With the CES 2021 just around the corner, even if in edition 100% virtual, manufacturers prepare their news in different fields of electronics, and Samsung has released 15 new panels OLED for notebooks with diagonals up to
These OLED panels achieve coverage of up to 120% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which possibly even refers to 100% coverage and a volume of 120% of the total. With a minimum brightness of 0, 0005 nits or cd / m², the real contrast of this type of screens is much higher than that of traditional LCD panels with backlighting, in fact Samsung speaks of 1. 000. 000:1
These panels will be implemented in laptops from ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo, starting with the first panel to hit the market, during the month of February, which will have 15, 6 inches diagonal and a resolution of 1458 x 1080. We have already tested the occasional laptop with an OLED screen, but so far the available models are scarce, so it is to be expected that with this new release, the 2021 is the year in which this technology begins to become popular in laptops of all kinds.
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Antonio Delgado
Computer Engineer by training, editor and hardware analyst at Geeknetic since 2011. I love gutting everything that comes my way, especially the latest hardware that we get here for reviews. In my spare time I fiddle with 3d printers, drones and other gadgets. For anything here you have me.
Currently, the laptop market is dominated by LCD screens, usually with Full HD resolution and high refresh rate. Increasingly, however, in notebooks we encounter screens of poor quality – with low sRGB color coverage, low luminance or high response time. We can count on really good quality matrices mainly in the case of top designs for players, expensive ultrabooks or mobile workstations, where the quality of the panels is not spared. From time to time, we can also come across OLED screens – for example in the ASUS ZenBook Flip S laptop that we recently tested. It seems that in 2021 year more than usual we will meet OLED matrices in laptops.
Samsung intends to introduce as many as 10 new OLED matrices for laptops from 13, 3 “to 16 “. We expect new screens in both ultrabooks, gaming laptops and mobile workstations.
In just a few days, the largest electronic fair in the world – CES 2021 will start. One of the companies that will definitely be present is Samsung. We expect a number of novelties in the field of televisions, such as Micro LED or Mini LED. Interesting announcements also apply to the laptop market. Samsung is the main supplier of OLED matrices in this case and it looks like we will receive many more of them this year. The Korean manufacturer declares the launch of as many as 10 new OLED screens – they will be used in laptops with a diagonal from 13, 3 “to 16 Interestingly, Samsung’s declarations are not limited only to screens with 4K resolution. We are also going to get OLEDs Full HD. For many people, such a solution will certainly be more interesting than the 4K matrix.
Mass production of the first screens is expected to start in February, so we expect the number of laptops on display to grow from Q2, which will be optionally offered with an OLED screen It is characterized by a higher luminance, much more faithful color coverage of both Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 (the declared coverage is as high as 120%). You cannot forget about the deep black (0, 0005 nits) or the contrast unattainable for ordinary LCD screens In addition, OLED matrices are characterized by ext remarkably low response time. We expect OLED screens from the largest laptop manufacturers, such as Lenovo, ASUS and MSI. Both in the sector of gaming laptops and notebooks strictly for work. We should get more details at the upcoming CES.
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.
Organic displays achieve bright colors and rich contrasts in high-end TVs. The self-illuminating OLEDs have a big advantage over LCDs: They do not need a backlight and they simply switch off the pixels on black image content. In TVs, notebooks, tablets and smartphones, this ensures rich black levels. Since organic displays are also paper-thin, they are recommended as a translucent picture surface – for example for the free-standing television or the video wall on the living room window.
There is, however, a catch: While the luminance of the display in bright areas of the image exceeds that of the surroundings, the background shines through in the black or very dark areas of the image. Thus, a transparent OLED would only deliver acceptable black values in the evening or with the shutters down.
Before the end of this year, Panasonic plans to offer transparent OLED modules with a switchable rear wall.
(Image: Panasonic)
Panasonic has found a way out of the dilemma: The Japanese TV manufacturer provides the transparent OLED with a digital back wall. This consists of a liquid crystal layer that changes from the transparent to the opaque state at the push of a button – i.e. when a voltage is applied. Panasonic uses liquid crystals dissolved in plastic (Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal, PDLC), as offered by film specialist Toppan, among others. The Darmstadt-based company Merck has already demonstrated at trade fairs how glass conference rooms can be transformed into rooms with opaque walls with such PDLC films.
