Samsung plans to launch 65-, 55-inch 4K TVs in June

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Samsung plans to launch 55, 65inch 4K TVs in June" data-src-height="450" data-src-width="485" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/201305191052161291647161.jpg" /></div>When Samsung unveiled its first 4K Ultra HD TV at CES this year, it said other sizes would follow, both larger and smaller than the initial 85-inch version. Now it's apparently ready to fulfill part of that promise, announcing in Korea that 65- and 55-inch models will launch next month. Of course our next question is how these smaller models will compare to the $39,999 MSRP 85S9 UHD TV in price. Hopefully they'll follow the path blazed by Sony, which recently introduced models at that size with pricing well below the $10,000 benchmark, although we expect Seiki's 50-incher will still hold the crown for value pricing. The press release mentions they will feature Samsung's upgradeable Smart TV platform and the "micro dimming ultimate" LED lighting of their larger cousin, but the odd "Timeless Gallery" frame / stand (pictured above on the 85-incher) was not listed.<br /> </div></div>

Samsung plans to launch 65-, 55-inch 4K TVs in June

When Samsung unveiled its first 4K Ultra HD TV at CES this year, it said other sizes would follow, both larger and smaller than the init...

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Samsung announces pricing for S9 UHD TV: $39,999, shipping in late March

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Samsung announces pricing for S9 UHD TV $39,999, shipping in late March" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/samsung-185-dsc04774jt.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">At its home entertainment event in New York City today, Samsung filled in the details about the HDTV lineup we first glimpsed at CES 2013 in January. If you recall, several high-profile sets were first unveiled at the show, and pricing is unsurprisingly steep to match. The 85-inch S9 UHD TV, with a slick, easel-style frame and "Precision Black Pro" display tech, will go for $39,999 when it launches at the end of March.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Samsung also announced pricing for its Smart Evolution Kit, a hardware set of products -- including a quad-core processor, GPU and memory -- that plugs into the back of a Sammy-designed TV to keep hardware and software up to date as new models are released. The kit will go for $300 when it debuts in May, and it wil come bundled with the latest Smart Touch Remote. And finally -- because what ultra-luxe home entertainment system is complete without high-end audio? -- there's the HW-F750 soundbar, which incorporates the company's vacuum tube technology and boasts a wireless subwoofer. The HW-F750 will connect with select Samsung Smart TVs via Bluetooth, and it will set you back $799 when it goes on sale in March. Hit up the press release past the break for more info.</div><div class="open" dir="ltr" id="pr_box" style="text-align: left;"> <div id="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div id="pr_text"> <br /> <strong>First ever Evolution Kit, S-Recommendation and Smart Hub offer consumers a television viewing experience unlike any other</strong><br /> New audio products deliver superior sound quality and easy connectivity options<br /> Ridgefield Park, N.J., March 20, 2013 – Samsung Electronics America today announced a new Smart TV experience that simplifies how consumers search for and discover their preferred content, while raising the bar in picture quality. Its highly anticipated line of 2013 TVs will begin shipping this month in the U.S., beginning with the LED 8000-series and the Plasma 8500-series.<br /> "The TV industry is undergoing a sea change in both content and technology. Although consumers can now access a plethora of content from myriad sources, finding and choosing their favorite content has become even harder. Our 2013 Smart TVs make it easy for you to spend less time searching for shows and movies, and more time discovering and watching the content you love," said Joe Stinziano, Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics America. "Samsung has also created an evolutionary TV, so the TV that consumers buy today will transform into the TV of tomorrow. Thanks to the world's first Smart Evolution Kit, consumers will have the latest features and they won't be left behind."<br /> The 2013 line up of TVs represent Samsung's sixth generation of Smart TV. While features vary by model, highlights of select products include:<br /> A redesigned Samsung Smart Hub that offers five dynamic menu panels to help consumers manage and navigate different types of content.<br /> With S-Recommendation, consumers can easily find the content they want – whether on TV or via premium VOD services – thanks to personalized recommendations based on their viewing habits over time.