Samsung QLED TV & Harman Kardon Experience

When Samsung first debut the QLED TV back in early March, as someone who experienced the OLED TV panels, hearing the news alone got me really excited to personally try out the panels. So here we are, at Samsung Express Service Centre at Mutiara Damansara to experience the new QLED TV and Samsung Harman Kardon soundbars.

Samsung QLED TV

Q Picture

My first question with the QLED panel is its ability to reproduce deep blacks and pure whites, especially since it still requires the backlight to illuminate the pixels. However, from the brief experience session, I find that the light bleed is rather acceptable with zone separated backlighting technology. 

Besides, with the introduction of the 4K UHD TV panels, there is an increased demand in the upscaling technology since we are still lack of ultra-high-definition content to be consumed. I mean, we’re not watching movies every single day. Sometimes we still enjoy watching satellite TV channels which are still broadcasting in HD or Full HD resolution.

The upscaling technology is basically embedded in its Q Engine which is based on artificial intelligence (AI). Through its unique 5-step algorithm – Image Signal Analysis > Noise Reduction > Improved first details > 4K upscaling > Improved second details, the technology could even seamlessly upscale SD (480p) content to 4K UHD. Of course, upscaling technology is not something new, but to be able to upscale from SD to UHD is something remarkable.

Q Style

On top of the magnificent technology behind the display, the design of the flagship Q9F is something worth mentioning as well. For one is that Samsung has decided to remove all the connector and internal components out from the display panel.

So, the end result is a console look-alike box that houses all the connectors so you don’t have to fiddle around the back of the TV trying to connect the HDMI cable, especially if your TV is wall-mounted. I do understand that this design is not entirely new, but the most impressive part is the almost-transparent single cable that powers the display and carries all the signal.

Q Smart

Last but not least, the TV’s integration with Samsung SmartThings got us pretty excited as well. I mean who doesn’t enjoy laying on the couch but still can control the washing machine and robot vacuum using the TV’s remote? While some of you readers might be thinking that the technology has come to a point where we humans become lazier than ever. I mean, at the end of the day, it all depends on how the user utilises the technology and innovative technology would always contribute to us.

Samsung x Harman Kardon

The recently launched Samsung | Harman Kardon soundbar HW-N950 is also being demonstrated during the experience session where I finally get the chance to experience the immersive audio experience coming from a 7.1.4Ch sound system. The 7 means a total of 7 horizontal sound directions – centre, front left, front right, left, right, rear left and rear right; The 1 means the single subwoofer; The 4 means a total of 4 upward-firing speakers – front left, front right, rear left and rear right.

Virtual surround sound will never beat real, physical speakers. 

Samsung 2018 TV & Soundbar Lineup

In response to rising consumer demand, Samsung is reinforcing its commitment to ultra-large screen televisions. The 2018 Samsung TV edition features 9 series across the QLED TV, Premium UHD, UHD display range, available in a variety of sizes. Models in the 2018 line up feature both flat and curved display options.

• QLED TV: Models in the 2018 QLED TV range include – Q9F (75”, 65”), Q8C (65”, 55”), Q7F (75”, 65”, 55”). The QLED TVs feature enhanced colour and contrast, HDR10+ compatibility, Magic Screen, Smart TV enhancements with SmartThings, One Remote Control and the One Invisible Connection.
• Premium UHD: Models in the 2018 Premium UHD TV lineup include NU8500 and NU8000. The Premium UHD TVs include features such as dynamic crystal colour, HDR10+ compatibility, clean cable solutions, and Smart TV enhancements with One Remote Control.
• UHD: Models in the 2018 UHD TV lineup include NU7400 (55”, 65”), NU7300 (49”, 55”) and NU7100 (55”, 58”, 65”, 75”). These UHD TVs include features such as 4K UHD and HDR picture capabilities, clean cable solutions, slim design and Smart TV capabilities.

Samsung’s 2018 home entertainment lineup are available at all Samsung Brand Stores and authorised dealers nationwide with details as follows: