By Philip Wong, CNET Asia
05/09/2008
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/home_av/tvs/0,39037594,62045832,00.htm

Samsung was probably the first manufacturer to introduce Integrated Digital TVs into Asia. And now, it's about to score another major coup with a slew of Web-enabled and networked HDTVs. Unveiled at a media event today in Singapore, the Korean chaebol's Series 7, 8 and 9 LCD TVs may very well be the only few panels outside of Japan which are capable of streaming live news feeds and multimedia content. The product launch also marks the arrival of its Samsung Armani TV as well as the Series 680s.

To bring you the latest headlines, stocks and weather reports onscreen, Samsung has tied up with Yahoo to offer real-time RSS feeds through its InfoLive function. This Web-based service is currently available only in Singapore and Australia, but will be progressively rolled out to other Asian countries by early next year. For similar but offline resources, there's the Content Library function which hosts games and a variety of edutainment materials on topics such as art and fitness. To keep the Content Library updated, you could also download newer selections from the Samsung Web site.

Another major innovation that rides on its WiseLink-Pro capability and integrated network port is the panel's Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)-compatibility. On top of playing back MP3, JPEG and MPEG-4 videos through USB, you could further stream these files right off your home network from a PC running its proprietary software. In fact, the company will be bundling a free USB wireless adapter for its Singapore customers. This allows hassle-free network connectivity for all the above-mentioned content-rich functions.

Furthermore, the Series 6, 7, 8 and 9 have common features such as a built-in digital (DVB-T) TV tuner and MPEG-4 decoder to receive HD broadcasts, four 1080p24-ready HDMI inputs, 100Hz Motion Plus frame rate-doubling engine and its Touch of Colour design. To further differentiate between the models, the Series 8 is Samsung's latest entry into the superslim league with a sleek 44.5mm-thick bezel, while its LED-backlit Series 9 claims a staggering 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast.

High-fashion globetrotters should also check out the Samsung Armani TV, a premium 100Hz TV that incorporates Armani-inspired design elements. While the latter is open to interpretation, it does come with a wooden shell, unique pebble-shaped secondary remote and a clutter-free mirror front that reinforces its illuminated Armani and Samsung logos. If that's not good enough to whet your appetite, you'll even have a special four-mode backlit power switch to customize the motifs' lighting.

LCD TV lineup

Model name	In a nutshell
Samsung Series 680 (Click for more information)	Notable features: Available in 40- and 46-inch sizes Crystal design with a touch of color (ruby black) 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution 60,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio 100MHz Motion Plus Onboard DVB-T tuner and HD decoder Onboard JPEG/MP3 playback via USB 1080p24 input-ready Four (1 side) HDMI inputs Availability: October (Singapore and Australia only)
Samsung Series 7 (Click for more information)	Notable features: Available in 40-, 46- and 52-inch sizes Crystal design with a touch of color (rose black) 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution 70,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio InfoLive Content Library DLNA-compatible 100MHz Motion Plus Onboard DVB-T tuner and HD decoder Onboard JPEG/MP3/MPEG-4 playback via USB and network 1080p24 input-ready Four (1 side) HDMI inputs Availability: Mid September (Asia)
Samsung Series 8 (Click for more information)	Notable features: Available in 46- and 52-inch sizes Crystal design with a touch of color (rose black) Superslim 44mm-thick bezel 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution 70,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio InfoLive Content Library DLNA-compatible 100MHz Motion Plus Onboard DVB-T tuner and HD decoder Onboard JPEG/MP3/MPEG-4 playback via USB and network 1080p24 input-ready Four (1 side) HDMI inputs Availability: October (Asia)
Samsung Series 9 (Click for more information)	Notable features: Available in 46- and 55-inch sizes Crystal design with a touch of color (platinum black) 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast via LED backlighting InfoLive Content Library DLNA-compatible 100MHz Motion Plus Onboard DVB-T tuner and HD decoder Onboard JPEG/MP3/MPEG-4 playback via USB and network 1080p24 input-ready Four (1 side) HDMI inputs Availability: October (Asia)
Samsung Armani TV (Click for more information)	Notable features: Available in 46- and 52-inch sizes Armani-inspired design 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution 60,000:1 dynamic contrast 100MHz engine Backlit primary and secondary remotes Illuminated front company logos 1080p24 input-ready Three HDMI inputs Availability: Now (Asia/by order only) Price: S$9,999, S$12,999