic companions that Samsung is showcasing at this year’s event were created to enrich users’ lives, and help make a positive impact in the world by offering solutions for societal challenges affecting the ageing population, and even the environment.

Samsung City hosts a total of four different types of robots, which are being developed for use in fields ranging from elder care to retail. Enlightening demonstrations introduce the first exciting products of the company’s ‘Samsung Bot’ robotics platform, as well as the mobility-focused Samsung GEMS.

(From Left) Samsung Bot Retail, Samsung Bot Care, Samsung Bot Air. The three Samsung Bots were debuted at CES 2019.

Samsung Bot Care is the healthcare-specialized robot, which can measure user’s blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and sleeping state, and is even capable of reminding them when it’s time to take their medicine. The Samsung Bot lineup also includes Samsung Bot Retail, which streamlines ordering and payments and offers a personalized retail experience and Samsung Bot Air, which uses sensors to detect the precise source of pollution and purify the air.

Short for “Gait Enhancing and Motivating System,” Samsung GEMS assists users with walking, and can also help them strengthen their muscles and improve their mobility and balance.

And thus concludes our roundup of Samsung’s key themes for CES 2019. If you happen to be attending this year’s event, be sure to stop by the company’s booth to experience these and other dynamic innovations for yourself. And don’t forget to stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom for more updates on the company’s latest technologies.

But what sets the QLED 8K apart from other 8K televisions and earns it its mesmerizing picture credentials is its ‘8K AI Upscaling’ feature, which harnesses machine learning to transform lower quality image contents into vivid 8K resolution. Not only can you watch content developed in 8K on the QLED’s 3-million-pixel screen, but with the 8K AI Upscaling feature, you can also watch your favorite videos from any resolution – from SD to 4K – transformed to as close to-8K quality as is possible, depending on the source.

Vivid Detail, Breathtaking Results

4K video (left) and 8K upscaled video (right): the 8K image appears more realistically rendered compared to the 4K one thanks to the enhanced detail of the objects depicted.

8K AI Upscaling is a technology that allows viewers to enjoy their favorite videos originally presented in SD, FHD and UHD in 8K (7,680X4,320) super high-quality resolution. On other higher definition screens, playing a low-definition video results in pixelation, image blurring and an overall unsatisfying viewing experience. In order to illuminate the difference 8K AI Upscaling can make, a 75-inch QLED 8K (Q900R) has been compared with a 75-inch QLED 4K TV (Q9F) to demonstrate how content played on the QLED 8K TV and transformed intelligently through 8K AI Upscaling appears in near-8K resolution quality – even if its source is 4K or below.

8K AI Upscaling results in more detailed and natural videos as it upscales not just one aspect, but a whole variety of features such as light, color and line differentiation. As Hyun-seung Lee, QLED 8K TV Picture Quality Developer notes, this means that the resulting images are ”closer to the original” – just as the creators intended. The realism offered by 8K AI Upscaling really does make all the difference in rendering images as if they were really in front of you. Looking at the image above, in the 8K version you can see that the colors of the weeds in the foreground appear more multi-dimensional; the upscaled texture renders each nook and cranny of the mountainside and differentiates it from the coarser textures of the billowing weeds below; and each and every onscreen detail is brought out so that upon viewing, you are really put into this pastoral scene.

Outstanding Realism

Just as the human eye takes in what is in front of it with no obfuscation and object depth differentiation, so the 8K QLED delivers scenes in detailed clarity thanks to the intelligent reactivity of 8K AI Upscaling (as compared with the FHD quality image on the 4K QLED TV [left])

Reflecting the way human object perception registers objects that are closer to us in more detail, 8K AI Upscaling carefully adjusts content to give ultimate image depth thanks to the advanced resolution process engine. Looking at the above images comparing an FHD-resolution image on the left 4K QLED TV with an 8K-upscaled one on the right QLED 8K, the 8K upscaling presents the flowers in the foreground in minute detail – appearing to viewers as if they were close enough to touch. Similarly, camera pans and sweeps across an environment on-screen are optimized to replicate the way human eyes react to changing stimulus – removing any blur from the video. The effortless pixel-less rendering of the images also contributes to an immersive viewing experience, and the peak 4,000 nit brightness of the QLED 8K accurately expresses images in all light conditions – as they are intended to be seen.

