Since 2012, Samsung’s global Tech Seminar sessions have served as a platform for sharing detailed information and exclusive product experiences. As part of its ‘Screens Everywhere, Screens for All’ vision, Samsung plans to present innovations that deliver industry-leading viewing experiences and user-friendly features.

▲ Haylie Jung (right), Picture Quality Solution Lab at Samsung Electronics, explains that the 2024 Neo QLED 8K incorporates the new and powerful NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor to support AI-backed features such as 8K AI Upscaling Pro and AI Motion Enhancer Pro

The 2024 Southeast Asia Tech Seminar in Bangkok follows a successful series kickoff in Frankfurt, Germany this February. At this event and upcoming seminars in regions such as Latin America, Samsung will present new TV and monitor technologies, as well as lifestyle products:

• Samsung’s 2024 Neo QLED 8K includes the latest NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor, which enables a vivid and more precise picture through its 512 neural networks—eight times as many as its predecessor. It supports features like 8K AI Upscaling Pro and AI Motion Enhancer Pro for the best Neo QLED 8K visuals to date.
• The 2024 Samsung OLED TV upscales content to 4K resolution thanks to the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, and features OLED Glare Free technology. Certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the technology reduces light reflection on the screen to provide a more immersive viewing experience with fewer distractions.
• Music Frame is a new lifestyle product that functions as a frame-shaped speaker. It can be used as a frame on the wall by inserting images or photos into its replaceable photo frame.
• Samsung Knox, applied to Samsung TV, achieved a ‘Common Criteria’ certification, recognized by 31 countries this February as strengthening TV security measures in terms of software and hardware.

▲ Kevin Cha (right), Picture Quality Solution Lab at Samsung Electronics, explains that AI-backed features such as 8K AI upscaling pro are powered by a new and powerful NQ8 AI Gen3 processor to the 2024 Neo QLED 8K

“We are extremely excited to share Samsung’s key AI TV technologies at the Tech Seminar,” said Yongjae Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are not only showcasing the latest technologies that make our TVs stand out, but also our real efforts to better serve customers and our focus on protecting their information.”

For more information on Samsung’s 2024 TV and monitor lineup, visit www.samsung.com/.

▲ Samsung Electronics has received a CC certification for 10 consecutive years since first applying Samsung Knox, the industry’s best security solution, to its TV products in 2015

▲ Andrew Sohn (left), Picture Quality Solution Lab at Samsung Electronics, shows off Samsung’s AI engine that can instantly optimize picture and sound quality based on the game or genre being played

▲ According to Kevin Cha (right), Picture Quality Solution Lab at Samsung Electronics, the 2024 Samsung OLED features Glare free technology to deliver a comfortable viewing experience

▲ One of Samsung’s industry-leading anechoic chambers in Suwon is used to accurately evaluate the audio performance for various products.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Sunmin Kim and Seongsu Park from the Sound Device Lab within the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics to discuss the importance of audio in delivering a superior viewing experience as well as Samsung’s latest innovations in sound and picture quality.

▲ Samsung’s sound engineers explain why audio is so important for the TV viewing experience and introduce some of the latest features based on artificial intelligence (AI).

Bringing Content to Life Through Sound

“Sound plays a very important role in making the content we consume immersive,” said Sunmin Kim, Head of the Sound Device Lab, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. Be it romantic films, funny TV shows or even live sports broadcasts, Kim believes that a majority of the emotional impact from visual content is delivered through sound. “For example, it’s often the background music and sound effects that make horror films more terrifying. If you were to turn off the sound, many scenes wouldn’t be as scary. In fact, you may even find some scenes to be funny.”

▲ “The Sound Device Lab is committed to developing optimal solutions that deliver sound just as artists intended,” said Kim, Head of the Sound Device Lab, Visual Display Business.

“Film, TV and music directors are all artists. And what’s important to me is that they work to amplify stories through sound effects and music,” said Kim. “The goal here at the Sound Device Lab is to deliver content to viewers as the artists intended.”

This can be a daunting task because production and viewing environments tend to vary significantly. Seongsu Park, who oversees speaker development and audio evaluation in the Sound Device Lab, shared some of the challenges his team faces.

“Audio for movies and TV shows, in general, are mixed to a reference level of approximately 85 decibels (dB), equivalent to volume levels found in a movie theater. However, at home, many viewers watch the content at lower volumes. According to our research, many TV viewers reduce the volume to around 60dB, and some even to 20dB, to avoid disturbing neighbors,” explained Park. This means that dialogues that would have been audible in the mixing studio may be indiscernible in the living room. Engineers must consider additional differences in consumers’ viewing environments such as curtains, furniture and other elements that might absorb or deflect sound waves.

▲ “We’ve moved on from front-facing speakers to speakers all around the TV,” said Park of Samsung’s Visual Display Business.

The Sound Device Lab found solutions in the form of hardware and software innovations. From the hardware side, multiple smaller, specialized speakers were introduced to provide surround sound. The software side tuned these speakers to form a balanced audio experience and remixed the sound signals to ensure key sound factors are delivered to viewers.

From Few, Front-Facing to Many, Everywhere-Facing Speakers

TVs are usually limited to their set form factor when producing sound. Recently, this limitation has become increasingly restrictive for sound engineers as TVs have become slimmer from both the front and side. “In the past, huge front-facing stereo speakers were on each side of the TV screen. Current TV designs deny such placement,” said Park. “We were forced to dig deep.”

▲ TV designs have become thinner and slimmer, forcing sound engineers to get creative.

The Sound Device Lab responded to the challenge by developing multiple smaller speaker units for its TVs and placing them away from plain sight. By arranging these units in different directions and coordinating the audio output, the team was able to simulate surround sound.

This technology is further pushed in models that feature Neural Processing Units (NPUs), such as the Neural Quantum Processor found on select Neo QLED TV models, by unlocking features such as Object Tracking Sound (OTS). OTS identifies picture and audio objects on the screen in real time before matching, tracking and coordinating multiple speakers to create a dynamic three-dimensional soundscape.

▲ The latest Samsung TVs utilize a number of distributed speakers to offer a more 3D-like sound.¹

To support slimmer bezels and flat-to-the-wall TV designs, sound engineers also had to reduce the physical size of the speakers. Speakers operate by physically pushing out air, so in many cases, speaker performance is directly affected by size. As the Sound Device Lab could not physically enlarge the speakers, it instead focused on the range of movement.

“Let’s say the moving range of a speaker driver is 100. Using 50-70% of that range was considered to be sufficient. To respond to slimmer TV designs, however, we raised that range to 80-85%,” explained Park. “As we fit smaller but more efficient speakers in our TVs, we were not only able to accommodate the slimmer design, but we also ended up improving the collective sound performance.”

▲ A wide range of speakers are strategically positioned in recent Samsung TVs, including up-firing and side-firing hidden center speakers as well as woofers that bounce deep bass off the walls.¹

Creating Perfect Balance From Every Angle

While adding speakers resulted in a more immersive and dynamic audio experience, it posed another challenge. Sound engineers had to fine-tune and balance the multiple speakers to achieve a perfect blend of sound. With many speakers operating at differing frequency ranges and all facing different directions, tuning them to work in unison as a single balanced unit became exponentially difficult — but it had to be done.

The effort started with gathering accurate data. In anechoic and semi-anechoic chambers, the Sound Device Lab members measured TV sounds from 323 different points, covering the entire range of TV viewing, for each of the settings until the frequency and volume balance was optimal. After that, they took each model to listening rooms and simulated various real-life living room settings to ensure the speakers were tuned to perfection.

▲ Direct sounds, sans echoes and reverberations, are measured and tuned at a total of 323 points by adjusting TV angles. This is an essential process in tuning each unit to an optimal sound balance.

▲ (Clockwise from the top left) The images represent the following: (1) a graph measuring Sound Pressure Level (SPL) by frequency band at a specific angle, (2) SPL in a specific frequency space, (3) SPL by distance for all frequency bands and SPL by frequency band at an angle from a specific direction and (4) a graph combining measurements from all 323 points. This is the process of finding a “Target Curve” that ensures even sound distribution within the human hearing range, tuning each speaker to deliver excellent sound quality from any angle.

Future-Proofing Sound

As the global TV market leader for 17 consecutive years, Samsung remains committed to innovating the TV experience. So, what’s next?

“I was shocked when a colleague told me that the volume keys are the most frequently pressed buttons on a TV remote. This signals a clear inconvenience. So, it has become a vision of mine to remove the volume buttons completely from the remote control,” shared Park, expressing his desire to enable Samsung TVs to automatically adjust the volume based on surrounding noise.

“Great technology produces and delivers accurate sound,” said Kim. “We will continue to incorporate our long-running expertise with newer technologies such as AI to create as close a reference sound as possible.”

In the next part of this series, Samsung Newsroom will explore the role of AI in elevating audio performance and sound experiences.

¹ Speaker locations may vary by model.

Samsung Electronics today announced that it plans to open Samsung Game Portal, an online store specializing in gaming, on Samsung.com in more than 30 countries around the world, starting with the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Brazil in late June.

The Game Portal is a one-stop online store for gamers designed to significantly increase the convenience of browsing and purchasing products such as smartphones, TVs, gaming monitors and high-performance SSDs. It also provides customers with a variety of gaming-related content in one place, fine-tuned to their preferences and experiences.

In 2021, Accenture, a leading global professional services company, published an illuminating gaming-related study. The study found that half of the gaming population are cross-platform gamers who use more than one device to play, spending an average of 16 hours a week gaming, as well as eight hours a week watching gaming-related video content and six hours a week participating in gaming-related communities.

In response to these customer trends, Samsung has designed the Game Portal to provide an impressive variety of content, such as gaming product information, domestic and international expert reviews, product purchase benefits and offers, product utilization ideas that help users enjoy games more and game-related news.

“Gaming has become an important part of consumers’ lifestyle, not just entertainment, especially for Millennials and Gen Z,” said Evelyn Kim, Executive Vice President of the D2C Center at Samsung Electronics. “We will implement various initiatives to provide customers with a superior gaming experience, from purchase to use, by providing an environment that makes it enjoyable and easy to purchase gaming-related products.”

