The South Korean manufacturer presents the largest system update for smart TV since the launch of the webOS platform in 2014. The new edition – webOS 6.0 is primarily a new user interface, the Next Pics function based on the analysis of user preferences and Magic Explorer, i.e. a development of the previously used Magic Link. It is interesting, however, that the company does not declare whether the upgrade, apart from the new models for the year 2021, will also appear on older televisions. Nevertheless, it is worth getting to know the new products that have hit the webOS software, although in addition to software issues, LG has prepared a new Magic remote control with NFC support for customers, which works with smartphones. LG webOS 6.0 officially. The TV manufacturer announces a new edition of the system for OLED TV, QNED Mini LED, NanoCell and UHD, which will appear on the market in 2021. What about older devices?
LG preparing 48 – inch TV with a flexible OLED screen and a function that allows you to emit sound without speakers
For the moment it is uncertain whether webOS 6.0 will hit older LG devices in the form of an update. Perhaps this is what will happen, but we have to wait for the official position of the manufacturer. The platform has been prepared for OLED, QNED Mini LED, NanoCell and UHD TV sets with 2021 that work in 4K and 8K resolutions. The new layout of applications sorted in tiles presented via the interface will be a significant refreshment compared to the previous version of webOS and may be liked. Here we also find a refreshed ThinQ AI that supports voice commands for Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.
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LG Magic Remote will be equipped with Magic Tap function, which will allow you to share content from an NFC-compatible smartphone straight to your TV. Of course, the remote will also receive buttons dedicated to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney +. The Next Pics technology is also noteworthy, as it analyzes the user’s activities in order to provide him with accurate suggestions of materials and applications that are worth reading. On the other hand, Magic Explorer (improved Magic Link) will allow the viewer to get to know the details of the actors or objects appearing on the screen.
Interesting news for Sony at CES 2021: the OLED panels are squeezed to the maximum and gain luminance and color volume, while the intelligence artificial optimizes images using technologies such as Face Detection
by Roberto Colombo published 07 January 2021 , at 19: 01 in the Audio Video channel Sony 8K 4K
No revolution at home Sony as far as concerns the TV gamma 2021 , but several updates that promise to squeeze the most current technologies , with interesting news also on the front OLED . Bravia XR is the new brand that will characterize the top of the range products and which takes its name from the new processor Sony XR , consistent evolution of the previous X1 and its various declinations (Extreme and Ultimate).
The evolutionary step is the use of Artificial Intelligence , in particular declined to add a new one to the capabilities of the TV Cognitive Intelligence which analyzes images and sounds from the human perspective to enhance the viewing experience. At the base of the new cognitive intelligence we find technologies that Sony has also developed for other sectors, in particular that of photography. Image enhancements will be based on ‘ Focal Points ‘, focal points on which it focuses human attention : if a person appears on the screen , our eye runs there, and if a face appears even more.
As cameras recognize figures and subjects, so TVs will be able to highlight people on the screen, also using the Face Detection to highlight faces even more and improve the image where our eye goes to look. The new XR processor uses artificial intelligence algorithms in a more advanced way even for the 4K and 8K upscaling phases of lower resolution content, now with a database dedicated to improving the yield of textures , in addition to the previous Object Based database.
Sony technicians have worked hard for fully squeeze the OLED panel of the new Sony Bravia A 83 J , which allows to reach brightness peaks higher than previous generations. Sony has not released peak and average brightness data (“ Those you can measure “the Sony technician literally said to us journalists of the specialized press during the presentation), but he revealed the innovation behind the scenes of the new values. If until now it was the white pixels of the W-OLED panel to have in charge the light emission in the luminance peaks, now the RGB colored pixels are also used to increase the luminance . The renewed panel management also promises an increase in color volume and longer luminance peaks, thanks to the aluminum radiant panel mounted behind the main panel. This is an innovation that we are curious to see live, to get an idea of how much ‘juice’ Sony technicians have managed to extract from the OLED panel.
Still talking about OLED panels, Sony has worked a lot also on sound, renewing the actuators that make the panel vibrate and make the sound come directly from the images: the technology Acoustic Surface + can now rely on larger and two-way actuators. In addition, the rear subwoofer (plus) also plays a new role: not only emits towards the rear, but thanks a particular acoustically transparent grille transmits vibrations also towards the front . OLED A 90 J now expands to the colossal dimension of 83 inches, in addition to sizes from 55″ is 65 “.
On the front LCD Sony applies the same concepts and exploits the power of the new processor with a finer adjustment of the backlight zones ( here too no technical data unfortunately), but also on the audio front where Sony has added several frame tweeter , actuators that make the TV frame vibrate directly. Now the tweeter frames are also placed in the upper frame , to take advantage of the up-firing direction and give more space to the sound, taking advantage of the bounce on the ceiling. In addition, Sony has significantly expanded the size of the acoustic chambers of traditional speakers , continuing on the road traced the Last year.
Sony Bravia Z9J , in denominations of 85 is 75 inches, it will be the top of the range 8K proposal that takes advantage of all the news.
TVs will integrate HDMI 1 ports. 20 with 4K support 120 p VRR and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) which if not available at the debut will be brought to TVs with a subsequent firmware update. All new TVs will carry the new operating system Google TV , which takes the place of Android TV and which will offer more possibilities for customizing the interface . Also on top models Z9J, A 90 J and X 95 J there will be the possibility to use the hands-free voice commands, without going through the remote control .
Big news is Bravia Core , a streaming service dedicated to Sony Bravia users , which will bring a variable number of Sony films Pictures in preview (from 5 to 10) with viewing window immediately following the release in theaters and with an unlimited streaming plan of contents including 4K HDR and IMAX, with bitrate up to 80 Mbit . The service will be free for a number of months (12 or 20 months), depending on the coat of arms of the purchased model.
The service will also land in Europe, but at the presentation there was a small asterisk with the reference “Italy excluded “. There are some fiscal issues that could slow down the landing of the service in our country, but Sony is working to be able to not exclude Italy from the service.
The line- complete up of the new Sony TVs will therefore be composed as follows:
Z9J 8K Master Series Full Array LED in formats 85″ is 75 “
TO90 J OLED Master Series in formats 83″, 65″ is 55 “
TO 80 J OLED in formats 77 “, 65” is 55 “
X 95 J Full Array LED in formats 85″, 75″ is 65 “
X 90 J Full Array LED in formats 75 “, 65 “, 55” is 50 “
We are rapidly approaching the market debut of the Samsung Exynos chip 2100, which will power one of the variants of the flagship Samsung smartphone Galaxy S 21. We will get to know all the details next week, but information about the successor is already starting to appear on the web. The next generation of the processor should be released at the turn of December 2021 and January 2022. Although the final name of the mobile chip is not yet known, we managed to learn a bit about the development in the field of camera and video support. It turns out that we are preparing a powerful photo setup, which, if used properly, can become a versatile tool.
The first information about the successor to the Samsung Exynos mobile chip 2100 has appeared on the network, which will include video support in 8K resolution at 60 FPS. But that’s not all.
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Unofficial it is said that the code name of the next model 2100 is 9855. The said system will most likely go to the flagship smartphone Galaxy S 22, however, the full technical specification of the chip will be known only at the end of this or early next year. Then we will also have confirmation or denial of the use of AMD graphics, which is being talked about more and more often. Good, but what exactly is known about the successor of Exynos 2100, the “9855” model and what will make it different from the rest of the flagship components ?
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The current flagships using the most powerful chips are able to record video in 8K resolution at 30 fps and only for a short time. In the case of Samsung Galaxy S 20, we are limited to 5 minutes of material. Another chip that will most likely appear in the Samsung Galaxy S 22 will allow 8K recording at 60 fps Interestingly, this feature will go to both the telephoto lens and the ultra-wide angle. According to unofficial information, 4K video recording is also possible at 120 fps.
Acer’s marching into the new year with a new(ish) port. The Acer Nitro XV28K KV announced today is the vendor’s first monitor to offer an HDMI 2.1 port, which brings higher bandwidth over its predecessor and should eventually be found on most of the best 4K gaming monitors.