Sharper Text, Improved Legibility

HD video (left) and upscaled 8K video (right): Clearer letter outlines are noticeable in the upscaled image

When playing a low-definition video on a high-definition screen, line ‘noises’ (transmission disturbance that blurs details and caused unwanted digital static) are the most disruptive impediments to a satisfying viewing experience. As the input images have lower quality, letter outlines on captions and subtitles become more blurred. However, 8K AI Upscaling intelligently streamlines thick and rough outlines so that they are as sharp as possible, delivering clearer letters on the screen worthy of a high definition television experience. This aspect of the upscaling is crucial to viewers, as the improved legibility of text, demonstrated in the above images, decreases eye strain. As Lee notes, “Recently, almost all videos and TV programs such as entertainment, news, YouTube videos and movies feature subtitles. Consumers can really notice the difference on-screen with 8K AI Upscaling.”

Deeper Blacks for Total Immersion

4K video (left) and upscaled 8K video (right): More detailed contrasts highlight the details of objects in the black background

With 8K AI Upscaling, denser contrast expression means that object details inside of a black background become more pronounced compared to in their original source resolution, heightening a realistic viewing experience. In order to counteract any light spreading across dark-hued content, a common problem in lower-resolution videos, the Upscaling’s intelligent algorithms analyze black video patterns in order to transmit the perfect black; the quality of this deep black is on a par with content originally produced in 8K resolution. The difference between the two images pre and post upscaling is truly noticeable; such is the power of 8K AI Upscaling technology.

Behind the Scenes: Intelligent Upscaling that Keeps Learning

8K AI Upscaling intelligently analyzes not only 4K but also SD, HD, FHD and any other video resolutions in real-time and any necessary features are supplemented. Textures are restored with delicate detail offsetting, any visual static is automatically eliminated by video stream compression, low-definition edges are sharpened to avoid blurriness, and any discontinuous lines are restored. The key element to this is machine learning. Thanks to the QLED 8K’s inbuilt ‘Quantum Processor 8K’ technology, the intelligent algorithm learns from the differences found and makes note of the correlation between low-definition and high-definition content.

”The Quantum Processor at the heart of 8K AI Upscaling technology sets its own standards for optimized upscaling, instigating such intelligent features as ‘lines must be thin’ and ‘thick and rough areas must be more vivid’,” explains Lee.

Hyun-seung Lee notes that in developing the QLED 8K and its 8K AI Upscaling technology, “we focused on realizing display quality that is closer to original sources”

8K AI Upscaling is based on artificial intelligence smart learning, so through usage, it will develop and adapt with each video upscale as more video data becomes available to the system to be analyzed. But even from the first usage, the QLED 8K provides the most comfortable color, light and texture balances to provide the optimum viewing experience for each user. “8K AI Upscaling opened the development possibilities of not just improving resolution and achieving better image quality, but also in the area of human taste, which is difficult to emulate,” notes Lee on the dynamic changes the QLED 8K’s 8K AI Upscaling feature provides for viewers.

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

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.

Abhijeet Solat, Samsung Display’s technical sales manager, presented the 8K market trends at QLED & Advanced Display Summit, held in Los Angeles on June 27, 2018.

“Samsung has built a reputation for its history of innovation and groundbreaking developments in the TV industry,” said Jongsuk Chu, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re committed to maintaining that trend by bringing advancements of 8K and MicroLED technology to the consumers and continuing our investment in enhancing the viewing experience.”

The QLED & Advanced Displays Summit was co-hosted by Samsung and Insight Media, an advanced display consultant focusing on the display industry. During the event, Samsung demonstrated enhancements ranging from HDR10+ mastering workflows to Automatic Color Calibration and no burn-in on its 2018 QLED TVs, showcasing its leadership in the TV display industry.

Participants, including industry experts and influencers attended to experience live demonstrations and spark dialogue about the current state and challenges of TV technologies. Above all, the QLED TV demos highlighted Samsung’s efforts in pioneering HDR capability by applying next-generation enhancements for the benefit of consumers.

