It seems like the much awaited next-gen OLED TVs are finally going to be on display in January at the CES in 2012, at least by the two Korean giants LG and Samsung. What is even more exciting to know is that the same technology might also be incorporated into Apple’s upcoming TVs. Although the Organic Light-emitting Diode or OLED technology is highly appreciated for its low power consumption and awesome black levels, it has so far been in use for high end touch screen mobile devices only. There were a few OLED TVs released a few years ago, but they did not make it big due to two main problems. The first was the production cost which made the final product a bit too expensive and the second was the difficulties that were associated with producing larger flat panel versions based on OLED technology. Now, with the news of Samsung and LG showcasing 55-inch OLED television sets at the CES in January and launching them by the time of the next Olympic in London, England; we can safely assume that they have sorted out the second problem at least. However, what we are not sure of is whether or not these new OLED TVs will be any more affordable for the general population than the first generation OLED TVs were.
There have recently been reports from Japan that Apple has plans to release their much awaited television sets in three sizes primarily. The smallest being a 32″ flat panel, followed by a 42″ or 43″ model and finally the largest one, which is a 55″ model. The question that popped into everyone’s mind was why Japan is involved here? The answer to this, as far as rumors go is that Apple is probably going to tie up with one of the Japanese TV giants in their debut venture into the world of television manufacturing. Whether it is going to be Sony, Panasonic or Toshiba, we are not aware of at this time. Another source reports that the famed Siri application which is now used by the iPhone 4S, is going to be used in these new TV sets, enabling them to be voice controlled as well. What is expected by everyone in the upcoming Apple TV is the use of the ARM A6 chip (successor to the A4 chips used now in iPhones and iPads). This of course will raise the bar for other companies and once again, rumor has it Korean giants like Samsung and LG are also getting ready for the competition with ARM powered OLED TVs of their own.
Samsung have crossed the ten million mark now in terms of the number of downloads from their Smart TV application store. After establishing the world’s first Smart TV store back in February 2010, Samsung Apps has also achieved another milestone as the only HDTV app store with over a thousand registered applications on it. Along with these two achievements, it must also be added that Samsung Apps store currently serves more than 50,000 downloads everyday on an average. The numbers are still nothing that can be compared to the likes of mobile OS app stores like the Google Android Market or the Apple App Store, but as a Smart TV application store, these numbers are huge accomplishments at this point of time. In commemoration of these two landmarks, a video has been released by the Korean company which showcases their achievements in the Smart TV segment.
Irrespective of how good your 3D HDTV is, you are sure to feel that there is a shortage of available 3D content to enjoy on that giant three dimensional screen of yours. Samsung has addressed that problem by announcing at the IFA that they will soon release an update for their Smart TV application which will allow the owners of a Samsung 3D HDTV to stream 3D videos on YouTube right on their TV screen. YouTube has an impressive collection of both professional and amateur 3D videos as a result of nearly two years of accumulation (since it launched support for 3D videos). This update should supply the owners of Samsung 3D TVs with enough 3D content for now. It should be noted that LG 3D televisions with internet functions had received this update earlier this year.
YouTube’s 3D support was initially a small “20 percent” project by Google but it has now expanded in keeping with the number of users and viewers that have also multiplied greatly in these two years. The initial idea was to make 3D easier to access. Now with the latest updates from the major 3D TV manufacturers in their stock software, not only can one can shoot 3D media with the help of their 3D cameras and share it on YouTube, he can also watch it on a 3D HDTV without being bothered about compatibility or any other technical aspect.
The PND7000 series is the former Samsung flagship selection which includes three models:
Samsung PN51D7000 – 51 inches
Samsung PN59D7000 – 59 inches
Samsung PN64D7000 – 64 inches
The Samsung PND6500 series includes 2 models: The PN51D6500 & the PN519D6500 which are identical except the screen size – 51″ & 59″ respectively.
The Samsung Plasma PN59D6500 is a stunning 59-inch, 3D compatible, high-definition television that offers crisp 1080p resolution and a highly immersive viewing experience for a relatively affordable price. The PN59D6500 is the larger model in the PND6500 series, with its sibling being the similarly featured 51-inch PN51D6500. With a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, the PN59D6500 provides one of the most impressive displays available on the market within its price range.
The Samsung PND6500 series includes 2 models: The PN51D6500 & the PN519D6500 which are identical except the screen size – 51″ & 59″ respectively.
The Samsung Plasma PN51D6500 is a stunning 51-inch, 3D compatible, high-definition plasma television that offers crisp 1080p resolution and a highly immersive viewing experience for a relatively affordable price.
Its other great features include its ultra fast pixel response time of 0.001 ms, 600Hz subfield motion technology, narrow bezel, 1.5-inch depth, Touch of Color design, Cinema Smooth processing and Smart TV with Samsung Apps Internet suite (Picasa, Vudu, YouTube, Facebook, Pandora, Flickr, CinemaNow) together with universal search.
The PN51D6500 is the smaller model in the PND6500 series, with its sibling being the similarly featured 59-inch PN59D6500. With a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, the PN51D6500 provides one of the most impressive displays available on the market within its price range. Since, this series creates a great entry-point for 3D Plasma HDTVs, a crystal-clear image can be attained.
The Samsung UN55D7900 basically resembles the Samsung UN55D8000 with respect to its functions, outlook, and features, except for three major differences:
“The LED 8000 is designed with less edge for more to see.”
Samsung has become an industry leader in the HDTV market over the last decade. They are the second highest seller of televisions in the United States and are always on the cutting edge of technology. Samsung was the first to release edge-lit LED LCD televisions and are still continuing to bring innovation to the market. Their most elite high-end LED-lit LCD model for 2011 is the UND8000, a 3D television set with local dimming technology. The UND8000 series is available in the 46″, 55″, 60″ and 65″ models.
Samsung’s 6400 series is a mid-range LED LCD TV line for 2011. It is also their least expensive LCD set to include 3D. It utilizes LED edge-lit backlighting and is available in 40”, 46’, 55” and 60” sizes.
