Samsung First Look reveals Neo QLED TVs and features

QN900A 8K and QN90A 4K models lead the pack

by Andy Bassett

Samsung’s pre CES 2021 First Look Event unveils the company's new Neo QLED and Micro LED ranges plus a host  eco-friendly and accessibility features.

As the AV industry gears up for its traditional busy start to the year with product, tech and innovation reveals, Samsung has given a preview of some of the display tech it has planned for 2021.

In its first-ever virtual First Look event, the company showcased its new Neo QLED TVs and added a closer look at its recently announced consumer friendly Micro LED TV offerings. These models will underscore the company’s responsibility to the planet with a range of eco friendly ‘Going Green’ initiatives as well a commitment to provide equal accessibility to its TV experience with its ‘Screen Everywhere, Screens for All’ strapline.

Neo QLED TVs

First of all there’s the new range of Neo QLED TVs which Samsung says is using ‘a whole new display technology’ and which will include its flagship QN900A 8K and QN90A 4K models. Boasting Quantum Mini LEDs at a mere 2.5 percent the size of conventional LEDs, the new light source is controlled by Quantum Matrix Technology and a new Neo Quantum Processor. This results in precise control and a reduction in blooming around bright objects on screen. There’s an increase in the luminance scale to 12-bit with 4096 steps which helps make dark areas darker and bright areas brighter for a more precise and immersive HDR experience. In addition, the Neo Quantum Processor can access up to 16 different neural network models, each trained in AI upscaling and deep learning technology for different content types, to optimise image quality with improved upscaling of lower resolution material to 4K and 8K resolutions.

Samsung First Look reveals Neo QLED TVs and features
The Neo QLED can use Google Duo and the optional USB camera for video calls

The Neo QLED 8K models feature a new Infinity One Design bringing together a sleek form factor and virtually bezel-less screen plus Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Pro audio, which features dedicated up- and side firing speakers and delivers audio corresponding to the movement of objects on screen, all for increased immersion. 

As well as image and audio improvements, the Neo QLEDs have a number of smart features which are designed to reflect the fact that we are all spending more time at home and, as such, the role of the TV needs to reflect a range of additional uses over and above entertainment. 

Features such as PC on TV mean it’s easier to use a Neo QLED TV as a work screen, while the Google Duo app allows video calls with up to 32 people with just an optional USB camera - and the smart camera function allows movement tracking and zooming of the subject. 

Gamers will benefit from Super Ultrawide GameView which provides options of 21:9 and 32:9 rations so no action off to the sides is missed, and Game Bar allows a quick overview of gaming performance. Moreover, FreeSync Premium Pro minimises stuttering for smooth picture quality throughout gameplay.

There’s also MultiView which allows customisable layouts of up to four simultaneous screens, each with individual audio control. 

Samsung First Look reveals Neo QLED TVs and features
Samsung's Neo QLED TVs feature Samsung Health and Smart Trainer

Keeping fit at home is made easier by the inclusion of Samsung Health and Smart Trainer which personalises a home workout regime and provides feedback of the effectiveness of the workout.

Micro LED TVs

Also featured in the online presentation was Samsung’s consumer friendly 110-inch Micro LED TV which was announced towards the end of 2020, and which will be joined by a 99-inch version along with smaller sizes by the end of the year. 

Now in a more traditional form factor, the new Micro LED TV lineup uses 24 million, self emitting micrometer-sized LED lights for lifelike colours and superior brightness. Assembling so many tiny LEDs only became possible with improvements in Samsung's semiconductor microprocessing expertise.

Samsung First Look reveals Neo QLED TVs and features
Samsung's 110-inch Micro LED TV

The minimalist Monolith Design incorporates the Infinity Screen and means the display blends into its surroundings (assuming you have a big enough wall) and the cinematic image is matched by Arena Sound which uses OTS Pro to create a multi-dimensional audio experience.

Smart options include 4Vue (Quad View) which allows up to four different content sources simultaneously on one screen so, for example, four consoles could be played at the same time among a group of friends.

Samsung First Look reveals Neo QLED TVs and features
Future Samsung Micro LED TVs may come in a range of sizes, shapes and ratios

Despite the current conventional TV form factor, the modular design means future versions of the Micro LED TV can come in any shape, size or ratio that consumers might like which means displays around the home which break away from traditional TV to perform more varied or specialised functions.

Eco-Friendly and Accessible

Samsung’s 2021 initiatives extend beyond its new displays and encompass a directive to decrease the company’s carbon footprint in its TV manufacturing processes along with more energy efficient practices and greater use of recycled materials.  

With the new sustainable packaging for 2021 using less oil based ink and removing unnecessary stickers, the cardboard packaging can be ‘upcycled’ - for example for pet housing or as extra storage - to help reduce waste. 

Meanwhile, the brand new SolarCell remote control which comes with Samsung’s upcoming Neo QLED models is made from 24 percent recycled content and can be recharged using outdoor/sun light, indoor lighting or via USB. Samsung estimates that this will prevent the need for 99 million batteries over the expected life span of seven years for its TVs.

Samsung First Look reveals Neo QLED TVs and features
Samsung's new SolarCell remote control

Consumers with hearing or visual impairments will also find the Neo QLED experience has been enhanced to give them as normal a TV experience as possible. This includes features such as SeeColour which boosts on screen colours, Caption Moving which allows closed captions to be moved if they overlap existing onscreen graphics, easier to read menu screens and larger areas for sign language. Developments for 2022 include an expansion of Voice Guide which informs a viewer which channel they are watching and at what volume, plus pressing a remote control button will give an audio voice explanation of the button’s function.

The Neo QLED and Micro LED TVs add to Samsung’s existing lifestyle TV ranges which include The Frame and Serif TVs which are optimised for placement anywhere within a home’s decor, The Premiere ultra short throw projector, the IP55 weather resistance outdoor QLED TV The Terrace, and the Sero which is aimed at a more intuitive TV experience with mobile produced content.

Leave a comment to let us know what you think of Samsung's announcements.

Source: Samsung online First Look Event
Image Source: Samsung 

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