There is an old saying that bigger isn’t always better, but in the case of televisions, what is wrong with a really cool television making use of the latest technology – and in a large form?
That is the idea that Samsung is going for with its SUHD televisions. Announced and unveiled to the world at this year’s CES, a host of ultra high definition TV sets are making their way to South African shores very soon.
The curved displays, which every manufacturer seems to be going for these days, come in nine different sizes comprised of three different designs. But don’t let the ‘S’ in the SUHD get the better of you – all the televisions are still 4K, making their resolution 3 840×2 160.
The ‘S’ doesn’t stand for ‘Super’, as Samsung executives previously admitted that even they didn’t know what the letter stood for. To (vaguely) clarify the matter, Samsung explained that the ‘S’ stands for what ever you want it to, like Super UHD or Smart UHD, as an example.
What does Samsung say about what sets its televisions apart from the rest? Well, the company uses proprietary, eco-friendly nano-crystal technology to power its picture quality engine.
“SUHD TV’s nano-crystal semiconductor transmits different colours of light depending on their size, to produce the highest colour purity and light efficiency available today. This technology produces a wide range of more accurate colours, providing viewers with 64 times more colour expression than conventional TVs,” Samsung explains.
What also makes Samsung’s televisions a bit different from the rest, is that the operating system behind the picture are produced by the Tizen OS. By using Tizen, users will be able to use the TVs as a control centre for other Smart Home appliances, as well as give Samsung the opportunity to develop its own apps and features.
The three models (JS9500, JS9000 and JS8000) will have sets available that rage from 55-inches to 88-inches.
The entry level JS8000’s main feature is Peak Illuminator Pro, which according to Samsung raises brightness to the highest level.
“With the new cell structure of panel, SUHD TV has higher light transmittance than conventional UHD TV. Moreover, through HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology, it saves energy in black areas and utilises the energy to make bright areas even brighter without consuming more power.”
The mid-range JS9000 uses Samsung’s Shirring Pattern along the edge of the set. “It adds a graceful tension to the space it belongs. Considering not only frontal-face, but also back of the TV design, it gives sense of premiumness, seen from any angle.” It also makes use of an Octa Core Processor as well as Samsung’s One Connect.
The high-end model, the JS9500, is where the big money is going to be spent. It features the whole gamut of Samsung features like Peak Illuminator Ultimate, Precision Black Pro, a metal Grand Chamfer Design and a built-in camera.
“The Chamfer Bezel adds more depth to the TV screen, delivering a more immersive viewing experience, which bevels the edges of the bezel to make the TV look like a masterpiece hanging in a gallery, while also enhancing the immersive experience that the curved form factor offers,” it explained.
If you want to make sure that you definitely get your hands on a SUHD set, Samsung opened two different pre-order deals from today. In you pre-order the 55-inch Samsung SUHD TV, you will also receive a Samsung Galaxy S6, free delivery and installation. In another deal, if you pre-order the 65-inch mode, you will also get a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, free delivery and installation.
If you don’t feel like pre-ordering and want to take a chance with a walk-in purchase, the models will be available on South African shelves from 18 May this year, and the prices across all three models range from R45 000 for the 55-inch model, to around R250 000 for the 88-inch model.