Notable products to be available on the portal are the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which is optimized for mobile gaming with its high-performance Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy and 5000mAh battery; the Neo QLED TV, which allows users to enjoy cloud gaming without a separate console through the Samsung Gaming Hub; and the Odyssey OLED G9 monitor, which provides an unparalleled immersive gaming experience with its 49-inch curved OLED screen. Another impressive offering is the 990 PRO SSD, which delivers sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,450 and 6,900MB/s for faster loading of PlayStation and DirectStorage PC games.

To celebrate the launch of the Game Portal, Samsung is offering¹ discounts on bundles of gaming devices, as well as a variety of regional purchasing incentives centered on its recently launched Odyssey gaming monitor and Neo QLED 8K products.

The gaming industry is one of the few sectors that continues to grow. Given this trend, Samsung has been engaged in various activities to strengthen its leadership in the industry, including enhancing the competitiveness of its gaming-related products and services. Opening the Samsung Game Portal is a key move in this direction that paves the way for further growth. For more information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/game-portal.

¹ Purchase benefits may vary by country.

▲ WW Kim, President of the Consumer Electronics Division at Samsung Electronics Brazil, welcomes attendees to Unbox & Discover 2023

At the core of Samsung’s partnership with LOUD is the concept of providing screen options that match the preferences of every user — a goal that is also at the heart of the new 2023 TV and display solutions portfolio. There is something for everyone in Samsung’s latest lineup: From the Neo QLED 8K category that features the apex of screen technologies for revolutionary viewing experiences to the Crystal UHD TV that marries ultra-high-resolution screen quality with design elegance.

▲ Samsung Brazil’s collaboration with LOUD will feature two squads of e-Sports athletes as well as influencers representing Samsung in various competitions and events

Bringing Brazilian Fans Closer to the Community They Love

Featuring screen technologies for optimized gaming performance, Samsung’s TV lineup helps game enthusiasts all over the world make the most out of the games they love. As such, it’s a natural choice for Samsung to partner with Brazilian professional e-Sports and entertainment organization LOUD to help gamers access even more of their favorite titles.

The partnership is set to showcase a range of focused campaigns and exciting activations with two squads of local gaming influencers going head-to-head at fan-favorite games made even more compelling with the outstanding performance of Samsung’s latest TVs and monitors.

The Neo QLED Gaming TV squad will consist of pro gaming athletes from LOUD’s VALORANT team while the Odyssey Squad will include local League of Legends influencers.

Unique Functionality for Fluid Display Experiences

Another highlight from Unbox & Discover 2023 was the announcement of the Samsung Neo QLED 4K Gaming TV (QN90C), a new member of the Neo QLED 4K lineup available in 43-, 50-, 55- and 65-inch models. Fitted with an enhanced Neural Quantum Processor 4K that features AI and 20 neural networks exclusive to Samsung and a Super Ultra-Wide screen available in multiple formats, users can enjoy premium gaming experiences even when upscaling content.

With up to 144Hz¹ in the 43- and 50-inch models, the TV’s panel Mini LEDs create the ideal viewing environment to watch and play with maximum fluidity. The Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro² feature also ensures high performance during matches, with low response time and 4K images on any of the four HDMI 2.1 ports.

▲ An illustrative concept image of the all-new Neo QLED 4K Gaming TV QN90C

The Neo QLED 4K Gaming TV’s processor converts any SDR content to HDR using Deep Learning technology, ensuring all scenes feature accurate luminosity and brightness. In addition, FreeSync Premium Pro² and Quantum Dot technologies deliver 100% color volume,³ while Dolby Atmos⁴ technology paired with Sound in Motion Plus² offers truly immersive sound. Alongside these functionalities, the NeoSlim Design² of the TV ensures cinematic, distraction-free gameplay experiences.

“I got to know about gamers and the products that serve both users looking for high-investment hardware and those who want more affordable options. The highlight of the event was LOUD’s sponsorship announcement with Samsung,” said Raphael Batista of Meu PlayStation. Paulo Barba of Barba Sou Eu added, “There was also a lot of emphasis on the gamers’ part, and I was happy to know that the presence of the Gaming Hub is so relevant today.”

The Next Evolution of Samsung Smart TVs and Display Solutions

▲ Unbox & Discover 2023 in Brazil introduced the latest TV and display products from Samsung, including interactive hands-on experience zones.

Apart from the Neo QLED 4K TV, Samsung’s Unbox & Discover 2023 showcased other products from the latest 2023 Smart TV and Soundbar product line, including the Neo QLED 8K, Samsung OLED and QLED TVs and Crystal UHD 4K models.

A major highlight of the lineup, the Samsung Neo QLED 8K⁵ features cutting edge innovation for large screens with outstanding sound performance from Dolby Atmos. The 85-inch model (QN900C) features groundbreaking Mini LED technology, 64 AI-powered neural networks in its Neural Quantum Processor 8K⁶ and SDR to HDR conversion for upscaling.

The Samsung OLED 4K (S90C) features 20 neural networks for optimal image upscaling and an AI-powered Neural Quantum Processor 4K that scans and improves on-screen brightness and depth for lifelike, 3D viewing experiences.

Among the new models announced as part of the UHD lineup, the Crystal UHD 4K (CU8000) is a stand-out Smart TV featuring Dynamic Crystal Color for new levels of color display in ultra-high resolution.

Samsung also showcased the latest smart features of its Lifestyle line, including the all-new 2023 models of The Frame, The Serif and The Sero TVs as well as The Freestyle and The Premiere projectors.

▲ Unbox & Discover 2023 attendees learn about all the latest innovations and products.

A Step Forward Into the Future of the Samsung Smart TV

Unbox & Discover 2023 attendees expressed excitement around the announcements, with many looking forward to experiencing the latest products and innovations set to bring premium viewing, gaming and entertainment to users of every lifestyle in the coming year.

▲ Unbox & Discover 2023 visitors receive first-hand information about the latest products.

“Samsung continues to bring new premium devices, offering more consumers the opportunity to choose between a Neo QLED or an OLED,” said Dante Baptista of Terra. “Samsung is truly consolidating its complete offering within the Smart TV space,” agreed Jacson Boeing of Mundo Conectado. “My experience with the S90C showed it to be a superior OLED product, further establishing Samsung’s leadership across many industry segments.”

Junior Nannetti of Loop Infinito echoed the excitement for the latest announcements. “This moment is an important one for the OLED segment as we are seeing industry leader Samsung enter,” they noted. “Ultimately what this does in the long run is offer consumers the power of choice.”

Stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom for the latest on Samsung’s all-new 2023 Smart TV and Soundbar lineup.

¹ The refresh rate of the display will adjust based on the type of content or game being viewed.
² Feature names may differ across regions.
³ The maximum brightness may vary depending on the model and size of the TV. Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE) has officially recognized Samsung’s QLED TV as the first TV in the world capable of producing 100% of the available color volume. Samsung’s QLED TVs are based on Quantum Dot technology.
⁴ To experience this, users must connect their Soundbar to their TV via HDMI cable, purchased separately. Wireless Dolby Atmos via Wi-Fi works with select Samsung 2022 TVs.
⁵ The Neo QLED 8K portfolio includes the QN900C model, available in a 85-inch version, the QN800C model, available in 65-, 75- and 85-inch versions and the QN700B model, available in a 55-inch version. Playback of 8K materials can vary by 8K streaming, connectivity and other decoding standards.
⁶ Viewing experience may vary by content type and format. Upscaling may not apply to Computer and Game Mode.

▲ (from left) Sarah Larsen Tobin, Vice President of Home Entertainment Marketing for Samsung Electronics America, talked about “More Wow Than Ever + Connected Living” with Martha Stewart, well-known American businesswoman and the Queen of Domestic Arts; Carl Nassib, American professional football player; and Rosario Dawson, who played Lara in Men in Black II, at Samsung 837, Samsung’s newly reopened experience store in New York on April 4.

Unbox & Discover 2023: A Closer Look at the Global Launch Event

Samsung’s subsidiaries worldwide have begun Unbox & Discover (U&D) 2023 in April to unveil new models in local markets and take preorders for new products. After a three-year hiatus from hosting the event in-person due to the pandemic, Samsung held its first offline U&D event to showcase its latest innovations.

Major subsidiaries around the globe, including the U.S., Australia and Singapore hosted the event at special venues, bringing key retailers, media and influencers together to demonstrate the innovative experiences of Samsung 2023 TV models, centered on its Neo QLED 8K.

This year’s U&D event theme was “Global One Launch”. All of the participating subsidiaries hosted events simultaneously around the globe, with both in-person and virtual components. Samsung Newsroom is taking a closer look at Unbox & Discover 2023, which provided rich customer experiences at landmarks around the world.

▲ Samsung Electronics America’s U&D held at Samsung 837 was filled with media and influencers. The subsidiary broadcasted the event on its official website for those who weren’t able to attend.

Expanding Partnerships With Creators in America

Samsung Electronics America introduced the Samsung Neo QLED 8K and 4K, highlighting upgraded features and larger screen sizes. The company added an ultra-large 98-inch model to the product lineup and unveiled more sophisticated, groundbreaking technologies like Auto HDR Remastering and 8K AI upscaling. Amongst other media, TechRadar highly praised the QN900C, the top Neo QLED 8K model, for its industry-leading picture quality, saying “There were many moments while viewing when I silently uttered “wow,” and that’s certainly not something I find myself doing with every TV I test.”

Samsung Electronics America plans to actively partner with various creators for a series of digital content to show how Samsung home entertainment products enhance connectivity and personalize experiences that improve our daily lives.

Samsung Electronics America has also launched a limited time offer to celebrate U&D. Customers who buy the QN800C or QN900C from the official Samsung website or at select retail stores by April 16 will be given a free 32-inch Frame.

Modeling the Samsung Lifestyle in Australia

On the other side of the globe, Samsung Electronics Australia hosted the offline U&D event and targeted key retailers, VIPs, media and influencers at WatersEdge in The Rocks, Sydney. To illustrate its “Screens for every Experience” theme, Samsung Electronics Australia demonstrated its lineup throughout different rooms in a model home. Various scenarios were played out to show visitors how Samsung TVs can integrate seamlessly into users’ lifestyles.

▲ Jeremy Senior, Vice President from Consumer Electronics of Samsung Electronics Australia explained Neo QLED 8K technology to visitors

▲ Influencers attended the event to see the new lineup and share content in real time across social platforms. They enjoyed hands-on time with the 2023 Samsung TV lineup and experienced various Calm Tech scenarios via SmartThings.