<br /> Outstanding picture quality across the 2013 lines. Samsung's UHD TV and LED TVs offer brighter, more vibrant color, and its flagship Plasma TV delivers deeper blacks and brighter whites than previously seen on plasma models.<br /> Smart Evolution Kit gives owners of flagship 2012 Samsung TVs the opportunity to update their models with some of the latest features from 2013 without having to buy a new set.<br /> A quad-core CPU enables quick app launching, web browsing and multi-tasking.<br /> Smart View lets consumers move content seamlessly from the TV to connected devices and back in real-time, so consumers never miss a moment of their favorite shows using AllShare.<br /> Advanced Smart Interaction allows consumers to use everyday language and casual gestures to control the TV.<br /> Samsung Transforms TV Watching<br /> From Smart Evolution, to a re-designed Smart Hub, to the unmatched picture quality of Samsung's UHD TV, Samsung has created a full suite of smart products and solutions that allow consumers to engage with and experience their TV in new ways.<br /> This year, Samsung's redesigned Smart Hub makes it easier for consumers to discover the content they love. It eliminates the need to navigate through myriad sources and options, and provides a simple way to manage content from one central location. Available on select 2013 TVs, Blu-ray players and home theater systems, the new Smart Hub draws inspiration from how consumers interact with mobile devices by offering intuitive controls and a one-of-a-kind user experience. The easy-to-navigate interface organizes content on five dynamic panels, including Smart TV program guides, video-on-demand, apps, social and personal content. These panels include:<br /> On TV – shows the channel that is currently playing as well as the most relevant, personalized suggestions that may be airing shortly based on consumer viewing habits<br /> Movies & TV Shows – an easy view of movies and TV services and over-the-top content that are available from various content providers.<br /> Music, Photos & Clips – allows consumers to organize personal content and files on Samsung Smart TVs and other linked devices<br /> Social – highlights user created content from friends and family, popular videos from Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and video call services<br /> Smart TV Apps – organizes downloaded Samsung Apps and recommendations for easy access<br /> Samsung has also created the first-ever recommendation engine for TVs to help consumers navigate the overwhelming amount of content available. Samsung's S-Recommendation gives consumers a unique way of discovering content based on their personal preferences. It analyzes consumers' past viewing habits over a period of six months to "learn" their preferences so that it can recommend similar content. The recommendations are provided from a variety of sources, including broadcast television as well as streaming services.<br /> Smart Interaction has also been upgraded with the ability to recognize natural language use (such as full phrases) as well as more casual hand movement (like swiping to change screens).<br /> To ensure consumers continue to enjoy the best experience from their Samsung TVs, Samsung's Smart Evolution Kit, an industry first, offers a cost-effective way for consumers to update their TVs with the latest technologies and features. The kit fits into the evolution slot on the back of 2012 Samsung 7500 and 8000 Series LED TVs, as well as Samsung Series 7000 and 8000 Plasma TVs, and updates them with some of the latest features and functions included in the newest Samsung models. 2013 F7500 LED and above and F8500 Plasma TVs also include a Smart Evolution slot.<br /> The 2013 Smart Evolution kit includes a quad-core processor, GPU and memory for faster processing and multi-tasking, the updated Smart Hub and the latest picture display software. The Smart Evolution Kit is packaged with the 2013 Smart Touch Remote, and will be available in May for $299.99.<br /> Bigger Is Better<br /> For consumers that desire the very best in home entertainment, Samsung's S9 UHD TV represents an industry breakthrough both in picture quality and design. Samsung's Precision Black Pro technology delivers deep, real blacks and pure vivacious whites, while the combination of an extremely high contrast ratio and Ultimate Dimming control functionality means consumers will experience the sharpest resolutions ever seen on large format displays. In addition, Samsung's proprietary up-scaling engine up-converts HD or Full-HD to UHD-level picture quality by restoring detail information to create greater precision and real-life picture quality.