24 March 2026 – Samsung offers the S-Care^[1]service plan to its customers, covering Samsung products, including TVs. S-Care extends the standard warranty^[2] that comes with new Samsung products, providing the same trusted benefits for an additional period. This service gives consumers greater value and convenience when investing in their home entertainment experience.

Customers purchasing a Samsung TV on the Samsung Online Store www.samsung.com/za can purchase this extended service plan, offering protection and expert support.

With S-Care, Samsung TV owners benefit from:

• Extended Protection – Enjoy a total of four years of coverage: Samsung’s standard two-year warranty plus an additional two-year S-Care extended warranty.
• Seamless, Automatic Coverage – S-Care activates immediately after the standard warranty period ends, ensuring uninterrupted support and protection.
• Samsung Online Store Availability – S-Care can be added at checkout when purchasing a Samsung TV on the website, providing customers with a premium experience and added value.

Samsung continues to prioritise customer peace of mind by offering reliable and convenient after-sales support. With S-Care for TVs, customers can enjoy their entertainment worry-free, knowing Samsung has them covered for four years.

Samsung’s customers have access to Samsung Authorised Service Centres, which offer:

• In-warranty and out-of-warranty repairs
• Flexible service options:
  • In-home repair for TVs 42 inches and larger

To ensure seamless support, customers must book their repair through an authorised Samsung Service Centre. If an issue cannot be resolved remotely, Samsung will assist in scheduling the repair or refer customers to the nearest authorised facility.

Give your Samsung TV the care it deserves and enjoy stress-free viewing with continued, reliable expert support through S-Care.  Add S-Care at checkout and enjoy uninterrupted entertainment. Terms and conditions apply.

^{[1] Terms and conditions apply.}

^{[2] The Warranty Service is applicable to Samsung Products and Samsung Accessories, which were purchased in South Africa and in accordance with the terms and conditions. https://www.samsung.com/za/support/warranty/}

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. recently held “FAST Forward: How New Streaming Models Are Shaping the Next Generation of TV” as part of its Tech Forum panel series at CES 2026. Taking place at The Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada, the panel brought together leaders from entertainment and media to explore the evolution of streaming and the rapid rise of free-ad-supported television (FAST).

The session highlighted the interconnected relationship between today’s rapidly evolving consumer behaviours and preferences, the transformation of content by technology and monetisation models, the expanding role of creators as studios and the ways in which interactive and live experiences are catalysing a shift from passive viewing into active engagement. Moderated by Natalie Jarvey of The Ankler, the panel featured Salek Brodsky, SVP and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus; Alessandra Catanese, CEO of Smosh and Bruce Casino, EVP, Sales & Distribution, U.S., NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.

FAST Gains Momentum as Audiences Recalibrate Value

As audiences grapple with subscription fatigue and a fragmented streaming landscape, the panel focused on how FAST is restoring simplicity and value to television. Samsung TV Plus anchored the conversation as a platform designed to reduce friction, offering hundreds of live and on-demand channels in one free, easily accessible experience across Samsung TVs and devices worldwide.

“These days, TV experience can often feel like too much work for the viewer,” said SVP Brodsky. “Our goal with Samsung TV Plus is to simplify television again and combine the power of linear discovery with a modern, connected experience that feels effortless, curated and truly valuable.”

The panellists emphasized that FAST has evolved into a core part of the streaming ecosystem, complementing subscription and traditional models while delivering premium, proven programming at scale. For Samsung TV Plus, that evolution is rooted in shared experiences that elevate viewing and meet users not just where they already are, but where they want to be.

Hybrid Models Redefine the Streaming Ecosystem

Panellists emphasized that the evolution of streaming is less about replacing traditional models and more about expanding how audiences engage with content. FAST, subscription and linear distribution models are increasingly working in tandem, allowing studios to extend the life of proven franchises, reach new viewers and unlock additional value without sacrificing performance elsewhere. By leveraging data, audience behaviour and decades of content insight – media companies are deploying FAST to complement existing channels and create a more resilient and diversified ecosystem.

EVP Bruce Casino highlighted how this approach has enabled NBCUniversal to bring both classic and contemporary content to FAST audiences, while continuing to see strong performance across platforms. “FAST doesn’t replace traditional distribution, it extends it,” said Casino. “What we’re seeing is that when great content shows up in multiple places, it creates incremental value rather than cannibalisation — allowing franchises to thrive across FAST, streaming and linear channels.”