▲ Samsung Electronics Australia shared interactive content to its social media channels that reflected the demonstrations at the event.

▲ Aaron Mcnamara, Head of Product, AV from Samsung Electronics Australia explained the picture quality and features of Samsung OLED to highly engaged attendees

▲ Briellyn Turton, a renowned interior designer and stylist in Australia, hosted the U&D event, introducing various user scenarios to visitors

Creating Buzz at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore

▲ Samsung Electronics Singapore organized U&D 2023 for retailers, media and customers at Marina Bay Sands from April 4 to 6. Visitors took part in a docent tour of the event set up, which included eight zones. Following the tour, visitors took to social media to share their experiences with new products.

▲ As part of its virtual event, Samsung Electronics Singapore posted a snapshot of the event in real time on its official Instagram account. In the story, Dennis Jang, President of Samsung Electronics Singapore, introduced Neo QLED 8K to attendees (right).

▲ Visitors were welcomed with a docent tour focused on the picture quality and features of Samsung Neo QLED 8K. Twenty-eight media professionals who joined the event said that demo zones helped them better understand TV features. In particular, visitors enjoyed the Home Cinema booth and Sustainability booth, which showcased scenarios of ultra-large TV screens at home along with Samsung’s sustainability efforts.

▲ At Singapore U&D 2023, the CEO of National Gallery Singapore and a Dolby Atmos representative gave a speech on the partnership with Samsung Art Store and their efforts to improve users’ audiovisual experiences.

Intimate Experiences With Screens Across Europe

European subsidiaries, including Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands, Hungary and Serbia, also hosted the U&D event on and offline, catching the attention of local media. The subsidiaries hosted a countdown timer for U&D on their websites starting on April 5 to drive excitement and conversation leading up to the event.

▲ On April 5, Samsung Electronics Hungary brought ten media professionals who focus on tech, lifestyle and interior design to a local restaurant to provide them with first-hand experiences of the 2023 Samsung TV lineup.

▲ Samsung Electronics Hungary provided media with an intimate experience to wow the crowd and give new products’ design the proper space to standout.

▲ Media and product reviewers also experienced Samsung’s soundbar, the Q Series, which was released last year as the company’s top premium model. Samsung is also marking its ninth year in a row topping the global soundbar market by sales.

▲ On April 5, Samsung Electronics Serbia invited local media professionals to showcase 2023 TV lineup and Lifestyle TV lineup.

Telegraf, a renowned local media outlet said, “This is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with a large number of new devices at once, to see the entire Bespoke ecosystem. New TV devices also look impressive. ‘Home cinema’ is something that is more and more interesting to both us and the readers.”

Unbox & Discover, Samsung’s global launch event, provided insights into this year’s product portfolio to a global audience, with customized experiences for each local market. The event provided a platform for attendees to hear from product experts and see the innovative product lineup for themselves ahead of their global roll out.

As the size of the average screens at home has evolved, so has the technology within them. This provides users with greater detail, color and motion so content looks even more brilliant in this larger format.

Ushering in the Era of Premium Viewing With Neo QLED 4K

At the forefront of premium screens lie Samsung Neo QLEDs — with state-of-the-art Mini LED and Quantum dot technology that offers superb contrast and vivid, accurate color reproduction. The exceptional picture quality of the Neo QLEDs is even more evident when taken to a larger screen.

The QN100B 98” — Samsung’s Neo QLED 4K — offers consumers the pinnacle of ultra-fine light control thanks to Quantum Matrix Technology powered by a massive grid of Quantum Mini LEDs. This allows viewers to see every single detail on the screen, even in the darkest of scenes, with deeper color and contrast. Subtle nuances in light and color are analyzed and shifted scene by scene so that each and every frame is of the highest quality.

Beyond its unrivaled performance as a television for consumers’ favorite movies, shows and games, this screen has been praised by many industry experts and users as well. IMAX recently commended the massive 98” Neo QLED 4K for its performance in their critical reference environment producing a highly accurate precise image.

“After calibrating and reviewing this new model TV, I can tell you that we were excited to see how closely the image quality matches our reference mastering monitor that we use in post-production finishing work,” said Bruce Markoe, the SVP and Head of Post Production at IMAX Corporation. “We see value in using very large, high-quality displays in mastering content for IMAX Enhanced masters. Having a large sized screen with proper image quality creates the best way to apply and utilize our DMR technology during the mastering process.”

▲ Bruce Markoe, the SVP and Head of Post Production at IMAX Corporation

A reference monitor is a specialized display device used for color grading during post-production. Reference monitors must produce a highly accurate image so teams can create the most precise, high-quality output possible.

In order to provide an outstanding cinematic experience, IMAX films are produced with cameras up to 16K resolution, which means the mastering monitor used must be extremely accurate in order to accurately display the creators’ intent.

Elevate the Premium Viewing Experience With Neo QLED 8K

Stepping above and beyond the already high-performing Neo QLED 4K, consumers find Samsung Neo QLED 8K. These screens offer the dazzling picture quality users have come to expect from Samsung in even more brilliant 8K resolution. Powered by Neural Quantum Processor 8K, the state-of-the-art upscaling neural networks ensure that all content is displayed with utmost precision and immaculate picture quality.

As streaming platforms begin to offer content optimized for a larger 1.9:1 screen ratio, perfect for an immersive cinematic experience, having an 8K TV with premium picture quality is a sure-fire way to future-proof a home entertainment set up.

Premium TV Sales Are on the Rise With Neo QLED 4K and 8K

In fact, more content, better features and more things to do on your TV mean the trend of purchasing larger and larger TV screens is not simply expected to continue to even to grow. According to Omdia, the over-80-inch TV market is expected to grow from 2.8 million units in 2022 to 3.5 million units in 2023 — over 24%.

Samsung’s premium TV lineup has also helped solidify its leadership in the TV industry for an impressive 17 years. In 2022, Samsung sold a staggering 9.65 million units of QLED and Neo QLED TVs, bringing the cumulative sales to 35 million units since its QLED product launch in 2017.

Samsung also dominated the ultra-large TV segment in 2022, reporting 36.1% and 42.9% in terms of market share for TVs over 75-inches and 80-inches respectively.

“Neo QLED offers one of the most premium viewing experience for large screens over 75-inches, and we believe they are the future of home entertainment,” said Seokwoo Yong, Executive Vice President and Deputy Head of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “As more content and features become available to consumers, Neo QLED 4K and 8K TVs will help consumers get the most out of these new contents while providing breathtaking visuals packed with lifelike details.”

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

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

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

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

Pioneering the Future of TV Through Endless Innovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

▲ (From left) Seokwoo Yong, EVP and Deputy Head of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics and Sven Ohrke(Öhrke), Management of Marketing and Sales at VDE Institute.

This certification recognizes that Samsung TV’s Eye Comfort mode provides an optimal viewing experience for consumers spending more time indoors by automatically balancing light exposure and color temperature to mimic natural outdoor light.

The circadian rhythm has a cycle of inhibiting melatonin secretion for dynamic activities during the day while activating its release for a comfortable sleep at night. Melatonin is a hormone known to help you sleep well.

VDE’s certification validates the benefits of Eye Comfort mode on users’ circadian rhythm by measuring circadian stimulus at different illuminance levels and assessing the impact on melatonin suppression. The certification process complies with the Circadian Stimulus method based on the research results of the Lighting Research Center in the U.S.

This is one of many verifications Samsung TVs have received representing ongoing efforts to put users and their experience front and center of product design. Previously, Samsung TVs have received ‘Eye Care’ certification from VDE and ‘Glare-Free’ validation from UL, along with ‘Pantone Validated’ and ‘SkinTone Validated’ certifications from Pantone, both signifying that certified Samsung screens satisfy the organization’s color accuracy standards.

¹ For models Q70C and above

² The Frame, The Serif and The Sero

The end of a year is the perfect time to gather friends and family and celebrate the year that has passed as well as the one that is to come. When it comes to planning the perfect year-end party, curating the perfect playlist is a must — but so is ensuring that your audio devices are able to set the tone all night long for that perfect celebratory mood.

In order to help you make your celebration unforgettable, Samsung Newsroom has put together some ideas of ways you can ensure your party is the best in town with Samsung’s sound technologies.

Ultra Slim Soundbar: Rock Out in Style

For those who prioritize style as well as great audio quality, Samsung’s Ultra Slim Soundbar (S801B) is the perfect choice for your year-end celebrations. As its name suggests, the Ultra Slim Soundbar features an incredibly slim design of just 38mm in height and 40mm in thickness — a size equivalent to that of a soda can — meaning that its wall-mounted design is sure to stand out. You can also install it freely around your space thanks to its wireless connectivity to ensure your sound system blends seamlessly into your surroundings.

If you’re looking to further personalize your space, you can give your Soundbar a boost with the Ultra Slim Soundbar Skin (SCFBS8[BW/TK]) released earlier this year, which comes in warm brown and teak colors. Paired with your The Frame and its elegant, modern design, you are set to enjoy not only top-level audio experiences but also a cozy, festive feel.

Despite its slim appearance, the Ultra Slim Soundbar is capable of powerful sound. Designed with 3.1.2-channel technology that features seven front speakers and one subwoofer centered on the top two speakers, the Ultra Slim Soundbar provides complete and truly surround-sound experiences. Dolby Atmos support also further contributes to providing you with captivating entertainment experiences.

S-Series Soundbar: Envelop Your Space With Truly Immersive Sound

For those who love to set the scene with truly immersive sound experiences during a celebration or party, the S-Series Soundbar is the soundbar for you.

The S-Series Soundbar delivers rich, room-filling surround sound able to reach every person in the room. This compact, 67cm, all-in-one 5.0-channel soundbar has an impressive four built-in woofers and three tweeter speakers, providing you with a fully immersive, 3D sound experience — all without the need for a subwoofer.

In addition, Adaptive Sound technology is able to analyze the source of any sound in order to automatically deliver optimized audio based on its specific genre. Experience the best, most immersive audio for each and every type of content you’re enjoying, whether it’s a sports game, a classical performance or an action movie.

Your S-Series Soundbar can be easily connected to your Samsung Smart TV and is the first soundbar in the industry to support Dolby Atmos connection for room-filling, optimized 3D sound.