The Nitro XV282K KV announced today is a 28-inch IPS panel with 4K resolution and a max refresh rate of 144 Hz (via DisplayPort, see our DisplayPort vs. HDMI article for more). Its HDMI 2.1 port allows for uncompressed 4K video at a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, compared to HDMI 2.0’s limit of 60 Hz. It was possible to surpass 120 Hz with HDMI 2.0, but the monitor would have to use compression tactics (for example, the Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ).
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With a bandwidth of 48 Gbps compared to HDMI 2.0’s 18 Gbps, HDMI 2.1 also includes uncompressed support for 8K resolution video at 60 Hz, but even the best gaming monitors are a ways away from such high-res.
HDMI 2.1 also helps the Nitro XV282K KV be a little more versatile, allowing for high-speed, 4K gaming with the new PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
For PC gamers, the monitor includes AMD FreeSync Premium, which adds low framerate compensation to your standard screen tear-fighting FreeSync. You also get 90% DCI-P3 color coverage.
The Nitro XV282K KV will be available in May for $900, but Acer isn’t the first to promise an HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor, so the race is on. In August, Asus said it has some in the pipeline but didn’t provide much detail. The crowd-funded Eve Spectrum with HDMI 2.1 is still in the works too.
Surprisingly, Acer is bringing HDMI 2.1 to its Nitro line of monitors before its higher end Predator series. Today, Acer also announced the 27-inch Predator XB273U NX and 31.5-inch Predator XB323QK NV, both lacking the new HDMI port.
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At 1440p resolution, however, HDMI 2.1 isn’t necessary for the Predator XV273U NX. But it does come with another new, lavish feature: Nvidia’s Reflex Latency Analyzer. This is a hardware-software solution that helps you monitor input latency and can reduce it by up to 50%, Nvidia has claimed. This should help serious gamers ensure they’re getting the most out of the monitor’s refresh rate, which is 240 Hz and overclockable to 275 Hz. THat’s coupled with a 0.5ms GTG response time.
While 240 is still more Hz than many gamers need, it’s nice to see Reflex introduced in a more accessible monitor. Up until this announcement, Reflex was only supported by the small number of 360 Hz monitors available.
Acer couldn’t confirm whether or not gamers will need a specific mouse in order to use Reflex with the Predator XV273U NX, but that’s generally the case. As of writing, these mice include the Logitech G Pro Wireless, Asus ROG Chakram Core, Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro and SteelSeries Rival 3, but it’s possible Acer will eventually have its own supported mouse.
Like the Nitro, the Predator XB273U NX is also IPS and adds VESA DisplayHDR 400-certification and 95% P3 color coverage. There’s even a stylish pattern framed in RGB around back. The Predator XV273U NX will be available “in the May timeframe” for $1,100.
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Acer’s 31.5-inch Predator XB323QK NV, also RGB-clad, is another 4K IPS screen with a 144 Hz refresh rate. There’s DisplayHDR 400 certification and 90% coverage of P3, and it’s equipped to fight screen tearing with Nvidia G-Sync Compatibility. Acer will release the screen in May for $1,200.
It’s not every year that Sony launches a brand new TV processor to run throughout its range, so we have high hopes for the Sony 2021 TV line-up. It’s headlined by the Cognitive Processor XR chip, which adds an extra layer of cognitive intelligence analysis to the already excellent Sony AI Processing and should therefore, hopefully, produce even better pictures and sound.
The Sony 2021 TV range has no huge surprises in terms of models and panel sizes compared to last year’s launch, with all sets designed to replace predecessors. With three TV gongs in our most recent What Hi-Fi? Awards, that’s no bad thing.
There are two Master Series models (an 8K LCD and a 4K OLED), a slightly lower specced OLED model and then two more full array LED series, all featuring the Cognitive Processor XR. There are more budget, edge-lit, non-XR models in the new range, too.
All the sets in the Sony 2021 TV range feature Sony’s Ambient Optimization technology, Dolby Vision HDR and are AirPlay 2-enabled. Bluetooth with A2DP is also standard across all the Sony Bravia XR sets too.
The big addition on the usability side is the switch from Android TV to the new Google TV platform. That brings the same excellent and intuitive look and feel as found in the Chromecast with Google TV media streamer.
As Google’s launch partner for Google TV, these Sony’s are the first sets you’ll find with the operating system already build in. It’s from here that you’ll also be able to access all of Sony’s usual picture, sound and other TV settings, as well as customise your home screen by adding your most frequently used apps. All the TVs use the YouView tuner in the UK and come with support for both Alexa and Google Assistant.
Sony continues with Netflix Calibrated Mode in the majority of its models and has IMAX Enhanced certifications with the upper ranges, too. Most sets are also ready to work with the Calman calibration software, should that be of interest.
Sony has added various driver upgrades to its excellent Acoustic Multi-Audio (LCD) and Acoustic Surface Audio+ (OLED) sound-from-picture speaker design, which runs through all of the XR models. These include increased numbers of actuators and tweeters as well as improved enclosure size and shape. Look out for the all-new 3D Surround Upscaling tech, too.
Gamers will be pleased to note that all of the TVs on this page, apart from the W800, have ports with HDMI 2.1 features. These include the ability to run 4K resolution content at up to 120Hz frame rates and technologies such as ALLM and eARC. They are also Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) compatible but will require a firmware update to make that possible.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these new features before we give you a full run-down of each of the Sony Bravia TV series for 2021.
Cognitive Processor XR
The Sony Bravia Cognitive Processor XR marries the AI abilities of its X1 predecessor with a system that Sony calls cognitive intelligence. While AI analyses picture and sound signals and uses data based on machine learning, cognitive intelligence aims to add a more human perspective to identify and enhance AV performance and deliver an experience in line with how humans see and hear the world.
This world first TV picture processing, according to Sony, begins with a scene detection stage to identify and enhance the main focal points and, ultimately, adds a greater sense of depth to the image.
The XR processor looks at multiple zones and other elements (colour, contrast, texture, depth, detail, etc) of each frame and performs a cross analysis to work out the most important areas.
The Bravia XR sets come with a host of XR processing modes, many of which replace the similar-sounding systems found in the previous X1-based TVs – XR Motion Clarity and XR Smoothing, for example, with the most significant seemingly XR Contrast Booster.
The Contrast Booster is designed to boost peak brightness while maintaining well exposed whites and blacks in the image, and comes in good/better/best levels for the LCD TVs: the Master Series Sony Z9J has the XR Contrast Booster 15 while lower TVs go down to either the XR Contrast Booster 10 or XR Contrast Booster 5.
For the A90J and A80J OLEDs, the technology comes in the form of XR OLED Contrast Pro and XR OLED Contrast, respectively. Again, they offer improvements to peak brightness, overall brightness and an expansion of the colour volume as well which should help to bring a more accurate and true to life palette.
Lastly on picture, it’s also worth noting that the XR Upscaler includes a texture reproduction database which its predecessor did not. That sits alongside the object-based super resolution technology from the X1 TVs and will hopefully make lower resolution content better than ever on Bravia TVs – potentially very useful for the Z9J while we wait for a wealth of 8K source material.
XR Sound with 3D Surround Upscaling
The Bravia XR TVs have cognitive intelligence for TV sound too. Along with improvements to the speaker hardware, features such as XR Sound Position aim to analyse the signal and make sure that the sound is coming from the correct parts of the picture with both Acoustic Surface Audio+ (OLED) and Acoustic Multi-Audio (LCD) technologies.
The big new addition for audio, though, is XR Surround with 3D Surround Upscaling. This takes a 2ch or 5.1ch audio signal and creates a virtual 5.1.2ch experience with the aim of enveloping the viewer in sound in all dimensions.
Bravia CORE streaming service
Sony is taking the huge step of launching its own high-bitrate streaming service which, for the short-term at least, will be exclusive to Sony Bravia XR 2021 TVs.
Called Bravia CORE (Centre of Real Entertainment), this new streaming service effectively has two elements. On the one hand it will host hundreds of titles from the Sony Picture Entertainment back catalogue, all of which can be freely streamed for either 12 or 24 months, depending on which TV you’ve purchased. On the other, it will also allow pay-as-you-go streaming of fresh-from-the-cinema movies, with owners of the new XR TVs given a number of free credits (five or ten, again depending on the model you’ve bought) that can be used as ‘payment’.