The event featured a number of prominent experts in the display industry – ranging from academia experts in the MicroLED technology sector and consultants specializing in HDR cinema integration to renowned professionals in display and mastering tool industry. Speakers and influencers from the following organizations also attended to discuss TV technology-related topics that included:

• 8K Ecosystem: Insight Media, Panavision, Samsung Display Company, and Display Supply Chain Consultants
• Quantum Dots: Palomaki Consulting, Nanosys, Nanoco, and Samsung Advanced Research Institute
• Display and Mastering Tools: FF Pictures, Samsung Research America, Portrait Displays, and ColorFront
• HDR Cinema: Samsung Research America, LightView, and MKPE Consulting
• MicroLEDs: Fuzhou University, Samsung Electronics, Tesoro Scientific, PlayNitride, Sungkyunkwan University, JBD, Lumiode, and N-Tech Research

Martin Fishman, CEO of SpectraCal, described the Automatic Color Calibration program (left) and Florian Friedrich of FF Pictures explained the HDR10+ mastering workflows (right) at the demonstration of the summit.

For more information about Samsung’s QLED TVs and the QLED & Advanced Display Summit, including speakers and sessions, please visit: www.displaysummit.com/2018-qled-and-advanced-display-summit-at-hollywood.

About Insight Media

Insight Media is a technology consultancy focused on emerging technology in the ProAV, cinema, broadcast, consumer electronics and display industries. The company authors white papers and articles on these topics, provide technology and market assessment services and hosts events to discuss key technology trends in these market segments.

No matter how big the TV screen is, if it doesn’t have the necessary picture quality, users won’t be able to realize the power of the screen. That’s why large-sized TV has inevitably led to the increase in demand for Ultra High Definition (UHD). UHD is a 4K (3,840X2,160) picture quality, which is applied to TVs that measure over 65 inches. The technology is about to take yet another step up as 8K (7,680X4,320) TVs are ready to be commercialized.

But this is an era whereby even the number of pixels isn’t enough in isolation. To produce the best picture quality possible, it’s also important to consider the environment this content will be viewed in and the quality of the original content itself. The paradigm is shifting and it’s vital that all considerations are taken into account to produce an experience that everyone will enjoy.

UHD TV Beyond FHD TV

Worldwide UHD TV sales surpassed FHD (Full High Definition) TV for the first time last year, according to market researcher IHS Markit. It is expected to ship more than 100 million units this year, which is about 45% of the total TV market. In 2022, the proportion of UHD TV is expected to reach 60%.

Samsung UHD TV sales volume is also on the rise. Sales of Samsung UHD TVs in the fourth quarter of last year already exceeded 50% of the total Samsung TV units sold globally. In the first quarter of this year, Samsung UHD TV sales also increased by more than 35% compared to the same period last year.

What is the Standard for Ultra-High-Definition?

In the ultra-high-definition TV market era, standards for judging picture quality are further developing. For example, is a TV able to reproduce colors with real-life brightness, particularly when the normal TV viewing environment is brighter than many would expect? According to the DOE survey, consumers in the U.S. and Europe usually watch TV in a bright environment with an average home illuminance level of 79 lux. Can a TV react and provide an accurate picture in these, and other common viewing use cases?

Experts advise consumers to look beyond the high resolution to see the different factors that cause the difference in brightness, contrast, and content when consumers watch TV. The way consumers view TV and the way experts gauge a TV’s ability to deliver is much more sophisticated than it ever has been. The TV needs to be more versatile because it’s used to do more things. That means Samsung has to be stringent to make sure its QLED products perform not just according to the specifications but also according to real life usage.

Blacks and Colors Transformed

A new criterion for picture quality is color volume, which can measure minute color changes, three-dimensionally, according to varying degrees of brightness. Recently, Verband Deutscher Electrotechnischer (VDE), a well-regarded certification institution in Germany established in 1893, certified QLED TV for 100% color volume for two consecutive years, which is the world’s first and only time a TV has received such a distinction.

QLED TV, based on the metal quantum dot technology, can accurately represent detailed colors that can be hidden from dark or bright images. Brightness can be expressed up to 2,000 knits, which is 3 to 4 times that of conventional TVs, giving a more vivid look to scenes such as sunlight reflecting texture and white snowy landscapes.

Indeed, this year’s Samsung QLED TVs achieves the highest level of contrast ratio by improving the quality of blacks on-screen while maintaining brightness. To create an even more stunning contrast ratio, the TVs feature new Direct Full Array technology, which puts backlit LEDs behind the panel for precise brightness control. By making the LED blocks more than ten times the number of conventional TVs, the light can be adjusted individually to create a subtler difference in black colors. Moreover, it applies the black algorithm that perceives and precisely adjusts black colors, successfully delivering the original detail even in particularly dark scenes.