Q-Series Soundbar: Bring the Cinema Experience Into Your Home

If you’re looking to celebrate the year-end season with your favorite movies or TV shows, you can transform your home into a cinema with the room-filling sound of Samsung’s premium soundbar, the Q-Series Soundbar (Q990B).

With an astounding 17 front surround sound speakers, one subwoofer and four up-firing speakers, the Q-Series Soundbar fills the room with truly cinematic surround sound. Synced with your Samsung Neo QLEDs, these 22-channel speakers can deliver truly immersive surround sound experiences like no other.

Samsung’s proprietary Q-Symphony technology allows for compatible TVs and soundbars to play audio at the same time, in sync, taking your listening experiences to the next level through powerful sound quality. Meanwhile, Spacefit Sound technology optimizes your audio based on the structure and layout of your room, providing you with sound that is perfectly crafted for your space and rivals a VIP seat in a movie theater.

In addition, the Q-Series Soundbar has been recognized by renowned global media outlets for its immersive sound experiences, as well as its sleek design.

Sound Tower: Take the Party Spirit to the Next Level

If you’re planning to celebrate the year-end with a bang and throw a party, the Sound Tower (MX-ST90B) is a must-have. This oval Sound Tower fills up virtually any space with 3D audio. The 24.5cm speaker with a built-in woofer provides the perfect punching bass experience, with up to 1700W bass boosting for a beat that sets the party mood perfectly.

In addition to its powerful audio capabilities, the Sound Tower’s various light modes provide an audio-visual harmony that truly matches the mood of the night. Its Bluetooth multi-connection, which allows for two smart devices to be connected simultaneously, and its Group Play functionality, which connects up to 10 Sound Towers, really help you get the party started both indoors as well as outdoors.

Be sure to finish your year strong with Samsung’s range of soundbar and Sound Tower devices. Once you’ve chosen your perfect soundbar based on your own preferences and purposes, enjoy enriching sound during your year-end festivities and beyond.

To discuss these changing industry trends and the future of consumer preferences, Samsung Newsroom sat down with Kang-il Chung, Vice President and Head of Future Planning Group at Samsung’s Visual Display Business. Read on to learn more about how Samsung’s continuous TV innovations keep up with rapidly changing consumer lifestyles.

▲ (From left to right) Engineers Younghoon Jeong, Younghun Jo at Hardware Platform Lab, Sangmin Lee, David Jung at Picture Quality Solution Lab of Samsung’s Visual Display Business

Quantum Matrix Technology Pro Delivers Ultra-Fine Contrast With Details in Darkest Blacks and Lightest Whites

Samsung has continued to pave the way forward in innovation for picture quality by applying cutting-edge technologies to its latest TVs. The newly released Neo QLED 8K is an upgraded version of its previous QLED TV and comes with a wide range of innovative features. At the center of this advancement is Quantum Matrix Technology Pro, which takes advantage of the enhanced 14-bit gradation for greater control of the miniaturized light source — the Quantum Mini LEDs. This allows the TV to control its lighting across an astounding 16,384 steps, which is four times greater than conventional 12-bit displays at 4,096 steps, providing true-to-life colors previously unseen.

Shape Adaptive Light and Real Depth Enhancer Add Depth for Vivid, Lifelike Images

Newly introduced technologies, namely Shape Adaptive Light and Real Depth Enhancer, have taken the picture quality offered by Samsung TVs to new heights. These new features optimize contrast and produce clean and punchy images, adding a more realistic sense of depth to your screen.

Real Depth Enhancer improves picture quality by separating an object from a background. “Every image has an object and background with different requirements to bring out the optimal picture quality,” said Jo. “Real Depth Enhancer separates the object from the background to enhance the contrast of the object, making it look clear. In doing so, we can clearly distinguish the object from the background, creating a greater sense of depth and making the images pop.”

Shape Adaptive Light analyzes a scene and estimates the difference in the light layer by each section of a scene to control the light source. Shape Adaptive Light creates the effect of synergy with the latest Quantum Mini LED to precisely control and optimize the light source for an accurate contrast. “Simply put, it makes bright areas stay bright and the dark spaces around it stay dark. Additionally, the technology enables optimal contrast levels and allows details in the inkiest blacks, producing life-like picture quality,” said Jo.

Upgraded Neural Quantum Processor Allows Customized AI Upscaling for Any Given Scene

Technological prowess has allowed us to enjoy 8K picture quality from the comfort of one’s home. Although not all shows and movies are made in 8K, users are able to take full advantage of the latest TV tech Samsung has to offer. In fact, the real value of 8K TVs comes from Samsung’s AI upscaling technology, which offers next-level picture quality by analyzing the image in real-time and upgrading it to higher picture quality or even 8K, regardless of the original image quality. Neo QLED 8K raised the number of neural networks from 16 to 20 to strengthen the capability for image analysis and upscaling. Multi-intelligent AI networks from the Neural Quantum Processor improve not only images, but also cloud games in 8K resolution for seamless and natural gameplay.

“As the number of networks has gone up, we were able to upscale a wider range of content to deliver a better viewing experience for users,” said Jeong. “Samsung added neural networks to make the image of cloud games vivid and reduce noise. The neural networks immediately analyze a picture, optimize a network and upscale it to 8K so that users can enjoy a cleaner game image.”

Jeong shared Samsung’s ambition to provide a better viewing experience: “Samsung’s multi-intelligence AI network is set up to continuously expand, delivering optimal picture quality technology according to a viewing environment and the latest content trends.”

Samsung’s 2022 QLED TVs, the World’s First HDR Displays With ‘Pantone Validated’ Approval

Color is an important factor in evaluating a TV’s picture quality. Samsung has achieved 100% color volume since 2017 and displayed accurate and vivid colors. Samsung’s all-new 2022 QLED models, including Neo QLED 8K, became the world’s first HDR displays with ‘Pantone Validated’ certification. Pantone specializes in color and provides a global color standard, PMS (Pantone Matching System). The certification means that Samsung’s ability to accurately express colors is officially recognized. Neo QLED 8K was acknowledged for its accurate expression of 2,161 Pantone colors and 110 skin tone shades.

“Pantone Validated certification suggests that the color expression of Neo QLED 8K is almost on par with the colors we are able to detect with our eyes,” said Lee. “Technological advancements of Neo Quantum Processor, along with Quantum Dot material help our TVs accurately express more than 2,000 colors recognized by Pantone and also 110 skin tones, the most complicated and delicate colors.”

Smart Calibration — Automatically Calibrate and Optimize Picture Quality in an Easy and Convenient way

Samsung has been providing industry-leading picture quality through technical innovation. A classic example is Smart Calibration, which is embedded in the latest TV models in 2022.

Smart Calibration enables anyone with a Samsung Neo QLED to calibrate their screen by simply using their smartphone.² This allows users to calibrate their TVs for superb image quality through a simple step-by-step process with the Smart Calibration feature within the Smart Things app. All users have to do is open the Smart Calibration feature within the SmartThings app and point their smartphone camera towards the TV, the SmartThings app will then simplify the process to optimize picture quality. Users can choose between ‘Basic Mode’ and ‘Professional Mode’ according to how accurately they want to adjust picture quality. Basic Mode offers a quick calibration within 15 seconds, while Professional Mode optimizes more details of the picture and takes only 5-8 minutes to complete.

“Picture calibration normally requires expensive equipments, such as a measuring instrument and pattern generator. Smart Calibration enables users to adjust picture quality easily and conveniently with just their smartphone. Samsung developed this solution to help everyone easily calibrate their screens and enjoy accurate images,” said Jung. “Professionals who work with colors like photographers tend to calibrate their devices quite frequently — once every three months or six months. While this isn’t required for ordinary uses, it will be great for users to calibrate their screens using Smart Calibration when they first purchase the TV or when moving the TV to a different location.”

Samsung Neo QLED 8K, the First TV To Receive ‘Eye Care’ Certificate by Top Global Certification Institutes

There is now more amazing content available via OTT services than ever before, and as a result, more and more people are spending their leisure time watching this content on TVs. Therefore, comfortable viewing experience is becoming an important factor influencing TV purchasing decisions.

The 2021 and 2022 Samsung QLED TVs, including Neo QLED 8K, won the ‘Eye Care’ certification from Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE) in Germany, a test & certification association. This makes them among the first TVs to be awarded a certificate specific to eye care. VDE’s ‘Eye Care’ certification includes ‘Safety for Eyes’, ‘Gentle to the eyes’, flicker level,³ uniformity⁴ and color fidelity⁵ assessments. ‘Safety for Eyes’ certification is assigned to products with the emission levels of blue light, ultraviolet rays and infrared rays that fall into the ‘Exempt Group’ according to the classification of emission limits set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

‘Gentle to the eyes’ certification proves that the amount of melatonin suppression from a device meets the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) standard.

“As TVs become more of an entertainment hub in the home, there’s an increased demand for screens with top-tier picture quality that minimize eye strain. A comfortable viewing experience is quickly becoming a key factor in purchasing decisions, in addition to picture quality and performance. Neo QLED 8K, with its ‘Eye Care’ certification, meets these criteria, offering more comfortable watching experience to users,” said Jung.

Additionally, the Eye Comfort mode on Neo QLED 8K adjusts the screen’s brightness. It limits blue light to provide a more pleasant viewing experience, all done automatically by the TV’s Neural Quantum Processor. “AI technology automatically adjusts a screen’s brightness and color temperature according to a viewing environment so that users can comfortably enjoy their favorite content on their TV,” said Lee. “After sunset, you will see significantly warmer colors and reduced brightness, while during the daytime, the screen will be brighter and more vivid.”

AI technology To Provide Perfect Viewing Experience With Minimal Effort From the Users’ Side

As displays get larger and the technology for enhancing picture quality improves, so too does the standard for good picture quality. “The ultimate goal of advancing our technology in picture quality is to enable our TVs to automatically adjust their own picture quality to its optimal setting, producing a lifelike image. We will continue to develop cutting-edge technology to offer true-to-life picture quality to our consumers,” said Lee.

“Our users’ overall viewing experience is just as important as accurate color and sharpness,” said Jo. This means it is essential to help users conveniently enjoy the best picture quality. “We consistently strive to create a viewing experience where users can simply enjoy content anywhere, in any environment. Samsung is committed to advancing AI technology to provide perfect picture quality with minimal effort from the users’ side.”

