Samsung Electronics and American global content production and distribution company Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE) announced plans to bring to market titles mastered with HDR10+, the next generation of video standard specification technology developed by Samsung Electronics.

HDR10+ (High Dynamic Range 10+) is an open source-based next-generation video standard led by Samsung Electronics. HDR10+ transforms your TV experience with incredible brightness and contrast for each scene, delivering brighter brights and deepest darks. HDR10+ provides an extraordinary HDR picture-quality experience for viewers and delivers the highest-quality viewing experience.

Through this partnership, Samsung Electronics and UPHE will collaborate on a wide selection of new release and catalog fare with HDR10+ technology, providing consumers with the best-possible home entertainment viewing experience on a variety of displays.

“We are delighted to team with Samsung Electronics on HDR10+ to deliver this striking, cutting-edge technology to entertainment consumers, providing them opportunity to enjoy unparalleled, state-of-the-art movie-watching experiences across an array of Universal physical and digital titles,” said Michael Bonner, Executive Vice President, Digital Distribution, UPHE.

“We have launched a new era of picture-quality technology with HDR10+, providing an amplified vivid viewing experience for consumers” said Hyogun Lee, Executive Vice President of R&D Team, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Based on Samsung Electronics’ unique technology and proficiency, we will continue to expand our alliances with premier partners like Universal to provide consumers with the best HDR content possible.”

Samsung Electronics has been collaborating with various companies such as movie studios and OTT operators since the formation of the HDR10+ LLC in August, 2017, leading the next generation HDR technology and expanding the ecosystem. In addition to Korea, Japan and the US, Samsung will continue to strengthen the HDR10+ logo and certification program partnership in other territories around the world.

The HDR10+ certification / logo operating program consists of sharing detailed specifications of technology and test, providing a certification logo and user guide, and certifying the device through a third-party testing laboratory. Logo and technology fees are free. Additional details can be found at www.hdr10plus.org.

About Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE – www.uphe.com) is a unit of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). UFEG produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television and other distribution platforms, as well as consumer products, interactive gaming and live entertainment. The global division includes Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Brand Development, Fandango and DreamWorks Animation Film and Television. UFEG is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Samsung Electronics announced today the release of its new 88-inch QLED TV, the Q9, in North America and Korea. Having launched in Southeast Asia earlier this year, the Q9 is set to solidify Samsung’s top position in the global ultra-premium TV market. The new model is also scheduled to be released in Europe later this month.

“At Samsung, we are aiming to expand our footprint in the ultra-premium TV market with our ultra-large QLED TV models that embody the perfect combination of technology and art,” said Jongsuk Chu, Senior Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “With their superior picture quality and innovative features, we are confident that our QLED TV lineup will continue to drive sales and solidify Samsung’s leadership in the global TV market.”

The Q9 features superb picture quality and performance as well as a sleek design developed with consumers’ living spaces in mind. The model was awarded record-high scores by Video Magazin, one of Germany’s most renowned consumer electronics magazines, and praised as ‘a best practice for HDR TV.’

As consumers continue to demand larger screens and premium TVs, Samsung has introduced its 88-inch QLED TV model to the global marketplace to add to its QLED TV lineup, which also includes 55-inch, 65-inch and 75-inch models.

As the only TV to achieve 100 percent color volume, Samsung QLED TVs reproduce rich and colorful images just as they were intended to be seen using metal quantum dot technology. The QLED TV also offers remarkable brightness and a wide color gamut, which allow the TVs to deliver detailed colors and subtle contrast even at peak brightness.

The QLED TVs Boundless 360 Design helps it elevate the ambience of the various rooms where it is placed, and its 1.88mm, transparent optical cable, known as the Invisible Connection, allows it to be connected to peripheral devices without the typical messy cables. A No Gap Wall-mount completes the QLED TVs flawless design by allowing the screen to be mounted flush against the wall.

The QLED TVs One Remote Control feature enables users to control the TV’s connected devices through a single remote.

In June, Samsung also launched its 82-inch premium UHD TV (MU8000) as part of the brand’s strategy to provide consumers with a wider variety of screen size options.

For more information on the Q9, please visit www.samsung.com.

Samsung Electronics today unveiled new details surrounding its premium line-up of QLED TVs and The Frame at a global TV launch event in Paris, further demonstrating Samsung’s leadership in defining the future of home entertainment with advanced cutting-edge technology.

“At Samsung, we strive to provide our customers with the most advanced technology to deliver unrivaled viewing experiences and cutting-edge designs that complement their everyday lives,” said HS Kim, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “With state-of-the-art style, smart features, and picture quality, our 2017 lineup is truly ushering in a new era for television.”

Samsung selected Paris, “the City of Lights,” to unveil the “TV of Light,” a name given to the QLED TV for its delivery of optimal brightness levels and stunning visual experience. The venue choice for the event at the Carrousel du Louvre also highlighted Samsung’s focus on the Lifestyle TV concept, represented by two works of arts, the Samsung QLED TV and The Frame.

The latest QLED TVs were designed with the consumer in mind and focus on addressing three key consumer pain points through the solutions known as Q Picture, Q Smart and Q Style. Samsung once again worked with Yves Behar, a renowned Swiss designer, to create the innovative TV, The Frame and offer consumers an elegant masterpiece that seamlessly blends into the interior of any home.

Q Picture : Perfect combination of light and color

The newly-announced QLED TV takes quantum dot technology to the next level with advancements in light efficiency, stability and a wider color spectrum. With new metal quantum dots, the QLED TV addresses all the major aspects of picture quality, including viewing angle, color volume, brightness and bold contrast. The QLED TV can express accurate color and achieves a 100 percent color volume – the highest on the market today, earning accreditation by Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE), one of Europe’s largest technical-scientific associations.

In addition, the QLED TV’s rich, deep black levels and bold contrast provide a consistent viewing experience regardless of a room’s lighting. The QLED TV’s advanced HDR 1500 functionality allows users to see every hidden detail as it was meant to be seen, with no loss or distortion of color.

