JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 12 June 2018 – While innovative technology means that a television may be placed just about anywhere in a home – either turning into a gallery-like piece of art when it’s not being watched or as an integral part of the décor, there is something appealing about a room that is specific to the pieces on the wall and sound of movies or series. Just about any form of entertainment is available online, which means creating a theatre-like experience doesn’t require a whole re-design of a place.

Ahead of planning any interior space, it’s important to first understand what it is primarily to be used for, as well as how many people it will usually need to seat. In a dedicated TV room, the use is already decided; it’s the number of people who will normally be viewing at any given time that then becomes an important factor. Assuming it’s usually a family of six, then of course there needs to be adequate seating for each family member. If the family seldom watches together, the layout could be arranged to accommodate just one or two people watching together. If there isn’t really a spare spot in your home, double up with a guest room – all you’ll need to do is use a sleeper couch as the main reclining option.

Lyle Mitchley, Head Product Manager for TV at Samsung South Africa, says, “We’ve come a long way in terms of television design and innovation and while many people want to display their Samsung TV’s, especially the exquisite Frame, a devoted TV room is becoming trendy, giving people the opportunity to design an area that encourages a truly theatre-like experience.”

In advance of deciding on the seating for the TV room, consider the way you like to enjoy it. Given you’re more likely to spend your time on a romantic movie late at night, you may prefer to go for a low-slung couch with dreamily soft cushions. If you’re an edge-of-your-seat sports fan, a higher, more solid type seating option could be a better choice.

Symmetry and asymmetry are both integral to interior design. Finding a focal point is usually the first aspect of planning. When it comes to a TV room, the obvious centrepiece will be the television. The size of the TV will assist in determining what is placed next to it, as well as how furniture fits in front of it. However, the television is positioned, on a TV unit or flush-mounted to the wall; placing either shelves or pieces of décor on either side of it assists in making the room feel cosier, which is the goal of an entertainment room. Asymmetry in design relates to spaces where the focal point isn’t in the middle of a wall, but rather off-centre.

The rule of three is helpful in this instance – this means placing two additional items that balance the off-centre focal point, to create a holistic visual. An example of this could be if the TV is to the right of the centre of the wall, two plants, one that’s slightly taller than the top of the TV and one that’s slightly lower, will balance it out. This may well be a set of shelves and a small table that create a vertical balance to the horizontal top of the TV.

Before the advent of sound bars, the television focus could easily be balanced with the large speakers to create a surround-sound experience. But, that’s no longer the case and rather than having electronic décor, softer and more aesthetically pleasing items can be put in place.

Adding a sound bar to your TV sound is what makes all the difference. For example, the Samsung 500 W 5.1.4 ch has 15 built-in speakers, including four upward-facing drivers and rear wireless speakers that deliver crystal clear sound. Dolby Atmos transports you into what you are watching with moving audio that flows all around you, even from above,” adds Mitchley.

When it comes to audio, the acoustics of a room also become important. This doesn’t mean having to create a sound-proofed interior, though. Instead, simply ensure that interior elements are soft – vibration bounces off hard surfaces, so if there isn’t carpeting in the TV room, include a rug that’ll help absorb the sound waves.

Whatever your viewing habits are, having a space in your home dedicated to entertainment is a wonderful luxury that hugely enhances your enjoyment.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – We’re sharing some interesting facts and stats that you never knew about TV from around the world.

1. A recent Samsung survey found that it isn’t reality TV or soaps that make us most likely to tune in, but documentaries¹, with 41% claiming it is their favourite TV genre.
2. Based on the above, it is probably no surprise that Blue Planet II is currently the most watched show of 2017, peaking with 14.1 million viewers².
3. In Australia, the iconic State of the Origin rugby match between Queensland and New South Wales drew in the most viewers of 2017 to date with 4.1 million people³.
4. Whilst in China, it’s an internet-based “rap reality” show pulling in the viewers. The Rap of China showcase young and feisty contestants hoping for their big break into the world of hip hop, with more than 2.5 billion views to date⁴.
5. Back in the UK, Only Fools & Horses was voted the most popular sitcom of all time in Samsung’s poll.
6. Strictly Come Dancing beat off some stiff competition when it came to the best reality or talent show.
7. When it comes to those in front of the camera, the USA is home to some of the best paid stars of television. According to Forbes, Dr Phil is currently the highest paid presenter in the world earning a reported $79 million (R1,1 billion).
8. Sofia Vergara is reportedly the highest paid television actress at $41.5 million (R582.2 million).
9. And, Kim Kardashian’s business empire means she is the highest paid reality star with a reported fortune of $51 million (R715.5 million).
10. Behind the camera, Netflix hit The Crown is the most expensive of all time, costing $130 million (R1.8 billion) to produce⁵.
11. In South Africa this year, MultiChoice added subscribers to its growing base, bringing the combined closing base (digital terrestrial television and satellite) to 11.9 million households⁶.
12. According to a MyBroadband survey of 1,587 IT professionals and tech-savvy individuals in South Africa, 73.85% of respondents said they were an online pirate, while 51.17% of respondents said they subscribed to a media streaming service⁷.
13. This survey also showed that Netflix was by far the most popular streaming service in the country, with 84.85% of users signed up for a Netflix package.
14. Of those in this survey who did not subscribe to a streaming service, their primary reasons were: All my media needs are taken care of thanks to piracy – 42.27%; I can’t afford it – 38.08%; and my internet connection at home is too slow – 37.53%.
15. Of the respondents in this survey who did subscribe to a streaming service, 31.65% said they also subscribed to DStv.
16. American TV show M*A*S*H takes the crown for the most-watched episode ever, with 103 million viewers tuning in for the final ever installment⁷.
17. Samsung’s recent survey also shows we’re watching more television than ever, with a fifth of us claiming to watch more TV now than we did five years ago thanks to on-demand technology and viewer’s appetite for binge-watching.
18. Game of Thrones was voted in the survey as being the most-bingeable show of all⁸.
19. Game of Thrones also hit the top spot when it came to the most hotly anticipated TV show return
20. Size matters; Samsung research shows that 40 inches was the average TV screen size globally in 2016.
21. 25% of TVs sold in 2016 had a 50-inch screen.
22. 90% claim they would like a screen which is 60 inches big.
23. To date, Samsung has sold 427 million televisions around the world.
24. Which all makes for a lot of telly watching! Approximately eight years in our life time!⁹.