Much of the content will be at 4K HDR levels, but what takes it beyond what other services, such as Apple TV and Rakuten, is that it will host a large number of IMAX Enhanced movies and that data rates will be much higher, resulting in better picture quality. Sony says streams will be at up to 80Mbps, which it claims is beyond the rates of many UHD Blu-ray discs. We’re fascinated to find out whether Bravia CORE streams really can outperform disc-based movies, and what happens when users connect via a slower connection.
Sony is also uncertain about whether Bravia CORE will continue beyond the 24-month timeframe or whether it will be opened up further in the future. For the time being, it certainly makes an interesting and welcome toe in the water for all concerned.
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Sony Z9J 8K LED TV
At the top of the 2021 TV tree is the Sony Z9J Master Series LCD TV. It’s an 8K LED TV, positioned to replace the ZH8 from 2020. It continues with the attractive Immersive Edge design, which includes a titanium silver bezel and a three-position stand that allows for wide and central feet as well, as a third setting to allow space for a soundbar.
As the flagship Sony TV for the year, it’s fitted with all the spoils that Sony has to offer right now. These include a full array LED panel (available in two sizes), the best XR Contrast Booster level and three 48Gbps ports with HDMI 2.1 features, specced at 120Hz rates for 4K material.
The panel itself has Sony’s X-Wide Angle technology, to maximise picture consistency when viewing off-axis, as well as X-Anti Reflection glass to minimise unwanted glare from light sources in your space.
It comes with an aluminium, back-lit voice remote and there’s a colour sensor as well as a light sensor so that Ambient Optimisation mode can automatically adjust chromatically as well as for brightness, according to your viewing environment.
Sony has increased the number of frame tweeters to four by adding two on the top edge for improved high frequency performance. The front facing subwoofers and midrange speakers on the bottom edge are larger too.
Sony Z9J 8K TV specs
Sizes: 75in (KD-75Z9J), 85in (KD-85Z9J)
Screen type: Full Array LED, X-Wide Angle, X-Anti Reflection
Sound: Acoustic Multi Audio, Dolby Atmos, 3D Surround upscaling
Design: 3-way stand
Sony Z9J 8K TV pricing
Sony KD-75Z9J – TBC
Sony KD-85Z9J – TBC
Sony A90J 4K OLED TV
The Sony A90J Master Series is Sony’s top OLED for 2021. It’s not 8K, but there is an interesting and big screen 83-inch version alongside the usual 55in and 65in models.
The A90J replaces the AG9 and keeps the Seamless Edge Bezel design with a frame of just 0.7mm for the 55in and 65in models. The 83in has the slightly more robust Flush Surface Bezel look and feel but should be premium nonetheless. It also benefits from the same three-way stand as the Z9J while the smaller panels maintain the choice of wide or soundbar formations but don’t get the central stand positioning.
As a Master Series TV, it comes with a premium, back-lit, aluminium voice remote control as well as both light and colour sensors to use for the Ambient Optimisation mode.
Acoustic Surface Audio+ is the sound tech for OLEDs. It’s planned that the cognitive intelligence processing will offer superior bass. The actuators have been redesigned into a circular shape with an inner circle responsible for creating the higher frequency sounds. The aim is for better sound positioning and quality.
As with the Z9J, it comes with 24 months access to the Bravia CORE streaming service and 10 film credits.
Sound: Acoustic Surface Audio+, Dolby Atmos, 3D Surround Upscaling
Design: 3-way stand (83in), 2-way stand (55/65in)
Sony A90J 4K OLED TV pricing
Sony KD-55A90J – TBC
Sony KD-65A90J – TBC
Sony KD-83A90J – TBC
Sony A80J 4K OLED TV
If a Master Series OLED feels like a bit of a stretch, then the Sony A80J 4K OLED TVs are the next best thing. They lose one facet of picture and of design but should still perform well if last year’s A8 OLEDs are anything to go by.
On the physical front, they get a more standard voice remote control and the Flush Surface Bezel design, which is not quite as super-thin at the frame. The three-way stand is still present, though, as is Acoustic Surface Audio+, which includes perforations on the rear of the TV to help with bass production.
There’s no colour sensor to sit alongside the light sensor during Ambient Optimisation, and picture performance is likely to drop a little with the ‘Pro’ removed from its flavour of XR OLED Contrast intelligent processing. It’s otherwise very much as above.
Sound: Acoustic Surface Audio+, Dolby Atmos, 3D Surround Upscaling
Design: 3-way stand
Sony A80J 4K OLED TV pricing
Sony KD-55A80J – TBC
Sony KD-65A80J – TBC
Sony KD-77A80J – TBC
Sony X95J 4K LED TV
It’s back to the LCDs with the Sony X95J 4K LED series. The main difference for performance comes with the drop in XR Contrast to the medium level Contrast Booster 10 processing. These full array TVs are still IMAX Enhanced-certified and feature both the X-Wide Angle and X-Anti-Reflection technologies. (No Anti-Reflection on the 85in.)
These sets do also retain some of the premium look and feel of the Master Series. They include the aluminium, backlit, voice remote as well as the super-skinny Seamless Edge Bezel design. There’s the 3-way stand on the two bigger panel sizes with a central position not required for the smaller 65in variant.
Sound: Acoustic Multi Audio, Dolby Atmos, 3D Surround upscaling
Design: 3-way stand (75/85in), 2-way stand without centre positioning (65in)
Sony X95J 4K TV pricing
Sony KD-85X95J – TBC
Sony KD-75X95J – TBC
Sony KD-65X95J – TBC
Sony X90J 4K TV
The Sony X90J LED TVs replace the Award-winning XH90s from 2020. There are four panel sizes between 50-75in with the Flush Surface Bezel design and higher raised Slim Blade feet with two-position options. There’s already enough height in the design to allow room for a soundbar.
Again, the voice remote is the standard, black variety and, on the performance front, XR Contrast drops down to Contrast Booster 5. There are no X-Wide Angle or anti-reflection benefits either.
Otherwise, Acoustic Multi Audio, Google TV, the HDMI 2.1 features and most everything else is present and correct, including IMAX Enhanced certification.
Sound: Acoustic Multi Audio, Dolby Atmos, 3D Surround upscaling
Design: 2-way Slim Blade stand (55in and above)
Sony X90J TV prices
Sony KD-50X90J – TBC
Sony KD-55X90J – TBC
Sony KD-65X90J – TBC
Sony KD-75X90J – TBC
Sony KD-49XH9505 review
Sony X85J 4K TV
From the Sony X85J downwards, the 2021 Sony TVs lose the new Cognitive Processor XR and make do with the very able Processor X1 from the 2020 range. That means no XR Contrast Booster or 3D Sound Upscaling either.
They also drop from full array LED panels to edge-lit models too, so expect losses in local dimming abilities. Gone too are Netflix Calibrated and IMAX Enhanced certifications, along with Acoustic Multi Audio which is instead replaced by Sony’s X-Balanced speaker system.
All the HDR compatibility is still there and the handy Google TV operating system too.
The X85J maintains the Flush Surface Bezel frame design and the two-position Slim Blade stand which is available for the 55in model and above. It’s the biggest of the 2021 series, in terms of panel size options, and each has a native 100Hz refresh rate with 800Hz Motionflow processing.
The Sony X80J is the entry level Bravia series for 2021. It’s almost the same as the X85Js above but with a few reductions.
The design drops down to the slightly more meat and potatoes Narrow Bezel style and the LED panel has a native 50Hz refresh rate with 200Hz Motionflow processing.
The range of panel sizes is a little smaller but will cover the needs of most at this end of the market. The biggest of all is named the Sony X81J which comes in at 75in on the diagonal.
Last of all, Sony hasn’t forgotten about those who just need something small for the bedroom. The Sony W800 an HD resolution LED TV that comes in a 32in size only. It’s run by the older Bravia Engine and uses Android TV as the OS, so you’ll still get all the major app offerings that one would expect.
Sony W800 32in HD LED TV price
Sony KD-W800 – TBC
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Samsung 2021 TV lineup: everything you need to know
Sony has unveiled its 2021 TV range at this year’s virtual CES event and, with it, an all-new picture processor to power its Sony Bravia XR TVs, called the Cognitive Processor XR.