Q Smart : Elevating the home entertainment experience

Samsung’s Smart Hub has been expanded to offer an even more intuitive and unified experience, directly via the QLED TV. The enhanced Samsung One Remote Control now supports more devices and offers voice control capabilities across more Smart TV features. Paired with the latest Smart View App – available on Android or iOS mobile devices – users will enjoy their personalized Smart Hub.

Additionally, the TV Plus service offers the easiest and fastest way to find, purchase and watch the latest 4K films and entertainment. The new Music service also allows for easy searching and identification of songs heard in the background of TV shows and films.

Q Style : Designed to fit every lifestyle

This year, Samsung introduced new design elements that can fit into any home – regardless of the interior aesthetics or setup. The all-new Invisible Connection cable helps manage unsightly cords and clutter with a refined, single cord system. Consumers can now design their space with a single optical cable that brings all devices together, reclaiming the living room space once occupied by set-top boxes and external devices.

Samsung has also introduced the No Gap Wall-mount which brings the TV flush against the wall, closer than ever before, with a 15-minute installation process. For those who do not wish to mount their TV onto the wall, there is also a range of stylish Samsung TV stands. Designed like an easel, the Studio Stand is an ideal accompaniment for any artist-inspired living space, and with the Gravity Stand, the TV can be rotated easily and allows for optimal viewing at any angle.

The Frame: A new way to look at TV

Continuing its focus on premium design, Samsung announced more details surrounding its newest innovation – The Frame. Teased at CES 2017, The Frame was curated with an artful approach meant to elevate any room or viewing environment.

Based on the new innovative technology, The Frame looks like a picture frame hanging on a wall when ‘Art Mode’ is on. Instead of fading to black like a conventional TV, the Lifestyle TV’s display transforms into a work of art, letting the users select custom-designed digital art pieces from The Frame. With more than 100 art pieces in multiple categories – including landscape, architecture, wildlife, action, drawing and more – to choose from, it is sure to please every design preference. Paired with the numerous options for art layouts and colors, as well as customizable accessory options including interchangeable bezels and an optional Studio Stand, it truly complements the user’s living space.

Furthermore, The Frame is outfitted with Samsung’s new Invisible Connection and No Gap Wall-mount, allowing users to hang it anywhere because it can blend seamlessly into any living space without unsightly cables or wires.

Photos of the launch event may be found on Samsung Newsroom’s official Flickr page. For more information on Samsung’s QLED TV, check out these infographics exploring the devices’ new features as well as the evolution of Samsung’s Smart TVs.

“It is a pleasure to bring the world’s social network to Samsung Smart TV users, as well as continue to see the value of Samsung Smart TV, as a platform, growing,” said Sangsook Han, Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue in our innovation on various fronts, including technologies and partnerships, to make sure our consumers can enjoy a wider variety of services.”

The new Facebook video app for TV is a new way to enjoy Facebook videos on a bigger screen. Through the app, users can watch videos shared by friends or Pages they follow, top live videos from around the world, and recommended videos based on their interests.

To access the app, users can simply log into their Samsung Smart Hub and download the application. Following a prompt for a one-time Facebook login, they can begin enjoying and discovering new content.

Earlier this year, Samsung announced its elevated Smart TV offerings, which focus on a unified, simple user experience tailored to address consumer pain points. With the new features, users will be able to control all devices connected to their TV via one source, the Samsung One Remote. Additionally, users can now enjoy their favorite live TV programs and video-on-demand services directly on TV with a simple click on Smart View mobile app.

This enhanced Smart Hub platform was rolled out on the company’s new QLED TV lineup at CES 2017. Among its many standout features, the QLED TV lineup includes dramatically revamped color performance, and was the first technology in the world to be verified by one of Europe’s largest technical-scientific associations Verband der Elektrotechnik (VDE) for reproducing 100% color volume.

Showcased at Samsung’s booth featuring peerless Quantum dot color and an elegant and practical design, the CH711 treated CES 2017 attendees to a truly lifelike viewing experience that’s easy on the eyes – in more ways than one.

The CH711 Premium Curved Monitor showcase in Samsung’s CES booth.

Industry-Leading Visual Firepower

Visitors to Samsung’s booth were impressed not only by the CH711’s ability to create a natural and immersive picture, but also its knack for depicting visuals in stunning detail.

The CH711 Premium Curved Monitor offers a 3000:1 contrast ratio

Such precision is possible, in part, due to the CH711’s best-in-class, 3000:1 contrast ratio, which minimizes light leakage across the screen to provide deeper blacks and more brilliant whites. This allows the monitor’s crisp, WQHD detail to truly stand out. The pin-sharp, 2560 x 1440 screen boasts a resolution that’s 1.8 times the pixel density of Full HD, and features a four-layer coating to ensure that its clarity will last.

Paired with the monitor’s Quantum dot technology, which allows, such definition brings content such as movies, broadcasts and games to life, making them that much more engaging.

A Sleek and Seamless Design

In addition to the CH711’s clean visuals, visitors were impressed by the CH711’s polished and clean aesthetic.

The CH711 conceals its cords within its rear panel and stand, completing a sleek and refined aesthetic.

The CH711 conceals its cords within its rear panel and stand, creating a profile that’s seamless from all sides. A slender, near bezel-less form and glossy white finish complete the CH711’s sleek look.

Built for Extensive Use

Samsung also built the CH711 with a design that provides optimal comfort for the viewer. The CH711’s 1800R curvature is the best in its class, and makes for a wide and engaging view.

The 31.5-inch monitor’s curve caters to the eye’s natural field of vision, and thus allowed visitors standing before the displays to take in each area of the screen at a uniform distance from their vantage point. This design minimizes image distortion across the screen, yielding a clean and uniform picture.

Recent research, including a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, has indicated that curved monitors are in general more visually comfortable than flat displays when engaging in intensive visual tasks.

Factor in the CH711’s other comfort-conducive features such as Eye Saver Mode, which minimizes eye strain-causing blue light emissions; AMD FreeSync, for flawlessly smooth gameplay; Game Mode, which allows gamers to customize screen settings; and Samsung’s Flicker Free technology, and it’s never been easier to work – or play – in optimal comfort.