According to the Broadcast Research Council of South Africa¹⁰, the most-watched shows are:

Sources:

¹Samsung survey conducted amongst 2 000 adults in the UK by OnePoll, November 2017

²http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/blue-planet-2-most-watched-tv-show-david-attenborough-a8042171.html

³http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/state-of-origin-game-three-most-watched-show-of-2017-20170713-gxab63.html

⁴http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-china-blog-41236746

⁵http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/the-crown-netflix-most-expensive-show-ever-matt-smith-a7392911.html

⁶https://techcentral.co.za/dstv-grows-subscribers-margins-squeezed/75222/

⁷https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/228037-how-many-south-african-netflix-subscribers-also-have-dstv.html

⁸http://uk.businessinsider.com/most-watched-episodes-2016-9

⁹http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4186598/How-time-spend-activities-lifetime.html

¹⁰http://www.brcsa.org.za/august-2017-top-tv-programs/

Consumer viewing behaviour has also evolved, and the demand now is for an enhanced viewing experience. This is one of the main reasons Samsung’s QLED screens are becoming increasingly popular. But, the evolution doesn’t just stop at the intense picture and sound quality.

“We see the consistent acceleration of technology in the day-to-day lives of consumers. It’s because of this that Samsung considers customers’ daily needs and inconveniences to help better inform future television innovation – specifically in the development of new products that add harmony to any busy lifestyle and beautiful design to any home,” says Mike van Lier, Samsung Director of Consumer Electronics.

The television of the future will be a device which can be put up anywhere, new designs will change the notion that the TV must sit still or be fixed in one place. Consumers will no longer need to tailor their lifestyles to their televisions, but will have the luxury of Samsung products that will fit seamlessly and discreetly into their daily life.

Samsung recently invited media to discuss key trends and the outlook for the global television market. These included the rapidly increasing demand for UHD quality large screen televisions, as well as ongoing consumer pain points related to convenience.

“We are moving from speaking about distinct products and technologies such as QLED, to talking about consumer benefits and experiences, about the inspiration behind the innovation, about the positive impact we can have upon the world and about our vision for the future,” says Van Lier.

It was found that the television market is experiencing a shift from FHD to UHD. Between January and August of this year, according to Growth from Knowledge (GfK) and National Purchase Diary (NPD) research firms, revenues for UHD televisions accounted for over 50 percent of the global TV market. Research has shown that consumers want a device that is easier to use and to this end, Samsung conducted research in the US and German TV markets among those willing to purchase a new TV product. The results are detailed below.

Top Pain Points When Using a TV

Based on these trends, Samsung continues to strengthen its leadership in the global TV market. According to GfK and NPD, between January and August 2017, Samsung was the number one player, recording 34 percent of total global television market revenue, higher than the market shares of the second and third largest players combined. The company also recorded 42 percent for big screen TVs, 60-inch and larger, and 38 percent for UHD TVs. Samsung also led in market share based on TV pricing, with 44 percent in TVs, priced over $1 500 (R21 311), and 37 percent for TVs over $2 500 (R35 519).

Samsung’s strategy revolves around providing consumers with the broadest options for big screen TVs, such as QLED TVs and premium UHD TVs in 65-, 75-, 82- and 88-inch sizes, as well as curved and flat screen options. The TV accessories have also received positive reviews, including the clean and clutter-free cable solution, Invisible Connection; auto recognition and control function, Auto Detection and One Remote, providing an easy way to access many different remote controls in one.

“With a significant increase in QLED TV sales globally in the second half of this year, there is no doubt that the position of Samsung as a leading player in the premium TV market continues to grow. Samsung will continue to lead global TV market trends with a business strategy that meets the rapidly changing needs of global consumers,” concludes van Lier.

Click on the link to hear Mike van Lier, Samsung Director Consumer Electronics, talk more about the future of television.

Source: *https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/home/

**https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/home/