Replacing the Picture Processor X1 series of chips, the Cognitive Processor XR adds a layer of cognitive intelligence on top of Sony’s well-seasoned artificial intelligence algorithms. The aim is for these sets to understand their source material in a more human way and create more effective picture and sound enhancements.
Launching with the Cognitive Processor XR is a fleet of Bravia XR TVs, led by the 8K Master Series Sony Z9J LCD TV, available in 75in and 85in sizes. There are then two series of OLEDs – the Sony A90J Master Series, which comes in an all-new 83in panel as well as 55in and 65in, and the Sony A80J OLEDs in 55, 65 and 75 inches.
The Sony X95J is the premium 4K LED model which benefits from many of the features of the Z9J and lastly for the Bravia XRs are the Sony X90J TVs, aimed at a more mid-ranged market. You can find full details of on our full Sony 2021 TV line-up guide.
Sony has largely stuck with its single slate design and many of the TVs include a three-way stand allowing for both central and wide positioned feet as well as a soundbar formation which leaves more room at the foot of the panel for an external speaker.
The basic Android TV experience from 2020 and before has been given a big lift with the addition of the Google TV UI. It’s the same intuitive interface used on the most recent Chromecast device. As Google’s launch partner, these Sony’s TV will be the first third-party manufacturers to feature it.
Sony might not be hitting the headlines with brand new panel tech like the Mini LED TVs of LG and Samsung but there are plenty of reasons to expect a big boost in performance with a brand new processor at the helm.
For picture, the cognitive intelligence is designed to detect and enhance the focal point of the action by examining elements such as colour, contrast, texture, depth and detail in multiple zones and then cross-analysing that information within and between frames in a way that is supposedly similar to the brain. The main desired effect is for it to increase brightness in the right areas of the picture and boost contrast across the screen.
Sony’s Bravia XR Sound brings a new dimension to the TV audio to sit alongside its already excellent sound-from-picture design. The 3D Surround Upscaling tech uses the new actuators and frame tweeters on the tops of the panels to help creative a virtual 5.1.2ch experience from any 5.1ch or 2ch audio signal.
Speaker sizes have been increased and the OLED TV’s actuators themselves redesigned to help improve performance too and, with any luck, create a more enveloping soundstage for Bravia TVs than before.
Should all of this be out of budget, then you’ll still find two ranges of LED TVs powered by the older Picture Processor X1. The X85J and X80J TVs come in a large range of panel sizes, boast the Google TV platform and still benefit from the low-lag HDMI 2.1 features that next-generation gamers will be looking for.
Lastly, but far from a footnote, is the high-bitrate Bravia CORE video streaming service that will come pre-loaded and be exclusive to the Bravia XR TVs. It will host the latest box office films from Sony Pictures Entertainment and hundreds of classics too, which can all be viewed at 4K Blu-ray-like quality. Read here for more information on Bravia CORE.
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Samsung 2021 TV lineup: everything you need to know
Two laptops and one Android tablet among the innovations introduced by Lenovo at the CES 2021. Here’s everything you need to know about the new products
by Nino Grasso published 07 January 2021 , at 15: 01 in the Laptops channel Lenovo IdeaPad
In response to people’s changing needs during the COVID pandemic – 19 (which will likely remain thereafter), Lenovo announced a number of new portable systems, including IdeaPad 5G with display 2K and 5G modem, IdeaPad 5 Pro and Tab P 11 . Here they are in detail, as described by the company.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5G
Lenovo IdeaPad 5G is a product designed for mobility but not only that, given that the 4G / LTE and 5G modem (only sub-6) can also be used at home as an alternative to the Wi-Fi network of the home router, when congested. Among the peculiar characteristics of this system we find up to 20 hours of autonomy in video playback, within a slim, lightweight, fanless design, which packs a 14 “with Full HD resolution and support for a maximum luminance of 300 nit.
Under the body we find the processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx 5G combined with the Snapdragon modem X 55 and Adreno GPU 680. The notebook is also offered in a 4G LTE version only, powered by the Snapdragon 8c processor. Both models adopt 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and a SSD) GB on PCIe platform.
The notebook comes with a Light Silver finish and implements Dolby Audio speaker and IR camera to take advantage of Windows Hello in order to log in to the machine in total safety. The weight of Lenovo IdeaPad 5G is only 1.2Kg, while the thickness is 14, 9mm and the built-in battery is from 54 Wh. The notebook also implements a USB Type-C port with support for Rapid Charge Express technology.
Price and availability have not yet been defined at the time of this writing.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro (and 5i Pro)
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro is a notebook proposed in the declinations from 14″ is 16 “and in various configurations. They all adopt AMD Ryzen processors, while Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro is based on the same design features but implements Intel processors Eleventh Generation Core. Both use displays 16: 10, for the first time in the family, with screen-to-frame ratio equal to 90% and a hedge of 100% of the sRGB gamut, and are equipped with network adapters supporting Wi-Fi 6.
The model from 14 “has a weight of 1, 45 Kg, while that of 16 “reaches 2Kg, and also in this case we have an IR camera working with Windows Hello. The novelty, on IdeaPad 5 Pro, is the presence of ToF sensors working with software such as Glance by Mirametrix, which allow for example to pause a video when you move away from the display, and much more. Compared to previous generations, the touchpad is wider, and there are several new features. Below are the highlights of the two models with Intel and Ryzen CPUs.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro
11th Generation Intel Core processors up to i7
GPU up to NVIDIA GeForce MX 450
Display from 14 “up to 2.8K IPS with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and 400 nit of luminance; or from 16 “up to 2.5K with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 350 luminance nit
Until 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB of SSD on PCIe NVMe architecture
Batteries from 56, 5Whr with Rapid Charge Boost (14″) is 75 Whr con Rapid Charge Express (16 “)
Thunderbolt 4 support, but only on the model from 16 “
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro
Various Next Generation Ryzen Processor Options (Coming Soon)
GPU up to NVIDIA GeForce MX 450
Until 16 GB of DDR4 RAM (14″) is 32 GB DDR4 RAM (16 “), and up to 1TB of PCIe NVMe SSD
Display from 14 “up to 2.8K IPS with refresh rate of 90 Hz and 400 luminance nit; or from 16 “up to 2.5K with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 350 luminance nit
Batteries from 56, 5Whr with Rapid Charge Boost (14″) is 75 Whr with Rapid Charge Express (16 “)
Regarding pricing, Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro will be offered in the US starting at 1149, 99 dollars in the variant from 16 “, while that from 14 ” will cost starting from 799, 00 euro in Europe . As for IdeaPad 5i Pro, availability is expected in Europe for March 2021 for the model from 14 “at a base price of 699 €, while it will arrive in May 2021 the one from 16 “with prices starting from 899 €. Prices in Italy have not yet been defined.
Lenovo Tab P 11
Among the news Lenovo also announced Lenovo Tab P 11 , a tablet with optional detachable keyboard (to the Surface Pro ) and pen holder. Offers an IPS display of 11 “at resolution 2000 x 1200 pixels with a maximum luminance of 300 nit, and is proposed with a dual-tone finish in Slate Gray or Platinum Gray. The chassis is made of aluminum, and contains within it a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 662 with up to 6GB of RAM, for a total autonomy of approximately 11 hours in use .
At first start, Android is pre-installed with the apps from the Microsoft Office suite and other Google Play applications, and the Kids Space from Google is natively integrated. We then have a front camera 8MP, and the Keyboard Pack (to be purchased separately) integrates a touchpad. To facilitate writing the tablet implem enta a stand, while there is support for the Lenovo Precision Pen 2, which offers an autonomy of 200 hours and support for charging via USB Type-C.
The price of Lenovo Tab P 11 and of 229, 99 dollars , with immediate availability on selected markets.
Samsung makes its move too thank you to a new backlight source, called Quantum Mini LED. It is a matrix of LEDs in which the individual elements occupy 1 / 40 of a Conventional LED, with the possibility therefore of having a greater density of LEDs and to manage the backlight levels of its new QLED 8K TVs more precisely (QN 900 A) and 4K (QN 90 A )
by Roberto Colombo published 07 January 2021 , at 12: 34 in the Audio Video channel Samsung QLED 8K 4K
MiniLED will certainly be one of the words that will accompany us in the coming months / years in the TV field. Following LG’s announcement, Samsung is also making its move thanks to a new source of backlight , named Quantum Mini LED . It is a matrix of LEDs in which the individual elements occupy 1 / 40 of a Conventional LED, with the possibility therefore of having a greater density of LED and to manage in a more precise and granular backlight levels of the different zones.