Gaming in the Samsung Booth

While Premium Quantum Dot Monitor CH711 showed off its sleek design “that’s a welcome addition to any home or office,” the in-booth FIFA 2017 tournament on the Quantum Dot Gaming Monitor CFG70 pleased the gaming crowd.

Visitors to the monitor section of Samsung’s CES 2017 booth were greeted by a bank of CFG70 Quantum Dot Curved Gaming Monitors

The Monitor section in Samsung’s CES booth featured a mini-arena for a FIFA 2017 Tournament

With a response time of 1ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT), industry-leading 144Hz refresh rate, 3000:1 contrast ratio, 1800R curvature, adjustable joints as well as the rich colors enabled by quantum dots, the CFG70 offers a comfortable, immersive gaming experience.

A curved screen of an 1800-millimeter radius coupled with adjustable joints offer a comfortable, immersive experience.

With a portfolio that encompasses quantum dot technology, curved design, UHD resolution and 1ms response time, all of which are on show at Samsung’s CES booth, Samsung continues to innovate the computer monitor, constantly pushing the boundaries of display technology.

At the company’s booth, attendees of the event can experience firsthand the latest in Samsung’s innovations, from appliances that connect families and seamlessly integrate into a connected ecosystem, to televisions, computers and speakers that completely transform the entertainment experience.

Take a tour of the exhibit and witness the excitement of Samsung’s CES 2017 booth for yourself via the video highlights below.

Utilizing new Quantum dot (QD) material, Samsung’s QLED TVs offer outstanding color volume, pinpoint color accuracy, improved brightness and the deepest blacks on an active display. These attributes equate to a picture quality unlike any other experienced before.

QLED uses new Quantum Dot technology that enhances stability and efficiency

The Relationship Between Light and Color

Color is determined by light. Consider rain, for example. Usually, it’s nothing more than water droplets falling from the sky. But, with the right amount and angle of sunlight, it can be transformed into a beautiful rainbow. Televisions, too, utilize light in a similar way to create color.

Lighting conditions can also affect the intensity and vibrancy of color. The façade of a structure, for instance, appears differently at various points of the day and times of the year. This is essentially the idea behind color volume, a measurement that evaluates the way colors in the real world look when different levels of brightness are applied to them.

With better color volume, the elevated brightness of the QLED actually increases the vividness and maintains color integrity.

Color volume is an important factor when it comes to displays. When it is improved, TVs can express a vast range of color—from primary colors to achromatic colors—very vividly and accurately. But to reproduce color volume effectively, a lot of brightness is required.

This is where many displays currently on the market fall short. When their brightness is increased, the color is washed out, and the resulting hues do not represent real world colors.

QLED: Transforming the Picture Experience

To correct this pain point, Samsung integrated a new Quantum dot material into its QLED displays. This new QD material improves luminous efficiency.

By achieving between 1,500 and 2,000 nits, more light is pushed through the Quantum dots, thus driving up the color volume. The increase in brightness increases the vividness of the picture without changing the color. Consequently, scarlet remains scarlet instead of fading to pink, turquoise stays turquoise. And this helps maximize the dynamic colors HDR technology brings.

Offering the best color volume on the market today, QLED offers 100 percent color volume when measuring with DCI perfect match—an RGB color space—without sacrificing light.

QLED (right) offers great colors and contrast even in bright viewing conditions

QLED (right) offers great colors and contrast in dark viewing conditions, too

In addition to the pinpoint accuracy of Samsung’s new Quantum dots, the new panel design also reduces reflection that can impact brightness. Consequently, QLED TVs show every bold detail with exceptional levels of contrast, regardless of the lighting condition of the viewing environment. Best of all, QLED delivers this level of performance no matter where the viewer is sitting, offering consistent color and quality from any viewing angle.

QLED delivers consistent color and quality from virtually any viewing angle.

Color performance and brightness is maintained across viewing angles, a common pain-point in conventional TVs. So no more need to fight for the middle seat – every seat is a great seat.

QLED offers elegant style along with superb picture quality

QLED is the embodiment of all aspects of picture quality—enhanced color, contrast, and viewing angle—and, as a result, allows for a picture experience that is beautiful by any measure. In this way, the launch of Samsung’s QLED TVs marks the beginning of a new era of television picture performance.

Samsung QLED TV features a clean design aesthetic with an even slimmer nearly-there bezel, slim body, clean back and a no-gap wall mount that puts your TV flush against the wall. Also available are an array of stands that seamlessly blend in with your living space without compromising on essential features. Meanwhile, its practically invisible optical cable frees the area of messy wires, making it a device that is truly designed for living.

The QLED TV quite literally blends into your decor.

See how the boundless 360 design of QLED TV is transforming the living space of tomorrow, today.

TVs are getting bigger so they need to have a clean design aesthetic and blend in seamlessly with your home.

Fusing a slim, sleek and premium metal body with a nearly bezel-less display, Samsung’s QLED TV sets a tone of exceptional sophistication.

QLED TV keeps your media space organized with a single, practically invisible optical cable that connects the television to the One Connect Box, creating a clean aesthetic on all sides of the device, including the back.

With the nearly-invisible optical cable, the first thing you see is the TV, not a clutter of devices and wires underneath.

The television’s nearly-invisible optical cable is 16 feet long, meaning the devices connected to your TV no longer have to be piled up under it. For those who want to tuck cable boxes and consoles even further away, there’s an optional 49-foot cable as well.

QLED TV’s No-gap wall mount minimizes the space between the TV and the wall, all the while maintaining the very thin profile of the display.

The no-gap wall mount also minimizes installation time by making it easier to install on the wall as well as allowing the user to adjust the TV angle after it’s hung, eliminating the need for a level.

For those living spaces where mounting is not a practical solution, Samsung also offers a variety of stands – this is the Basic stand.

Optional Studio(left) and Gravity(right) stands are also available for those who want to make a statement.

Gravity Stand

Studio Stand

Hyun Suk Kim, President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, hosted the event, and explained in his opening speech how QLED technology will soon “redefine the television category and usher in a new era of TV.”

