You’ll need to raise a bar to raise the bar to Samsung’s top-of-the-range new TV
Samsung has unveiled its 2019 TV line, including new QLED 4K and 8K models. They will be available at select retailers nationwide from May and come with price tags starting at R19,999 for the entry level 4K model to an eye-watering R999,999 for the giant 98-inch 8K TV.
Powered by Samsung’s proprietary Quantum Processor, the 2019 QLED TV line-up features more screen size options, picture quality enhancements, new design elements and smart TV upgrades.
“Our 2019 QLED line is designed for users who want the best combination of picture quality, smart TV capabilities and design,” said Reginald Nxumalo, Director of Consumer Electronics at Samsung South Africa, speaking at the at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg on 23 April 2019.
“This year’s line-up represents our largest screen size offering ever. It brings together innovative feature enhancements and exciting content and service partnerships to deliver a truly ground-breaking viewing experience and unprecedented value.”
Content conundrum
Samsung South Africa CEO Sung Yoon conceded that there was not much 8K content currently available, but said that plenty was in the pipeline, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as well as plans by streaming services like Netflix and Amazon to broadcast 8K content.
In the meantime, anyone purchasing one of the company’s 8K TVs will be able to take advantage of its proprietary Quantum Processor 8K, which up-scales lower resolution content to “stunningly crisp 8K while also allowing for playback of native 8K content”.
The same processor also optimises audio and video to the specific content on the screen. “It can create an even more detailed sound experience by tailoring the audio settings to the specific layout of the room,” the company said in a statement.
Customers who opt for one of Samsung’s new QLED 4K models will enjoy similar features with HD content upscaled to 4K, as well as improved brightness, picture quality and sound optimised for each scene.
Apple and ambience friendly
Samsung’s new TV range now comes with Apple’s AirPlay 2 support built into it, allowing their owners to AirPlay content from their iPhones, iPads or Macs directly to the TV. And thanks to Apple’s iTunes Movies app, they’ll be able to rent and watch 4K HDR content
Gaming fanatics should also enjoy the new QLED range, with both 4K and 8K models featuring a Real Game Enhancer that optimises the gaming experience. There’s also AMD Radeon FreeSync with a variable refresh rate as well as Game Motion Plus which removes blur and judder.
And for those for whom décor and ambience are important, Ambient Mode lets owners display artistic content like photos and works of art when they’re not watching TV.
Soundbar surprise
For a limited period, from 24 April to 5 May 2019, anyone who buys one of the new QLED TVs will get a free Samsung soundbar. – GeekWire.co.za
