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 colour TV, the Colour Economy TV, for the first time in Korea, ushering in the era of colour television for the country. Samsung earned the title of the first colour 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% colour 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 Behaviour

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 colour 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 organise the various relevant technologies. These include those designed to reduce distortion and any image transmission noise, those that reproduce colours 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 optimising 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 behaviour, 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^[1]. 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 optimisation 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 NFT^[2] 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 organisation 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 optimising 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 optimising 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 favourite 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.

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

[2] 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

LONDON, UK – 24^th January 2023 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has collaborated with Fiit – the UK’s #1 rated hybrid fitness platform– on a partnership which offers consumers a free Fiit 4-month subscription, when they purchase a selected Smart TV or Smart Monitor.

From 1^st January to 30^th March 2023, customers looking to upgrade their fitness or TV viewing routines are in luck. The partnership between Samsung and Fiit sees customers automatically unlock 4-months of Fiit, offering unlimited access to over 1,000 on-demand mat and cardio equipment-based workouts, each led by world-class trainers, when they purchase a Samsung TV or Smart Monitor. The interactive fitness platform is aimed for all abilities and whether users are looking to improve flexibility, gain strength or simply de-stress, members are encouraged to take their training to the next level from the comfort of their own home, or in the gym.

Users can also take advantage of Samsung’s cutting-edge integration options by connecting their Galaxy products, such as watches^[1] and phones, to lunge, jump and flex their way through a seamless and connected workout experience with live workout stats (heart rate, Fiit points and calories) tracked in-app on screen, allowing members to connect and compete on the live leaderboard.

Samsung Electronics

The promotion comes as part of Samsung’s Smart Start proposition, that offers customers the unique opportunity to try out a variety of premium apps during the initial months they own a new Samsung TV.

Zeena Hill, Marketing Director, TV/AV, Samsung Electronics UK&I said: “With many looking to shake up their fitness and wellness routines in 2023, our partnership with Fiit is the perfect way to step up your training. We’re thrilled to be working with Fiit, the number 1 fitness platform in the UK, to bring their content to more customers through the power of our most advanced TV technology this year”

The partnership kicked off with a one-off fitness session for consumers in central London on 17^th January 2023, which saw Fiit’s expert trainers, Gede Foster and Gus Vaz Tostes lead a 40-minute interactive HIIT workout with guests.

Customers who take advantage of the new offer in collaboration with Fiit can enjoy incredible picture quality and sound on Samsung’s latest premium TV range, including Neo QLED 8K, 4Ks, and QD-OLED TVs. To find out further information on the offer for customers, readers can visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/tvs/smart-tv/smart-start-offer/

Notes to Editors:

Qualifying devices include all 2022 Smart TV and Monitors, plus selected 2021 devices. Full list of qualifying devices can be found here: https://www.samsung.com/uk/tvs/smart-tv/smart-start-offer/

[1] Compatible with Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 ^th – 23^rd November 2022.

▲ (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 recognises that Samsung TV’s Eye Comfort mode provides an optimal viewing experience for consumers spending more time indoors by automatically balancing light exposure and colour 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 organisation’s colour accuracy standards.

For more information on Samsung’s 2023 product lineup, please visit www.samsung.com.

[1]  For models Q70C and above

[2]  The Frame, The Serif and The Sero

Samsung’s wide portfolio of offerings helps users build their own tailored experiences with the devices they use every day, with more intuitive technology than ever before. This year, Samsung takes one step further in its ever-evolving journey to simplify consumers’ everyday lives with seamless multi-device integration across its entire ecosystem through its smart home platform SmartThings.

“In 2023, we are pushing boundaries of innovation to offer consumers more than just premium picture quality, but a holistic, premium device experience tailored to what they need and want out of their connected home,” said Cheolgi Kim, EVP of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “With SmartThings, our advanced technology is seamless and intuitive, which can make life more accessible and enjoyable everyday.”

Premium and Connected Experiences with Neo QLED

Samsung’s latest suite of Neo QLED 8K and 4K televisions provide consumers with premium options that suit every need. Neo QLED picture quality is powered by Samsung’s advanced Neural Quantum Processor, which supports the Quantum Mini LED-lit TV with 14-bit processing and AI upscaling, enabling features such as Shape Adaptive Light Control and Real Depth Enhancer Pro for a three-dimensional, lifelike picture.