¹ According to data released by market research firm Omdia

² Requires Galaxy S, Note, Z Flip or Z Fold series models released after January 2019, or an iPhone that supports Face ID. Supported models may differ depending on the situation. For more information, please check the product manual at samsung.com/support.

³ According to International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC) standard

⁴ According to International Standard Organization(ISO) standard

⁵ According to Information Display Measurement Standard(IDMS) standard

This year’s Neo QLED 8K lineup includes features that produce the most “real life” images yet, taking its picture quality to another level. Between the updated Neural Quantum Processor 8K, the new AI upscaling feature and the new calibration app, the consumers’ on-screen experience becomes a true reality, allowing them to easily manage their on-screen experience in a much more personal manner.

To fully grasp the technologies and features behind the 2022 Neo QLED 8K, Samsung Newsroom is showcasing them in a dynamic graphic format for easy comprehension.

14-bit Contrast Mapping

The 2022 Neo QLED 8K panels are built to provide extreme details in all types of scenes with the newly added 14-bit contrast mapping, building on top of the existing 12-bit control offered in 2021. The result is a new 8K screen that is capable of showing extraordinary picture quality with more contrast and control over details. The contrast and difference in detail are evident between last year’s model and this year’s Neo QLED 8K. Even with similar specs, such as Mini LEDs and dimming zones, the 2022 Neo QLED 8K allows us to be aware of intricate scenes and details that weren’t recognizable before. As shown above, 14-bit contrast mapping allows us to see the fine details on the surface of the water as well as the granular texture of the rocks under water.

Real Depth Enhancer

When the eye is focused on the object, it directs its attention to the object, focusing on the sharpness, clarity and texture of the object while maintaining the background. The 2022 Samsung Neo QLED 8K’s Neural Quantum Processor 8K acts quite similarly through its new feature, the Real Depth Enhancer, which increases overall contrast and definition of the object — creating a greater sense of depth and making the images pop.

As you can see in this example, the Real Depth Enhancer naturally guides the consumers’ eyes to focus on the object in front of them, creating depth and allowing the rhinoceros to truly stand out from the background.

Smart Calibration

With a new year of image quality improvements, comes a new sense of control for Samsung Neo QLED 8K. Now, viewers can calibrate and optimize their display from the menu bar or through the Smart Calibration app on their smartphone.¹ With Basic Mode, the app offers calibrated images in 30 seconds, while Professional Mode offers thorough image calibration and optimization within 5 to 8 minutes. Both modes require a simple one-step process from the users’ part to optimize the on-screen image. As shown here, the Professional Mode’s enhancement is very apparent, allowing Neo QLED 8K viewers to take advantage of its premium hardware and AI upscaling technology.

¹ Requires Galaxy S, Note, Z Flip or Z Fold series models released after January 2019, or an iPhone that supports Face ID. Supported models may differ depending on the situation. For more information, please check the product manual at samsung.com/support.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tidy Up Messy TV Cables With the One Connect Box

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

Turn Your TV Into a Work of Art With Custom Bezels

The accessory that puts the finishing touch on Samsung’s The Frame, which features a picture frame trim that displays world-class art right on your wall, is a customizable bezel. You can swap between different color options to get exactly the look you want in your home. You can choose from the Modern Flat Bezels that come in White, Teak and Brown for a clean and contemporary look, or you can go with one of the Beveled Bezels that come in White and Brick Red for a more traditional design.² In addition, the Slim Fit Wall Mount minimizes the space between your TV and your wall to seamlessly blend into any room.

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

Entertainment On-the-Go With The Sero Wheels

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

Express Your Personal Style With The Freestyle

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

Reinvent Your Space With The Serif

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

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

¹ Compatible with Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K and The Frame models. Size availability varies by product line ups.

² The number and availability of color swatches may vary by country or region.

Be sure to tune in to Samsung’s Unbox & Discover 2022 event on either Samsung Newsroom or Samsung.com on March 30 at 11 p.m. KST to learn more about the future of the screen experience.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with engineer Uihyun Kim and product planner Joonho Jeong to ask them eight questions about Samsung’s latest 8K TV, which pushes the boundaries of what is possible with a television. Read on to learn what they had to say.

On Samsung Neo QLED, the company is partnering with Jibin Im, a pop artist, to display a wide selection of his artworks. Im has been transforming ordinary spaces into galleries and delivering art to audiences with minimal access to art galleries — calling the concept ‘Art Delivery’.

Samsung’s Newsroom sat down with Jibin Im, who actively interacts with the public who views his art.

▲ Pop artist Jibin Im

‘Art Delivery’ Provides a Close Connection and Positive Influence

Im realizes that lately it has been difficult to visit museums in person, which is why he started to engage in his ‘Art Delivery’ project. By installing his art in ordinary settings like street corners and bus stops, everyone can truly enjoy art anywhere at any given time. The artist’s approach aligns with Samsung’s ‘Screens Everywhere’ vision, which drives the company’s goal to provide content and information to customers anytime and anywhere through screen that fits various lifestyles.

Recently, Im has exhibited an installation inspired by ‘BE@RBRICK’, a bear-shaped toy that has become a symbol of modern expression. “BE@RBRICK’s characteristics of constant transformation into various forms and value depending on added elements are quite similar to how people in the modern society are,” he added.

The Stunning Technology of Quantum Mini LED Reveals Every Hidden Detail and Color in Art

Im, who carefully curates colors to represent a spectrum of emotions in his art, is looking forward to showing his work on Samsung QLEDs. He says, “Neo QLED delicately adjusts screen brightness, bringing life-like pictures at its intended color and texture to the miniscule level of details.” Im mixes his own colors and is extremely sensitive to color tone, and Neo QLED meets his standards in color display.

The Quantum Mini LED technology in Samsung QLEDs reveals not only fine details on screen but also a wide spectrum with thousands of colors. As a testament to its accurate color reproduction, Samsung’s all new 2022 QLED models received the world’s first ‘Pantone Validated’ certification from Pantone for its accurate expression of 2,030 Pantone colors and the newly added 110 skin tone shades.

Since Im uses a great deal of color in his artworks, they look breathtaking on Samsung QLEDs through the power of Mini LED technology. He mentioned how he “[uses] a wide array of colors to evoke different emotions and exude a certain type of energy in [his] works,” ultimately to convey the multitude of feelings that we experience in everyday life. “Samsung Neo QLED is the best device that will perfectly display the color and texture I want to express,” he added.

Im says he is looking forward to kickstarting various projects in Korea and hopefully reaching audiences across the globe. His artworks will be shown on Samsung’s 2022 Neo QLED (QN85).

Samsung Electronics strives to incorporate environmental sustainability into everything it does. The company’s products are thoughtfully designed to minimize their impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle – from the planning and manufacturing stages to their use and recycling.

This includes using power-efficient semiconductor chips, sustainable packaging and energy-saving technology, and offering consumers the ability to upcycle packaging and old devices. Through tangible solutions like these, the company is empowering consumers to take part in an important mission: conserving resources and reducing their environmental footprint.

These efforts are reflected in the company’s TV lineup, including its 75-inch Neo QLED TV (QN90A). Check out the infographic below to examine how Samsung took a ‘full circle’ approach to sustainability with one of its latest displays.

When it comes to generating the best viewing experiences possible on a TV, a balanced array of technologies and features are necessary to determine the picture quality of a display. From resolution to refresh rates, contrast levels to backlight control and color gamut to upscaling capabilities, all these features work together to create and produce high-quality images on-screen.

Samsung Electronics’ 2021 Neo QLED lineup features technological breakthroughs that deliver immersive and true-to-life viewing experiences like never before thanks to its LED modules on the hardware level through to its upscaling processes on a software level. With Samsung’s proprietary Neo Quantum Mini LEDs, Quantum Matrix Technology and Neo Quantum Processor, users can enjoy true-to-life viewing experiences that are better than ever before.

What’s more, Samsung’s Neo QLED lineup also features an incredibly thin and stylish Infinity One Design.¹ With bezels all but erased at less than a millimeter, users can fully immerse themselves into the images on-screen, and given that the Neo QLED hangs on the wall just like a painting, it can blend seamlessly into various interiors.

To better understand how three key technologies of the 2021 Neo QLED lineup work together to enhance the overall picture quality experience, Samsung Newsroom is introducing them in dynamic graphic format for easy comprehension.

Manufactured With Precision – Quantum Mini LEDs

Samsung’s 2021 Neo QLED comes with an all-new form of light source, Quantum Mini LED. A whole new display technology featuring thousands of LEDs that are much smaller than standard LED modules,² Quantum Mini LEDs reveal accurate and sophisticated image detailing while maintaining precise backlight control.

The secret behind the miniature size of Quantum Mini LEDs is Samsung’s proprietary micro layer technology that mounts micro layers inside the LED itself, as opposed to conventional technologies that pack layers on top of the LED, in order to eliminate unnatural noise among the LED elements and ensure deeper blacks can be displayed without blooming.

4,096 Levels of Lighting Control for Greater Bright-to-Dark Contrast – Quantum Matrix Technology

The 2021 Neo QLED lineup also incorporates Samsung’s proprietary Quantum Matrix Technology, which harnesses enhanced 12-bit gradation for greater control of the light source – the Quantum Mini LEDs. This allows the TV to control its lighting across an astounding 4,096 levels, four times greater than conventional 10-bit displays.³ This also creates even more possibilities to deliver the ultimate in contrast ratio management and deeper shades of black.

But that’s not all. With advanced local dimming control, 2021 Neo QLED lineup can efficiently manage power and improve peak brightness, making bright areas brighter and dark areas darker by harnessing unused electric power from dark areas and concentrating it to be used in bright areas. Quantum Matrix Technology takes advantage of the Quantum Mini LEDs’ superb hardware characteristics, all embedded in an LED the size of a grain of sand, and offers viewers sharpness and color volume that is more true-to-life than ever before.

Advanced Upscaling Divided Into 16 Artificial Neural Networks – Neo Quantum Processor

The crisp definition and vivid colors offered by Quantum Mini LEDs and Quantum Matrix Technology are brought to life by Samsung’s powerful Neo Quantum Processor and its AI upscaling capabilities. With 16 multi-modal neural networks running at once, the 2021 Neo QLED lineup delivers smooth and seamless 4K or 8K upscaling that meets the needs of the finest home theaters.

Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor features AI-powered deep learning technologies that mimic the mechanism of human learning and memory, and the 2021 Neo QLED lineup sees a significant upgrade in this technology as the Neo Quantum Processor has grown from featuring one to 16 neural networks. These 16 different neural networks categorize content based on input resolution, quality and more.

Furthermore, since the Neo Quantum Processor includes dedicated upscaling models to precisely upscale content based on various factors including resolution, edges, details and noise levels, its 16 multi-modal neural networks can upscale SD broadcast content, HD videos on streaming services or even FHD content from Blu-ray disks, enhancing the exact aspect of picture quality needed for each content type.

¹ Infinity One Design is offered on QN800A and above. For detailed lineup information, please visit www.samsung.com.

² Compared with LED module height featured in the 2020 Samsung UHD TV, each Quantum Mini LED is 1/40 the size.

³ 10-bit: 2¹⁰ = 1,024 levels of control; 12-bit: 2¹² = 4,096 levels.

Samsung Electronics lberia has announced that Samsung Neo QLED, QLED 8K and 4K, Crystal UHD, The Frame, The Serif, The Sero, The Terrace and The Premiere have all received ATECH certification from the ONCE Foundation accrediting their accessibility for people with disabilities in Spain.

These seals’ award was revealed at an event held at the ONCE Foundation headquarters, also announcing the new ATECH distinction. In attendance were Jesús Hernández, Director of Accessibility and Innovation and the ONCE Foundation; and Alfonso Fernández, Director of Institutional Relations and the Digital Transformation at Samsung Electronics Iberia, who explained the characteristics of this seal proving the accessibility of these devices.

This new ONCE Foundation seal accredits the accessibility of electronic products and services such as Smart TVs, laptop computers, household appliances and videogames consoles for people with disabilities. All of Samsung’s certified products meet the accessibility requirements for technologies with closed functionality, as per European standard EN 301 549.

Alfonso Fernández, Director of Institutional Relations and the Digital Transformation at Samsung Electronics Iberia said, “Obtaining the ATECH seal for various TV models is a significant achievement for the company and encourages us to keep on working to guarantee all of our products may be accessible for everyone.”

Jesús Hernández, Director of Universal Accessibility and Innovation at the ONCE Foundation, underlined the fact that “it is important for manufacturers to take into account the needs of people with disabilities in order to achieve equal opportunities and non-discrimination as well as offer such information clearly and transparently and that is our goal.”

The Samsung TVs were certified by the ONCE Foundation because they have the proper features for people who are completely blind, have limited eyesight or are color blind as well as for those who are completely or partially deaf, have moderate or severe difficulties using their hands, cannot speak or have limited cognitive capacity.

The devices are equipped with different functionalities that foster use by people with disabilities such as a very complete and easy-to-use accessibility menu. They come with the option of activating some features when being turned on for the first time so that the affected person may set everything up without needing any assistance from anyone else. Televisions certified with the ATECH seal include features such as an operation mode requiring no vision, audio descriptions and accessibility subtitles.

Samsung Electronics today announced that its Neo QLED TVs¹ became the first in the industry to receive certification of Spatial Sound Optimization from Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker(VDE).

Different watching environments — for example, a living room, a bedroom, or a terrace — create different sound experiences. The VDE’s Spatial Sound Optimization certification is given to products that offer a consistent sound experience regardless of the surrounding environment.

To reduce such variation in sound, Samsung has added the SpaceFit Sound feature to its Neo QLED TVs, enabling its products to provide a sound experience consistent to a standard listening environment.

Built-in microphones are utilized to recognize the surrounding environment like curtains, carpets, and walls, which can affect the sound. For example, when the TV recognizes that the carpet in the living room is absorbing the mid-range and treble sound, it calibrates its sound to surroundings by boosting the mid and the treble.

When the TV is placed close to the wall, the bass sound can be distorted since there is little space between the wall and the TV. ‘SpaceFit Sound’ can recognize the issue and reinforce the bass to provide a clearer sound.

As more and more customers seek to personalize their space according to their lifestyles, TVs are being watched not only from living rooms and bedrooms, but also in workrooms, and even in kitchens.

The sounds reflected off the surrounding walls, ceilings, and floors are much louder than the sound we directly hear. This means users can feel the sounds from the same product differently depending on the unique size and shape of the place and wall materials.

While users were previously required to configure the audio manually, ‘SpaceFit Sound’ automatically recognizes the users’ environment so no additional setups are required.

“SpaceFit Sound optimizes the sound from content by analyzing user’s surrounding environment,” said Younghun Choi, EVP and Head of R&D Team of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “What we want is for our customers to just enjoy their TV without any hassle.”

¹ Certified models: Q70A, Q80A, Q90A, Q700A, Q800A, Q900A TVs

▲ (From left) Taejin Hong and Woomin Lee of Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display TV Product Planning CX Team

Every day, Samsung Electronics’ engineers and product planners work together to the end of creating products that are as fresh as they are innovative and groundbreaking. Their mission is no simple one: to introduce new ideas and advancements in technology while raising the bar, year after year.

Since the first introduction of the flagship QLED TV in 2017, Samsung’s product planners have been responsible for the introduction of countless innovations, ideas and partnerships with the goal of bringing users the tailored, true-to-life viewing experiences they expect.

As Samsung celebrates its 15^th year as the number one global TV leader, no product better demonstrates cutting-edge product innovation of the company’s teams quite like the 2021 Neo QLED. In order to learn more about the development of the 2021 Neo QLED lineup, Samsung Global Newsroom sat down with two members of Samsung Visual Display’s TV Product Planning CX team, Taejin Hong and Woomin Lee.

Innovation That Understands the User

“Consumers expect new and exciting products every year, but there is a lot of competition out there,” noted Hong. “Many brands have TVs that are of the same size as Samsung’s, and also claim to have many of the same features and resolution, so central to our product development is breaking through the competition by really focusing on providing the most optimized user experiences for our Neo QLED lineup,” he added.

Central, then, to the teams’ QLED strategy direction is the user. “Recently, we have seen a dramatic shift in what consumers are looking and asking for,” highlighted Hong. “Users are moving away from specs and feeds to upgrades that are centered around personalized viewing experiences, design, and true-to-life picture quality.”

In order to realize this, both Hong and Lee stressed that timely feedback from real users as well as the market at large is critical. “It is so important for us to receive timely input and feedback from our customers, retailers, and behavioral experts in order for us to fully understand the most up-to-date TV trends,” noted Lee. “For our 2021 lineup, we focused on developing a new viewing experience that reflects the challenging and unprecedented times of late, one that is centered around hyper-personalized screens.”

Incorporating the New Normal Into TV Development

Not only has the recent global situation completely transformed the way users are interacting with their TVs, but it has also had an effect on the way TV product planning is carried out. “Traditionally, large trade shows such as CES and IFA serve as perfect opportunities for us to gather industry feedback, while in-person sales provide on-site consumer feedback,” explained Hong. “Since both of these opportunities have been off the table since early last year, we had to create a new internal meeting system that is both timely and agile enough to provide us with feedback from various regional offices regarding their local situations. This system incorporates touchpoints with vendors, partners, retailers, and customers, and allows us to easily communicate with all those on-site and helps us respond effectively to the changing landscape.”

Since its launch in 2017, the QLED lineup has taken the premium TV market by the storm. Last year, QLED sales reached 7.79 million units, accounting for 35.5% of total Samsung TV sales. The company’s 2021 Neo QLED lineup, recently launched across various regions throughout March and April, has also provided valuable insight for the planning teams. “In Korea alone, our Neo QLED TV sales have reached 20,000 units in under two months since product launch,” said Lee. “This speaks volumes to the importance of market research and timely consumer feedback.”

This new way of working, of course, comes with as many challenges as it does opportunities. “The number of meetings and calls we have held with regional product managers, retailers, and engineers around the world has more than doubled in the past year,” highlighted Hong. “Further to this, we have been actively carrying out surveys and research into our consumers and their ever-changing TV usage habits.” But this hard work has paid off, as noted by Hong: “The pandemic has been a challenge for all, but it has also provided us with a valuable opportunity to look back at what truly matters for both us and our users.”

Harnessing Teamwork to Adapt to the Latest Trends

There is no denying that mainstream consumer TVs are becoming larger in size and that the standards for picture quality are becoming higher than ever before. However, the recent shifts in TV and behavioral trends have seen Samsung’s product planners lean towards developing hyper-personalized screens able to fit into individual consumer lifestyles.

“The past few years have been a period of introspection for a lot of people and self-improvement has become the force driving many purchases around the world,” said Lee. “According to a Salesforce report, 5 out of 10 consumers responded that they would consider swapping out a product for a different brand if it doesn’t deliver a truly personalized experience.”

But this change in behavioral trends has not resulted in a complete transformation of the team’s strategy planning. “Picture quality and design have been our top priorities since the launch of our first TV, and changing consumer usage patterns, along with the increased need to provide a one-of-a-kind experience, are what ultimately led to the creation of this year’s Neo QLED lineup,” explained Lee.

Samsung’s Neo QLED 43-inch model was also created through this multifaceted way of thinking. “Initially, we had not considered developing any sizes below 55 inches for the QLED lineup given the industry trend that saw consumers embracing larger screen models,” noted Hong. “However, following a study we undertook, we learned that there is also a growing demand for ‘second’ screens and more personalized screens used within office settings as well as family and gaming settings.”

According to the study undertaken by Samsung, the advent of the ‘new normal’ that has seen consumers spending more and more time at home has seemed to accelerate different consumer TV use cases and there has been an uptick in interest in smaller screens. “We have seen an increased demand for smaller and medium-sized screens,” said Lee. “But when it comes to developing these smaller TVs, it is not just a question of simply shrinking the size. Every piece of engineering must be adjusted for a differently-shaped model, and everything from the supply chain to the production line must be customized for each product.” In the end, teamwork brought it all together: “We quickly got together with the engineering team and started developing the smaller flagship models for release this year – teamwork at its finest!”

