The Internet Revolution began in the late 1990s, and it has since had a great impact on the development of the television, completely changing its concept altogether. Before the era, people simply watched TV. Now, the television has evolved into a device that interacts with users, allowing them to choose which content to watch, play games, make purchases and retrieve information in an entirely new way. The age of smart TV has arrived.

According to market research firms, smart TV sales are expected to surpass 100 million units worldwide, accounting for more than 40 percent of total TV sales in 2016. In the US, the services provided by Netflix, an over-the-top (OTT) provider, recently made up around 50 percent of total Internet traffic after 6 p.m. Along with better picture quality and larger screens, “intelligence” has also become an irreversible trend in the TV industry.

Watching TV Versus Experiencing TV

Using an antenna to watch a few terrestrial channels—ones that are transmitted by radio waves from an Earth based transmitter—has already become a distant memory for many of us. Cable networks and telecommunications companies now provide thousands of channels that are broadcasted via the Internet, rather than as radio waves over the air. In addition, videos are continuously produced and uploaded on YouTube, while OTT providers like Netflix and Hulu allow viewers to stream a seamlessly endless collection of films and television shows.

Moreover, TV manufacturers are adding more content for consumers to watch and enjoy. They are introducing new features that allow users to share photos, videos and messages with family members, and boast web searching, shopping and game services. In particular, Samsung Electronics is planning to release more than 500 smart TV games in this year. The content that users can enjoy on their smart TVs is constantly increasing.

However, it is also true that many people still think of TV as a device to watch content on while relaxing at home on the couch. For these consumers, TV manufacturers provide standard televisions without smart features at relatively lower prices.

There are a few things to consider when buying a standard TV. Consumers first need to check if there are any problems with the reception of terrestrial broadcasts in their homes. Then, they may require a cable, satellite or IPTV subscription, depending on their needs. If consumers are going to connect a standard TV to a media adaptor like Chromecast or a game console, they will also need to ensure the devices are compatible and that there are no connection terminal issues.

The State Of Smart TV In 2016

In a way, Samsung’s previous Smart TVs illustrate the history of the smart TV. In 2008, the company introduced the PAVV Bordeaux 750—the ancestor of smart TVs—and launched various internet services including news and weather information features. Since then, Samsung has been a leader in the development of the smart TV in all aspects. In 2010, it opened the world’s first TV application store, and adopted the Smart TV user interface (UI) Smart Hub a year later in 2011. Samsung then added voice, action and face recognition features in 2012, introduced a customized content matching system in 2013 and implemented gaming services and accessibility features in 2014. Last year, the company incorporated Tizen for fast and broad connectivity.

Today, the focus is on how to provide an easier and more comfortable user environment in a world flooded with content that consists of live broadcast, video-on-demand (VOD), OTT and user created content (UCC), as well as a diverse range of games. This is because the primary purpose of TV is to provide a convenient, relaxing and entertaining experience to users.

It is in this context that Samsung stressed the importance of the “Single Experience” when it introduced its 2016 Smart TVs. At CES 2016 earlier this month, Samsung unveiled a line-up of Smart TVs with “single access point, single remote” features. With the new Smart Hub interface, users can get access to a one-stop service comprised of live broadcast, VOD, OTT and game services the minute they turn on their televisions, regardless of which service provider they originate from. The Samsung Smart Control remote, produced in collaboration with Samsung’s partners, allows users to control TV-related devices such as set-top boxes, OTT boxes, audio equipment and game consoles, right from one remote.

Also many more exciting services are on the way. TV PLUS, which was launched in Korea in September 2015, is the world’s first VOD service with virtual channels. The service enables users to watch popular VODs in the same way they watch standard TV channels. Samsung is planning to expand the service globally with the launch of TV PLUS in Southeast Asia this year.

TV services that allow users to easily share content with their friends and family members are also in the works. Samsung Smart View enables users to transfer photos, music and videos on their mobile phone or Windows PC to their Smart TV with a simple tap or click. All users have to do is download the Samsung Smart View application for their mobile phone or PC and connect those devices to their Smart TV via a Wi-Fi network. At CES 2016, Samsung also introduced MediaSquare, a new concept of content sharing service. It has since attracted attention as a next-generation platform where users can share content on their smart phone through their TV for an interactive game-like experience.