<br /> The S9's 3-way 2.2 channels of 120 watt sound also delivers an audio experience that is six times better than a standard TV, so consumers can truly immerse themselves in the experience, almost like they were in the thick of the action. This 85-inch UHD TV also offers a timeless design – the TV appears to float within its thin frame – which challenges traditional concepts of TV design. The UN85S9 will be available will be available for pre-order on Samsung.com at the end of March for $39,999.<br /> The Brightest LED Line with the Highest Contrasts Available<br /> The F8000 series, Samsung's 2013 flagship LED Smart TV, boasts a stunning design that complements any room in the home. It offers the most vibrant and richest colors with the highest contrasts and the brightest picture quality of any Samsung LED TV to date. Samsung's proprietary Micro Dimming Ultimate technology provides greater contracts, deeper black levels and maximum brightness – along with the full suite of Samsung Smart features. Consumers will enjoy the speed at which they can browse the web or download and access apps, thanks to the TV's quad-core processor, a first in the industry. The F8000 will be available this year in size classes ranging from 46" to 75" at varying price points.<br /> Setting a New Standard<br /> Samsung's F8500 Plasma TV, 2013 flagship plasma model, is the new industry standard for TV excellence offering deeper blacks and brighter picture quality than previously seen on plasma TVs. The F8500 delivers the same brightness and eight times the black levels as standard LED TVs, thanks to Samsung's proprietary Deep Black Algorithm and Real Black Pro II. The F8500 is also one of the first televisions with native support for HEVC-encoded content, which delivers the richest, most immersive content. With Samsung's One Body Form design, the F8500 is created from a single piece of metal while highlighted with a dark titan metal color for a futuristic design. The F8000 will be available this year in several size classes ranging from 51" to 64" at varying price points.<br /> The Ultimate Sound Experience with Samsung's Vacuum Tube Technology<br /> Samsung unveiled its unique vacuum tube amplifiers in 2012 with its wireless audio docks. The vacuum tube offers audiophiles the best of both worlds – the warm richness of a tube amplifier with the power and precision of digital technology. The company today demonstrated a continued commitment to raising the bar in quality audio by expanding the line of digital audio products that offer this successful hybrid tube technology.<br /> New in 2013, Samsung's vacuum tube technology will be integrated into the HW-F750 soundbar so consumers can enjoy the rich, powerful sound quality they desire. A wireless sub-woofer means consumers have even greater flexibility in setting up the system, so as to maintain their clean and minimalist décor. The HW-F750 also connects wirelessly to select 2012 and 2013 Samsung Smart TVs via Bluetooth, which means the soundbar may be connected without any audio cables, making set up a breeze. The Soundbar will be available in March for $799.<br /> The vacuum tube amplifier can also be found in Samsung's home theater systems, beginning with the HT-F6500W, for improved audio clarity and warmth. The Blu-ray component of the HT-F6500W also offers Samsung's latest Smart Hub and AllShare features, along with full web browsing capabilities. The HT-F6500W delivers outstanding value at $599, and will be available in March.<br /> The Freedom to Enjoy Quality Sound Anywhere<br /> Consumers can now enjoy crystal clear sound wherever they are with the DA-F60 portable wireless Bluetooth speaker. Despite its compact size, the DA-F60 delivers a full-range sound reproduction that is on par with larger and more expensive systems. The speaker's integrated Near-Field Communications (NFC) connectivity makes it easy for consumers to pair the speaker with other NFC devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, by simply tapping the two devices together. It also connects wirelessly to select Samsung 2012 and 2013 Smart TVs and other Bluetooth-enabled devices for an effortless and streamlined music playing experience. With 12-hour playback on a full battery charge, consumers never need to worry about being without their music. They can get their hands on this stylish speaker from April for $299.<br /> Amp up your Party with Samsung's Giga Sound Systems<br /> Samsung today also entered a new category in home audio with its first-ever 2.2 channel Giga Sound Systems. The MX-FS8000 and the MX-FS9000 both feature powerful 15" dual sub-woofers that deliver 2300W and 2560W in sound respectively for stand-out audio. The sound systems offer wireless streaming via Bluetooth technology, so it is easy to sync the systems to compatible devices and play music from CDs, USBs or streaming audio services. With its special DJ Effects and DJ Lighting features, as well as its ability to support mic input, an evening of entertainment will never be the same again. Samsung's flagship MX-FS9000 will be available in May for $1,499 and the MX-FS8000 will be available in June for $999.<br /> </div></div></div>