To manage the Mini LED matrix we find the technology Quantum Matrix driven by the processor Neo Quantum , optimized to manage the luminance scale at 12 bit with 4096 levels , in particular to improve the contrast rendering when playing HDR content. Samsung introduces its new Neo QLED display technology in its flagship models 8K (QN 900 A) and 4K ( QN 90 A).
On an aesthetic level, the televisions adopt the new Infinity One Design , which further reduces the frame, until it almost completely disappears and which also reduces the dimensions of the ‘black box’ for managing the TV, the Slim One Connect Box , which integrates much of the electronics of the TV, including inputs and outputs, and which now slims to find space more easily.
In the audio field, one of the trends to make the viewing experience more engaging is to use virtualization to better tune the sound to the movement of the images on the display: Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Pro uses AI-based software to match the sound with the movement of objects on the screen, while SpaceFit Sound analyzes the environment where the TV is installed to produce impactful sound tailored to the room where the TV is installed.
Televisions are increasingly the center of home entertainment, including videogames, and Samsung adds some functions dedicated to the gamer audience. The first is support FreeSync Premium Pro , the second is represented by the Super Ultrawide mode GameView , which offers the possibility to play both in 21: 9 both a 32 : 9 and get a wider field of view.
The Covid Pandemic – 19 has profoundly changed habits globally and TVs aim to play their role in the new normal as well. On the one hand, it is possible to use the large TV screen for video calls, including group calls: with Google Duo you can use your smartphone to start a video call on your TV. Just connect a webcam via USB or an even more advanced smart camera that follows your movements.
Not only video calls with friends and relatives, but also Smart Working : the PC on TV function of Samsung devices allows you to connect a PC to the TV, allowing you to work and study from home through the TV screen. Simply install the Easy Connection app on your computer and log into your Samsung account to automatically connect your TV to your PC and work directly from the living room. Just connect the PC, a mouse and a keyboard, with the possibility of accessing MS Office as well 365 via the TV’s web browser to view, create and edit documents.
Samsung has also found success in recent years with its designer TVs, designed to be objects as well. of furniture. Now Samsung The Frame 2021 doubles and is offered in two different customizable styles – Modern and Beveled – and in five color options, to match the different environments even better.
In his previews of the products that will be unveiled at CES 2021 and of which we will have more details in the coming days, Samsung also talked about the green goals for the future , with interesting news. The first is the disappearance of the polystyrene from the packaging of the televisions , which will be totally in cardboard (even inside ) and therefore more easily recyclable: in addition, customers can follow the instructions attached to give new life to cardboard inserts and packaging, creating furniture and toys .
News also for the remote control , which will integrate a solar cell and can be recharged also via USB , so saying goodbye to disposable batteries : Samsung estimates that this move could help eliminate the gap of 99 millions of AAA batteries in seven years.
Samsung today announced its 2021 lineup of televisions at the virtual CES 2021. These include models featuring Samsung’s Neo QLED as well as micoLED.
Samsung introduced what it calls Neo QLED to its flagship 8K (QN900A) and 4K (QN90A) models. Neo QLED is a combination of a new backlighting technology and new image processing.
Neo QLED uses Mini LED backlighting technology, which comprises of much smaller individual LED elements behind the display that can focus light on a much smaller area. This allows for much smaller zones in a full array local dimming system and much more localized brightness, resulting in higher contrast. Samsung doesn’t specify how many zones its new televisions have, just that it’s better than their traditional QLED.
Neo QLED also has a new image processor called Neo Quantum Processor, which uses 16 neural network models trained in AI upscaling and deep learning to upscale the incoming signal to the panel’s native resolution.
The 2021 Neo QLED TVs will also offer other features, such as slimmer bezels, a new Slim One Connect Box for cable management, new audio system with object tracking and spatial optimization. Other new features include Samsung Health with a personal trainer feature, 21:9 and 32:9 game modes, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Google Duo, and Office 365 integration.
Samsung also announced two new models featuring microLED technology. These will be available in two sizes — 110″ and 99″ — and will be available as traditional televisions with Samsung’s Smart TV platform. They will feature 4K resolution, 4×4 split screen view, and 5.1 audio.
microLED is a self-emitting display technology, similar to OLED. Unlike OLED, however, microLED isn’t organic and the pixels don’t degrade over time. It can also achieve much higher light output levels. However, this technology has been too expensive for consumer use at this point, which is why it was only sold to businesses in the form of individual panel elements that would have to be assembled to form the required display size.
However, the models being launched by Samsung in 2021 will be the first time microLED will be offered as standard televisions directly to the consumers. The pricing will likely still be stratospheric (expect a five digit USD figure for the cheapest model) but if you have the budget for it, it’s now available.
Samsung also announced updated models within its Lifestyle range of televisions. The 2021 Frame is now about half as thin as the previous version. The attachable bezel comes in five colors and two styles. You can also get a subscription from the TV’s Art Store that includes over 1400+ art pieces to display on the TV.
Samsung also announced its intentions of ‘Going Green’. This includes reducing the company’s carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, introducing sustainable packaging and including a new solar-powered remote control that can be charged from indoor or outdoor lighting or through USB. The solar remote is also made from recycled plastic.
Samsung is kicking off 2021 with The First Look – the event will be the beginning of a “new vision for screens”. In other words, this will be about TVs and will serve as a preview of what’s to come at CES next week.
This event will likely feature microLED TVs. Last month ETNews reported that Samsung is preparing a large investment in facilities to mass produce microLED panels. At last year’s First Look Samsung unveiled a lineup of microLED, QLED 8K and Lifestyle TVs ahead of their detailed presentation at CES.
Displays aside, the company will also “introduce its latest creations, technologies, and a new vision for a sustainable and inclusive future”. The event starts at 16:00 UTC, the YouTube stream is embedded below so you can watch along.
If you are not familiar with microLED, the technology is similar to OLED in that every pixel emits its own light, there’s no backlight. However, it improves on traditional weaknesses of OLED, including low brightness (Samsung’s microLED displays can hit 5,000 nits), and doesn’t suffer from burn in.
Next up on Samsung’s calendar is the CES presentation scheduled for January 11, which will complement today’s event. After that the company will switch from large electronics to pocketable ones – the Galaxy S21 Unpacked event is coming up on January 16.
Samsung recently published details of the new televisions that they would like to present in a few days at CES 2021. Among other things, there are models based on mini and micro LED as well as screen diagonals of up to 110 inches.
This is how the QLED- Next-generation televisions will no longer use conventional LEDs, but rather up to 40 times smaller mini-LEDs. Samsung then calls the whole thing Neo QLED, the benefit should primarily lie in a higher contrast, i.e. richer black and brighter white. This is achieved by using mini-LEDs for Samsung to dim the screen in up to 4. 096 levels. Samsung would like to present five such Neo QLED series in a few days: The two 8K top models QN 900 A and QN 800 A and the 4K -Variants QN 95 A, QN 90 A, and QN 85 A.
In addition to the new TV models with mini-LED displays, Samsung is now for the first time bringing televisions with micro-LED Technology for the broad market. The individual pixels are replaced by RGB LEDs. This enables an even higher contrast representation and, in theory, almost perfect black values. Samsung promises complete coverage of the Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color spaces and an operating time of up to 100. 000 hours. The press release specifically mentions a 99 to and 110 – inch-inch model, but one also speaks of other smaller models, without giving exact numbers. The resolution in this series is 4K. In addition, the screen-to-body ratio should be an impressive 99, 99%.
Samsung has been keeping a low profile in terms of prices. However, it can be assumed that the new premium models will be anything but affordable. The official presentation at the CES will bring clarity in a few days.
The new brand name Neo QLED includes the expected televisions with mini LEDs in the locally dimmable backlight. First, the technology in the 8K TVs comes from the QN 900 A series and the 4K -TVs from the QN 90 A series are used. Experience has shown that it will gradually migrate to the cheaper model series.
Thanks to the tiny LEDs, the backlight of the TV displays can be very finely adjusted to the picture content in many zones – like many dimmable ones Zones, Samsung traditionally does not reveal; We have to submit that in future tests.