Undergoing Ceaseless Evolution To Meet Consumer Needs

Up until now, the smart TV has advanced in a way that provides viewers with more content choices and enhanced convenience. Today, its uses are greatly expanding, as it provides entertainment and controls important features in our homes. In fact, as our homes get smarter and smarter, the smart TV industry is making it a priority to improve the connectivity capabilities of smart TVs. After all, the television of today could very well serve as a hub that connects things in our homes, including appliances, doors and even faucets.

Samsung decided to feature IoT-hub technologies in the entire 2016 SUHD TV line-up. In addition, the Smart TVs, which make up more than 90 percent of Samsung’s 2016 TV line-up, will be equipped with IoT-ready features that can connect with other smart devices. Samsung’s Smart TVs will also run on the Tizen operating system which is highly compatible with other mobile gadgets and home appliances.

With their 2016 SUHD TV, users can check the status of their laundry or see what’s going on in their baby’s room. A simple press of a button on the TV remote creates an ideal environment for either watching movies or sleeping. This convenience will soon become the norm.

“TV will evolve incessantly according to the changing lifestyles of customers. Setting a certain goal at the moment would limit the potential of TV,” said Hyun Suk Kim, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung is striving to go beyond the confines of today’s TV, such as design and user environment, and research future TV technologies,” he added.

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[Infographic] History of Samsung Smart TV

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 1: Size and Viewing Distance

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 2: Know Your Displays

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 3-A: Wall-Mount or Stand

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 3-B: Samsung TV Stands

As a pioneer in TV design, Samsung Electronics also is a leader in TV stands. Over the years, Samsung has introduced many unique and premium designs to the TV industry.

Back in 2006, Samsung introduced the Bordeaux TV, which came with a round Swivel stand, giving the TV and stand together the shape of a wine glass.

In 2013, Samsung unveiled the Timeless Gallery stand, a unique frame that hung the TV like a painting in a frame.

With the rise of curved TVs, Samsung changed its stand designs again. In 2014, Samsung introduced the Aero stand, which had the same 4200R curvature (that is, curved with a radius of 4.2 meters) as the TV. It perfectly matched with the curved screen from all angles.

Then, in 2015, the V-Beam stand was introduced for SUHD screens, creating the illusion of the TV floating freely in the air.

The S9W brought new meaning to state-of-the-art technology, with a unique look created by Yves Béhar, an internationally acclaimed designer. The large and thin curved screen rests upon a gallery-like cube stand. The cube’s chrome material reflects the surface around it, with a black gradient at the top to make the frame look as though it is floating above, fading into the plinth.

In September 2015, Samsung introduced the Serif TV, teaming up with the famous furniture designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. Serif TV forms a clear capital “I” shape, its slim body broadening to form a flat surface at the top, like a small shelf. The Serif TV can be placed anywhere, either resting on a flat surface or standing directly on the floor using the detachable legs.

Read more:

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 3-A: Wall-Mount or Stand

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 2: Know Your Displays

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 1: Size and Viewing Distance

Today’s TVs are bigger than ever, but they are also incredibly thin and much lighter than CRTs, giving consumers more options on how to display their crystal-clear screens. In Part 3 of the Hot Tips series for buying a TV, we look at wall-mounted TVs versus TV stands, and how consumers can determine the choice that is right for them.

Wall Mounts and Stands, Pros and Cons

Each choice for setting up a TV has good and bad points, and it is up to each person to choose the option that works best for their situation. Stands have the advantage of organization and design. They need to be set down on a flat surface, like a wall unit or a table, making the TV like a piece of furniture, too. Stands are also relatively easier to move, in case you want to place your TV in a different location. Plus, using a stand together with furniture makes it easier to organize all the cables that connect to the TV and related equipment (like a cable TV set-top box or a Blu-ray player), arranging them so they are out of sight and tidy. However, using a stand does mean the TV will take up more space, reversing some of the benefits of that ultra-thin screen.

Wall-mounting a TV, on the other hand, can save a lot of space in a room, making it a good choice for designing an interior that is more open. By being installed on the wall, the TV is still quite visible from the sofa or other favorite location, but it is up and away from the flow of the room. Even curved TVs can be mounted on the wall. In fact, today’s curved TVs made by Samsung Electronics have been designed with their complete appearance in mind, from 360 degrees. The bezel wraps around the TV, appearing straight from the front, but with the sides meeting the rear of the TV seamlessly in a restrained curve. The back of the TV has a clean and simple design made of elegant black metal. No matter where you set it up, a Samsung curved TV should look stylish and sharp from all angles.

