Digital Trends

SAMSUNG

Samsung used the Home Entertainment Show to announce its upcoming partnership with Microsoft for the next-generation Xbox (to be introduced at E3 later this month), and to introduce several LCD TVs, one plasma TV, a Slim-Fit CRT HDTV, and both 720p and 1080p DLP HDTVs. 

The LCD TV introductions start with a new 20-in. LCD TV with PC/DVD/TV inputs.  The model LN-R2050 is currently available at $799.  Samsung's widescreen LCD HDTV monitor line is made up of three models:  a 23-in. (LN-R238W @ $1,199), a 26-in. (LN-R268W @ $1,999), and a 32-in. (LN-R328W @ $2,499).  All of these HDTV monitors offer HD-grade resolutions of 1366x768 progressive on a 16:9 screen.  All of these high-resolution TFT-LCD displays are manufactured on the world's first Generation 7 CD fabrication line, and feature a 3000:1 contrast ratio with brightness levels at 500 nits (cd/m2).  All models include Samsung's patented DNIe chipset that provides enhanced picture quality via a motion optimizer, contrast enhancer, color optimizer, detail enhancer, and "my color control" that adjusts individual colors.  Audio is rated at 10-watts by 2 along with SRS TruSurround XT.  All models are housed in black cabinetry with silver trim.  Rounding out the new LCD TV line is Samsung's LN-R408D ($4,499), which is a 40-in. widescreen HDTV with integrated CableCARD.  It includes all of the features found in Samsung's HD monitor line plus a 12 millisecond response time.

Samsung LN-R238W

There was one new plasma TV introduction:  the model SP-R4232 ($2,999), which is a 42-in. enhanced definition Plasma TV that displays images at 480p.  This fifth generation plasma panel incorporates Samsung's proprietary electronic chassis design, as well as DNIe picture enhancement circuitry to help improve overall brightness, contrast and picture clarity.  The SP-R4232 features an integrated NTSC/ATSC/DCR (Digital Cable Ready) tuner, a wide 175-degree horizontal viewing angle, and an SRS TruSurround XT audio system.

Samsung SP-R4232

Samsung will be offering a total of sixteen HD-level DLP sets for 2005, which are all Digital Cable Ready featuring CableCARD.  This breaks down to eight 720p models that use a 0.55-in. Texas Instruments DLP chipset; eight 1080p models use a 0.80-in. Texas Instruments DLP chipset with a different light engine design.  Highlights of their 720p DLP introductions include two models of the company's "Floating Screen Design 60 Series" in 42-in. (HL-R4266W @ $$2,499) and 50-in. (HL-R5067W) sizes.  In fact, there are 46-in., 56-in. and 61-in. models in this 60 Series as well.  This design features a black cabinet with speakers mounted underneath the screen (in silver housing) for a plasma TV-like look.  All models feature Samsung's DNIe technology and offer contrast ratios of 2500:1 and brightness levels ranging from 600 nits (61-in.) to 1000 nits (42-in.)  Models ending in 67W also include the TV Guide On-Screen feature.  All models are currently available.

Samsung HL-R5067W

The 1080p DLP line features Samsung's proprietary "Cinema Smooth Optical Engine" that provides super-high 1920x1080 pixel density and progressive scanning for stunning image quality and a 5000:1 contrast ratio.  Highlights of the introductions include the HL-R5678W ($4,299), which is a 56-in. model that includes Samsung's "Floating Screen Design," and their proprietary DNIe video enhancement technology.  The HL-R5688W ($5,199) is also a 56-in model, the world's first 1080p display offered in Samsung's unique Pedestal style design.  Rounding out the 1080p DLP introductions is Samsung's top-of-the-line HL-R6768W ($6,199), which is a whooping 67-in. tabletop variant that includes DNIe technology and 30-watts of audio power.  All models will be available in June.

Lastly, Samsung showcased its SlimFit 30-in. wide CRT HDTV — model TX-R3079WH ($1,099).  Announced at CES2005, this model is now available at retail.  With a depth of only 15.5-in. (compared to the standard 24-in. depth for most 30-in. wide sets), the TX-R3079W is a fully integrated HDTV that utilizes a flat CRT tube technology for excellent picture quality. 

Samsung TX-R3079WH