Samsung’s 2023 Neo QLEDs also go beyond just a clear picture, with a high-resolution panel and Samsung’s proprietary algorithm that power Samsung’s new Auto HDR Remastering. It uses AI deep learning technology to analyse and apply real-time High Dynamic Range (HDR) effects on Standard Dynamic Range (SDR)  content on a scene-by-scene basis, making SDR content brighter and livelier for absolute immersion.

In addition, SmartThings users no longer need to purchase a separate SmartThings dongle to connect and control Zigbee and Thread devices. In 2023, the SmartThings Zigbee & Matter Thread One-Chip Module will be directly built into Samsung products. And for the ultimate connected device experience, SmartThings automatically syncs devices for easier control of not just Samsung devices, but also third-party appliances and IoT devices^[1] for seamless connections.

• Chat Together: Users can easily enter a live chat group to share thoughts and react in real-time with others who are also watching the same content.
• ConnecTime: Makes it easier to take video calls from connected devices, providing a larger platform for video calls on the TV and a seamless transition to a smaller device if a user wants to walk away and transfer the call to another screen.
• 3D Map View: Designed to let users conveniently control and monitor connected devices, Samsung’s 3D Map View provides users a bird’s eye view of their home and all of their SmartThings devices at-a-glance

Broadening Viewing Options with MICRO LED and Samsung OLED

The 2023 MICRO LED lineup offers new models ranging from 50 to 140-inches^[2] to provide consumers with a breadth of options for unparalleled picture quality and screen experience. Thanks to its modular nature, MICRO LED is not bound by shape, ratio and size, making it completely customisable to fit a consumer’s desired set up. In addition, it comes without bezels so regardless of configuration, the boundary between screen and real life is seamless.

And to provide consumers with even more viewing options, Samsung’s 2023 OLED lineup is now available in 55, 65 and the new ultra-large 77-inch models. Samsung’s latest OLED lineup comes with Quantum Dot technology that has been developed for Samsung’s Neo QLEDs as well as Neural Quantum Processors to retain OLED technology’s core strengths, while simultaneously improving limitations in its brightness and colour representation.

The expanded lineup comes with a 144Hz refresh rate and all of Samsung’s smart features, including Samsung Gaming Hub. And for the first time on an OLED TV, Samsung OLEDs come with AMD’s FreeSync Premium Pro certification for the ultimate OLED gaming experience.

Finally, to expand viewing options, Samsung offers Samsung TV Plus on all of its smart TV lineup. The free ad-supported TV (FAST) and video-on-demand service delivers over 1,800 channels globally, including over 50 owned & operated channels, reaching 24 countries and 465 million devices globally across the company’s TV and mobile devices. It is 100% free and doesn’t require any downloads, subscriptions or additional devices.

Explore a New World of Gaming with Samsung Gaming Hub

The Samsung Gaming Hub^[3], the new home for gaming on Samsung Smart TVs, offers users unlimited access to thousands of their favourite games from partners such as Xbox, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Amazon Luna and Utomik with no downloads, storage limits or consoles required. Moreover, it is the most intuitive gaming experience, where players can simply switch on their TVs and play.

Samsung Gaming Hub, which was launched last year, delivers incredible picture quality and an entirely new way to approach gaming – with multitasking, expanded partnerships and 4K streaming. Players can even watch multiple types of content at the same time.

In 2023, upgrades for GameBar 3.0 with MiniMap Sharing^[4] and Virtual Aim Point elevate the experience for every type of gamer. MiniMap Sharing enables players to see the minimap of their game at-a-glance on any display while Virtual Aim Point, designed for first-person shooters(FPS), allows players to view more noticeable crosshairs in any game so they can make the perfect shot.

The Samsung Gaming Hub is also available on Samsung smart monitors and gaming screens – including the Odyssey series. With Odyssey Ark, gamers can rotate their screens vertically or horizontally based on their desired orientation and enjoy immersive games with a 55-inch 1000R curved screen and powerful sound.