But while wall-mounted TVs are popular nowadays, they do have their drawbacks. Not all walls can support a large TV—some are too weak, while other materials, like stone or slate, cannot be easily drilled into. Also, once a TV is mounted on the wall, it is fixed there and can only be swiveled if you want to change viewing direction.

Whatever choice is right for the consumer, it is best to select a professional installation. But the cost of hanging a TV on the wall or setting up a stand can vary a lot by country and by retailer—some do not charge extra for installation, but at other stores it is up to the buyer to arrange and pay for installation.

In addition, you can always change your mind. A TV on a stand can be placed on a wall, or a wall-mounted TV can be taken down and set up on a stand instead—although a consumer should always be careful to get the right make of stand. Just ask at an official retail outlet or support center to be sure you get the proper stand for a particular TV. Of course, here too costs can vary widely, but a consumer should expect to pay roughly $150 to $200 to make the transition.

New Stands for a New TV Age

These days, there are new types of TV stands appearing on the market, giving consumers new choices in design, particularly in the European, CIS and Korean markets. One new type of floor stand growing in popularity is the tripod style. Three slender legs give the TV a real light look, but the stand is surprisingly strong and well-balanced. The tripod stand is good for people who want an open design look to their room, with the TV standing freely on the floor.

One of those tripod stands has another option that is quite unusual—it can also hold a Samsung soundbar. The soundbar can be attached just below the TV, so the entire system works together as an attractive unit. Not only has this stand been developed to provide the ideal fit and best possible support, it perfectly complements the elegant look of the two home entertainment devices.

However, for these new stands, they are limited to TVs that are 55 inches or smaller. Larger than 55 inches, and the TVs become too big and heavy for the tripod stand to support them.

Whether a consumer chooses to put their TV on a stand or mounted on the wall, today’s TVs offer a better viewing experience than ever. By selecting the TV mounting that is right for them, a consumer can make that experience even better.

Read more:

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 3-B: Samsung TV Stands

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 2: Know Your Displays

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 1: Size and Viewing Distance

The second part of the Hot Tip series for buying a TV is about the display, the face of the television. Several display technologies have emerged over the years, including the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Plasma Display Panel (PDP), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED). Light Emitting Diode (LED) TV is a recent expression that is used often. To sort through the confusion, let’s take a straightforward look at the options and how to make your choice wisely.

A Short History of TV: The Magic of 3 Colors — RGB

TV has advanced together with our knowledge of how light can be generated. Since Scottish inventor John Logie Baird introduced the very first mechanical TV in 1925, marvelous advancements have been made to TV technology. But the foundation of color TV—the primary colors Red, Green and Blue (RGB)—is still the same as it was the first color transmissions were developed back in the 1930s and 1940s.

In fact, the emergence of the latest TV trend—thin, flat and sometimes curvy—started only about 10 years ago. In the history of TV, CRT TV dominated the market for a long period during the 20^th century. It may be surprising that inside every cathode ray tube are electron guns. The TV functions when the electron guns fire three electron beams (one for each color) through a vacuum tube at a glass plate covered with a phosphorescent screen, causing the phosphors to emit light.

Despite being the dominant display technology for so long, CRT TVs have several limitations. Because the electron beams need to be the same length to all parts of the display, the screen curves away from the viewer, creating an uncomfortable surface for viewing. Additionally, a certain distance between the display and electron guns is essential, resulting in difficulty in making CRT TVs thin, and the glass screens were thick and heavy. As a result, CRT TVs have lost popularity as new display technologies arise.

TV has advanced together with our knowledge of how light can be generated. Since Scottish inventor John Logie Baird introduced the very first mechanical TV in 1925, marvelous advancements have been made to TV technology. But the foundation of color TV—the primary colors Red, Green and Blue (RGB)—is still the same as it was the first color transmissions were developed back in the 1930s and 1940s.

In fact, the emergence of the latest TV trend—thin, flat and sometimes curvy—started only about 10 years ago. In the history of TV, CRT TV dominated the market for a long period during the 20th century. It may be surprising that inside every cathode ray tube are electron guns. The TV functions when the electron guns fire three electron beams (one for each color) through a vacuum tube at a glass plate covered with a phosphorescent screen, causing the phosphors to emit light.