Quantum Matrix Samsung calls the whole Quantum Matrix technology: The Quantum Mini-LEDs used are therefore only 1 / 40 set as high as the previous light emitting diodes. You no longer wear a lens cap, but are covered with a thin diffusing film. This allows them to be joined closer together. Light-focusing layers over the LED matrix are supposed to prevent blooming, i.e. the outshining of light areas into actually dark parts of the image. So far, this has been an obvious weakness of LCD TVs compared to OLEDs. The resolution is 12 bit, so 4096 Generate brightness gradations.
Like the previous 8k TV, the high-end displays are housed in a housing that is flat from the front and back and has an extremely narrow bezel. New is the Attachable One Connect Box, a visibly slimmer box with all connections for the display.
The Neo Quantum processor is supposed to convert lower resolutions and moderate streaming quality to the respective display resolution optimize. Samsung has also announced improvements in terms of sound; For example, Space Fit Sound should automatically optimize the sound to the position of the audience.
Samsung First-Look-Event CES 2021 (8 pictures) The Neo QLED TVs from the QN series 900 A and QN 90 A are in the elegant Infinity housing with extremely narrow frames. (Image: Samsung)
The TV for the home office Samsung knows about the influence that Corona has on people’s lives – especially since TV -Sales have not decreased due to the pandemic. This is why smart TV should support users at home in the future: The smart trainer should keep viewers fit in front of the TV. Via a connected webcam, an avatar can give tips on how to move correctly during exercises. The workout app then shows the results of the physical training.
Samsung also wants to make it easier to watch videos together. Google Duo is now also supported by the Tizen operating system on TVs. So far, the video app for group streaming with a webcam on TVs only works on smart TVs with the Android operating system and some streaming sticks. Samsung also promises improved voice guidance and gesture control of the TV with the connected webcam.
Micro-LED TVs Tens of millions of tiny light-emitting diodes are in the classy micro-LED TVs. Samsung has not yet announced price and sizes.
(Image: Samsung)
“Any Shape, Any Size “This is how Samsung advertises its micro-LED TVs. The TVs consist of several modules – which was the case with the 2018 first introduced LED TV “The Wall “was the case. According to Samsung, the current displays contain up to 24 millions of tiny Light-emitting diodes that were developed together with Samsung’s semiconductor division. Of course, Samsung couldn’t resist the swipe at OLEDs, the inorganic RGB LEDs show no burn-in and their luminosity and thus the colors remain consistently high for a long time – Samsung promises 100. 000 hours. Samsung has not yet said how many modules an LED TV for the living room consists of. As usual, the price should be quite high.
The speakers were integrated into the LED panels, Samsung calls this Arena Sound. The sound therefore comes from the screen itself, which is intended to increase immersion. Sony and soon also LG are pursuing something similar with their OLED TVs with integrated actuators. The frame around the LED wall is extremely narrow. You can connect up to four sources at the same time and bring them to the screen.
Everything eco Samsung chose “going green” as a hook for its first-look event, presented remote controls with solar cells instead of batteries and announced more compact cardboard packaging. These should be used by buyers for upcycling, for example to build furniture out of the solid cardboard.
In view of the steadily increasing screen diagonals, one must at least question the eco-effect of TVs – the larger the screen, the higher the power consumption of the TV. HDR functions also require ever higher luminance levels and thus more energy. At least built-in ambient light sensors help to keep the power consumption in check.
This is looking like a big year for Samsung TVs. Having somewhat trodden water in 2020, the company appears to be striding forward in 2021, with highlights that include consumer MicroLED models, ‘Neo QLEDs’ with astonishingly small Mini LEDs, and a new version of the One Connect box that can be attached to the TV’s pedestal stand.
Samsung has so far delivered the information on its 2021 TVs in the form of hours of video presentations, rather than a complete and concise list of models and the features of each. That means there are still gaps in what we currently know but, by piecing together the various snippets of information, we think we’ve got a fairly good handle on what’s coming from Samsung TVs in the next few months.
Samsung announces 2021 ‘Neo QLED’ TVs with Mini LED backlight tech
Certainly, the new technologies and features have been fairly well outlined, and you’ll find info on those if you scroll down just a smidge. Below that, we’ve attempted to divine the model lineup. There’s a lot of info there, but there’s more that needs adding and clarifying, which we will do over time as Samsung releases the details.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, a quick overview of 2021 model designations: 2021 appears to be year ‘A’ for Samsung, whereas 2020 was year ‘T’ (as in ‘Q70T’) and 2019 was ‘R’ (as in Q70R). You can therefore expect QLED model numbers to end in an ‘A’ (Q70A, for example), and LCD models to have one before their series designation (e.g. ‘AU8000’).
Finally, you’ll also see an ‘N’ in some QLED model numbers – ‘QN85A’, for example. We believe this denotes the Neo QLED (i.e. Mini LED) models from those that utilise standard LED backlights.
Samsung MicroLED TV
While Samsung has been talking about MicroLED for quite some time now, 2021 will finally see the launch of consumer models.
For the unfamiliar, MicroLED is a next-gen TV technology that essentially takes the best qualities of OLED and removes more or less all of its shortcomings. Like OLED, each pixel is self-emissive, so one can be completely black while those next to it can be bright white or a vibrant colour, creating incredible contrast.
MicroLEDs can actually go much brighter than OLEDs, though, theoretically resulting in even more spectacular contrast. Samsung is quoting a peak brightness rating of 2000 nits in regard to this new MicroLED TV, which makes it around twice as bright as even the best OLEDs. What’s more, unlike OLED TVs, which use organic materials (‘OLED’ stands for ‘Organic Light Emitting Diode’), MicroLEDs are inorganic, so don’t degrade and can’t suffer from image retention or burn-in.
The new consumer MicroLED TV, for which we don’t yet have an official model number, measures an absolutely huge 110 inches on the diagonal and comes pre-assembled as a complete flatscreen TV; unlike the commercial MicroLEDs, which come as smaller modules that can be assembled in various configurations.
Interestingly, given its huge size and next-gen credentials, this new consumer MicroLED TV boasts ‘only’ a 4K resolution. That’s because the size of the individual MicroLEDs (each of which represents a single pixel, remember) means there are physical limitations to pixel density (how many pixels can be crammed into each inch of screen). In other words, MicroLEDs will have to get even smaller before MicroLED TVs become available at smaller sizes with higher resolutions.
Of course, what you really want to know is how much Samsung’s new consumer MicroLED costs. Unfortunately, there’s no official word on that yet (we have asked), but Business Korea claims that it’s expected to be priced over 100-million won, which translates to roughly £70,000 ($90,000, AU$125,000).
Neo QLEDs with Mini LED backlighting
While MicroLED remains the preserve of the super-rich for now, Samsung is bringing Mini LED tech to its premium QLEDs, which it refers to as ‘Neo QLEDs’.
Samsung explains that the majority of a typical LED’s size is made up of its protective packaging and light-guiding lens, both of which it’s done away with for its so-called ‘New LEDs’. Not only that, it’s also miniaturised the LEDs themselves, to quite astonishing effect.
As part of a video presentation, Samsung demonstrated to us the degree of difference by putting a petri dish containing 100 traditional backlight LEDs next to another containing its New LEDs. The traditional LEDs are big and clear, filling their dish, while the New LEDs genuinely look like nothing more than sparkly grains of sand. Samsung says the New LEDs are a fortieth the size of traditional LEDs, but even that doesn’t convey how incredibly tiny they appear.
Instead of a lens, Samsung’s New LED backlights use a new ‘micro layer’ that guides the light through the quantum dots (which provide the set’s colours). The result is apparently no light leakage or blooming, and because the New LEDs are so much smaller, significantly more of them can be packed in – one slide we saw referred to “ten-times greater density”. Given that Samsung’s top 2020 model, the Q950TS, is said to have around 500 dimming zones (Samsung doesn’t publish specific numbers), we’re potentially talking about around 5000 zones for these Neo QLEDs.
Of course, Samsung isn’t the first TV brand to utilise Mini LEDs, but the company claims that its are the smallest and most precise out there – mind you, that was before LG announced its own Mini LED TVs.
