The technology behind Samsung’s curved display and glass materials has become one of the key components of the company’s design philosophy. The contoured lines are aesthetically beautiful and create more possibilities in functionality. Since the launch of the industry’s first smartphones with curved displays, Samsung has pushed the limits of technology to lead the way in revolutionizing how the world views information.

Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus: The First Smartphones With Curved Displays
The Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus, the first smartphones with curved displays, were released in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Both feature a gentle curve on the front sides of the phones. The design not only improves appearance of the devices, but it also enhances grip, making talking on the phone more comfortable. The curved screens also make the devices less vulnerable to damage if dropped.

Galaxy Round: Vertical Curve

Released in 2013, the Galaxy Round was curved vertically. Because it resembles giwa (or traditional Korean roof tiles), it earned the nickname “Galaxy Giwa.” The curved glass of the 5.7-inch screen of the Galaxy Round has a soft curve which, with 400R and Sag 2.55mm specifications, improves grip. Additionally, when shaking the device while the screen is locked, an image of water flows across the screen, an impressive and visually appealing feature.

Galaxy Note Edge: Brand New UX
Samsung continued to release more products incorporating the use of curved glass, and as such, its technology consistently advanced. This was evident in October 2014, when the company released the Galaxy Note Edge, which featured the thinnest curved screen yet. It was the first product to introduce “Variable R” curved glass, meaning instead of having a single curve rate like its predecessors, there were multiple curvatures contained in the single 0.55t glass screen. The curved glass of the Galaxy Note Edge was available in 6.3R (minimum value) and Sag 5.56mm, demonstrating the considerable improvement of Samsung’s curved glass technology and would be the foundation for the creation of the dual edge screen of the Galaxy S6 edge.

Galaxy S6 edge: The Pinnacle of 3D Glass Technology
The unprecedented dual edge display of the Galaxy S6 edge is the most advanced 3D glass technology that exists today, and required extensive research and experiments by the device’s development staff. Though thinner with a 0.4t body, this seemingly indestructible device is stronger than any previous curved screen, with a higher curve rate than all other existing smart devices. Designed for both beauty and function, the Galaxy S6 edge pushes the boundaries of curved glass technology.

Gear Fit and Gear S: Curved for Better Fit
Samsung released its Gear Fit in April 2014, the company’s first attempt at introducing its distinctive design in wearable devices. Its contoured face and innovative design with a narrow 1.84 inch screen in 57.45R and Sag 8.0mm distinguished the Gear Fit from other wearables, making it both stylish and comfortable to wear. In November, Samsung released the Gear S, a wider version of the previous model. The wider 2-inch screen in 45.88R and Sag 8.0mmn allowed for greater usability, and impressed users with the preloaded S Health, a mobile application that tracks the progress and health status of the consumer.

Understanding Curved Glass: 2D, 2.5D, 3D

2D glass is flat on both sides. It can be found on the two oldest models of the Galaxy S and in most smartphones. It was followed by 2.5D glass, which was the beginning of curved displays. 2.5D glass has a convex or concave surface on only one side; the other side is flat. Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus are both examples of devices that use 2.5D glass. 3D glass is different because neither side is flat; as such, the technology for bending this glass required sophisticated engineering. To produce 3D glass, advanced thermoforming technology is applied to glass that must be as thin as it is strong. Samsung continues to improve its thermoforming technology by consistently creating new products.

The two measurements of curved glass are R value and Sag value. The R value represents the radius from any point. A single R is a perfect circle with a non-variable radius. A variable R is an ellipse and has a different value dependent on the point of measure. The technology to create a variable R is more advanced and Samsung introduced this technology with the Galaxy Note Edge.

The second value is the Sag rate. This measures the height from the top to bottom of a curve. The deeper the curve of any display, the more advanced the technology behind it.

While consumers all the world over have grown to favor smartphones with curved screens for the glass’ strength and stylish design, curved technology is not only limited to mobile devices. In fact, this very technology has created an entirely unique media viewing experience both at home and at the office.