Developing Neo QLED to Be the Ultimate Entertainment Hub

“Another exciting trend we have noticed since the beginning of 2020 is that a lot of people are playing more games, be it on their mobile, computer or on their TV,” noted Hong. According to a recent report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), there are approximately 214 million gamers in the U.S. alone, with 75% of households having at least one member actively playing games on a regular basis.

“Gaming has become a fun group activity during the pandemic, particularly for those looking to connect with others,” highlighted Hong. “Naturally, we incorporated this trend into our latest products to provide a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. Such dedicated features on the 2021 Neo QLED include Super Ultra-wide Game View and the all-new Game Bar gaming interface – all while maintaining one of the lowest input lags in each TV category.”

Hong, in particular, is a fan of these game-centric additions to the QLED lineup. “Personally, I enjoy the Super Ultra-wide Game View feature, which enables gamers to experience ultra-wide gaming. It is a feature completely new to TVs with its 21:9 and 32:9 aspect ratios, and this expanded field of view is great for finding hidden items or discovering enemies lurking in the corner while gaming.”

Maintaining the Samsung Legacy of Superior Picture Quality and Design

Both Hong and Lee agree that the latest Neo QLED lineup would be nothing without the past 15 years of display innovation. “At the end of the day, the QLED’s new features and product differentiation strategy wouldn’t lead to much without our solid foundation in picture quality and design,” highlighted Hong.

Lee, who has led QLED usage studies in global markets, agreed that this was a universal trend that continues to guide consumer choice. “The Neo QLED lineup is a product that reflects a meticulous study of user behaviors and priorities,” he noted. “We realize that there are many factors to consider when looking to purchase a new TV, but at the end of the day, it is the superb image quality and sleek design offered by Samsung TVs that provide the most satisfaction to our customers.”

The Neo QLED line represents the very latest iteration of this foundational excellence. “In particular, our Neo QLED TVs are equipped with Quantum Matrix Technology and Neo Quantum Processors, which enhance the picture quality through cutting-edge upscaling technology that harness Quantum Mini LEDs that are 1/40 the size of conventional LEDs,” explained Lee. “These technologies are a culmination of the industry’s peak technological advancements all working together to bring unrivaled picture quality to users in any viewing environment.”

The innovative Quantum Mini LEDs featured in the 2021 Neo QLED lineup in fact played a very important role in design upgrades. “It is only fitting that, with such stunning picture quality and immersive audio experiences, we would also look to enhance the TV’s design,” explained Hong. “Due to the size of the Quantum Mini LEDs, we were able to modify the TV’s form factor to possess a slim and minimalistic design. It is a modern accent piece suited for any interior, all thanks to Samsung’s engineering mastery.”

Looking to 2022 – and Beyond

“I think the fact that we have been able to win over consumers for the past 15 years is a testament to Samsung’s dedication and commitment to developing products that are in line with consumers’ needs,” noted Lee. “In particular, ever since the introduction of our QLED lineup in 2017, we have seen a rapid increase in market share in the premium TV segment, which we are very proud of.”

Based on the success of Neo QLED, Samsung’s TV product planning team is in the midst of developing yet another impressive and groundbreaking product lineup for 2022. “There is truly never a dull moment during the development cycle,” noted Lee. “We are already very excited for our 2022 lineup, and we hope that it will see us extend our No. 1 title in the global TV market through 2022 for a 16-year streak.”

From black and white to color, analog to digital, and digital to smart TVs­—Samsung Electronics has been there for all the key historic moments in the development of the television. Over time, Samsung has established itself as a global television leader by applying innovative technologies and staying a step ahead when it comes to identifying global lifestyle trends.

And Samsung’s innovation hasn’t slowed in 2021. Even in the unprecedented era of the global pandemic, the company recorded a revenue-based TV market share of 31.9%¹ in 2020. This was the highest figure the company had ever recorded, and means that Samsung has retained its number one spot in the global TV market for the 15^th consecutive year. In this two-part series, Samsung Newsroom will explore the legacy of Samsung TVs, which have long been pioneers in the sector.

A History of Excellence

Samsung released its initial ‘world’s first’ television in 1998 with the launch of its 55-inch projection TV. The company’s initial securing of this title was partially brought about by its helping to lead the global transition from analog to digital television.

Samsung went on to further change the game by releasing its LCD TV in the early 2000s. Around this time the company successfully popularized wall-mountable LCD TVs, leading to the inception of the golden age of LCD TVs. Samsung also launched a 46-inch (116cm) LCD TV—which was then the largest in the industry—and consequently altered the approach of an industry that had not been focused on large-screen TVs up to then. The 46-inch LCD TV, which cost more than USD 13,000 back then, was widely welcomed and helped spur the success of LCD TVs.

Samsung’s Bordeaux LCD TV, naturally portraying the tones of a fine wine

The Bordeaux LCD TV, released by Samsung in 2006, is another example that shows how innovation-based, outside-the-box thinking has changed the face of the sector forevermore. Developers began to question the long-term feasibility of thick, heavy, vacuum-tube-based televisions and instead started to dream of TVs that were lightweight and aesthetically sophisticated. The Bordeaux TV was the result, with its sales numbers exceeding one million in the first six months of its release. The Bordeaux TV featured a speaker that was relocated from both sides of the TV to the bottom, and highlighted its sophistication with a crimson color and curved edges. In addition to marking the launch of the Bordeaux TV, 2006 was also the first time in the company’s history that Samsung ranked first in the global television market. The company has continued to hold that position for 15 consecutive years, and still holds it today.

The Commitment to Realizing the Best Definition Ever Seen

Aiming to provide the absolute best experience to its television users, Samsung has maintained a keen commitment to improving image resolution. In a time of constantly changing lifestyle patterns and an ever-expanding pool of content, true technological innovation remains a primary driving force when it comes to retaining the TV industry’s top spot.

Samsung’s LED TV, which received attention for its innovative, integrated technologies

At CES 2009, Samsung introduced the beginning of the LED TV era. The company’s LED televisions used light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are semiconductor-based light sources that emit light when current flows through them, to realize very clear image resolution. About 50 engineers worked for around two years to completely redesign all components of the TV, obtaining more than 3,000 patents as they worked to realize the potential of LED TV technology. The resulting televisions would go on to distinguish themselves by creating a whole new domain for the industry.

Samsung’s QLED TV, first introduced at CES 2017

Samsung’s QLED TV, which achieved 100 percent color volume for the first time in the industry, is another product that reached the peak of screen technology. In 2017, Samsung released this next-generation television, which was based on quantum dot (QLED) technology. The TV takes quantum dot technology to new heights with advancements in light efficiency, stability and a wider color spectrum. At this time, Samsung emphasized that it would be creating a new standard for the global TV market in accordance with its slogan, ‘The Next Innovation In TV.’

Samsung revealed its 2021 Neo QLED, a whole new display technology, during its First Look event ahead of CES 2021. Neo QLED is underpinned by Quantum Mini LED technology, which features LEDs that are 1/40^th the height of conventional LEDs and are precisely controlled by Samsung’s own Quantum Matrix Technology and Neo Quantum Processor, a powerful picture processor with enhanced upscaling capabilities. Thus, Samsung, which has remained a step ahead when it comes to introducing future display technology, continues to lead the global TV sector while further strengthening its unique position in the market.

Reflecting Users’ Tastes – The Inception of the ‘Era of Smart’ 

After leading the global TV market for 15 consecutive years, Samsung’s innovations have come to transform users’ lifestyles and daily routines too. As more and more users gained the ability to handpick the content they wanted to watch, Samsung launched the Samsung TV App Store in 2010. In particular, the app provided a variety of high-quality local content for different countries, which helped to expand viewer pools. By developing the app according to the viewing preferences of each region and accentuating content like sports, movies, and cooking, Samsung helped make the viewing experience more enjoyable and further advanced its leadership.

Samsung has also been offering its Samsung TV Plus² service since the service’s launch in 2015. Samsung TV Plus is the company’s free Smart TV video service, which provides instant access to news, sports, entertainment and more. The service has now been expanded to 12 countries, bringing access to over 60 million Samsung Smart TVs.

Samsung, which has always been ahead of the pack when it comes to making our societies smarter, will continue to put the users first by allowing them to select what they want to consume and catering its offerings to their tastes. As it continues to demonstrate the power of content, Samsung is planning to further expand its Smart TV experiences by increasing the number of countries where it can provide its services, as well as reinforcing its cooperation with broadcasting companies and content providers from around the world.

¹ January 2021 data released by market research firm Omdia

² Samsung TV Plus is currently available in select regions including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Korea, Australia, and Brazil. Service availability may vary by region and product.

The event saw Samsung voice its commitment to providing TV technologies that innovate and add value to user’s daily lives, especially given the important role that the TV has taken on in the home given the events of the past year.

Those who missed the livestreamed event can check out the video below or visit this link in order to learn more about the ways in which Samsung is redefining the role of TV in 2021.

“At Samsung, we are proud to constantly innovate to improve consumers’ everyday lives. Over the past year, technologies that were once ‘nice to have’ became a need, as our homes became offices, schools, gyms, and more,” said James Fishler, Senior Vice President, Home Entertainment Division, Samsung Electronics America. “The role of the TV in our lives has grown—and in 2021, Samsung continues to redefine the role of TV around the needs and passions of consumers.”

For decades, TVs were seen simply as a way to watch movies and shows; now, TVs are serving as conference rooms and fitness hubs. By taking advantage of many features for the first time this past year, people are re-examining the role that their TV plays in their lives.

Beyond Samsung’s innovative approach to new features, our leadership in picture performance has made Samsung the number one global TV manufacturer for 15 consecutive years. In 2021, Samsung continues to break new ground to offer consumers extraordinary viewing experiences.

MICRO LED Comes Home

With superb brightness, deep blacks, and breathtaking image quality, MICRO LED technology offers a groundbreaking viewing experience that lasts. Its inorganic LEDs help prevent burn-in and ensure the screen stays vibrant over its lifetime.

In 2018, Samsung introduced MICRO LED in the form of “The Wall”—a configurable system of modules that can reach an astounding 292 inches for an experience like no other. With its inherent flexibility, “The Wall” requires professional installation in the home or office.

In 2021, Samsung brings all the power of MICRO LED technology in the form factor of a traditional TV experience. Now, consumers can take home the cinematic experience in a beautiful edge-to-edge screen design, with no need for professional assembly and installation. MICRO LED is available in 110’’ and 99’’ sizes globally beginning at the end of March; an 88’’ size is launching this fall; and a 76’’ is on the future roadmap.