Creators Emerge as the New Studios

The panel also examined how the changing nature of consumer habits and television platforms means content creators do not have to work exclusively with legacy studios to reach a broad audience. As this medium expands from social platforms to the living room, FAST is helping bridge digital culture and traditional TV, while also serving to elevate its production quality.

Samsung TV Plus was highlighted as a platform that helps creators evolve from digital-first brands into full-fledged television studios, helping expand reach, unlock new monetisation opportunities and introduce content to broader, global audiences. One of the clearest examples of a brand that has taken the step from digital-first brand to legitimate TV studio is sketch comedy-improv collective Smosh. By launching a FAST channel with Samsung TV Plus, Smosh has been able to strengthen its connection with its already-dedicated fans while gaining access to a much larger viewer base. Due to this evolution, Smosh has enhanced long-term growth.

“Partnering with Samsung TV Plus allowed us to elevate our production quality and invest in the future of the Smosh brand,” said CEO Alessandra Catanese. “It was the right platform to help us reach a broader audience, while positioning our content in a premium environment that supports where we’re headed as a company.”

Live and Interactive Experiences Drive Engagement

Looking beyond on-demand viewing, panellists discussed how live programming like concerts and interactivity are reshaping the television experience by creating shared moments that audiences actively participate in. With features such as synchronised premieres and real-time participation, technology is transforming television from a passive activity into an interactive experience — fostering connection, excitement and a sense of belonging that brings viewers together organically. Together, the panellists agreed that the future of television will be defined by flexibility, cultural connection and experiences that invite participation, not just consumption.

“Authentic content that creates cultural connection and brings people together is what matters most,” said SVP Brodsky. “That’s why we’re investing in live events, creator programming and interactive formats that remind people why TV has always been the centre of the home.”

As streaming continues to evolve, Samsung is focused on helping shape a TV ecosystem that delivers value for viewers, opportunity for creators and scale for advertisers — redefining what television can be in 2026 and beyond.

*This article contains products and features currently in development. The plans, product claims, timelines, and specifications described are subject to change without notice. Their future availability is not guaranteed.

*Availability may vary per region, country or carrier

The highlight of this update is the integration of SmartThings with Samsung Health, designed to improve users’ sleep environments while enabling more personalised automation experiences. The update also expands Calm Onboarding to support a wider range of devices and adds compatibility with the Matter 1.4 standard.

“SmartThings’ latest update represents our ongoing efforts to make the smart home more intuitive, connected and personalised,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings at Samsung Electronics. “We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of smart home innovation by empowering users through enhanced personalisation and automation, including sleep wellness.”

Samsung Newsroom outlines some of the key changes below.

▲ (Left) A sleep environment summary card displayed in Galaxy Now Briefing, (Right) a detailed sleep environment report

▲ (Left) The automation routine setup screen with Samsung TV Plus actions, (Right) a broadcasting feature using SmartThings linked speakers ※ The UI in the above image may differ from the actual app screen or may be subject to change.

Smarter Sleep Environments With Samsung Health Integration

Sleep environment reports Key¹ from Samsung Health on Galaxy devices help users create optimal conditions for rest by providing detailed insights into key factors — such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels and light intensity — through connected devices and sensors. These reports summarise the previous night’s sleep conditions and offer personalised suggestions for improvement.

When paired with a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring, the latest update enables SmartThings to automatically adjust the environment based on the user’s actual sleep and wake times. Key² For example, routines can be set to turn off lights and the TV at bedtime or to open curtains and play music in the morning.

Greater Flexibility With SmartThings Routines

With the latest update, SmartThings now supports automation routines based on recurring schedules — weekly, monthly or annual — offering added flexibility for a variety of scenarios. For instance, users can automatically change the colour of smart lights to celebrate special occasions like family birthdays.

In addition, SmartThings routines now integrate with Samsung TV Plus on 2025 Samsung TV models. This allows users to include entertainment preferences in their smart home routines — whether it’s setting the TV to turn on the news in the morning or switching to a favourite channel at a preset time to ensure they don’t miss a show.

Broadcasting via SmartThings-Connected Speakers

A new broadcasting feature allows users to send voice messages across SmartThings-connected speakers, making in-home communication more convenient. For example, if a parent is away and sends a voice message through the SmartThings app — “I’ll be home soon, but have a snack from the fridge if you’re hungry” — it will automatically play on the designated home speaker. With real-time message delivery, families can stay connected no matter where they are.