New Quantum Processor
Of no surprise at all is that Samsung is introducing a new processor for its 2021 TVs. This new quantum processor brings with it, among other things, more precise dimming and a local power distribution feature that sends power to the brightest areas of the picture and away from the darker parts. It also works in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the TV’s frame to adjust brightness and contrast in response to ambient lighting conditions.
In Samsung’s 2021 8K TVs (we’re not yet sure if this also applies to the 4K models), the quantum processor also utilises something that Samsung calls ‘Multi-Intelligence Deep Learning’ to improve upscaling. The company explains that in 2020 its deep learning produced a single neural network, but in 2021 the system can produce up to 16 neural networks that enhance resolution and overall video quality. Essentially, it seems that each of the neural networks specialises in a different area of picture quality, then a Neural Analyser selects the most appropriate for the specific content being played.
Extension of Object-Tracking Sound (OTS)
Samsung introduced Object-Tracking Sound with last year’s QLEDs, but this year it’s being expanded, both in terms of the models it covers and the number of speakers involved.
There are now four versions of OTS, with the new OTS Lite at the bottom and OTS Pro at the top. Each version differs in terms of the number of speakers involved.
OTS Lite consists of two physical speakers at the bottom and two ‘virtual speakers’ that provide height. It’s available on the most premium LCD models. The standard version of OTS adds physical speakers to the top of the set, OTS+ adds side-firing speakers, and OTS Pro adds extra tweeters, taking the complete speaker array up to a total of 6.2.2 channels.
Every version of OTS is designed to fill a room as much as possible and provide three-dimensional tracking of effects, very much along the lines of virtualised Dolby Atmos. Some models (we’re not yet sure which) also feature something called ‘SpaceFit’, which appears to be an enhanced version of the company’s existing Adaptive Sound tech that adapts audio performance to the TV’s surroundings.
All models also appear to feature Active Voice Amplifier, which is designed to actively detect external noise and boost the volume of the voice track so that dialogue is more audible, and Q Symphony, which allows the TV’s speakers to work in conjunction with a connected Samsung soundbar – and there’ll be a whole new range of those in 2021, too.
Design and One Connect
Like many of us humans, Samsung’s TVs appear to be on a slimness drive in 2021. The top 8K models were already just 15mm thick, so it’s little surprise that they’re not getting any slimmer, but all of the 4K models mentioned have a thickness of 2.5cm. That represents a 1cm reduction in thickness for the top QN90A (compared with the Q90T), and a slimming-down of over 3cm for lower models such as the Q70A and Q60A QLEDs and the AU9000 LCD.
If your pockets are deep enough for the flagship QN900A 8K model, you’ll also get Samsung’s Infinity Screen, which is an essentially bezel-less, edge-to-edge display, as seen with 2020’s Q950TS.
We were worried about the future of Samsung’s One Connect system, which sees all connections (and even power) routed through an external processing box that can be placed out of sight, but Samsung is in fact launching a new version of One Connect for 2021. The big news is that the new One Connect box is significantly smaller and slimmer than the one it replaces, to the extent that it can be attached to the rear of the stand if required.
Those who are wall-mounting (or who simply want to move cable-clutter as far away from the display as possible) can still place the new unit on a separate shelf or in a cupboard, and its new shape and size should make it far easier to find a home for.
The 2021 One Connect will be available on the QN95A 4K set and, we believe, all 8K models.
Gaming features
Samsung’s long been at the forefront of gaming TV tech, and that looks set to continue in 2021. 4K@120Hz is supported on all models from the Q70A and up, VRR support includes Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM and HGiG are both supported, and input lag is said to be down to just 9.8ms.
Interestingly, Samsung is also promising support for 4K@120Hz on its AU8000 and AU9000 LCD models, even though they feature 60Hz panels. The company’s calling this technology ‘Motion Xcelerator Turbo’, but it’s not yet clear how it works beyond Samsung saying that it allows the models to refresh twice as fast. These models are getting AMD FreeSync certification, though – that’s apparently a first for a 60Hz TV.
What also isn’t clear is how many Ultra High Speed HDMI (aka HDMI 2.1) sockets the 2021 models have. Samsung’s 2020 sets had just one, whereas LG’s OLEDs boast four. It only currently makes a difference for 4K@120Hz signals but we’d like to see Samsung close the gap here so that those lucky enough to have both the PS5 and Xbox Series X (and/or a high-end gaming PC) can take full advantage.
On top of all of that, Samsung is introducing something it’s calling ‘Super Ultrawide Gameview’, which allows you to force the TV into ultra-wide aspect ratios, essentially simulating the experience of using an ultra-wide gaming monitor. This obviously involves big black bars filling in the screen’s unused display area, so we’re not sure how appealing it will really be, but time will tell.
Smart features
The Tizen smart platform itself seems to have changed very little, but that’s no bad thing – it was already the best in the business in terms of its app offering and usability.
That said, Samsung has seen its way to offer some pandemic-friendly features such as Google Duo for video calls and a Smart Trainer app, which appears to be an extension of the existing Samsung Health platform. Taking full advantage of either involves buying an optional video camera, which can track you around the room in the vein of Facebook Portal.
Samsung is also extending its Multi-View feature, which allows you to display multiple sources at once in a split-screen format. It’s going to be available on all models from AU9000 upwards, with 4K models supporting two windows and 8K models support four.
Best smart TVs
Samsung 2021 TV range breakdown
So that’s the overview of the technology behind Samsung’s 2021 TV range, but what about specific models? The company hasn’t supplied a full breakdown, but we’ve listed every model specifically mentioned in the video briefings we’ve had and attempted to establish which features each one gets.
On top of that, the Czech Samsung website briefly leaked a number of product details (thanks, FlatpanelsHD).
In short, while there are still some gaps in what we know, and some details should be taken with a pinch of salt at this stage, we’ve got a good idea of the range breakdown. You’ll find all the information we have below, and we’ll update this section with more details (including pricing and availability) as they become available.
Samsung QN900A 8K Neo QLED TV
Samsung’s very top QLED model for 2021 (at least as far as we know) is the QN900A (though according to leaks, it could yet be the QNA900). This is, of course, an 8K model, and it features the new LED backlight.
Design-wise, it boasts the edge-to-edge Infinity Screen and a super-low profile 4mm pedestal stand, to which the new One Connect box can be attached. It’s just 15mm thick, and the three-degree lean of the outgoing Q950TS has gone – this model stands straight up.
Samsung QN900A specs:
Display type: Neo QLED
Resolution: 8K
Sizes: 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
One Connect: Yes
Sound: OTS Pro
4K@120Hz: Yes
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: Yes
Anti-Reflective Panel: Yes
Samsung QN800A 8K Neo QLED TV
This step-down 8K model, the QN800A (or perhaps QNA800), appears to be the same as the QN900A above but without the Infinity Screen and with a sonic downgrade from OTS Pro to OTS+. It’s still just 15mm thick.
Display type: Neo QLED
Resolution: 8K
Sizes: 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
One Connect: Yes
Sound: OTS+
4K@120Hz: Yes
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: Yes
Anti-Reflective Panel: Yes
Samsung QN700A 8K Neo QLED TV
The QN700A (or QNA700) appears to be Samsung’s entry-level 8K model for 2021. We don’t know much about this one, but it seems it might be missing the Ultra Viewing Angle tech of the models above and isn’t as slim.
Display type: Neo QLED
Resolution: 8K
Sizes: TBC
One Connect: Yes
Sound: TBC
4K@120Hz: Yes
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: TBC
Anti-Reflective Panel: Yes
Samsung QN95A 4K Neo QLED TV
Samsung’s top 4K model wasn’t included in any of the video briefings but was mentioned in correspondence with Samsung when discussing One Connect. It’s also included in the Czech Samsung leak, where the model number appears as QNA95. While we can’t say for sure, our assumption is that this will be identical to the QN90A below, but with the addition of One Connect.
One interesting point to note is that the Czech Samsung leak suggests both this and the QN90A will be available in a 50-inch size. No previous version of the Q90/Q95 has been available below 55 inches. Perhaps this is an effort by Samsung to offer a rival to the new 48-inch OLEDs.
The replacement for the Q90T, the QN90A (or QNA90) boasts Samsung’s new mini LED-based backlight, a depth measurement of just 25mm (that makes it 10mm thinner than its predecessor), and a 4mm thick metal pedestal stand with integrated cable management. We believe it will be identical to the QN95A, only without the One Connect box.
