During its first virtual First Look event ahead of CES 2021 next week, Samsung has revealed its 2021 portfolio of TVs, which include Neo QLED, Micro LED and Lifestyle TVs.
Neo QLED
Samsung’s Neo QLED is a new display technology that has been introduced to its flagship 8K (QN900A) and 4K (QN90A) models. Neo QLED represents a new level of QLED display enabled by a new Quantum Mini LED light source, precisely controlled by Quantum Matrix Technology and Neo Quantum Processor, a powerful processor optimised for Neo QLED.
The Quantum Mini LED has been designed to be 1/40 the height of a conventional LED. Instead of using a lens to disperse light and a package to fic the LED in place, the Quantum Mini LED has incredibly thin micro layers which are filled with many more LEDs. The Quantum Matrix Technology enables ultra-fine and precise control of the LEDs to prevent blooming and allow viewers to enjoy lifelike content seen as intended.
The new Neo QLED technology increases the luminance scale to 12-bit with 4096 steps, making dark areas darker and bright areas brighter. Samsung’s proprietary Neo Quantum Processor can optimise picture quality to 4K and 8K picture output regardless of the input quality by using up to 16 different neural network models, each trained in AI upscaling and deep learning technology.
New for 2021, the Neo QLES 8K features Samsung’s Infinity One Design, an almost bezel-less screen providing an even more immersive experience. The model also has an attachable Slim One Connect box, which is a cable management system that can be attached to the back of the TV.
Fulfilling audio requirements, the Neo QLED 8K models also includes Object Tracking Sound Pro to ensure sound corresponds to the movement of objects on screen, and SpaceFit Sound which analyses the physical environment and outputs immersive sound depending on the environment the TV is in.
Changing consumer needs
Recognising changes in consumer behaviour due to lockdowns over the past year, Samsung has also included a number of smart features on the TV to help with fitness and wellbeing, entertainment and home working.
Samsung Health gives users a way to exercise at home, and the new Smart Trainer feature tracks and analyses posture in real time, similar to a personal trainer. The Smart Trainer provides feedback on form, helps you count your reps and estimates calories burnt.
Gaming is also a big growth area that Samsung has recognised. The new Super Ultrawide GameView gives gamers the option to play at the wide 21:9 aspect ratio, as well as the 32:9 ratio. The Game Bar allows players to quickly monitor and adjust critical aspects of play, such as aspect ratio changes, checking input lag, and connecting a headset. FreeSync Premium Pro is also included to minimise stuttering for a smooth picture quality throughout gameplay.
Google Duo has also been included to give consumers the ability to use their phones to initiate a high-quality, high-speed video call for up to 32 people. The smart camera solution will also ensure the camera follows your movements and will automatically zoom in and out to frame you correctly.
Using Samsung Devices, the PC on TV feature allows consumers to connect their Pc to their TV to enable working and learning from home using the TV screen with a connected mouse, keyboard and PC.
Micro LED
With this new line of TVs, Samsung has made Micro LED available in a traditional TV form factor. Currently available in 110-in and 99-in, with smaller sizes available by the end of the year, the new Micro LED portfolio uses micrometer-sized LED lights to eliminate the backlight and colour filters utilised in conventional displays. Using 24m individually controlled LEDs, the self-illuminating display produces lifelike colour and brightness.
Its Monolith Design is defined by over 99% screen-to-body ratio, giving a more immersive experience.
To advantage of such a large screen, Samsung has innovated its Smart TV features to allow consumers to use the 4Vue (Quad View) feature to watch four different content sources simultaneously on one screen. Viewers can also connect multiple external devices to keep up with multiple playoff games at once or stream a walkthrough while playing a video game.
Featuring Majestic Sound, the Micro LED TVs deliver 5.1 channel sound with no external speakers.
2021 Lifestyle TVs
Samsung is also upgrading its 2021 Lifestyle TV lineup with new design and form factors to reflect changing consumer interests.
A new version of The Frame is being released, offering a more customisable experience in a slimmer form. It is about half as thin compared to previous models to match the depth of a traditional picture frame.
New attachable bezel options come in five colour options and two customisable styles: Modern and Beveled, to match the room’s aesthetics.
Sustainability & accessibility
Further demonstrating its commitment to accessibility, sustainability and innovation, the new lineup of TVs contribute to Samsung’s journey of ‘Going Green’ over the next few years. The company will strive to systematically decrease its overall carbon footprint in TV manufacturing, while also seeking to lower user power consumption and use more recycled materials across all its TVs.
Following customer feedback, Samsung is expanding its ‘Eco-packaging’ design to all 2021 Lifestyle TVs and most of the 2021 Neo QLED line. This sustainable solution can upcycle up to 200,000 tonnes of corrugated boxes each year. The company is also minimising text and graphic imagery on the Eco-packaging to eliminate oil-based ink from colour printing to further reduce waste.
Finally, Samsung’s 2021 TVs will include a solar-powered remote control that be recharged by indoor light, outdoor light or USB. This will prevent waste from a projected 99mn AAA batteries over seven years. Furthermore, the solar-powered remote control is constructed using upcycled plastics from recyclable bottles, including 24% recycled content.
To make the TVs accessible to more people, the 2021 QLED and Neo QLED models now include all accessibility features , including Caption Moving, Sign Language Zoom and Multi-Output Audio, catering to those that are hard of hearing, the deaf, people with low vision, and the blind to give them the ability to optimise their experience depending on their needs.