Expanding Calm Onboarding to More Devices

Samsung has offered the Calm Onboarding Key³ feature since late 2023, streamlining setup for Samsung home appliances purchased through Samsung.com or official Samsung stores by linking the entire product journey — from order and delivery to connection with the SmartThings app.

In the latest SmartThings update, Samsung is expanding Calm Onboarding beyond its own products to include compatible third-party smart home devices for a more seamless and intuitive connectivity experience. Users who purchase SmartThings-compatible smart home devices directly from Samsung.com will now receive purchase and delivery updates within the SmartThings app. Additionally, users will receive step-by-step onboarding instructions to simplify product setup. The rollout will begin in Korea, with plans to expand to other countries. Key⁴

Matter 1.4 Support

SmartThings continues to advance the IoT landscape by expanding its support for Matter 1.4. The latest version of the standard includes a wide range of energy management devices — such as water heater, heat pump, solar power device, battery storage device, mounted on/off control switch and mounted dimmable load control device. These newly supported device categories build on existing popular device types like lights, thermostats, switches, air conditioners, air purifiers, fans, door locks and more.

By integrating AI-powered routines, broadening device compatibility and adopting the latest Matter standard, SmartThings reinforces its ongoing commitment to innovation — making the connected home more intelligent, energy-efficient and seamless for users and their families.

¹ The Sleep environment report feature is available on Samsung Galaxy smartphones running One UI 7.0 or later and Samsung Health version 6.29 or later. Availability may expand in the future. For more information on compatible devices that can measure sleep environments, refer to the Sleep condition report under the “How to Use” section in the SmartThings app.

² Setting routines based on sleep conditions may not be supported in certain countries. This feature is available on Samsung Galaxy smartphones with One UI 7.0 or Samsung Health version 6.29 or later, with plans for future expansion. A connected device capable of detecting sleep and wakefulness — such as Galaxy Watch4/5/6/7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Fit3 and Galaxy Ring — is required. For more information, refer to the “Accessories” section in the sleep tab of the Samsung Health app.

³ As of April 2025, the Calm Onboarding feature for Samsung products is available in 14 countries including Korea, the United States, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. Further expansion is planned throughout the year.

⁴ This support is planned for countries where the IoT Marketplace, which sells SmartThings compatible smart home devices on Samsung.com, is available. It will be first applied in Korea and gradually expanded to other countries.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 15 June 2022 – Samsung confirms that The Walt Disney Company’s flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service Disney+ is available to South African consumers on Samsung Smart TVs. Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for some of the world’s most loved stories alongside an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, as well as general entertainment content brand Star, featuring the latest from 20th Century Studios, Disney Television Studios, FX, Searchlight Pictures, and more. Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa, said: “We are delighted that Samsung TV users will be able to access Disney+’s incredible catalogue of films, series and exclusive content.”

How to Download the Disney+ App

The app will be made available on 2016 and newer Samsung models using Tizen OS but does not work on models running Orsay OS or built-in web browsers. However, TV models that do not support the Disney+ app can use other compatible devices. Here are the quick steps to a must-have entertainment experience:

Check 1. An active Disney+ subscription is required to stream content. Please refer to the Disney+ website (www.disneyplus.com) for information about how to sign up.

Check 2. Make sure that your Samsung Smart TV is connected to the internet.

• Select Home > Settings > Quick Settings.

Check 3. Always install the latest version of SW for TV.

• Select Home > Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.

“Disney has always used the power of storytelling to evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia all at once. We are equally and endlessly inspired by the idea of creating pioneering technology that captures this purpose – with vivid colours, infinite attention to detail, immersive audio and seamless connectivity to enchanting new worlds. Samsung’s compatibility with Disney+ extends far beyond the app. We share a vision to make TV viewing a completely magical experience, “said Mike van Lier, Director of Consumer Electronics at Samsung South Africa.

Device screenshots and menus may vary depending on the device model and software version

By applying minimalistic design thinking and principles to focus just on the core elements of the user experience, Samsung has been showcasing TV designs that seamlessly blend and connect with the screen’s surroundings while taking ever-changing lifestyles, viewing habits and environments into consideration since 2006.

As Samsung commemorates its 15^th consecutive year of global market leadership across the TV industry,¹ check out the infographic below to see how the company has been leading industry innovation and design and providing the most optimised viewing experiences to users for the past 15 years.