MICRO LED can become 4 screens in one. With 4Vue (Quad View), consumers can watch up to four sources of content simultaneously. Keep up with multiple sports at once, or stream a walkthrough while playing a video game. MICRO LED brings true-to-life picture quality at an enormous scale—out of the box.

Samsung Neo QLED Fits Any Home and Every Passion

As people turn to TVs as an outlet for their passions, Samsung developed Samsung Neo QLED to enhance the viewing experience, no matter what you are watching. The Samsung Neo QLED viewing experience is defined by our Neo Quantum Processor, and new Quantum Mini LEDs. At just 1/40^th the size of conventional LEDs, Quantum Mini LEDs allow for ultra-fine light control. With deep blacks, bright lights, and upscaling technology smarter than any Samsung TV has ever offered, Samsung Neo QLED delivers an ultra-realistic picture—whether you are watching a football game, or playing one on your gaming console.

Samsung Neo QLED also offers features that level up gaming. Samsung is proud to be the Official TV Partner of Xbox Series X in the United States and Canada. With Xbox and Samsung renewing their multi-year agreement this year, the two companies will continue working together to offer an unbeatable gaming experience. Samsung Neo QLED and QLED offer cutting-edge capabilities that make them a phenomenal companion to next-gen gaming with Xbox Series X. In addition, Samsung Neo QLED and QLED let you see virtually every detail with incredible 4k clarity, a silky-smooth 120 frames per second, and a low 5.8ms response time.

In order to further deliver optimized gaming performance to the 2021 Samsung Neo QLED and QLED line, Samsung has also partnered with AMD to develop the first TV with Freesync Premium Pro support for both PC and console games to deliver a truly exceptional HDR gaming experience. Additionally, Samsung’s new Game Bar helps players quickly monitor critical aspects of play. You can use it to access Samsung’s Super Ultrawide Gameview, which brings ultra-wide aspect ratios—traditionally only available on gaming monitors—to the TV.

For those with a passion for fitness, Samsung Neo QLED brings athletic training and healthy living to the home. Last year, when people weren’t able to go to the gym, many sought ways to stay fit at home. Samsung Health, a comprehensive fitness and mindfulness platform launched in the spring of 2020, met this need. Samsung Health helped us stay fit with partner apps for every style of fitness and health, along with seamless connectivity to mobile devices and wearables.

In 2021, Samsung Health adds the benefit of a Smart Trainer. With an optional camera sold separately, the Smart Trainer utilizes AI to analyze your posture and provide real-time feedback to improve your form as you follow instructional videos.

In 2021, Samsung Neo QLED’s 8K models (QN800A and QN900A) will be available in 65’’, 75’’, and 85’’ sizes, while the 4K models (QN90A and QN85A) will reflect an even wider selection, starting at 50’’.

TV Technology That Reflects Your Style Indoors or Outdoors

Consumers today expect experiences tailored to their needs, personal tastes, and style. The Lifestyle TV category offers screens designed for every consumer and every space—in and outside the home.

The Frame transforms the TV into a work of art that can be personalized to fit your aesthetic and decor. With new partnerships in the Art Store,¹ like NAVA Contemporary and Etsy, The Frame features more original artwork to match individual tastes. It also includes AI-based auto-curation technology that recommends artwork based on your selections. Curate your own personal art collection with a growing library of over 1,400 pieces of art from world-renowned institutions. The Frame also features increased photo storage space from 500 megabytes in 2020 to 6 gigabytes in 2021, so you can store up to 1,200 photos (all) in UHD quality. From beloved classics to stunning photography, the Art Store gives you access to a variety of content to personalize your space.

In 2021, there are new ways to customize the Frame itself—from new mounting options like the Slim Fit Wall Mount to five bezel options and more from third party providers. Additionally, we have made the 2021 Frame slimmer than ever: just 24.9 millimeters thick, about the same depth as an actual picture frame. It’s just as appealing off as when it’s on.

Samsung is also offering a new way to display the 2021 Frame, with My Shelf, a new accessory releasing globally later this year that lets you create a tailored wall with personal touches to complement your screen and décor. My Shelf can be attached to the 55 inch, 65 inch, and 75 inch Frame sizes, and will be available in four different colors: beige, white, brown, and black.

For those who miss the movie theater experience, The Premiere, the industry’s first triple laser projector with 4K resolution, represents the next stage in home cinema—all in a compact package. Traditional beam projectors can be clunky and difficult to set up—and even if they offer a big screen, the resolution is sometimes far below an ordinary TV. The Premiere’s minimalist design, with rounded edges and a fabric finish, fits neatly into any home. To help consumers use the Premiere anywhere in their home, we are going to be offering rollable screens optimized for the Premiere later this year on Samsung.com. Just position the Premiere around 5 inches or further from a monotone wall or ALR screen, and break out the popcorn.

In 2020, Samsung took its industry-leading picture performance from inside the home to the yard—just as consumers were looking to get outdoors. With The Terrace, our first outdoor TV, consumers can enjoy the picture quality, audio performance, and smart features they expect from Samsung outside. And they can do so worry-free; The Terrace is weather-resistant, with an IP55 rating to protect against water and dust. It is also simple to install, and easy to connect to cable service and a Wi-Fi network. The Terrace is available in 55”, 65”, and a new 75” Full Sun model² is coming in time for summer.

Screens Suited for Every Need – From Productivity to Play

In 2020, the relevance of the monitor at home changed dramatically. For many, this meant additional screens for multiple needs. Suddenly, a screen that was used to shop online or surf social media became critical to daily life, as consumers used it to make the most of work, school, and play.

To fulfill this demand, the Smart Monitor is Samsung’s first “do-it-all” monitor—uniting the best of monitor and TV. Smart Monitor is compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wireless DeX, and Apple AirPlay 2, letting consumers work from anywhere without needing to connect to a PC. With AirPlay 2, customers can stream, control, and share their favorite content directly from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac to their monitor. When you need to relax, you can enjoy your favorite shows by turning on the Smart TV platform and accessing your preferred streaming apps. Smart Monitor helps consumers stay productive when they need to be—and entertained when they need a break.

In 2020, the Odyssey G9 gaming monitor generated a lot of buzz—this year, Samsung is leveling up the experience with a Quantum MiniLED display and premium gaming features. The 1000R screen curvature, combined with Quantum MiniLED display technology, gives gamers an experience unlike any other. The new G9 joins Samsung’s full lineup of curved and flat Odyssey gaming monitors.

To enable a new way of learning and working while staying safe, we are introducing the Samsung Interactive Display FLIP 75-inch,a digital whiteboard you can write, draw, and edit on. The Flip offers connective features for hybrid working and learning to help consumers succeed—whether in the classroom, the office, or at home. With optimized 4K picture quality and easy-to-read visuals, a team of up to 20 can work simultaneously to sync personal devices for real-time content sharing. The Flip allows users to see a coworker’s or teacher’s presentation as if they were there in person—offering the ability to work together while staying safe. Designed to foster greater collaboration, increase productivity, and enable a seamless exchange of ideas, the 75-inch display joins the 55-inch, 65-inch, and 85-inch display.

Sound That Matches the Visual

While Samsung TVs offer incredible sound from the tiniest of speakers, nothing rounds out the home theater experience like the addition of a Samsung soundbar. The 2021 Q Series lineup includes exclusive Q-Symphony tech, syncing audio from the Samsung TV to deliver enhanced 3-dimensional sound. The soundbar even measures its environment to project audio precisely where it needs to be.

For a full, deep and rich immersive experience, the Q950A boasts the industry’s first 11.1.4 channel sound bringing you right into the center of the action. Its new Bass Boost feature allows users to add “more boom” with a simple click. For those who play music from their mobile devices, Tap Sound makes it as simple as tapping a device to the soundbar. And the Q950A works with multiple voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Bixby—making it easy to take full control of the listening experience.

Passions, Style, Tastes, and Needs

In 2021, Samsung complements your passions, adjusts to your tastes, and delivers performance that enhances all experiences. From the pinnacle of luxurious performance in MICRO LED, to the aesthetic appeal of The Frame, Samsung redefines the role of the TV in your home—at a time when the TV is more relevant than ever.

For more information on Samsung’s TV products, please visit www.samsung.com.

* Product availability may vary by region.

¹ Art Store subscription required to access full selection. Fees apply to subscription service.

² Panel protected up to 6 hours in sunlight at 700 watts and 104 degrees Fahrenheit; brightness may decrease to protect panel with other high temperature and sunlight conditions.

Samsung’s growth across the Visual Display Business reflects a commitment to the most premium at-home viewing experiences, coupled with the fast-growing QLED portfolio, category leadership in the ultra large screen segment over 75-inches, the introduction and expansion of a Lifestyle TV portfolio, and a series of industry, category and product “firsts” made possible thanks to Samsung’s constant drive for innovation.

“Consumers use screens every day to entertain, connect with loved ones, work, exercise from home and do much more. And we have seen how different lifestyles and routines have not only evolved, but converged,” said Jong-hee Han, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We continue to be incredibly humbled by the trust placed in our vision and products; it is what drives our relentless pursuit to deliver cutting-edge innovation and a best-in-class screen experience that meets the needs of the modern-day consumer.”

Looking back over the last 15 years, Samsung’s innovation-led growth agenda has incorporated groundbreaking new technologies, while spanning multiple categories, reaching a wide range of consumers and use cases.

In 2021, Samsung expects to maintain its industry-leading market position with the introduction and expansion of core products and by incorporating proprietary technology and features across all TV lineups. This includes Samsung’s new Neo QLED lineup along with Samsung’s MICRO LED, Lifestyle TVs and a company-wide alignment of operations through long-term sustainability programs. Over the next few years, Samsung will also continue to invest in R&D and product development in strategic business areas to strengthen its core and emerging technology offers.

For more information on Samsung’s TV products, please visit www.samsung.com/.

During the event, Samsung declared its commitment to a more accessible and sustainable future and introduced its 2021 product range of Neo QLED, MICRO LED, and Lifestyle TVs.

Those who missed the live event can check out the First Look 2021 video in full below to make sure they are kept abreast of all the exciting announcements Samsung has made.