“Samsung’s QLED TVs deliver today’s most remarkable picture, with stunning brightness, the deepest black levels, and most of all, pure and rich colors, thanks to our new Quantum dot technology,” Kim said.

Along with showcasing exciting enhancements in picture quality and color performance, Samsung also used the product unveil to highlight the TV’s new design features and customized services that further integrate how the TV fits into consumers’ lifestyles and homes.

Check out the highlights of the event below.

Journalists from around the world await the commencement of Samsung’s product unveil event.

Hyun Suk Kim, President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, introduces the company’s new QLED TVs, illustrating how QLED technology is unmatched in enhancing picture quality and color performance.

Samsung’s new QLED TVs utilize a new metal Quantum dot material that allows for dramatically enhanced color performance, as well as the expression of very deep blacks and rich details in all viewing environments.

Dave Das, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics America, highlights the benefits of the QLED TV’s optical cable and how it helps the device to seamlessly blend into the living space.

Samsung’s 2017 Smart TV offerings focus on a unified, simple user experience so consumers can more easily access the content they want, when they want it. Users will also be able to control every connected TV device from one source using the Samsung Smart Remote.

Samsung introduces two new smart TV services, including Sports, a customizable service that displays a summary of the user’s favorite sports teams and games, and Music, which can identify songs played on TV shows.

Samsung Electronics today announced that it will support YouTube’s global HDR playback on television for the first time, through an expanded version of the YouTube application. The YouTube Application is available on all 2016 Samsung Quantum dot TVs and UHD TVs and will launch progressively throughout the world from December.

YouTube will support High Dynamic Range (HDR) video streaming, offering a wide range of HDR content. Launched through an automatic software update, consumers who use all 2016 Samsung Quantum dot TV and UHD TVs can access HDR content simply by visiting the HDR category within the YouTube application on YouTube’s 4K channel, providing an easy way to navigate and enjoy premium content.

“With the global availability of YouTube’s HDR, we at Samsung are thrilled to support the best HDR viewing experience and a wide range of HDR content for users to enjoy,” said Seline Han, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are confident that our TVs will bring to life an immersive HDR viewing experience — all from the comfort of our users’ homes.”

To coincide with the launch, the YouTube application will feature new HDR videos from popular YouTube content creators, such as MysteryGuitarMan and Jacob + Katie Schwarz. To ensure the proliferation of new HDR content, additional YouTube creators will be able to utilize the YouTube Spaces LA and NYC, which provide HDR production resources to content creators.

With a growing number of HDR content providers, as well as the numerous creators already producing HDR video content, YouTube’s  HDR support is expected to introduce more genre offerings in the coming year and satisfy user demand for a true-to-life viewing experience on the content they enjoy the most.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of HDR support on Samsung’s Quantum dot TVs,” said Heather Thompson Rivera, Director of Product Partnerships at YouTube. “By combining Samsung’s commitment to picture quality and our desire to offer the best content available, we will work together to build a strong ecosystem that improves HDR content creation and allows users to enjoy more diverse content in the best quality possible.”

Emerging as one of the most sought after display technologies in the last few years, HDR is an image reproduction technology that analyzes the contrast ratio of a video to help express even the most subtle differences in shades and tones of color. Paired with Samsung’s Quantum dot TV, the picture that is produced appears more realistic and life-like on screen. In addition, Samsung’s Quantum dot TVs have the capacity to generate peak brightness of 1,000 nits, optimized for the most ideal HDR viewing experience.

Experience the excitement of Samsung’s IFA 2016 booth for yourself by checking out the videos below.

Quantum dots (QD), nano-sized crystals made from semiconductor materials, were first discussed in academic circles in the early 1980s. But it was Professor Moungi Bawendi (MIT), along with his colleagues professors David Norris and Christopher Murray, who brought to light the viability of the novel material.

Together, the team was able to successfully synthesize quantum dots, thus garnering great attention from the upper echelons of academia. So much so that the team’s paper has since acquired an astonishing 8,000 citations. Professor Taeghwan Hyeon (Seoul National University) even went on to call this “the legendary paper” as he welcomed Dr. Bawendi onto stage at the conference.

Dr. Moungi Bawendi shares recent developments in his lab at a plenary session at QD2016

“Quantum dots are a new material whose properties are different from the molecular materials that people are used to—ones that are unique enough that they’re worth trying in a variety of applications,” Bawendi told Samsung Newsroom in an interview following the conference. “A lot of what research is about is recognizing the unexpected and following that. This leads you to ask more questions.”

Those questions have since been explored by scholars all the world over. The expansion of quantum dot research has catalyzed a number of new methods to reliably synthesize variable sizes and types of nanocrystals, and has led to the discovery of numerous scientific and commercial applications, some of which have recently been realized.

Discovering New Properties

Speakers at the conference—an event that Bawendi likened to a “family reunion” of the QD community—showcased their own research and attempts at applying quantum dots in a variety of different industries.

Dr. Efros (US Naval Research Laboratory) talks to Samsung Newsroom at QD2016

One speaker, Dr. Alexander L. Efros of the US Naval Research Laboratory, explained that by using artificial particles such as quantum dots, people can, in theory, create materials that do not occur naturally. Improved tunable LEDs, lasers and displays are just a few notable examples of the progress scientists have already made on this front, he noted.

“Quantum dot technology advances mean that people can now dream of new solid state materials with properties that nature does not provide us with,” Efros stated.

One Material, Endless Possibilities

Bio-imaging is a major area teams are researching around the world; by leveraging various wavelengths, they hope to better visualize tissue for diagnostic and possibly even treatment purposes. For example, a POSTECH team shared their research on exploring the use of quantum dots of different sizes, which emit different colors, to detect cancer in mice. Recently, researchers have even begun to explore near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, opening possibilities for even more enhanced resolution in such applications.