According to a recent report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), there are an estimated 214 million gamers in the U.S. alone, with 75 percent of households having at least one person who plays. As a result, gaming has become a fun group activity during the pandemic, particularly for those looking to connect with others. In fact, more than six out of 10 players report that they regularly play with others either online or in person.

Gaming’s rise isn’t limited to the U.S., either. Facebook’s “Games Marketing Insights for 2021”¹ noted that last year, numbers of first-time gamers reached new highs in countries around the world with 8.6 million in the U.K., 6.5 million in Germany, and 9.4 million in South Korea. Those numbers further underscore gaming’s rise into a top leisure and entertainment activity.

Samsung TV owners are not an exception to this trend as they have also become avid gamers during the pandemic. According to Samsung’s internal research data,² the number of users in the U.S. who connected gaming devices to their QLED TV nearly doubled from 19.4 percent in March of 2020 to 35.3 percent in March of 2021. In Korea, that number nearly tripled from 11.4 percent to 27 percent during the same period.

Samsung’s 65-inch segment has been the most popular TV size for gaming, and premium models supporting high-end gaming experience, including 120Hz panel refresh rate, were more likely to be connected to the latest gaming consoles. This means that more gamers on consoles such as Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation (PS) are using premium TVs with enhanced gaming features to enjoy optimised gaming experience.

Against the backdrop of gaming’s incredible rise in popularity, Samsung optimised its 2021 TV line-up with gamers in mind. The company’s newest TVs come packed with top-of-the-line features that were designed to foster next-level gaming experiences.

For example, each of Samsung’s 2021 Neo QLED TVs includes support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro³– a technology that enables true HDR console and PC gaming. FreeSync Premium Pro adds to the HDR support, making bright scenes brighter and dark scenes darker to offer optimised contrast. HDR technology is often considered as one of the most important features among gamers. Taking things one step further, Neo QLED’s Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ technology supports ultra-smooth motion in 4K 120Hz, offering users the smoothest way to win.

Samsung’s 2021 Neo QLED TVs are also the first to receive Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker’s (VDE) Gaming TV Performance certification. Four 2021 Neo QLED models (the QN900, QN800, QN90 and QN85) received the certification for their excellent HDR performance, which includes a peak brightness of more than 1,000 nits, allowing for intricate details in both dark and bright scenes, as well as their low input lag with respond time of around 5ms in 4K @120Hz, offering one of the lowest input lags in the industry. Features like these are perfect for both first-time TV buyers and avid gamers alike, allowing users to catch each and every detail of gameplay.

The 2021 Neo QLED line-up’s one-of-a-kind gaming experience is bolstered by the addition of immersion-enhancing features like Super Ultrawide Gameview, along with the all-new Game Bar gaming interface. Super Ultrawide Gameview allows users to experience ultra-wide aspect ratios (both 21:9 and 32:9) that were previously offered only on gaming monitors. This provides gamers with a wider field of view and ensures that they never miss out on any of the action. The Game Bar in Game Mode, allowing players to easily adjust the screen’s aspect ratio, check input lag, connect wireless headsets, and more.

For more information about Samsung’s 2021 TVs and their gaming features, please visit www.samsung.com.

¹ Games Marketing Insights for 2021, Facebook Gaming (January 2021)

² Reflects internal data and findings from users who have opted in to Samsung’s Smart TV Terms and Conditions.

³ Some items excluded.

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

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

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

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

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

Renewable Energy Usage Reaches 100% in the U.S., China and Europe

In June 2018, Samsung committed to having all its worksites in the U.S., China and Europe rely exclusively on electricity sourced from renewable sources by 2020. Thanks to the unrelenting efforts put in hereafter, in 2019, 92% of the energy used in these worksites was generated by renewable sources; and in 2020, the company achieved its goal of 100% renewable energy for these worksites. Samsung’s efforts to use renewable energy continue across various other regions around the world, including Korea.

▲ Solar panels at parking lots in Samsung campuses in Suwon and Giheung, Korea

Across various worksites in Korea, Samsung has installed solar and geothermal facilities for renewable energy production. At the company’s Suwon, Giheung and Pyeongtaek campuses, geothermal power generation facilities have been installed across the campuses’ parking lots, buildings, roofs and new construction sites.

