Samsung is a Korean based company and one of the larger manufactures of consumer electronics in the world. Year after year they release TVs that are on the cutting edge of technology. In 2009 they were the first company to widely release LCD TVs with LED edge-lighting and last year they were the first to market 3D LCD TVs. Their products are always stylish as well as innovative.
For 2011 Samsung is releasing over 25 different edge-lit LCD models in eight different series. Many sets are already available in sizes up to 55-inches, 60-inch, 65-inch and even a 75-inch model are set to debut later in the year. 3D is available from the top of the line 8000nseries down to the mid-range 6400 series. All sets in the 6000 series and up include Samsung’s new Smart TV functionality for internet applications and streaming.
Below we have highlighted some of the features of each series and included the available screen sizes. Note that Samsung is also releasing new LCD sets with conventional CCFL backlighting. These lower end sets are available in the D450, D550 and D650 series and will include sizes from 19-inches to 46-inches.
The 8000 series is Samsung’s best LED TV for 2011. It is the only series to implement improved local dimming from an edge-lit configuration. Samsung refers to this tech as Micro Dimming Pro, which is able to produce a greater contrast than typical edge-lighting. One notable difference from last year’s models is the new ultra-slim bezel that measures a mere 0.2- inches.
The 8000 series features 3D, 240 Hz, Smart TV, built-in Wi-Fi, an LCD Touch Control TV remote with virtual QWERTY keyboard and 3″ TV display and will be released in 46”, 55”, 60” and 65” sizes.
Samsung UND8000 Series Review.
The 7900 series is basically the same as the 8000 except for 3 main differences (included 3D glasses, bezel and price).
Read more about the differences.
The 7000 series is a step down from the 8000 but still features the slim .2” bezel. The main difference is that this series features standard LED edge-lighting. It lacks the micro dimming of the 8000 but the rest of the specs are primarily the same: 3D, 240hz, Smart TV and Wi-Fi are all included. It will come in 46”, 55” and 60” sizes.
The 6500 is a step down from the 7000. It lacks the ultra-slim bezel and touch screen remote but offers 120hz, 3D, Wi-Fi and Smart TV. It will come in 40”, 46”, 55” and 60” sizes.
The 6400 is very similar to the 6500 but without Wi-Fi and Skype capability. It still has 120hz, 3D and Smart TV. It is also available in 40”, 46”, 55” and 60” sizes.
Samsung is also planning on releasing a massive 75” 3D LED edge-lit LCD later in the year which will be the world’s largest.
Several non-3D models are also available. The 6300 and 6000 series are nearly identical specs wise with the latter lacking a few internet features of the former. They both have 120hz and are available in 40”, 46” and 55” sizes. The 6000 series also comes in a 32” size.
Further down the line are the 5500 and 5000 series, both of which are bare bones 60hz sets. The 5500 comes in 32” and 40” sizes while the 5000 only comes in a 22”.
Lastly, the 4000 series are smaller 720p sets in 19”, 26” and 32” sizes.
Click here to browse and get a discount on Samsung’s 2011 collection (through Amazon).
Samsung is one of the three major electronics companies that are still making plasma TVs. Plasmas consistently outperform LCD TVs in terms of both 2D and 3D picture quality. For 2011, Samsung is releasing 17 different plasmas across 7 series. Sizes range from 43” to 64” (all being 1” larger than last years models) with all but two series having 3D functionality.
The 8000 series are Samsung’s flagship plasma TVs. They have an Ultra Slim 1.5” depth, which is quite thin for a plasma set, and contain Real Black Filter panels. Samsung is also touting a technology called Local Contrast Enhancer that is said to provide sharper colors and deeper blacks. Other features include 3D, Smart TV, Skype, web browser, and built-in Wi-Fi. A touch-screen remote is also included. Available sizes are 51”, 59” and 64”. Last year’s 8000 sets were very highly reviewed so this year’s should be great performers as well.
Samsungs second highest line of plasmas. It contains many of the same features as the 8000 series including Ultra Slim depth, Real Black Filter panel, 3D, Smart TV and Wi-Fi. However, it lacks the Local Contrast Enhancer, web browser, Skype capability and touch-screen remote. It is also available in 51”, 59” and 64” sizes.
This midlevel series is very similar to the 7000 series in terms of features but lacks the Real Black Filter panel. It comes in 51” and 59” sizes.
The 550 series is Samsung’s lowest end TV to feature both 3D and 1080p resolution. It has Wi-Fi support (dongle not included) but lacks the Ultra Slim depth (it’s 2.2” deep) and Smart TV apps of the 6500 series. It got Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 200,000:1 (compared to 5mil:1 on the 6500). It comes in 51”, 59” and 64” sizes.
This series is nearly identical to the 530 but lacks 3D functionality and is only available in 51” and 59” sizes.
These are Samsung’s 720p plasmas that offer 3D technology. Other than the 3D, they are pretty bare bones in terms of features. 43” and 51” sizes are available.
This is Samsung’s most basic 2011 plasma. It’s very similar to the 490 series but is 2D only. It also comes in 43” and 51” sizes.
Click here to browse and get a discount on Samsung’s 2011 collection (through Amazon).