When watching a dark scene in a bright environment, the reflection of objects around the screen can cause discomfort. QLED TV solved this problem by using Anti-reflection technology. Even under daylight or bright lighting, an anti-reflective screen dramatically reduces glare, allowing one to be more immersed in images regardless of the surroundings.

Along with this, Samsung is also working to expand the ecosystem to upgrade HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology, which is an integral function of ultra-definition TV. Since last year, Samsung has been developing HDR10+, which is one step more advanced than HDR10, a standard for realizing HDR video. HDR10+ is a technology that shows optimal contrast ratio for each scene through ‘Dynamic Tone Mapping’ technique which applies different contrast to each scene. The company is expanding its HDR10+ content in cooperation with global companies such as Amazon, 20^th Century Fox, Panasonic and Warner Bros.

AI Upscaling the Content

High quality content is as important as the ultra-high definition TV specification.

Many of the most recognizable names in video content such as Netflix, YouTube and various cable companies already provide UHD content. However, due to the burden of production cost, consumers are not able to enjoy 4K UHD broadcasting content on TV unrestrictedly yet.

The problem here is that if low-quality content is shown on a big screen, the pixels are usually enlarged artificially, causing the picture to shake or lose clarity. Samsung Electronics has solved this problem by installing the ‘4K Q Engine’ based on semiconductor technology on its QLED TV.

‘4K Q Engine’ is a technology that upgrades SD (400,000 pixels) and FHD (2 million pixels) class image to 4K (8 million pixels) class. Based on artificial intelligence, it applies a 5-step algorithm (Image Signal Analysis ▷ Noise Reduction ▷ Improved 1st Detail ▷ 4K Upscaling ▷ Improved 2nd Detail) to improve image quality and express hidden details. In actual comparison, in the FHD image, the part where the light in the night view of the city is clearly separated by the ‘4K Q Engine’.

What’s more, 8K AI Technology will be introduced in the latter half of the year and will offer an even better picture and sound expression.

QLED TV’s dramatically improved picture quality this year has been widely praised by many media outlets including Tech Radar, What Hi-Fi, and AVS Forum. Trusted Reviews gave Samsung’s QLED the Highly Recommended mark and said: “The Samsung QE65Q9FN is the most impressive TV I’ve reviewed in years. It effectively combines the strong brightness and colour of Quantum Dot LED (QLED) with the deep blacks and almost the lighting precision of OLED. That’s a huge deal in a world where you generally choose one or the other.”

“As TVs gradually get larger in size and the competition for premium picture quality becomes fiercer, detailed and subtle image rendering performance is growing in importance,” said Doochan Eum, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “With Samsung QLED TV’s enhanced brightness, contrast, content, we are continuing to provide consumers with a superb immersive viewing experience.”

1. Extra-large 75-inch TV, Presence in All Lineup

The TV is getting bigger. Regardless of the size of the living room, large-size TVs tend to be preferred, and TVs in this category (over 75 inches) are expected to grow by more than 30~40% each year. That’s why the 2018 QLED TV lineup features more models over 75 inches than in previous years.

Each QLED TV offers truly immersive visuals that have been optimized by Samsung’s Q-Engine technology to reduce or eliminate issues that can affect other large TVs, such as noise and juddering. This allows the TVs to provide superior image quality compared to other large displays and makes fast-paced action in a sport or scene appear smoother and more realistic.

What’s more, the 8K QLED TV to be launched in the second half of this year is equipped with high-definition conversion technology that uses artificial intelligence to upscale the picture up to 8K. As a result, users will be able to immerse themselves in the content on a large screen regardless of the image source.

2. Deeper Contrast in Any Environment

When it comes to producing accurate images, contrast is key. In 2018, Samsung QLED TV dramatically improved contrast ratio and deep color with its 100% color volume.

Samsung’s QLED TVs feature a new ‘Direct Full Array’ that carefully regulates brightness. This cutting-edge technology employs a full grid of LED backlights to ensure that each section of the screen is accurately illuminated in order to deliver the best possible image quality. This feature allows the QLED TVs to darken specific areas of the screen while simultaneously illuminating others. This creates dazzling contrast – with brighter brights and darker darks – and allows content that’s been optimized to feature rich, nuanced color, such as HDR10+ video, to really shine.