In each of its operational regions around the world, Samsung has developed and is implementing specific regional action plans in order to promote renewable energy usage, including Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) purchasing and renewable power purchase agreements (PPA). Some examples of these region-specific action plans are the signing of a renewable energy supply contract with wind and solar power suppliers in India; the purchase of renewable energy certificates in Mexico; and the specific percentages of renewable energy set for the company’s worksites in Brazil.

Eco-Conscious Products for Everyday Life 

In 2008, Samsung Electronics established its corporate Eco-Council and began holding regular meetings across its various business units to support the development of energy-efficient products. By sharing technologies that help reduce energy consumption and follow eco-conscious trends, the company’s many teams have managed to develop products that simultaneously maximise performance and minimise energy consumption. The results achieved through these co-operative initiatives have also been supported by company-wide efforts to develop highly energy-efficient products.

On January 6, Samsung unveiled its 2021 TV product portfolio at its virtual First Look event, and also announced the company’s latest long-term sustainability programs that include the inclusion of solar cell-powered remote controls and the reduction of product carbon footprints through the use of recycled materials. Samsung’s 2021 Neo QLED s will come with a new solar cell-powered remote control that can be recharged through indoor or outdoor lighting, or USB. This innovation will help prevent the wastage of around 99 million AA batteries over the course of seven years of usage^[1].

Samsung is also making efforts to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases throughout the TV product lifecycle through the application of recycled plastics. Samsung has been using recycled materials in the rear covers of their monitors and signage and is now planning to expand their usage into even more components across the company’s visual display product portfolio. Through various efforts including expansion of its Eco-Packaging Design to all 2021 Lifestyle TVs and the majority of the NEO QLED line, Samsung’s Visual Display Business is aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25,000 tons annually, equivalent to the absorption of greenhouse gases by 3.8 million 30-year-old pine trees over the course of a year^[2].

By using Galaxy smartphones every day, users, too, can help protect the environment. Polyketone, a material that contributes to the reduction of carbon monoxide (greenhouse gas), has been used by Samsung on their Galaxy smartphone and tablet products since 2016. Most recently, in order to reduce the product’s carbon footprint, Samsung applied Polyketone to the side key internal brackets of its Galaxy S21 series.

By pursuing a minimal packaging design and changing the materials used throughout the entire product lifecycle – from manufacturing and distribution through to usage and disposal – Samsung’s Galaxy S21 smartphone have received the ‘Reducing CO₂’ certificate from the Carbon Trust^[3], acknowledging the reduction of greenhouse gases the Galaxy S21 produces compared to the previous model.

In addition, the company has reduced the standby power consumption of its flagship Galaxy smartphones’ chargers since 2012 to press the problem of power waste. In the year since, the company has applied this environmentally conscious enhancement to the chargers of devices throughout its product range, and is currently aiming to reduce the standby power consumption of chargers to zero.

As for Samsung’s home appliances, the mission to reduce products’ energy consumption is ongoing. Samsung’s dishwashers are also energy-efficient. In 2021, the DW80R9950UG and DW80R7060UG models sold in the U.S. were included in Energy Star’s 2021 Most Efficient Dishwashers list, satisfying the criteria of annual energy use of less than 240 kWh per year and water consumption less than 3.2 gallons per cycle for standard-sized models. This translates to 67 kWh per year in energy savings and 387 gallons per year in water savings compared to a conventional product.

In the company’s Semiconductor business, remarkable sustainable progress has also been made. A total of nine key memory products – four DRAM solutions, three solid state drives (SSDs) and two embedded storage (eStorage) devices – have received the Carbon Trust’s Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) certification. In addition to this, the 512GB eUFS 3.1 has been recognised with the semiconductor industry’s first Reducing CO₂ label. Samsung has also been making efforts towards sustainability right from the manufacturing stage of packaging materials for the Portable SSD T7 Touch by developing an eco-friendly pulp material to replace plastic tray components. By using one-third less tray packaging, replacing the plastic trays with eco-friendly pulp material and minimising greenhouse gas emissions throughout its production, the company saved approximately 84 tons of carbon.

Receiving Accolades and Acknowledgement for Eco-Efficiency

Six Samsung refrigerator models sold in the U.S. have been awarded the 2020 ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Every year, the EPA, through its ENERGY STAR Program, chooses one or two innovative technologies for their Emerging Technology Award. In 2020, the awards recognised six Samsung refrigerator models that successfully met three strict performance criteria: (1) super-efficient compressors; (2) low greenhouse gas blowing agents for their insulation; (3) low greenhouse gas refrigerants. Samsung digital inverter compressors use around 30% less energy than single-speed induction motor compressors, and thus also help contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The greenhouse effect, caused by increased global usage of fossil fuels, and the climate change witnessed in recent years are two of our greatest threats. Samsung will continue to monitor the ongoing climate change situation and pursue energy-efficient products and manufacturing processes in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the usage of renewable energies.