Another noteworthy application is photovoltaics, a method of converting solar energy into direct current electricity. Bawendi noted that this area specifically has recently seen tremendous progress in the application of quantum dots, with efficiency levels increasing from 3 percent to 10 percent in just five years. With further research, windows that help harvest solar energy using quantum dot technology could emerge. These windows could potentially play an important role in densely populated urban areas where rooftop surfaces are often too small for collecting all the energy required for building operations.

The display industry, specifically, is an area that has already experienced great advancements as a result of the utilization of quantum dot technology. Professor Kookheon Char of Seoul National University explained how the application of a thin layer of quantum dots can produce a light that very closely imitates natural light. The technology, he said, could ultimately lead to bendable light-emitting structures. Next-generation devices equipped with such structures could potentially be thinner, less expensive and allow for more precise color reproduction.

Other potential applications include sensors for self-driving cars and commercial cameras, better methods for nondestructive testing in the aviation and defense industries, and security ink with a unique optical signature to prevent counterfeit passports and currency.

Overcoming Limitations

Yet, as compelling as the possible applications of the novel material are, the speakers were quick to mention some of the challenges quantum dot researchers currently face. Quantum dots’ self-absorption properties, for example, limit some applications, while efficiency, toxicity, and in some cases stability are other areas that need improvement.

Samsung, however, is working to overcome these challenges, and has already shown great progress in doing so. The company’s 2015 SUHD TVs, for instance, were the first in the industry to be mass-produced with cadmium-free quantum dots.

Dr. Taeghwan Hyeon, a professor at Seoul National University and researcher at the Institute for Basic Science, told Samsung Newsroom about his response when he first heard about Samsung’s accomplishments.

Professor Taeghwan Hyeon (Seoul National University) at the QD2016 conference

“When the line-up was launched, many university labs around the world were having a hard time making cadmium-free quantum dots,” Hyeon noted. “I couldn’t believe it when Samsung announced that it had succeeded in not only developing, but mass-producing SUHD TVs with cadmium-free quantum dots.”

Approximately 90 percent of previous quantum dot studies involved particles with cadmium, explained Hyeon, which would have made it immensely difficult to create efficient light for a TV display. But this milestone is only the beginning for Samsung.

According to experts like those in attendance at QD2016, only time will tell what the future holds for quantum dots. The one thing they are certain about, though, is that the future will be an exciting one.

* Last week in Jeju City, Korea, top scholars from around the world came together to share the latest on quantum dot research at the 9th International Conference on Quantum Dots. Samsung, being the first in the world to commercialize cadmium-free quantum dot technology with its SUHD TVs, also took part, sharing its experiences in quantum dot research. This article is the third of a three-part series that highlights recent advancements in quantum dot technology.

** This article contains forward-looking statements regarding the research of quantum dot technology. These statements are based on assumptions and the current state of developments, and are thus subject to uncertainties.

For those with questions about the diverse ways in which Quantum dot breakthroughs are starting to change the technological landscape, the 2016 International Conference on Quantum Dots (QD2016) provided plenty of answers.

The event took place from May 22 to May 27 on Jeju Island, south of the Korean mainland, and was the ninth event of its kind. QD2016 saw notable experts in a variety of fields (and hailing from some 30 countries) gather for the event.

One of their number, Dr. Alexander L. Efros of the US Naval Research Laboratory, is considered to be one of the world’s foremost Quantum dot scholars, and was a plenary speaker at QD2016 on May 25.

Efros’ presentation, which focused on the history of Quantum dot technology, its development and future possibilities, received a positive response from QD2016 attendees. Samsung Newsroom caught up with him after his lecture to speak about the past, present and future of Quantum dots.

Quantum Dots – Synthetic Wonders

The source of a good deal of manmade technologies can be traced back to natural phenomena. Scientists dreaming of flight, for instance, were doubtlessly inspired by the way birds fly. Quantum dots are in many ways similar, as they can be considered to be the closest thing there is to manmade atoms.

And Efros (pictured above) said, “Using these artificial particles, people can – in principal – create materials that do not occur naturally.”

He added, “Quantum dot technology advances mean that people can now dream of new solid state materials with properties that nature does not provide us with.”

As Efros notes, Quantum dot-related research has moved forward very quickly.

“Quantum dot technology is developing faster than ever,” said Efros. “Thousands of scientists and engineers are currently conducting research in this area. I believe we will achieve favorable outcomes in a large range of fields.”

Improved diagnostic medical devices and inexpensive solar cells, as well as better tunable LEDs, lasers and displays are just a few notable examples of the progress scientists have already made on this front, explains Efros.

Importance of the First Commercialization of Cadmium-Free Quantum Dots

Efros received his PhD in the former Soviet Union and, after spending some time in Germany, eventually settled in the United States in 1993.

Having worked at the US Naval Research Laboratory for over twenty years, he is one of the world’s leading Quantum dot experts, and has been researching the technology for over three decades. Through his considerable efforts in the field, he has developed a strong attachment to Samsung Electronics’ recently released range of SUHD TVs, which feature cadmium-free Quantum dot displays.

Efros expressed delight when he first heard news that Samsung had applied Quantum dot technology to its SUHD TVs. He said, “I think the quality of colors you can experience on SUHD TVs is excellent. When I first saw the SUHD TVs, I realized that my research over the last 30 years had not been in vain.”

Efros delivers a keynote speech at the Ramada Plaza Jeju Hotel on May 25, to an audience of some 300 people with an interest in Quantum dot technology.

Since SUHD TV sets made their debut, Quantum dot-related research has been gathering momentum. Efros said, “Most forms of technology tend to hit a period of stagnation after a while, but now this technology has reached the stage of practical application, Quantum dots are garnering quite a lot of attention.”

Quantum dots have seemingly unlimited potential, not only in the display sector, but also for solar energy resources, medical equipment, LEDs, lasers and sensors. For now, however, SUHD TV is still something of a pioneer in terms of applied Quantum dot technology. For people like Efros, expectations about this technology’s potential continue to heighten.

* Last week in Jeju City, Korea, top scholars from around the world came together to share the latest on Quantum dot research at the 9^th International Conference on Quantum Dots. Samsung, being the first in the world to commercialize cadmium-free Quantum dot technology with its SUHD TVs, also took part, sharing its experiences in Quantum dot research. This article is the first of a three-part series that highlights recent advancements in Quantum dot technology.