For switchable PDLC films, the transparent plastic layer with liquid crystal molecules is coated on both sides with electrically conductive membranes. If light falls from behind on the plastic LC sandwich, it is reflected by the irregularly distributed liquid crystals and therefore hardly or not at all on the surface of the sandwich. If you apply an electric field to the conductive membrane, the liquid crystals align themselves along the field lines and thus form a kind of guidance system for the incident light – it penetrates the surface. Toppan also offers foils that are transparent when de-energized and become opaque when a voltage is applied (with LCD this is called normally white).
If the PDLCs align in the electric field, the light can pass through the film and you can see objects behind the OLED.
(Image: Toppan)
The liquid crystals (PDLC) dissolved in plastic scatter the incident light and thus shield the OLED background.
(Image: Toppan)
Digital back wall Panasonic uses PDLC technology in the transparent OLED TP – 55 ZT 110. It measures 1, 40 meters in the diagonal (55 inches) and shows 1920 × 1080 pixels. It should be the same OLED panel that LG uses in its industrial monitor 55 EW5G . The PDLC layer transforms the transparent display into an almost normal TV module at the push of a button – almost because the PDLC does not block the light 100 percent shields. Four modules of the panel, which is frameless on three sides, can be seamlessly integrated into one 16: 9-format Join the video wall. The timing controller board (TCON) for the panel control sits behind the lower module surround.
The PDLC-OLED -Module is just 7.6 millimeters thick, according to the manufacturer, the transparent version without PDLC film (TP – 55 ZT 100) only adds 3.8 millimeters; both come with an external power supply. Panasonic connected all module layers to one another in a vacuum in order to minimize reflections at the boundary layers and to optimize the module’s transparency. The display will initially be offered in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, Panasonic has not yet given a price.
Advertising and access control LG has found an application that does not need to shield the display back: The Korean company is cooperating with the Swedish door manufacturer Assa Abloy, who apply transparent screens to automatic glass doors would like to. These could serve as advertising space or enable personalized access controls. LG has been working on transparent organic displays for some time and has already shown OLED prototypes that were transparent and flexible. The company already has the 55 – inch transparent industrial monitor 55 EW5G.
Assa Abloy wants to coat glass automatic doors with a transparent OLED in order to use them as advertising space or To use the access control system.
(Image: LG)
At trade fairs, the display specialist has also been presenting a refrigerator with a glass door on which image content can be displayed for years. This is also of interest for commercial applications, for example for price information on the objects visible behind the door or for advertising videos. The glass front is a transparent LC display. Since LCDs, unlike OLEDs, do not light up themselves, they always need a backlight. That is why there is a very bright, energy-hungry Edge-LED backlight in the refrigerator door, which switches off as soon as the refrigerator door is opened. 2 / 2021 In c’t 2 / 2021 take a look inside the crystal ball and shed light on the IT trends of the coming years. You will learn how you can surf privately and securely, and which browser supports this particularly well. In the IT salary report, we examine whether the pandemic is a good job engine. We test multifunctional printers for the home office, show you how you can protect your NAS against hacker attacks, and introduce a universal Windows boot stick. You can read this and much more in c’t 2 / 2021. The issue is available from January 1st 16 in the Heise shop and at the well-stocked magazine kiosk.
Liquid cooling is one of the best ways to add some extra performance to your system, and with RGB becoming more popular as of late, the
best liquid coolers
are also a great way to add some personality to your build. Announced today ahead of CES 2021, Thermaltake’s ToughLiquid ARGB makes this even easier with a built-in controller for its LED cooling. The new Toughliquid Ultra takes this a step further by equipping its cooling cap with a full
LCD
screen.
Both The Toughliquid ARGB and Toughliquid Ultra have identical copper waterblocks, aluminum radiators and 15.7-inch rubber pumps. The Ultra’s pumps operate at 3,200 RPM on 4.6W of power, while the ARGB’s pumps hit 3,300 RPM speed and take 4.56W of power.
The Ultra and ARGB also have the same hydraulic fan bearing and LCP blades, which emphasize quiet sound profiles that sit between an advertised 22.3dB-A and 33.2 dB-A, depending on your specific model.
Each cooler has a waterblock display that draws power, with the Ultra’s taking 10W and the ARGB’s taking 1.25W. That difference in power also points to a chief difference between the Ultra and ARGB. While the ARGB’s customization stops at RGB, the Ultra features its own display.