Despite being the dominant display technology for so long, CRT TVs have several limitations. Because the electron beams need to be the same length to all parts of the display, the screen curves away from the viewer, creating an uncomfortable surface for viewing. Additionally, a certain distance between the display and electron guns is essential, resulting in difficulty in making CRT TVs thin, and the glass screens were thick and heavy. As a result, CRT TVs have lost popularity as new display technologies arise.

The Rise of the Flat Screen

Beginning around the year 2000, the CRT era began to give way to lighter, flat screens. Before this time, it was difficult to imagine hanging a TV on the wall, but with PDPs and LCDs, wall-mounted TVs dramatically changed the interior of people’s homes.

The first alternative to CRTs to gain popularity was the PDP TV. As the name suggests, PDP uses plasma to generate light, making it thinner. Plasma is one of the four fundamental states of matter, but is not a solid, liquid or gas. It refers to the electrically neutral state when the number of positive and negative charged particles, or ions, is equal. The northern lights in the Arctic and lightning are two natural examples of plasma light. A PDP is made of two glass plates surrounding millions of phosphor-coated, gas-filled cells. When electric stimulation is produced, gas is discharged and light is emitted. Because PDPs use inert gas, there is little risk of explosion from this unique chemical reaction. There are two panes of glass, in front and behind, that protect from leaking gas. This makes PDP TVs slightly heavy, but safe.

PDPs were successful in making flat screen TVs more popular, due to a clear picture quality that was great for watching movies and sold at reasonable prices. Now, the number of PDP models is on the decline. PDPs use high voltage when discharging gas, resulting in high energy consumption and heat generation. A rather dark screen required additional power. Issues of longevity required even more voltage to generate a brighter picture. Limitations such as these made way for the next evolution in TV displays.

LCD displays addressed the disadvantages of PDPs, and have become the latest trend in TV technology. Almost 99 percent of TVs sold globally today are LCD-based TVs. Unlike PDPs and OLED TVs, which produce light on their own, LCD TVs use a backlight in the rear panel that passes through a color filter to produce a range of colors. The liquid crystal layer is located between the backlight and the color filter, blocking any color that must not go out.

Because LCD TVs use a separate backlight, the screens are brighter without sacrificing the lifespan of the TV. The human eye is more sensitive to brighter screens than darker screens, which is a major reason LCDs have become the most popular type of display today.

As for LED TVs, the explanation is fairly simple. They are simply LCD TVs that use small, long-lasting LEDs for backlight. It’s hard to believe that a fluorescent lamp is inside each display. Previously, LCD TVs used parts in the shape of fluorescent lamps for backlighting, such as cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). But these days, most LCDs use LED backlights, so the terms are almost interchangeable.

The structure of LCD TV.

OLED is a technology that emerged more recently in the TV market. It uses millions of RGB organic LED pixels to generate light without the need of a backlight, producing more precise and deep blacks and colors. OLEDs can also be made flexible and just a few millimeters thick.

Why then do OLED TVs make up just a little over 0.1 percent of the market eight years after launching?

RGB OLED is very useful technology for mobile devices and today is most commonly used in smartphones.But OLED TVs currently in the market use white OLED (WOLED), a deviation from the RGB OLED. OLED displays produce colors on their own without the need of a color filter, but a color filter still exists in WOLED TVs. Unlike LCD TVs that use LED as backlighting, OLED displays produce their own backlighting. At this stage, verification concerning lifespan and durability of RGB OLED screens for big TVs has not been completed.

OLED is valuable technology for developing transparent displays due to its ability to generate its own light without a backlight and to be extremely thin. Samsung showcased its first transparent OLED display at IFA 2015 and now is preparing to commercialize it.

LEDs to Lead the Future of TV

When consumers choose a TV, they consider elements such as picture quality, price, design and life span. Different display technologies have their own strengths, but the TV technology that is currently satisfying consumers the most is LED display technology. Market research groups agree, predicting that LED TVs will lead the market for some time. This is due to the manufacturers who are maximizing the strengths of LED TVs by overcoming the limitations of TV.

The price of early LED TVs was expensive, reaching thousands of dollars, but has since fallen significantly, and today screens larger than 50 inches can be purchased for less than $1,000. Today’s screens can be even thinner than 1 centimeter and are ever more flexible. In the TV market, Samsung Electronics has been the No. 1 leader for 10 years, and is continuing to lead the way in the curved LED TV market.

