We recently got some hands-on time with a selection of Samsung’s newest QLED TVs along with an extremely impressive Dolby Atmos audio demo from one of their HW-K850 3.1 soundbars. These new models from Samsung are definitely easy on the eye and showcased impressive levels of detail, depth of colour and HDR brightness levels along with some useful smart TV features.
Quantum Dot Technology: What is it?
Utilizing a home-style environment for the showcase event, we were first shown a short video describing what exactly QLED technology is. Basically, the term QLED comes from Samsung’s use of Quantum Dot technology on an LED panel, hence the QLED abbreviation. Admittedly, Quantum Dot technology has been used for a couple of years now in Samsung’s TVs but with the new QLED 2017 models, there are quite a few noticeable changes.
For this third generation of Quantum Dot TV tech, the layer of tiny particles (also known as quantum dots) which are laid over a regular LED backlight panel now have a new tiny metal alloy core and new metal alloy shell. This new feature allows for greater colour accuracy and peak brightness which Samsung says is much brighter than the brightness levels achievable on competing OLED panels. Samsung also boast that their new QLED TVs are capable of displaying over a billion colours due to these new enhanced particles.
QLED Styling & ‘Invisible Connections’
Moving on, we were shown the 55″ Q8F QLED TV mounted on a custom stand to showcase the No-Gap Wall Mount along with the new ‘Invisible Connection’ cable. This new cable comes with all of Samsung’s QLED TVs and connects the display to the off-board One Connect box which is the brains of the TV.
The adjustable wall mount which not only lets you tilt the screen out by 10 degrees from the top but also pivot from left to right was definitely some impressive engineering but it was the ‘Invisible Connection’ cable system which we were most impressed by.
This almost see-through 5m fibre optic cable runs from the back of your new QLED TV to the One Connect box and carries all of the signals and information you need. You’ll obviously still need to power the TV via a wall mounted plug but this will definitely help tidy up the cable madness we’re used to seeing behind most TVs.
Picture Quality
We then moved on to experience the picture quality and HDR levels of the curved 55″ Q8C QLED screen which was mounted on a stylish tripod-like Studio Stand.
Pushing brightness levels to 1500 nits (which is comfortably above the required 1000 nits for HDR10) these QLED TVs should be able to combat any direct or indirect sunlight coming into your viewing space. They also have ambient light sensors built in to help ensure your screen is at the optimum brightness level for whatever you’re viewing.
The picture clarity was also understandably impressive given the fact all of these QLED are 4K models with the ability of displaying over 1 billion colours. We were shown a short video clip from BBC’s Planet Earth which looked spectacular and, even as we shifted from side to side in our seat to test viewing angles, we were still getting fantastic picture quality no matter where we sat.
Smart Functionality
Finally, we were shown the smart functionality of these QLED TVs which are running on Samsung’s own proprietary Tizen operating system along with an chest-thumping demo of their Dolby Atmos capable HW-K850 Soundbar.
Implementing the main Irish catch-up TV players, Netflix, Facebook and a few others, there’s no shortage of apps available to stream video content. There’s also a web browser built in which also allows you to use a custom Samsung smartphone app, called ‘Samsung Smart View’, to control the cursor via your phone’s screen.
Audio Demo
Finally, we were played a Dobly Atmos demo file which showcased the power of the Samsung HW-K850 Soundbar to full effect. With the subwoofer positioned behind us and the soundbar directly in front below the TV, we experienced some impressively realistic surround sound effects with fantastic levels of bass.
Overall, we were definitely impressed by everything on show at the event and Samsung are definitely putting up a good fight against competing LED and OLED manufacturers.
The entire QLED TV range includes Q9F, Q8C, Q8F, Q7C and Q7F but we only got to sample the Q8 range. They are available from selected retailers including Currys, DID Electrical, Expert, Harvey Norman, Power City and Sound Store stores nationwide. Pricing is subject to individual retailers.
You can read the full press release below:
THE NEXT INNOVATION IN TV – SAMSUNG QLED
Premium line-up of QLED TVs available from select retailers nationwide
Dublin, Ireland – Samsung Electronics has welcomed a premium line-up of QLED TVs to Ireland, further demonstrating Samsung’s leadership in defining the future of home entertainment with advanced cutting-edge technology.
“At Samsung, we strive to provide our customers with the most advanced technology to deliver unrivalled viewing experiences and cutting-edge designs that complement their everyday lives,” said HS Kim, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.
Eoin Cruise, Head of Sales – TV/AV Ireland at Samsung Electronicscommented; “At Samsung we are committed to offering customers the best possible entertainment experience. QLED delivers a world first in TV picture quality achieving 100 percent colour volume*, premium design and smart features”.
The latest QLED TVs have been designed with the consumer in mind and focus on addressing three key consumer pain points through the solutions known as Q Picture, Q Style and Q Smart.
Q Picture: Perfect combination of light and colour
QLED TV uses new quantum dot technology to achieve next level advancements in light efficiency, stability and a wider colour spectrum. With new metal Quantum dots, the QLED TV addresses all the major aspects of picture quality, including viewing angle, colour volume, brightness and bold contrast. The QLED TV can express accurate colour and achieves a 100 percent colour volume* – the highest on the market today, earning accreditation by Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE), one of Europe’s largest technical-scientific associations.
In addition, the QLED TV’s rich, deep black levels and bold contrast provide a consistent viewing experience regardless of a room’s lighting. The QLED TV’s advanced HDR 1500 functionality allows users to see every hidden detail as it was meant to be seen, with no loss or distortion of colour.
Q Style: Designed to fit every lifestyle
This year, Samsung introduced new design elements that can fit into any home – regardless of the interior aesthetics or setup. The all-new Near-Invisible Connection cable helps manage unsightly cords and clutter with a refined, management system. Consumers can now design their space with an optical cable that brings all devices together, reclaiming the living room space once occupied by set-top boxes and external devices.
Samsung has also introduced the No Gap Wall-mount accessory which brings the TV flush against the wall and installed in no time at all. For those who do not wish to mount their TV onto the wall, there is also a range of stylish Samsung TV stands to purchase. Designed like an easel, the Studio Stand is an ideal accompaniment for any artist-inspired living space, and with the Tower Stand, the TV can be rotated easily and allows for optimal viewing at any angle.
Q Smart: Elevating the home entertainment experience
Samsung’s Smart Hub has been expanded to offer an even more intuitive user experience, directly via the QLED TV. The enhanced Samsung One Remote Control now supports more devices and offers voice control capabilities across more Smart TV features. Paired with the latest Smart View App – available on Android or iOS mobile devices – users will enjoy a personalised Smart Hub experience, viewing content and controlling their TV from their mobile.
Additionally, the TV Plus service offers a fast and simple way to find, purchase and watch the latest 4K films and entertainment. The new Music service also allows for easy searching and identification of songs heard in the background of TV shows and films.
The innovative QLED TV range includes Q9F, Q8C, Q8F, Q7C and Q7F. It is available from selected retailers including Currys, DID Electrical, Expert, Harvey Norman, Power City and Sound Store stores nationwide. Pricing is subject to individual retailers.
For more information, please visit samsung.com/ie.
*100% colour volume on DCI-P3 standard