Additionally, ‘Ultra Black Elite’ is a new anti-reflection technology that makes on-screen blacks perfect. It eliminates screen reflection to ensure that images remain sharp and vibrant at any angle.

3. Bixby Support, Easy Connect & Content Share

Many people feel a hassle to install a separate app and use the cloud. The 2018 QLED TV is based on a new platform called ‘SmartThings’, a cloud solution called ‘SmartThings Cloud’ and a single AI called ‘Bixby’. It automatically recognizes devices and provides the convenience of connecting and managing all devices through a single cloud.

The new Samsung QLED TV can easily connect with other devices simply through a click on the mobile app. In addition, ‘Bixby’ can be used to recognize complex search queries and perform entertainment functions, as well as control other home appliances in the house. The ‘One Remote Control’ function, which handles all devices connected to the TV, and the ‘Universal Guide’, which collects and displays the content that consumers usually like on one screen, make it easier and faster for users to get straight to their favorites.

4. Ambient Mode Without Burn-in

The TV is the hub of home entertainment. However, except for four to five hours of TV viewing a day, it stays on the black screen all day, providing little additional value. Now, Samsung has rebuilt the off screen of its QLED TV into a display that provides a beautiful and practical experience.

‘Ambient Mode’ allows you to view information such as weather, time, and news, or to display pictures and videos on the screen even when you are not watching TV. The TV screen completely melts into the surrounding space, eliminating the monotony of a black screen and providing a new TV experience. Notably, the 2018 QLED TV can operate in ambient mode for 24 hours a day without burn-in. The burn-in free technology means the TV does not fade or suffer from image retention – even after long periods.

5. One Invisible Connection Makes More…

Cables and peripherals that are connected to a TV in a complex way tend to interfere with the overall aesthetic of the interior. The 2018 Samsung QLED TV provides a solution that takes into account the space where the TV is installed. It’s called One Invisible Connection and it combines data and power lines to make sure the limited space around the TV isn’t obstructed by multiple wires.
One Invisible Connection integrates everything from the last year’s Invisible Connection, which connects the complicated lines of peripheral devices with a single data cable, to the power line of the TV. It is the first in the industry to simultaneously transmit large capacity AV data and power over a single cable. In addition, it can be extended up to 15m, so you can freely position the TV regardless of where the power source is. Users can also control various peripherals through ‘One Connect Box’ which means the infra-red signal from the remote control can be directed at just one device.

*Specific features may vary by region and market

The new AI technology achieves close to 8K resolution and enhanced sound quality by aligning with the unique characteristics of the specific content, a step up from typical upscaling technology used to improve image quality. So how exactly does it work? Let’s take a closer look.

Enjoy any content in 8K through Machine Learning

The world’s first 8K AI Technology that realizes a definition nearly the equivalent of 8K is based on Machine Learning. Computers or smartphones run according to directive values that humans enter. In contrast, Machine Learning refers to the way AI learns certain patterns and gives optimized answers based on various examples.

Samsung’s Machine Learning Super Resolution (MLSR) utilizes AI technology to compare low and high-quality versions of the same content to learn the technological differences between the two and form a vast database. It analyzes millions of pieces of video content and finds a correlation. Based on its analysis, it can select the optimum filters that support brightness, the level of blackness, spread and other errors from all inputs, and transform low-definition content to close to 8K high definition.

The input content is recognized as ‘real-time’ based on a frame and is enhanced by scenes, which makes it possible to upgrade image and sound quality immediately, regardless of whether the video source is live streaming or OTT (Over The Top).

8K picture quality through AI, what’s the difference?

Other upscaling techniques require human input to compare low-resolution and high-resolution scenes and find ways to reconstruct them. However, Samsung’s AI Technology enables it to self-study millions of images on its own using MLSR, allowing much-improved accuracy compared to conventional technologies.