In terms of picture quality, the essence of TV, the progress of LED TVs has been spectacular. Along with the development of software like the picture quality engine, LED TVs use technology like wide color gamut (WCG), resulting in the production of the widest color range among existing displays, and offering a picture quality that is remarkably realistic.

Several other technologies have been hailed as the “future of TV”—3D, holograms, foldable TVs and more. But Samsung believes that the near future lies in combining LED TVs with Internet of Things (IoT), providing the highest picture quality and a comfortable viewing experience.

The future of TVs is coming soon.

Read more:

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 3-B: Samsung TV Stands

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 3-A: Wall-Mount or Stand

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 1: Size and Viewing Distance

So what is the current state of TV? The advances have come so fast and furious in recent years, it is easy to fall behind and miss out on many interesting developments. This is why we have put together this series; to explore the newest in TV technology, features and content, going in-depth to examine all the newest innovations.

To kick things off, let’s take a look at an important part of TV—choosing the right size for your home. While there are many features and functions you should keep in mind when choosing your TV, the viewing distance and the TV’s resolution quality will suggest the best screen size.

The March Continues Toward Larger Screens

We all know that larger TVs are growing more popular, and the market is on the verge of reaching a milestone in the size trend—with the household average surpassing 40 inches for the first time. According to market research firm IHS, the average size of TVs purchased worldwide was 39.4 inches in 2015. Next year, that number should reach 40.8 inches.

In major markets like the U.S. and China, that change is even more pronounced. In the U.S., the average TV size purchased this year was 42.6 inches, and should climb to 44.5 inches in 2016. In China, the average size of TVs purchased was 43.0 inches in 2015, and will be 43.9 next year.

For UHD, this trend is bigger still. In both Korea and Australia, the most popular size for Samsung UHD TV purchases this year is 55 inches.

In addition, one more change is helping TVs grow even larger—smaller bezels. In the past, large screen TVs might have had a frame around the outside that was several inches thick, taking up design space and leaving less TV screen to enjoy. But today’s bezels are very thin, so they seem to melt away. The result is you can now fit a 55 inch TV into the same space that a 46 inch TV once took.

Selecting the Right Size for Your Home

Everyone loves the impressive look and immersive feel of a big screen TV. But going too big for a room can be overwhelming. So what’s the right screen size?

A common industry recommendation for the best-sized Full HD TV for a room is to take the distance from the TV to the sofa in meters and multiply by 25 to get the screen size in inches. For example, a TV that sits two meters from the sofa should be 50 inches. If the TV is three meters from the sofa, then it should be 75 inches.

For UHD, because of its superior image quality and detail, multiply the distance by 39. A TV that is just two meters from the sofa can be as large as 78 inches. And a TV that is three meters from the sofa can be 117 inches.

UHD Lets Your TV Get Bigger

UHD refers to Ultra High Definition (also known as 4K), the new breed of TV that packs a pixel count four times denser than conventional Full HD TVs. Whereas Full HD screens have 1,920 pixels by 1,080 pixels, UHD jumps to 3,840 pixels by 2,160 pixels, for stunningly clear images. Therefore, you can enjoy UHD TVs that are larger than Full HD TVs, from the same distance, without ever noticing the individual pixels or worrying about eye strain.

What’s the best distance to sit from your TV? The international standards organization ITU-R suggests that for a 50 inch Full HD TV, the screen is best viewed from between two meters and just under three meters. Closer than two meters, however, you either need to choose a smaller TV or upgrade to UHD, otherwise you could begin to feel some discomfort. A 50 inch UHD screen can be used comfortably from as close as a meter away. For a big 85 inch UHD TV, the sweet spot is between 1.6 meters and about 3.3 meters.

A Wide Range of TV Options

With 28 curved SUHD TVs, ranging in size from 48 inches all the way up to 105 inches, plus dozens of options in Full HD, Samsung Electronics has a TV that fits with many different lifestyles.

In future stories in this series, we will explore more details about TVs, including types of TV displays (LCD, PDP, OLED), curved versus flat TVs, levels of definition, stands or wall mounts, how long you can expect your TV to last, how to buy a second TV for your home, smart TVs and more.

Read more:

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 2: Know Your Displays

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 3-A: Wall-Mount or Stand

Hot Tips for Buying a Cool TV, Part 3-B: Samsung TV Stands