Samsung announces pricing for S9 UHD TV: $39,999, shipping in late March

  At its home entertainment event in New York City today, Samsung filled in the details about the HDTV lineup we first glimpsed at CES 2013...

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Toshiba showcases 2013 AV range and updated Cloud TV platform (eyes-on)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Toshiba showcases 2013 AV range and updated Cloud TV platform eyeson" data-src-height="359" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/4klead2.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Toshiba isn't the first name you'd associate with exciting products, but recently we were invited to check out its 2013 selection of AV gear in the hope we'd be dazzled by pixel counts and the IQ of its revamped smart TV platform. We revisited a few products we had flings with at CES, were introduced to some new panels, and taken through the ins-and-outs of the company's fresh Cloud TV interface. Was there anything to get excited about? Head past the break for the full tour.</div><h3 dir="ltr" id="title0" style="text-align: left;"> 2013 LED HDTV lineup</h3><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DNP Toshiba showcases 2013 AV range and updated Cloud TV platform eyeson" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/ledlead.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Not everyone wants or needs monolithic displays and internet services, which is where Toshiba's 1 and 2 series come into play. As you would imagine, the 1 series is the most basic of the range, with full HD (1,920 x 1,080) panels ranging from 19 to 40 inches. There are a few configuration options which chop and change features, such as D1, which denotes a built-in DVD player, and L1, which signifies USB support and picture / music / video capabilities. Moving up to the 39- and 50-inch 2 series grants you MHL support, but no other bells and whistles. Prices for these entry level sets start at below £200 ($300) for the 1 series, which are available now, and go up to £600 ($900) for the biggest 2 series TV. There's no word on when the 2 series will hit stores, but they're expected "shortly."</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Toshiba's common 2013 design features and Cloud TV functionality (more on that later) starts with the L4 and W4 series, spreading up through the 6, 7 and UHDTV 9 series displays. Surprisingly, the 32-inch W4 is only 720p-ready, but has on-board WiFi, WiDi and USB storage program recording. However, the L4 series steps back up to 1080p, and will be available in three sizes up to 50 inches. We didn't see any of the 6 series at CES, which'll come in 32- and 40-inch options with all of the aforementioned features and "super slim design." Also boasting a skinny profile are the 40-, 50- and 58-inch 7 series HDTVs, with active-shutter 3D and 2D-to-3D conversion joining the spec list for these models. All of Cloud TV-equipped flatscreens will go on sale in May starting at £330 ($500) for the W4 and up to £1200 ($1815) for the 58-inch 7 series.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> A quick note on the shared aesthetics of the 4 series and above. Their rounded edges and slim bezels are intended for the "modern" living space, but what we liked most were the bases, which are clearly intended to be as discreet as possible. The bezels aren't <i>that</i> slim, but probably won't put you off picking up any of the TVs if the features take your fancy. They are either all black, or a mixture of black and silver plastic, and don't look or feel particularly "premium." That being said, you wouldn't consider them offensive or cheap-looking.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc00805tink.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc00808tink.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc00813tink.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="480" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/toshiba-32l433-10.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="480" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/toshiba-32l433-12.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="480" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/toshiba-32l433-14.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="480" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/toshiba-32l433-2.jpg" width="640" /></div><h3 dir="ltr" id="title1" style="text-align: left;"> Cloud TV</h3><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DNP Toshiba showcases 2013 AV range and updated Cloud TV platform eyeson" data-src-height="433" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/cloudtvlead.