There are three elements to improving picture quality on displays. First is ‘Detail Creation’ that sharpens the detail of expression and improves the texture to areas with low definition that have become blurry after compressing the file. Second, ‘Edge Restoration’ defines the edges of text, people or objects in a video, moving pixels on the borders to thin them down to increase legibility and visibility. For example, if text context is spreaded along the edges, the video will be adjusted around the text for clarity. In a video that shows the moon, Edge Restoration improves details of the moon’s shadow and enhances the darkness of the background for a clear distinction. Lastly, ‘Noise Reduction’ gets rid of static noises generated during high compression or recompression of files. In order to transmit an image, it is necessary to compress the image. In this process, various ‘noises’ such as a jiggling point or a squared dot can be effectively removed according to the image characteristics.

AI delivers immersive sound effects

When watching dramas or movies, realistic, immersive sounds are as important as picture quality. Samsung’s AI technology not only transforms low-definition into high-definition, but also optimizes the sound quality of content.

Conventional TVs provide multiple view settings such as movie mode and sports mode according to the genre of content. With Samsung’s new AI technology, content can be automatically analyzed by characterizing scenes to provide optimum sounds.

For example, let’s say you were watching a movie that includes musical performances. AI technology can highlight the music in a way that allows you to experience the sound as the actual characters would. When the crowd applauds after the performance is over, you would hear the clapping the same way as if you were in the crowd in the movie. When characters are speaking, AI adjusts the sound to make sure the lines are communicated clearly.

Imagine you were watching a relay broadcast of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics that started last week. AI will enhance the voice of the announcer so that you don’t miss who’s up next. When a game has started, AI will increase the background sound to deliver the liveliness of the actual game. With this tailored sound adjustment scene by scene, audiences can enjoy the best sound quality for any genre of content.

Samsung developers plan to continue to improve sound quality according to the preferences of individual viewers so that each viewer can enjoy the best TV viewing experience, right for them. Because volume patterns differ for every user, and the viewing environment can change according to the time of day and other factors, the sound will be accordingly adjusted and optimized to provide the most enjoyable experience to each individual viewer.

Why does 8K AI technology matter?

As customer needs for high-definition TVs and content increases, some terrestrial broadcasting stations have committed to working towards UHD delivery, and various IPTV and cable channels have initiated 4K UHD (3,840 × 2,160) services. However, even as the TV industry begins to launch 8K (7,680 × 4,320) TVs, the reality is that 4K content is, as of yet, still not fully utilized in homes.

In this context, Samsung has proposed a new direction for TV technology by combining 8K UHD display technology and premiere content through AI. Samsung has developed an AI algorithm that automatically enhances picture quality to solve the problem of limited high-quality content. As example, AI technology plays a key role in the 85-inch 8K QLED TV technology that Samsung introduced at CES 2018.

Samsung will begin the process of applying AI technology to its 8K QLED TVs from the second half of this year, and viewers will soon be able to enjoy UHD quality video that is nearly 8K in resolution and delivers optimized sound for any type of content. A genuine 8K era is now on the horizon, and Samsung will continue to lead the way.

Samsung Electronics today introduced “The Wall” – the world’s first consumer modular MicroLED 146-inch display – at its annual First Look CES event. The modular, self-emitting MicroLED 146” TV display was featured alongside Samsung’s latest innovations in display technology, demonstrating how television is evolving to offer consumers an outstanding viewing experience, while acting as a centralized connected smart hub to enhance everyday life.

This year’s First Look, attended by more than 300 global media and influencers, included remarks from Jonghee Han, Samsung’s President of Visual Display, and Dave Das, Senior Vice President of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics America. Both outlined Samsung’s vision of the future – one in which TV displays deliver brilliant visuals and also evolve to integrate seamlessly into people’s lives.

“At Samsung, we are dedicated to providing consumers with a wide range of cutting-edge screen experiences,” said Jonghee Han, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “As the world’s first consumer modular MicroLED television, ‘The Wall’ represents another breakthrough. It can transform into any size, and delivers incredible brightness, color gamut, color volume and black levels. We’re excited about this next step along our roadmap to the future of screen technology, and the remarkable viewing experience it offers to consumers.”

First Ever Modular Display with MicroLED: The Screen of the Future

Samsung’s “The Wall,” a 146-inch modular display with MicroLED technology delivers incredible definition, without restrictions to size, resolution or form. It is a self-emitting display with micrometer (µm) scale LEDs – which are much smaller than current LEDs, and serve as their own source of light.

The MicroLED technology featured in The Wall eliminates the need for color filters or backlight, yet allows the screen to offer consumers the ultimate viewing experience. Also, the MicroLED screen excels in durability and effectiveness, including luminous efficiency, the light source lifetime and power consumption, setting the standard for future screen technology.

