‘Screens Everywhere, Screens for All,’ is what drives Samsung’s 2022 lineup of Neo QLED 8K, soundbars, accessories and sustainability initiatives. In short, Samsung is repeating the metacommentary of turning the TV into a hub – in reality, it’s almost like a bigger phone without a touchscreen, right?
On centerstage is the new Neo QLED 8K, which has been upgraded with the latest bells and whistles that Samsung’s engineers could dream up.
The Neo QLED series features the QN900B , QN800B , and QN700B , while the QLED family features the QN95B , QN85B , QN63B , QN60B . Samsung has also added the Crystal UHD BU8000 and AU7002 to their TV lineup.
Driven by neural networks
At the core of the system is a Neural Quantum Processor 8K with 20 independent neural AI networks designed to analyse the characteristics and picture quality of content and tweak them for optimal viewing, regardless of the source.
This enables features like Shape Adaptive Light technology, which works in tandem with the Quantum Mini LED backlight. The AI detects lines, shapes, and surfaces and controls the shape of the light emitted according to the shapes on the screen with accuracy.
Real Depth Enhancer scans the screen and maximises contrast with the background simply by enhancing only the subject while keeping the background unprocessed. Samsung says it’s designed this way to emulate the way human eyes perceive images in real life.
The new EyeComfort Mode uses AI technology to automatically adjust the brightness and colour temperature of the screen. It senses how light or dark the room is and combines this with sunset and sunrise information to optimise visuals with comfort in mind.
The new 2022 QLED range is also the first to receive validation from Pantone – to qualify, the TV must authentically reproduce more than 2,000 colours including 110 skin tone shades newly added to Pantone’s guidelines.
Audio enhancements
The flagship Neo QLED 8K model is equipped with a 90W 6.2.4 channel audio system with top channel speakers and Dolby Atmos – yes, with actual up-firing speakers built-in – with Object Tracking Sound technology. Voice Tracking Sound, meanwhile, makes sound effects and voices follow their respective movement across the screen. Neural Quantum Processor 8K’s AI analyses what is on screen in real-time so that the Adaptive Sound can precisely match the movement on-screen.
Wireless Dolby Atmos will be available to the Neo QLED 4K and 8K TV lines, and Samsung’s new 2022 Ultra Slim Soundbar is compatible with this tech, offering an immersive audio experience without ungainly wires cluttering the area.
New Hub Features
In a nutshell: new and smarter features, an updated user interface – all in a bid to reinforce the viability of the TV as a central hub for entertainment, be it just watching content, playing games or even doing workouts.
The new Tizen-powered Smart Hub UI fundamentally changes the navigation experience by categorising features into three categories: Media, Gaming Hub and Ambient, making it easier to glance at and access features. It’s also designed to be a central hub in the SmartThings ecosystem as a convenient way to control other smart devices.
The new QLED TVs will also be more gamer-friendly with four HDMI 2.1 ports, Super Ultrawide GameView and Game Bar. The QN95B also features Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro 4K 144Hz, which means you can use it in a PC gaming setup.
A more interesting development comes in the form of the NFT Platform. Samsung’s collaboration with Nifty Gateway enables its Neo QLED and QLED TVs will provide its users with a one-stop NFT platform to explore and display NFT digital art.
The Frame, The Sero and The Serif
Samsung’s lifestyle TVs now feature a new display with anti-glare, anti-reflection, and anti-fingerprint features for 2022. It helps the TV blend into the background more easily and also makes artwork displayed in Art Mode more realistic.
Samsung has also partnered with the National Gallery to offer 10 pieces of digital artwork from Singapore and Southeast Asia. These pieces will be available for The Frame users via the Samsung Art Store.
New Soundbars
The soundbar range for 2022 features the Q series, B-Series and Ultra Slim. The Q series soundbars feature Q-Symphony, which means it will integrate and sync with the speakers on select Samsung TVs (up to 22 channels so far). On their own, they’re equipped with front, side, and up-firing speakers to create a sense of space. The top-of-range Q990B also includes wireless rear speakers, giving it true 11.1.4 channel capabilities despite the small package.
Q Series also features Wireless Dolby Atmos connectivity – the world’s first – while SpaceFit Sound technology automatically optimises sound delivery after analysing the room’s sound reverberation.
Samsung has also tied up with StarHub to offer a complimentary Q600B or Q800B soundbar, worth up to $1,899, to new or re-contracting customers who sign up for or renew a two-year 2Gbps Broadband plan. This promotion starts on 14 April 2022 and will run for a limited period. Re-contracting customers will also receive a free Smart WiFi Pro router worth $399, along with Disney+ and Netflix Premium subscriptions.
The minimalistic Ultra Slim Series features a 39.9mm side profile and a mere 38mm height, making it a viable solution for wall-mount setups. It is also equipped with Wireless Dolby Atmos connectivity and SpaceFit Sound. The B Series soundbars sport a polygonal design and a metal finish, as well as Adaptive Sound Lite and bass boost.
New Accessories
Samsung has also announced new accessories for the new lineup of TVs.
This includes a Slim Fit Wall Mount, which sets the TV flush against the wall while offering the ability to swivel up, down and sideways. The Auto Rotating Wall Mount and Stand gives the Neo QLED 8K the rotating capabilities of The Sero, so you can watch your content in portrait as well. The SlimFit Cam is essentially a webcam and is designed to be mounted discreetly on top of the TV.
Samsung Singapore also announced a couple of partnerships. They’re working with has partnered with Commune to create a new bezel design for The Frame, and will be available from Q3 2022. They’ve also confirmed a bespoke carrier for the Freestyle projector, which they designed together with local fashion label Pedro . The carrier will go on sale in October.