The step-down 4K model, the QN85A (or QNA85) for 2021 does without the Ultra Viewing Angle tech of the models above, but it does retain the Anti-Reflective Panel. It’s also just 25mm thick and has a stand with a 4mm bottom plate, although here it connects to the main chassis via a stalk or neck.
If previous models are anything to go by, the QN85A will probably have fewer dimming zones and lower peak brightness than the QN90A, but Samsung is yet to confirm this.
This Q80A model has only been mentioned in passing (and was included in the Czech Samsung leak, as QA80) so we don’t know a huge amount about it, but what you will notice is that it doesn’t have an ‘N’ in its model number. This is because it’s likely not a ‘Neo’ model – i.e. it will use the same type of LEDs in its backlight as last year’s models, rather than the new Mini LEDs.
The Q70A (or QA70) appears towards the bottom of Samsung’s 2021 QLED range, but it still boasts a 25mm-thick design and native support for 4K@120Hz. Samsung’s video presentation included images of it and the Q60A mounted on a variety of different stands, including a central pedestal/neck, a plate with two legs, and feet that can be placed at different widths and even raised to accommodate a soundbar, but it’s not clear which stand comes in the box with which model.
Display type: QLED
Resolution: 4K
Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
One Connect: No
Sound: TBC
4K@120Hz: Yes
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: No
Anti-Reflective Panel: No
Samsung Q60A 4K QLED TV
Samsung’s entry-level QLED model, the Q60A or QA60, will, according to the Czech leak, be available in more sizes than any other, and is the only one that comes in a 43-inch version. We don’t know a huge amount else about it, other than it’s also just 25mm thick and that it lacks native 4K@120Hz support (although it may still support such signals using the company’s new Motion Xcelerator Turbo tech).
4K@120Hz: No (Motion Xcelerator Turbo support TBC)
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: No
Anti-Reflective Panel: No
Samsung AU9000 4K LCD TV
Samsung’s top LCD model, the AU9000 (or perhaps UA9000) obviously lacks the quantum dots of its QLED siblings, but it seems to be pretty well-specced otherwise.
For starters, it boasts what Samsung is calling an ‘AirSlim’ design, which results in a depth measurement if just 25mm. The company’s achieved this by developing a new backlight structure with almost no gap between the LEDs and LCDs, and by utilising physically smaller video and power components.
As mentioned above, the new Motion Xcelerator Turbo tech adds support for 4K@120Hz despite the set’s native refresh rate being 60Hz. It also gets OTS Lite, which apparently adds two virtual speakers that add height to the sound produced by the two physical speakers along the bottom.
4K@120Hz: Native 60Hz with Motion Xcelerator Turbo support
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: No
Anti-Reflective Panel: No
Samsung AU8000 4K LCD TV
It’s not at all clear at this stage how the AU8000 (or UA8000) differs from the AU9000 above. We know that it features the same AirSlim design, and it appears to feature Motion Xcelerator Turbo and OTS Lite. It may come down to the processor, number of dimming zones or even just the finish. We’ll update when we get more information from Samsung.
Display type: LCD
Resolution: 4K
Sizes: TBC
One Connect: No
Sound: OTS Lite
4K@120Hz: Native 60Hz with Motion Xcelerator Turbo support
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle: No
Anti-Reflective Panel: No
Samsung AU7000 4K LCD TV
This model number appeared fleetingly in one of Samsung’s video presentations, but we know nothing about it other than it exists (and could yet be the UA7000!). Again, we’ll update when we have more.
Samsung has just taken the covers off its 2021 TV range, and there’s some extremely impressive-seeming technology right at the heart of it. While the company is pushing MicroLED as the TV tech of the future (potentially followed by self-emissive quantum dots), it’s utilising miniaturised LEDs in the backlights of this year’s QLEDs.
Samsung explains that the majority of a typical LED’s size is made up of its protective packaging and light-guiding lens, both of which it’s done away with for its so-called ‘New LEDs’. Not only that, it’s also miniaturised the LEDs themselves, to quite astonishing effect.
As part of a video presentation (the coronavirus pandemic has prevented us visiting Samsung’s HQ in person), Samsung demonstrated the degree of difference by putting a petri dish containing 100 traditional backlight LEDs next to another containing its New LEDs. The traditional LEDs are big and clear, filling their dish, while the New LEDs genuinely look like nothing more than sparkly grains of sand. Samsung says the New LEDs are a fortieth the size of traditional LEDs, but even that doesn’t convey how incredibly tiny they appear.
Instead of a lens, Samsung’s New LED backlights use a new ‘micro layer’ that guides the light through the quantum dots (which provide the set’s colours). The result is apparently no light leakage or blooming, and because the New LEDs are so much smaller, significantly more of them can be packed in. One slide we saw referred to “ten-times greater density”: given that Samsung’s top 2020 model, the Q950TS, is said to have around 500 dimming zones (Samsung generally doesn’t offer specific numbers), we’re potentially talking about around 5000 zones for these Neo QLEDs.
Of course, Samsung isn’t the first TV brand to utilise Mini LEDs, but the company claims that its are the smallest and most precise out there – mind you, that was before LG announced its own Mini LED TVs.
The Samsung Neo QLED TVs are powered by a new ‘Quantum Processor’ that apparently brings with it, among other things, more precise dimming and a local power distribution feature that sends power to the brightest areas of the picture and away from the darker parts. It also works in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the TV’s frame to adjust brightness and contrast in response to ambient lighting conditions.
The most premium models (QN90A and above) feature Samsung’s Ultra Viewing Angle tech, which has impressed us in the past, and models QN85A and above also boast Anti-Reflective panels.
Every model specifically referenced so far is also impressively thin: the 8K QN900A and QN800A models retain the 15mm depth measurement of the outgoing Q950TS/Q900TS, while every 4K model appears to be 25mm deep – even the Q70 and Q60, the outgoing versions of which are 57mm thick.
There’s a new version of the One Connect system, too, which sees all of the TV’s connections (and even power) routed through a discrete processing box. For 2021, that box has been massively slimmed down to the extent that it can even be attached to the rear of the pedestal stand. All models QN95A and above get One Connect.
In terms of sound, Samsung is continuing with its OTS (Object-Tracking Sound) technology. For 2021, there will be four versions of OTS, ranging from OTS Lite, which has just two physical speakers at the bottom and two ‘virtual speakers’ for height, to OTS Pro, which boasts speakers along the top, bottom and both sides. All 2021 QLEDs (and even a couple of LCD models) get some form of OTS.
On the gaming front, meanwhile, Samsung is quoting an input lag of just 9.8ms, plus ongoing support for 4K@120Hz (on Q70 and above), ALLM, VRR (G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro) and HGiG. Interestingly, you’ll also be able to switch the screen into ultra-wide screen ratios such as 21:9 or 32:9, simulating the experience of using a gaming monitor, although the heavy black bars top and bottom seem rather off-putting.
While that’s already rather a lot of info to digest, there’s actually still a lot we don’t know about Samsung’s 2021 TV range.
It’s little surprise that pricing and availability are being kept under wraps for now, but Samsung has also resisted supplying a complete range breakdown at this stage, leaving us to piece together snippets from the hours of video presentations and attempt to figure out the various model numbers and which features apply to each. You’ll find the fruits of those labours in our work-in-progress Samsung 2021 TV line-up feature.
MORE:
Samsung 2021 TV lineup: everything you need to know
LG announces QNED TVs with Mini LED technology
CES 2021: all the news from the first all-digital CES
Neo Qled TVs Samsung has New generation of QLED TVs have been unveiled, using miniled technology. The Neo qled lineup consists of two top 8k models: the QN 900 A with very thin bezels, and the QN 800 A. Then there are another three 4k series with the new technology: the QN 95 A, QN 90 A and QN 85A. No suggested retail prices have been announced.
These units use quantum mini LEDs, which 40 times smaller than a regular LED. By placing more LEDs together it should be possible to control them accurately, which should increase the contrast and blooming do decrease. In addition, this should further help to make dark areas even darker, and light areas brighter. However, Samsung does not state how many LEDs and dimming zones there will be in such a device.
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