Elevate Your Lifestyle with Expanded Lifestyle Lineup and New Features

Consumer’s lifestyle needs are constantly shifting. To navigate this landscape, Samsung has unveiled new lifestyle products and features to elevate the user experience to another level, allowing consumers to customise the way they view and experience screens.

• The Premiere 8K: In 2023, Samsung is introducing a new iteration of its laser projector, The Premiere 8K. The ultra-short throw projector lineup now comes with an 8K model, giving users the same ultra-large screen in even higher resolution. It supports a maximum screen size of 150-inches for a massive screen with exquisite resolution to match.
• The Freestyle with Smart EDGE Blending: The Freestyle is the ultimate flexible device, allowing consumers to watch whatever they want wherever they want. In 2023, users can take advantage of the new Smart EDGE Blending feature, which allows users to use two of the devices and watch content in a 21:9 configuration with no manual lining up or adjusting. The 2023 Freestyle will also support Samsung Gaming Hub for more entertainment on the go.
• New UI and Accessories: In 2023, Samsung is introducing a new and improved Samsung Art Store with features such as previews at-a-glance and extended content offerings, which mimic the experience of visiting a gallery or museum. Also new is a metal bezel option for a modern and luxurious look on The Frame. Samsung’s latest TV lineup can be mounted with the Auto Rotating Wall Mount & Stand, which brings the automatic rotation and vertical media viewing experience of The Sero to other TVs, including The Frame and Neo QLEDs.

Everyday Sustainability with Samsung Screens

In line with the latest environmental strategy announced in 2022, Samsung intends to work with partners and customers to be eco-conscious, providing a broader impact throughout the product’s lifecycle.

• Recycled Materials: For the 2023 lineup, Samsung will replace 20% of the bracket parts used for the SolarCell Remote with recycled ocean-bound plastic. In addition, the main parts of the power board use recycled aluminum cans and copper, replacing approximately 12% of the original materials used.
• Reducing Manufacturing Impact: Samsung designed a light-weight injection mold that requires fewer materials, with a structure that can be repurposed, bringing down the overall energy consumption and raw materials needed for production.
• Eco-Packaging: In 2023, Samsung Eco-Packaging will come with minimal print so less ink is consumed in its production, and Samsung will use paper tape to reduce the use of plastic in its packaging. Additionally, package sizes will be reduced to lower overall carbon emissions.

Multidimensional Soundscape and Audio Quality with AI

A premium screen experience would only be complete with ultra-immersive audio. While Samsung TVs come with impressive built-in speakers, they also have powerful audio features and devices to enhance the viewing experience for something truly cinematic.

• AI Sound Remastering: In 2023, Samsung’s flagship TV and soundbar offer Sound Remastering, which utilises AI to remaster each sound object to ensure voices are clear, environmental sounds are totally enveloping and that each component is just the right volume.
• New Soundbars: In addition to the flagship soundbar, HW-Q990C, with 11.1.4 channel sound supporting Dolby Atmos, the ultra-slim HW-S800B offers powerful immersive sound in Dolby Atmos from a 3.1.2 channel device that is just 40mm tall and 38mm deep. It is easily placed with any TV and still offers clear sound with punchy bass.
• Q-Symphony: A new iteration of harmony between the TV and soundbar, 2023 new Q-Symphony will provide vastly evolved sound for which the soundbar taps into the TV’s Neural Processing Unit to analyse audio signals and process each sound for more detail than ever before.

These audio features and devices complete the viewing experience so that in 2023, Samsung devices are their most connected, most powerful and most customisable for the ultimate, personalised device ecosystem to date.

For registering pre-order notification^[5] and more information including images or videos on the products Samsung is announcing at CES 2023, please visit www.samsung.com

^* All functionality, features, specifications, and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. Availability of the above-mentioned products, services, and features may vary by region.

[1] SmartThings will support Matter and HCA in 2023. This will enable SmartThings users to add a thousands of compatible devices seamlessly into their SmartThings Home Environment.

[2] Samsung’s MICRO LED lineup will be offered in 50, 63, 76, 89, 101, 114 and 140-inches in 2023.

[3] Samsung Gaming Hub requires a fast internet connection

[4] MiniMap Sharing will be available via software update in the first half of 2023

[5] Participating Countries only