The company will also continue to pursue its policies of increasing energy efficiency and minimising the usage of resources so that its users can rest assured that they are doing their part to help mitigate climate change with products that require low electricity and provide high performance.

[1] 7 years is the average lifecycle of TV products.

[2] Based on internal research.

[3] The Carbon Trust is an accredited non-profit certification body established by the British government in 2001 to award the Carbon Footprint Certification to eco-friendly products and services after a comprehensive assessment of the carbon emissions produced throughout the entire production cycle of the product.

As Samsung unveiled at its First Look 2021 event, the company’s 2021 TV line up will harness the latest advances to allow those who are hard of hearing, the deaf, people with low vision and the blind to enjoy their TV experiences in comfort. This will be achieved with the help of Samsung’s new CES 2021 Best of Innovation Award-winning accessibility features for TVs, including Caption Moving, Sign Language Zoom, Multi-Output Audio and Voice Guide. Going forward, Samsung will keep developing new AI-based features to continue making Samsung TVs more and more accessible.

Samsung Newsroom looked at the suite of accessibility features offered on Samsung TVs, as well as the company’s commitment to its new ‘Screens for All’ vision, which is helping ensure that everyone can enjoy their TVs.

SeeColours App: A New World of Colour for those with CVD

The capability of Samsung TVs to reproduce lifelike colour is constantly improving, however this is not as evident to those who suffer from colour vision deficiency (CVD). Samsung’s SeeColours app¹ makes colour adjustments to aid those with CVD and help them enjoy a better viewing experience with optimised colours.

By using the app on their TV, users can identify their CVD type and level and directly recalibrate their screen settings based on the results. The SeeColours app is available to download from Apps, the Smart TV app store.

Colour Inversion: For Comfortable Viewing without Glare

It is also difficult for people with low vision to perceive colours clearly. In particular, black text on a white background can cause glare for people with low vision who are sensitive to light. The fact that their eyes tire easily also hinders comfortable TV viewing.

In this case, the Colour Inversion feature can prove helpful. Inverting menu colours so that the text is white and the background is black raises visual perception and alleviates eye fatigue. While inverting the colours of the TV menus to make navigating them easier, this feature leaves the colours of the actual content being displayed the same in order to best meet the needs of users with low vision.

Features are also available to assist people with complete colour blindness. These include GrayScale, which can convert colour images into black-and-white. Meanwhile, the Focus Enlarge feature allows users to enlarge text and smaller details on interfaces such as Smart Hub.

Audio (Video) Description: To Better Enjoy Exciting Scenes

Spectacular action movies and exciting sports matches can really keep viewers on the edge of their seats. However, those who are blind are often limited to appreciating actors’ performances and athletes’ physical feats purely through their sense of hearing. In these circumstances, the information these users take in through sound effects and dialogue alone is bound to be limited.

Audio (Video) Description is a feature that provides verbal descriptions of the situations and settings being displayed on the screen, in addition to the dialogue or commentary. It helps viewers who are blind enjoy their content more completely by providing explanations of factors that are hard to capture with audio alone, such as characters’ clothing and their body language.

Learn TV Remote: For Ease of Use

A remote control is a handy tool that puts the ability to control channels, volume and TV settings in the palm of your hand and makes viewing much more convenient. However, it is difficult for those who are blind to know what each button does. Thus, it generally takes a long time for them to learn the buttons and get used to using the remote control.

Learn TV Remote is a feature that helps blind users get used to the location and function of each button through repeated practice. If you press a button on the remote control while the mode is on, the name and function of the button will be explained audibly. To return the remote control to regular functionality, press the ‘back’ button twice to turn off learning mode.

Voice Guide: To Better Navigate Channels and Control Volume

When viewers want to catch an episode of a TV show they like, they generally turn on their TV and navigate to the right channel by looking at the channel number or name. However, when they first turn the TV on, it is difficult for viewers who are blind to know what channel they are on, as well as what level the volume is set at.

By telling you what channel your TV is on and what volume level it is set at, the Voice Guide feature eliminates the need to press buttons on the remote control multiple times to navigate to the channel and volume settings you want. The feature additionally enhances convenience by providing information on the program that is currently being aired as well as the upcoming TV schedule.