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Probably the most interesting part of our time with Toshiba was the presentation of its new Cloud TV platform, and it's also likely to be the most important consideration for anyone looking to upgrade their entertainment setup. Previously, the TV interface (e.g. programming guide) was separated from Cloud TV services, but in this iteration, everything's married into one user experience and accessed via a common button on the remote. The home screen pulls up a picture-in-picture of what's currently playing, an all-important weather widget, and recommended content based on the viewing habits of up to seven unique profiles (it's age appropriate, too). Social media addicts will appreciate the live twitter feed also on the home screen. It shows updates relevant to the top programs being discussed, and a deeper menu allows you to switch to one of those shows, or perform custom hashtag searching. Toshiba plans to integrate chatter from other social networks like Facebook in the future.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Cloud TV also has a media player for accessing music, pictures and video stored on connected USB devices or your home network. A metasearch feature known as MediaGuide will also tap into that data, as well as what's currently on normal TV and what can be found on VOD and streaming services. Speaking of streaming, various apps will come as standard, including Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube and Blinkbox. Deezer and Skype will also be available at launch, with an app store coming later, which'll hopefully be filled with more software developed under the Smart TV Alliance standard. If there isn't an app for that, there's always the on-board browser with HTML5 and Flash support. All things considered, we can't say it's lacking anything major, and should only improve with subsequent updates and the addition of an app market. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Gallery Image" height="480" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/toshiba-32l433-4.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="429" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc00858tink.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="429" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc00860tink.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc00862tink.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc00863tink.jpg" width="640" /></div><h3 dir="ltr" id="title2" style="text-align: left;"> Blu-Ray / media players and SBK1 Soundbar</h3><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DNP Toshiba showcases 2013 AV range and updated Cloud TV platform eyeson" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/bluraylead.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> We caught a fleeting glimpse of Toshiba's media players with Blu-Ray at CES, but are now informed they'll be ready to sneak into your setup sometime during the second quarter. We say sneak because they're all pretty small, and if you're looking for something to marry with one of Toshiba's new sets, they conform to the whole curved-edge common design. All models will of course play Blu-Rays, as well as provide access to several online services, such as Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube and Picasa. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can also add WiFi and Miracast connectivity out of the box, as well as 3D support. The basic model (BDX2400KB) is expected to retail at £79 ($120), the second-tier unit (BDX2400KB) at £89 ($135) and the best of the bunch (BDX5400KB) at £99 ($150). We also saw another TV condiment in the form of the SBK1 Soundbar intended for panels from 39 to 42 inches. It's got a built-in sub, touts Toshiba's 3D sound technology (which promises uniform quality regardless of your position), and will be out in April for £129 ($195).</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 dir="ltr" id="title3" style="text-align: left;"> 9-series UHDTVs</h3><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DNP Toshiba showcases 2013 AV range and updated Cloud TV platform eyeson" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/9serieslead.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Toshiba's 9-series 4K LED TVs (3,840 x 2,160) were obviously the stars of the show, and in addition to the 84-inch beast we've seen before, we also got a glimpse of the 58- and 65-inch models. Debuting with the 9 series is the new CEVO 4K chip, which attempts to upscale content to make the best use of the resolution. There has to be extra data available to it, however -- from Blu-Ray discs, for example -- so the chip can perform its wizardry and check for loss of quality and artifacts before deciding to push the enhanced image through the pixels. Upscaling is supported from any HDMI input, with one port accepting native Ultra HD. CEVO 4K also promises to make colors richer and add "texture" for greater image depth. We were taken in by the glamor, as we always are with 4K displays despite the lack of content to make one a viable purchase. We aren't any closer to a strict release date or price range, though. They're expected to drop sometime in the summer for "competitive" prices, which almost certainly means "ridiculously expensive" to some people, or "are you kidding me?" to the other 99 percent. </div></div>

Toshiba showcases 2013 AV range and updated Cloud TV platform (eyes-on)

Toshiba isn't the first name you'd associate with exciting products, but recently we were invited to check out its 2013 selection...

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