Curved TVs: Gentle Viewing Immersion
Released last year, the curved TV has become known for its immersive properties. Its beautiful soft curve of 4200R minimizes the viewing distance from the center of the screen to the peripheral areas, reducing the need to repeatedly adjust focus. This feature exclusive to curved televisions results in less eye strain, particularly during action scenes.

Curved Monitors: Easier on the Eyes
Earlier this year, Samsung released a number of computer monitors with curved screens that, like curved TVs, lack display distortion and are much easier on the eyes than traditional monitors. While the monitors smaller than the 29 inch model have a 4000R curve, the 29 inch model and bigger varieties measure in at 3000R. Being the first company to introduce models with these specifications using its own technology is a remarkable achievement on Samsung’s part.

Beauty With Purpose
Curved glass is beautiful and complex. As curved technology evolves, the possibilities of design also grow. Samsung developers continue to think of ways to use these new technologies to make life easier and more aesthetically pleasing for everyone.

Some of the improvements came through upgraded industry standards. For example, the entertainment industry has gradually increased screen resolution to make clearer images; from Standard Definition (SD) to High Definition (HD) and now Ultra High Definition (UHD). Another recent advancement is High Dynamic Range (HDR), which allows production studios, content distributors, and TV manufacturers to offer brighter and more colorful video.

Some of the improvements come from innovations provided by each company. For example, when Samsung first introduced the LED TV, consumers were able to enjoy images several times brighter than conventional LCD TVs.

In 2015, Samsung started to apply quantum dot technology to its flagship SUHD TVs. Now with more and more industry partners gearing towards HDR, the marriage between Quantum Dot technology and HDR offers viewers a whole new era of home entertainment.

HDR1000: Jack It Up to 1,000 Nits

Although there are many devices that can show HDR content, not all HDRs are equal. Colors are perceived by light; and with the wider range of both luminance and colors for HDR, it is important that the TV can cover the brighter side of the spectrum. HDR1000 means the device is capable of showing at least 1,000 nits* at peak brightness. This intensity of luminance is considered an industry-top level.

Dealing with higher brightness levels poses challenges as it normally means the display device consumes more energy. Higher brightness levels can also cause the device to generate more heat and without proper measures, excessive heat could pose a threat on the product’s lifespan.

With SUHD TVs that feature Quantum dot technology, however, Samsung has an answer that allows TV sets to hit those brightness levels of up to 1,000 nits without the pain points. This is in part thanks to the photo-active property of quantum dots, which makes them very energy-efficient. Samsung was actually able to improve the overall energy efficiency of its 2016 SUHD TVs while enabling the set to hit 1,000 nits.

One Billion Colors

Quantum dots also emit a very pure color, which helps quantum dot displays show much more accurate colors. And by using these accurate reds, greens, and blues, it is able to display broader range of colors. On the other hand, light from conventional fluorescents tend to get mixed with adjacent colors, dropping the range of colors conventional TVs can show. In fact, Samsung’s 2016 SUHD TVs with Quantum Dot technology are able to show up to one billion colors – 64 times more color than the average TV.

This broad range of colors, along with the level of brightness quantum dot allows SUHD TVs to show, allows Samsung to offer richer pictures – closer to the real world than ever. These videos show how SUHD TVs with Quantum Dot technology help show more colors in bright and dark situations:

Recent innovations in display technology offer us an exciting new era of home entertainment. Before you go looking for your next TV set, check where the industry is going and make sure your TV is best-suited for the upcoming wave of UHD and HDR content.

For more information about HDR, Quantum Dot technology, and SUHD, visit: www.samsung.com/global/tv/quantum-dot-display.

* A nit is a standard unit of luminance, frequently used in measuring the brightness of display devices. One nit is the luminous intensity of a candle lighting an area of one square meter.

Samsung Electronics, the number one TV manufacturer worldwide for the past 10 years, unveiled its spectacular new line of SUHD TVs that offer unparalleled picture quality with Quantum dot display, state of the art design with the world’s first bezel-less curved design and a new, easy and integrated Smart TV experience powered by the Tizen OS.

The new range was launched at the Samsung Southwest Asia Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ushering in a new decade of global TV leadership.

Samsung Forum, an annual event, provides exciting opportunities to exchange information, meet the leaders who are driving Samsung Southwest Asia’s growth, and experience the latest innovations in the industry.

“The new SUHD TVs with Quantum dot display demonstrate ground-breaking advances in colour reproduction, brightness, contrast and details. Our passion and commitment for innovation has enabled us to deliver a revolutionary in-home experience with the very best picture quality, bezel-less design and an integrated Smart TV experience. We will continue our focus on innovation to offer our consumers a remarkable home entertainment experience,” said Mr. Rajeev Bhutani, Vice President, Consumer Electronics, Samsung India.

Samsung SUHD TV with Quantum dot display: Unbeatable Picture Quality

Samsung’s 2016 SUHD TVs offer its viewers an unparalleled viewing experience with the revolutionary Quantum dot display technology. It is the world’s only cadmium-free, 10-bit Quantum dot display, offering the most true-to-life picture quality, with stunning brightness, exceptional contrast and the most lifelike colours ever offered by Samsung.

This year, all Samsung SUHD TVs will feature the ability to provide a premium high dynamic range (HDR) experience, with 1,000 nit brightness for a higher level of contrast between light and dark images. New Ultra Black technology also significantly reduces light reflection, further enhancing picture quality with minimal glare. Inspired by nature, Ultra Black absorbs natural light the same way that a moth’s eye enables it to see better at night.

360 design for Unparalleled Immersion

Samsung has designed the world’s first bezel-less Curved TV, the KS9000   SUHD TV, providing an ultimate immersive viewing experience. The curved screen is truly a work of art from every angle. With no bezel that normally functions as the frame, viewers can experience surround view and an enhanced feeling of depth for an elevated immersive viewing experience.

In keeping with this design ethos, Samsung has also sought to eliminate all unnecessary elements, even removing screws from the rear of the TV, to create an elegant product that is beautiful from every angle.

2016 Smart Hub: The Smart Experience just got Smarter

Built on the Tizen operating system (OS), Samsung’s 2016 Smart TVs make it easier for consumers to discover and access all their favourite content and services, from TV and movies to games and program information, all in one place.

• New Smart Hub – This is designed to provide users with simple access to their favourite content. Features like Live TV, Over The Top (OTT), games and even the menu that appear on the home screen of the Smart TV allow users to access their favourite programs as soon as they turn on the TV.
• Samsung Smart Control remote – The new Samsung Smart TV eliminates the need to juggle multiple remote controls as it will automatically recognize the type of Home theatre system or game console that is to be connected. This allows users to combine all external remote controls into the Smart Control Remote – with no set up required.
• Console-less Gaming –Various streaming and downloadable games will be available on the 2016 Samsung Smart TVs from Global as well as Indian content providers which will allow consumer to have realistic gaming experience on large screens.
• Smart View – The Samsung Smart View mobile app allows users to share their favourite content instantly with their family. The upgraded Smart View is now available beyond Samsung Galaxy devices, supporting Android and iOS devices, as well as Windows PCs. Popular apps and websites from Global and Local content providers will also be Smart View enabled, so that consumers can have a holistic entertainment experience using the App.

Samsung’s First Ultra HD Blu-ray Player

Samsung also unveiled its first Ultra HD Blu-ray Player, the UBD-K8500, which is HDR compatible and offers four times the resolution and 64 times detailed color expression of a conventional Blu-ray player. It features a sleek, curved front design which matches perfectly with your SUHD TV.

When paired with Samsung SUHD TVs Quantum dot display, the new UHD Blu-ray player delivers a level of picture quality never seen before in homes.

The UBD-K8500’s built-in upscaling technology enhances the picture quality from standard Blu-ray discs and DVDs, and consumers can also play CDs.