Accessibility Shortcuts

When you hold down the mute button on the remote control for your Samsung TV for more than two seconds, you will be taken to a menu where you can customise a variety of accessibility settings. In this menu, you will be able to select the most appropriate accessibility features for yourself or your family members. This menu is accompanied by a Voice Guide that allows any user to navigate it without difficulty.

Continued Accessibility Efforts Based on User Feedback

Based on its belief that an accurate understanding of visual deficiency conditions is necessary to developing appropriate accessibility features, Samsung has collected feedback from users in order to make TVs that are also convenient for people with low vision and those who are blind.

To that end, Samsung has been working with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in the UK since 2013 to ensure that Samsung products are equipped with the proper features to offer accessibility to all consumers. Due to its continued efforts, the company received the RNIB’s ‘Tried and Tested Accreditation’ for its 2020 Smart TVs, which is the first time the accreditation has been awarded in the TV industry.

In pursuit of its ‘Screens for All’ vision, Samsung will continue to work and innovate to ensure that Samsung TVs provide an enjoyable viewing experience for all.

 ¹ This app is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease or medical problem. Any information found, acquired or accessed through this app is made available for your convenience and should not be treated as medical advice

“TV has become a focal point in our lives from work to play. People are harnessing the power of this medium more than ever in this new normal. Big screen QLED TV’s has evolved from a mere TV to an entertainment hub in your own home. As a director, my goal is to bring my work to life, utilising technology, like the QLED TV, which creates that fully immersive experience for consumers to consume content in that vivid life-like 8K experience.” said Tebogo Malope.

Samsung’s unparalleled legacy of providing leading TV viewing experiences by combining the advantages of our next-generation displays with AI technologies, immersive technologies, and breath-taking sound quality – a personalised journey that turns a TV into a series of incredible adventures. And that’s exactly what gets Tebogo’s attention.

8K Picture Quality Brings The Vision To Life

As a director, Tebogo has an understandable desire for what’s onscreen to reflect the initial vision and the camera techniques used. Fortunately, with the level of detail and brightness, you can bring your favourite content through the life-like clarity of 8K with 33 million pixels. It’s now possible to turn your favourite content into 8K quality with the Samsung Quantum Processor so you always have 8K, no matter the source quality of the original content. ¹

An important factor for any director is the technology considerations made to ensure the integrity of the movie or show created. QLED TVs use Quantum Dots, which are unique in their sustained ability to perform without losing quality while employing the best colour expression. Additionally, with its HDR10+ technology, it takes lifelike colours and contrasts to a new, dynamic level. This ensures each scene looks as the director meant it to.

Tebogo believes that 2020 has revealed a series of new reasons to make the most of TV. With vast streaming services to cinematic video games, incredible content on a big-screen TV has become even more useful than ever. Additionally, with many students studying from home recently, TVs have emerged as valuable tools. A big-screen TV offers a larger window for exploring a wide range of exciting subjects with an effortless connection to smartphones through Samsung’s QLED TVs. This bridges the gap between classroom, device, and a world of online content.

A New Direction In Audio

Onset, it’s more than just the pictures that are created to tell a story, the audio design is an essential part of the narrative. With QLED, you don’t miss a word as the sound moves and follows the picture with 6 built-in speakers. You can now experience surround sound that tracks every movement and amplifies voices. Active Voice Amplifier is another feature Tebogo loves as it enhances the dialogue when there are distracting sounds in the room, like a vacuum cleaner in the distance. The story can also flow effortlessly with Samsung’s Q-Symphony soundbars that are orchestrated in an awe-inspiring harmony.

As someone who is never far from his smartphone, QLED’s MultiView offers another way for Tebogo to maximise every moment spent in front of the TV screen. Whether it’s live stats for sports or cheat videos for games, you simply connect your phone and dual-screen like never before. To make sure you’re always in control, the TV is powerfully integrated and simple to use.

Ultimately, this is a TV that will change your expectations of what a TV can do. Samsung QLED offers an unparalleled visual and auditory adventure from the comfort of your living room. Available in 4K or 8K and from 43″ to 98″, the QLED series was designed with options to fit any space and various budgets. For Tebogo, this is a further inspiration to create unmissable TV.

¹  Viewing experience may vary according to types of content and format. QLED: Samsung QLED is Quantum dot based TV.