Featuring a module-based, bezel-less design, “The Wall” also exemplifies how consumers can customize their television sizes and shapes to suit their needs. The screen can adapt to serve different purposes, such as creating a wall-size display for multiple spaces.

AI Technology for 8K Picture Quality: Maximizing Viewer Experience

Samsung also featured the world’s first QLED TV featuring 8K AI technology, which will be launched internationally, starting with Korea and the US during the second half of 2018. This AI technology upscales standard definition content to 8K resolution. It employs a proprietary algorithm to adjust screen resolution based on picture quality characteristics of each scene, to continuously improve picture quality and easily transform any type of content from any source into a high-resolution 8K.

This 8K solution maximizes the viewing experience through several new features. These include detail enhancement – to upgrade standard definition content; noise reduction; edge restoration function – which more clearly outlines on – screen objects; and automatic sound adjustment for different content, such as sports events or music concerts.

2018 Smart TV, Upgraded with Bixby and SmartThings

Samsung showcased 2018 Samsung Smart TV’s enhanced connection and convenience functions at the First Look event, including Bixby, SmartThings and Universal Guide.

Bixby is an intelligent assistant platform developed by Samsung, enables easier interaction between the TV and its users, thanks to its intuitive UX, and comprehensive voice analysis capabilities. 2018 Samsung Smart TVs will also offer easier sharing and connectivity, thanks to SmartThings, Samsung’s IoT platform hub. It offers a simpler way to control the television and sync with other devices. 2018 will also see the launch of Universal Guide – an advanced program guide which automatically recommends TV programs and content according to a user’s preferences.

First Look also highlighted a variety of product zones, showcasing 8K-AI technology, 4K HDR Gaming, HDR10+, Smart TV experience and more. These areas gave guests at First Look 2018 the chance to get hands-on Samsung’s most exciting innovations in TV.

For more information on the latest innovations in television from Samsung, please visit Samsung’s CES booth #15006, on Level 1 of the Central Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 9-12, 2018.

Samsung Electronics today introduced the world’s first 8K AI technology for its new 85-inch 8K QLED TV at its product unveiling of The Wall ahead of CES 2018. The AI technology based on machine learning analyzes content and automatically upscales low-resolution images into 8K picture quality.

Despite the fact that the market is currently flooded with an ever-increasing number of displays capable of realizing super-high resolution such as UHD and 8K, many viewers are not able to fully enjoy the experience due to the lack of available high resolution content.

However, Samsung’s AI technology has all but eliminated this obstacle by enabling the television to transform all pictures into 8K, the current highest ultra-high definition television resolution in digital television and digital cinematography. It lets consumers enjoy just about any movie or TV show on any channel in 8K resolution regardless of native resolution or method of transmission.

The AI technology helps to support three following features:

• First, QLED TV, based on AI technology, is equipped with a database that studies and analyzes millions of images in advance to transform low-resolution content into high-resolution. When fed with a source in low resolution, this feature of the QLED TV selects the optimal filter and converts the source into a high-quality image.
• In addition, by increasing image processing 64 times, the technology helps offer natural images in high-resolution, without compromising gradation in the picture. In the image of an aurora, for instance, the TV provides consumers with subtle, seamless gradation.
• Lastly, the new QLED TV categorizes elements of picture quality (black/blooming/brightness) in input sources by scene to produce pictures with richer and more detailed contrast. With the feature, the edges of text are rendered sharp and a moonlight image is offered with the edges of the moon in the background clear, not blurred.

Furthermore, Samsung’s AI technology enables the TV’s sound to be optimized for specific scenes, without having to change any settings. If you’re watching a football game, for instance, the cheering of the spectators is amplified to recreate the excitement of the match. Or, if viewing a concert, the low-frequency sounds of the music might be highlighted to deliver a richer sound.

This AI technology has already attracted much attention, landing Samsung’s 2018 QLED TV lineup a CES 2018 Innovation Award, honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products.

Samsung 8K QLED TVs with AI technology will be launched during the second half of 2018, focusing on sets with screens larger than 65 inches. By rolling out this technology, Samsung is improving the viewing experience for the consumer by making it possible for them to easily enjoy all of their favorite video content in a sharper, richer and more pristine image quality.