Serif TV, which the brothers developed in collaboration with Samsung, boasts a bold, wide frame and minimalist design that naturally melts into its surroundings without being overly dominant. Like the television, its parts and the packaging that contains it are just as simple and refined, as seen in the unboxing photos below.

Serif TV’s eye-appealing packaging hints at the minimalist design of the product inside.

Even the box is different—clean and elegant with little very little product description. After all, it’s what’s on the inside that matters most.

The clear, black screen and bordering frame of the TV give the impression that the device is a high-end decorative item more so than a home appliance.

The 32-inch “Medium” model of Serif TV is one of three size options that users can choose from to suit their preferences.

The eye-catching attributes of Serif TV extend beyond the television itself. Even the designs of the accessory kit, user manual and stand packaging are consistent with the Bouroullecs’ concept of minimalism.

The functions of Serif TV are easy to understand, even without instructions. However, should users be curious about the hidden features of the television, they can consult the user manual.

The remote control has also been designed to be a tasteful device that is at once familiar and entirely unique.

Another accessory that draws attention is the television’s stand, which works in unison with Serif TV’s design.

Serif TV features a striking frame, which when viewed from the side looks like a stylish capital “I” in a serif font.

Serif TV can be self-installed in just five minutes. Simply screw the stand into the four corners of the television for hassle-free set-up.

Serif TV can be placed anywhere, such as on a table or desk, but the long, spindly legs of the stand let it blend more naturally into the interior space.

The flat, shelf-like top of Serif TV allows for greater interaction with other objects, like vases, books and other decorative items.

A woven fabric panel is incorporated on the rear of the device to conceal the connectors, making Serif TV attractive from all angles.

Serif TV boasts two HDMI ports, two USB ports and can connect to one’s mobile device for displaying content. The 3.5-millimeter audio port allows for the connection of headphones or a high-end sound system. The TV is also compatible with Bluetooth speakers and has screen mirroring capability.

Although modern televisions require multiple cables and connectors, the Bouroullecs cleaned up the look by using as few wires and ports as possible without affecting Serif TV’s functionality.

The Bouroullecs designed the Serif TV to be something simple, natural and inviting—from the frame and the interface of the device down to its parts and the packaging that contains them all. In doing so, Serif TV is not just a television, but instead a meaningful device for the spaces we live in.

The multimedia project “The Path to Abstraction” displayed on a Samsung Curved UHD TV

The exhibition features “Composition VI” and “Composition VII”—two of Kandinsky’s most well-known masterpieces—and was coordinated by the State Tretyakov Gallery and the State Hermitage with support from the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The show will run through June 13, 2016 at the Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val in Moscow.

Also highlighted in the exhibition is “The Path to Abstraction,” a multimedia project that illustrates the process of formation of non-figurative painting on digital recreations of Kandinsky’s works. Using the artist’s commentary on his work process, the video sequences will help viewers to learn about and immerse themselves in the process of “cosmic performance” birth on canvas.

The video installation, which greets visitors in the entrance hall of the exhibition, is displayed on two 65-inch Samsung Curved UHD TVs.

“‘The Path to Abstraction’ demonstrates the process of the creation of art, along with a unique look at Wassily Kandinsky’s creative process and the formation principles he used in a rare virtual format,” said Irina Shumanova, curator of “Counterpoint: Composition VI – Composition VII.”

“For over 20 years, Samsung Electronics has worked closely with leading Russian cultural centers. We are happy to support the exhibition dedicated to the 150^th anniversary of abstraction pioneer Wassily Kandinsky, which was organized by the Tretyakov Gallery and our long-time partner the State Hermitage,” noted Natalya Malyova, the Head of Public Relations and Sponsorship Department of Samsung Electronics CIS. “Samsung’s advanced ideas and innovative technologies make it possible to illustrate the artist’s work in detail, immersing the audience in the creation of his masterpieces.”

Kandinsky’s works “Composition VI” and “Composition VII,” housed in the collections of the State Hermitage and the Tretyakov Gallery, were last exhibited together in 1989 in Russia. The use of modern technology allows the public to take a fundamentally new look at the creation and presentation of art.

About “Counterpoint: Composition VI – Composition VII”

“Counterpoint: Composition VI – Composition VII” is an exhibition based on the works of Wassily Kandinsky and organized by the Tretyakov Gallery and the State Hermitage. The last time these works were shown together was in 1989 in Russia. The dialogue of the two most famous 1913 works by Kandinsky will kindle an interest in the artist’s work in the new generation of art lovers. The communication with Kandinsky’s masterpieces will enable viewers to perceive the emotional and sensual world of his works and enjoy the “effect of presence” to the utmost. As an important addition, the exhibition will feature a multimedia project, “The Path to Abstraction,” which will show the process of the formation of non-figurative painting.

Samsung Electronics announced today that it has sold more than one million curved monitor products worldwide. The global display provider introduced its first curved LED monitor – the 27-inch, 4000R (curvature radius of 4,000 mm) SD590C model – in September 2014, and since has expanded its line-up to include several additional curved monitors. As a result, Samsung currently accounts for more than 85 percent of all global curved monitor sales (Source: International Data Corporation (IDC), 2015 Q4 worldwide sales results for 15”~34” curved monitors).

Designed to match the natural shape of the human eye, Samsung’s curved monitors feature uniform center-to-edge viewing distances to create a more comfortable and immersive viewing experience conducive to long-term use. Combined with extra-wide viewing angles and enhanced contrast ratios, these curved displays are ideal for gamers and at-home entertainment users seeking realistic, distraction-free picture quality. As a result, Samsung has capitalized on growing demand from these audiences (many of whom employ several monitors during game play or content viewing).

“Since the launch of our first curved monitor in 2014, we’ve seen this technology evolve to become an industry standard that gaming and entertainment viewers expect,” said Seog-gi Kim, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. “As curved monitors continue to grow in popularity, we welcome the challenge of further advancing our displays’ design and capabilities to drive new levels of viewer engagement and comfort. We are happy to have reached one million sales for our curved monitors so far, and we look forward to delivering new curved technology innovation in the coming years.”

