Samsung sets new yardstick for 3D TVs
For TVs, Samsung will both strengthen and simplify the onboard features including a new Smart TV function to match a family of "edgeless" panels sporting a new narrow bezel and swivel stand. Let's take a closer look at the notable upgrades and interesting capabilities users can expect from its 2011 3D TVs.
The 2011 Samsung 3D glasses weigh only 27.2g.
Samsung's latest active shutter 3D eyewear (model SSG-3700CR) is the world's lightest weighing just 27.2g and accepts snap-on prescription lenses. It is also one of the first 3D glasses utilizing Bluetooth to maintain stronger 3D signal connections and supports wireless charging.
The goggles' LCD panels apparently have faster response time to reduce crosstalk and viewing fatigue, though we can only verify these claims in a future review. More information on the new 3D glasses here.
Wireless charger for 3D goggles
Instead of swapping batteries or scrambling for a USB cable, users can conveniently charge up to four pairs of 3D glasses wirelessly via magnetic resonance technology with this nifty accessory. It offers a similar charging time compared with USB ports but is incompatible with the 2010 goggles.
Samsung's wireless charger charges four pairs of 3D glasses simultaneously.
The Samsung Smart TV function is designed to deliver more than a PC experience on a large screen. It allows consumers to easily search content from the Web and connected devices, surf the Internet with a built-in browser and access Web apps through its new Smart Hub user interface. The latter is based on a revised centralized dashboard organized into four segments to facilitate user navigation. Around 75 percent of Samsung LED-lit and plasma TVs will come standard with Smart TV this year.
Skype HD and other new apps
Some of the recently introduced apps include Skype HD for making 720p-resolution video calls, Your Video for personalized movie recommendations, plus Social TV which provides Facebook and Twitter updates on one platform. In Singapore, Samsung is partnering Singtel exCite TV and StarHub TV to launch new interactive services and content for its Smart TVs in the second half of 2011.
The optional Skype USB Webcam with an HD image sensor.
Integrated Wi-Fi
Built-in Wireless-N-certified Wi-Fi has become a standard feature for all Samsung 3D TVs this year. This frees up the panel's three USB ports for connecting an optional Skype Webcam and other storage devices.
One-foot connection
This is an almost idiot-proof approach to setting up a Wi-Fi network through Samsung's proprietary wireless router. Users will only need to place their Wi-Fi-devices, such as a TV, within one foot from the router to establish a connection which is maintained even if both items are subsequently moved further apart.
3D LED-lit TVs
You'll be hard pressed to find another 3D TV rivaling the super narrow bezel fronting the Samsung D7000- and D8000-series panels. Measuring just 5mm thin using a quality brushed-metal material, this design rewrites the record previously set by the 16mm-thick LG LX9500. Even the quad stand for these displays has received an identical slimming ritual to match the overall minimalist styling.
These LED-edgelit models also come with the latest bells and whistles from Samsung, ranging from Smart TV system to built-in Wi-Fi and the corresponding one-foot connection wireless setup. Furthermore, the digital video recording feature via USB drives has also been inherited from their predecessors, though the D8000's local dimming and enhanced CMR 800 motion-processing should deliver better 2D and 3D picture quality.
On the other hand, the D6600-series 3D TVs have thicker 12mm-wide bezels and are bundled with a regular square-shaped swivel stand. By combining its proprietary 3D peak algorithms with improved LED brightness control, Samsung has reduced the average power consumption across all models by up to 20 percent.
3D plasma TVs
Samsung is offering a unique proposition for this category with its Plasma+1 design, which basically delivers an extra inch of viewable screen without increasing the panel's bulk. This styling helps reduces the bezel width compared with last year's models, too. At one end of the spectrum, its premium D8000-series 3D TVs in silver-metallic shells are said to deliver an ultra-high 20 million:1 dynamic contrast. They feature Smart TV, Skype and Web browsing just like their LED-lit siblings.
At the opposite end is the D490-series TVs equipped with lower-resolution 720p panels for budget-conscious 3D adopters. Despite their value appeal, the D490s sport a powerful system-on-chip for real-time 2D-to-3D conversion and other video-processing duties to improve the onscreen visuals. Other niceties include integrated Wi-Fi and one-foot connection for simplified wireless installation.
About the author
Philip Wong is an A/V, PC, photography and gaming enthusiast. Besides spending countless days and late nights fiddling with his home theater system and watercooled PC, he also hits the roads frequently on his iron horse to sweat it out. Now, who says geeks don't work out?
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