Samsung’s curved monitor design refinement includes the introduction of a sharper curve with each new model while maintaining a consistently sleek and stylish presentation. In January 2015, Samsung released its second curved monitor, the 34-inch SE790C, featuring 3000R curvature. The company’s latest curved offerings – the CF591 (27-inch model) and CF390 (23.5- and 27-inch models) – further expand visual possibilities with an industry-leading 1800R composition.

Coming from a family with a long tradition in the arts, Jean-Christophe Naour learned from an early age the importance of precision in design. “We all can come up with the same ideas, but details determine how we craft our ideas,” he said. “Details make design.”

But he also loves chaos, and believes in the importance of leaving your comfort zone. “The brain is really abstract, and inspiration comes from the unexpected. You have to break out of your comfort zone. You need to be prepared to fail.”

Naour has won awards and critical praise over the years for his experimental approach to uniting those competing influences, using computer algorithms to create apps and artworks that produce striking images and patterns. And for the past four years, Naour has applied his unique mix of design ideas at Samsung Electronics in the Visual Display Business, as part of the team that shapes the advanced design and user interface of screens and related devices. “I’m really excited about creating new interactive experiences that connect products to their users through inventive blends of technology and storytelling,” he said.

“You have to break out of your comfort zone. You need to be prepared to fail.”

Pushing Boundaries for Inspiration

For Naour, his fascination with design started early, growing up in Brittany, France. His father’s side of the family has worked in woodworking and furniture for generations, while his mother’s side of the family was involved in fashion. He grew up creating, too, first with Lego and building blocks, then with computers. “I was in love with graphics and the general aesthetics of the whole thing—the colors, the pixels, the fonts,” he said.

He went to Nantes University to study mathematics and computer science, but he thought it was not a good fit for him and after a couple of years transferred into an industrial design program, getting his Master’s Degree at the L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique.

But when the time came to spend a semester abroad (a requirement of his design program), Naour was less interested in the usual choices, like the United States or Great Britain. “I wanted to take a risk, and push my boundaries for inspiration,” he said. So instead he came to Hongik University in Seoul. “I knew nothing about Korea at the time, but it sounded exciting.”

He took advantage of his time in Korea to explore the country all he could, visiting 20 cities over the course of the semester. So after he finished graduate school, he really wanted to return to Korea, and eagerly took a position at a design firm in Seoul. After several years there, Samsung made him an offer, and he began a new career.

Going Abstract to Understand the User Experience

Naour started with Smart TV, working on the interactive gesture interface, and he has had a hand in many projects since then, with a task force system that rotates designers regularly.

As part of Visual Display design team, he usually works on devices from the early phases, building a road map for how users will experience every aspect. Typically, they are presented with a product early on and then brainstorm for how the interface might work. “At first, nothing is very specific,” he said. “But gradually you build a wireframe and interface concepts, then a skin, and then you sync your ideas with the product developers.”

Usually a product will have dozens of “modules,” or subareas within the UX, that all have to be coordinated and approved, making development very complicated. But one of Naour’s favorite projects was actually one of the most straightforward—all the lineup of Wireless Audio 360, which only had two modules, the speaker and the app. The speakers were developed with U.S. office. But once the hardware was ready, Naour and the Seoul design team had to come up with the guide for how people would use the speaker. They knew the speaker would have a cylindrical shape and an LED interface, but the other details on how the product would function was up to Naour and the Seoul design team.

They responded with a series of workshops over three weeks, looking to define the core interactions and user’s journey, all through a series of swipes and taps. “Our response was to reduce the details.

We wanted something more artistic, where the actions would flow,” Naour said. “something more abstract.”

They responded with a series of workshops over three weeks, looking to define the core interactions and user’s journey, all through a series of swipes and taps. “Our response was to reduce the details. We wanted something more artistic, where the actions would flow,” Naour said. “something more abstract.”

The final result was an elegant interface, where users could control everything about the wireless speaker with just a few simple swipes right on the flat top of the speaker.

Failure Is Crucial for Innovation

Over his career as a designer, Naour has developed many big ideas about how to approach design and creativity. “I don’t like to say ‘I don’t know’,” he said. “I prefer to try doing something myself and learn from my mistakes until I can make it happen.”

It’s an unorthodox approach that Samsung encourages. “In France, we have a low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity, so we are reluctant to take risks,” he said. “But failure is crucial in innovation. The faster you find weakness, the faster you can improve what needs fixing.”

Another significant part of his success as a designer is maintaining work-life balance. Getting out of the office to listen to music or play with his 2-year-old daughter is important to keeping his thinking fresh and creative. “Go outside. You need to break your perspective.”

“I don’t like to say ‘I don’t know.’ I prefer trying things myself until I can make it happen.”

Naour says watching his daughter play is also a great way to learn about UX technology. “I’m amazed at how young children love new technology. Even at 1 year old, they can already unlock the phone,” he said. “I think technology is like a language. It’s like they’re learning to live in an augmented reality.”

The Art of the Algorithm

As a self-professed “workaholic,” Naour notes that even when he is not at work, he is always working on design ideas. One of his favorite approaches is using algorithms. “Design is, by definition, iterative,” he said. “With algorithms, you can start off with some basic shapes, give them rules, then the computer can come up tens of thousands of variations, all based on the same concept—always different and unpredictable.”

Over the years, Naour has won much recognition for his own creative algorithms, artworks and apps, appearing in such places as Wired, Gizmodo, The Creator’s Project and IdN Magazine. But Naour says he is most proud of the FWA (Favorite Website Award) he won in 2011 for his app Poly—a program that turn users photos and drawings into geometric arrays of color, reducing images down to their essential polygons.

“FWA is like a symbol in the interactive design industry” he said. “When I was still a student, it was for me the most inspiring place on the web, at the early stages of creative Flash websites. It represented the quality I wanted to produce.”

Designing an Interactive Future

As technology grows ever more refined, fast and complex, increasingly it is the role of the UX designer to define how consumers interact with products, get the most from them and ultimately feel about them. “New technologies are radically expanding the design space,” he said. “Just a few years back, almost any kind of interaction was all about the screen, keyboard and mouse. Now, the degrees of freedom are increasing, and so too are the design choices.”

It has only been a few years since multi-touch has been on the market, and technology interfaces are continuing to grow more sophisticated very quickly. Naour says he loves seeing where all these developments are leading. “Every major milestone in the evolution of UX design has involved an interaction between technology and human beings.” he said. “While we use all our senses in everyday life, we are still limited to one or two at most in our digital life. The next interfaces should take full advantage of our complex bodies, to make communications even more natural.”

“New technologies are radically expanding the design space… Now, the degrees of freedom are increasing, and so too are the design choices.”

And that constant sense of challenge and exploration is what makes designing UX interfaces at Samsung so worthwhile. “It has been an exciting adventure,” Naour said, “and I get to work with some really great people”

Samsung Electronics announced the expansion of its curved monitor line up with five new models – highlighted by the 29-inch SE790C, 31.5-inch SE590C and 27-inch SE591C. Completing the lineup are the new 23.5- and 27-inch SE510C. The company’s latest range of curved monitor solutions meets the diverse multimedia entertainment and multi-tasking needs of consumers.

Samsung Electronics’ new curved monitors feature industry-leading Vertical Alignment (VA) panel technology, which provides an optimal level of curvature, superior contrast ratio and significantly reduced backlight bleed, resulting in enhanced picture quality. These high-performing panels complement the natural curve of the human eye to deliver a more immersive, seamless and comfortable viewing experience, even in dark settings such as movie and gaming environments. The SE590C joins the SE790C in providing viewers with a best-in-class 3000R (curvature radius of 3,000 mm) curvature design. Along with the 4000R radius curvature of the SE591C and SE510C, the innovative design of Samsung Electronics’ curved monitors creates a distortion-free viewing with reduced reflection, less eye strain and unparalleled comfort.

“This year is shaping up to be the year of the curved monitor, as more consumers and businesses turn to curved displays to achieve a more comfortable viewing experience,” said Seog-Gi Kim, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. “As the company behind the launch of the industry’s first LED curved monitor, our introduction of this full curved lineup reflects our commitment to refine curvature design and picture quality, while also achieving energy efficiency and next-level innovation to provide a more natural, pleasurable viewing experience that our customers expect.”

Samsung Electronics’ lineup of new curved monitors is equipped with advanced features that further enhance viewing comfort. An eye-saver mode, which offers low blue light technology, helps to reduce the harmful effects of blue light on viewers’ eyes and associated eye strain, particularly during extended periods of screen use. Similarly, the monitors’ flicker-free function protects viewers’ eyes from the constant strain of flickering screens that can be experienced with standard monitors. As a result of the flicker-free technology, viewers can utilize their screens a lot longer with less eye fatigue.

For enhanced on-screen immersion, picture quality and entertainment, the monitors’ impressive static contrast ratios (ranging from 5000:1 for the SE590C to 3000:1 for most standard models) and high brightness (up to 350 cd/m2 with the SE590C and SE591C) produce life-like pictures with deeper blacks, pristine whites and brighter colors. The monitors also come with a game mode that intelligently detects changes in scenes by correcting blurry images, enhancing colors and altering contrast for improved visibility of in-game action. Together, these features ensure that viewers can enjoy multi-media content with more vibrant picture quality, clarity and intensity it deserves.

A sustainable design also reinforces the new curved monitor line-up’s ability to offer a richer and more energy-efficient experience. The monitor’s new eco-saving plus function offers the benefits of eco-saving technology by reducing screen brightness for increased energy efficiency. In addition to two standard manual settings, there is an auto-setting that reduces energy consumption by approximately 10 percent (based on the luminescence of the screen’s black sections).

Samsung Electronics’ 2015 lineup of curved monitors includes:

• SE790C Series – As the flagship of Samsung Electronics’ curved monitor portfolio, the 29-inch SE790C features an industry-leading 3000R radius curvature and Wide Full High Definition (WFHD) resolution. The SE790C also offers a best-in-class static contrast ratio of 3,000:1 and 21:9 wide display aspect ratio for an improved viewing and multi-tasking experience, particularly in darker settings. For enhanced comfort and productivity, the monitor’s refined, ergonomic design includes a height-adjustable stand (HAS) and VESA mount support, in addition to Picture-by-Picture (PbP) and Picture-in-Picture (PiP) 2.0 functionality. The SE790C’s built-in 7-watt dual stereo speakers deliver high-quality sound and a richer multi-media experience for added convenience.

• SE590C Series – With a best-in-class 3000R radius curvature and contrast ratio of 5,000:1, the 31.5-inch SE590C creates panoramic-like viewing with a wider field of view and reduces reflection for enhanced comfort. The monitor also delivers incredibly vibrant images and superior picture quality due to a high brightness of 350 cd/m2. Taking entertainment to the next level, the monitor comes with two built-in 5W dual stereo speakers and a proprietary sound engine.

• SE591C Series – Offering the same advanced contrast ratio and high brightness of the SE590C, the 27-inch SE591C curved monitor ensures viewers receive the best on-screen viewing experience possible. The cutting-edge curved monitor creates a 3D-like high effect ratio with a 4000R radius curvature that makes the screen seem larger than similar-sized flat screens and reduces visual eye strain. In response to customer demand, the monitor also boasts a distinctive design with a white glossy body unique to the SE591C.

• SE510C Series – Available in 23.5- and 27-inch models, the SE510C entry-level curved monitors are ideally suited for tech-savvy consumers who seek in optimized viewing comfort. The curved monitors’ feature a best-in-class contrast ratio of 3,000:1 and 4000R radius curvature, among many other enhanced comfort and usability functions.

To learn more about Samsung Electronics’ curved monitor portfolio, visit www.samsung.com.

KEY CURVED MONITOR SPECIFICATIONS