The ARGB’s six addressable LEDs are compatible with Asus, MSI, Gigabyte and ASRock motherboard RGB ecosystems, and the cooler also has an integrated RGB controller to manipulate them directly.
The Ultra kicks things up a notch. The cooler comes with special software that allows it to display system stats, like CPU temperature and clock speed in real time, plus lighting effects and even custom GIFs.
The Ultra currently has two models — one with two 120mm fans and one with three 120mm fans — respectively named the ToughLiquid Ultra 240 and Toughliquid Ultra 360. Meanwhile, the ARGB has three models. The ToughLiquid 240 ARGB Sync and Toughliquid 280 ARGB Sync have two fans, and the ToughLiquid 260 ARGB sync has three 120mm fans.
ToughLiiquid Ultra models start at $210, while ToughLiquid ARGB options start at $120. Thermaltake has yet to provide release dates.
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
(Image credit: Samsung)
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
(Image credit: Samsung)
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)
(Image credit: Samsung)
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
This image shows the new One Connect attached to the rear of the pedestal stand (Image credit: Samsung)
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
(Image credit: Samsung)
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
(Image credit: Samsung)
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.
(Image credit: Samsung)
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.
(Image credit: Samsung)
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
The vivo Y20A introduced in India a few days ago is now available for purchase in the country through the company’s online store. It’s priced at INR 11,490 ($155/€130) and has two color options – Dawn White and Nebula Blue.
The vivo Y20A joins the Y20 and Y20i in India which were launched last August. But it isn’t an entirely new smartphone. It’s a rebranded vivo Y20 (2021) with a Snapdragon 439 SoC and 3GB RAM.
vivo Y20A in Dawn White and Nebula Blue colors
The rest of the specs remain the same, meaning the Y20A comes with a 6.51″ HD+ LCD, an 8MP selfie camera and a triple camera setup on the back, comprising of a 13MP primary, 2MP depth and 2MP macro units.
The vivo Y20A boots Android 11-based Funtouch OS 11, has 64GB storage onboard, and features a side-mounted fingerprint reader.
Fueling the entire package is a 5,000 mAh battery that draws power through a microUSB port at up to 10W.
Transparent OLED screens use a technology that we have already seen on more than one occasion, but that until now, had not reached the market in a massive way. Xiaomi has already presented a TV with a transparent OLED panel and now LG has shown its Transparent OLED panel technology for the CES 2021, panels capable of achieving transparency of the 40%, four times more than the transparent LCD panels available in the market.
The company has shown several prototypes and use cases for this type of panels, for example, the LG Smart Bed is a screen of 55 “which, after pressing a button, emerges from inside its frame to display different content such as television, applications and other information on different screens with different formats. As it does not have a frame, it is possible to use this panel to display small “screens” configured to taste. It is also complemented by immersive cinematic sound and a format that allows it to be placed almost anywhere.
LG has shown several applications of its transparent panel OLED entity of 55 “
Another application of these panels that the company showed was for use in restaurants and bars, with a panel that allowed diners to choose the menu and view their order information without blocking the view of people on the other side of the table thanks to the transparency of the screen. In addition, it also served as entertainment during the meal.
This panel of 55 “also has applications in other environments as in public transport, showing its use in a subway car located as a window, in such a way that visibility was not diminished to the real window of the car while information about the stops, route, news, etc. was shown to the user, all with touch technology.
The company will show live these products and applications of their transparent dOLED panel of 55 “at CES 2021, an edition that will be carried out virtually.
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What computer should I buy for games? Which processor to choose? Which graphics cards and processors are the best? Internet forums are flooded with similar questions, because the situation on the component market can change quickly and it is difficult to keep up with the news that turn previous concepts upside down. Before buying a computer, the future user faces serious problems that are inherent in money, which should be a strong incentive to look for the best solutions. That is why the following guide with recommended computer sets was created. Using our experience and test database, we have created visually transparent and substantively refined configurations, which in our opinion are worth every zloty spent on it.
Author: Sebastian Oktaba
The publication was created mainly for not very advanced users with basic knowledge in the field of computer assembly, who need professional advice on what equipment to choose up to a certain amount. Forum visitors and zealous readers of articles on the PurePC website will probably be able to choose the best components on their own, although even then it is worth checking if the users’ suggestions are reflected in the editorial choices. If very similar configurations are recommended in both places, it can be optimistically assumed that we will not find a better computer at the moment. Of course, the kits are selected optimally and focused primarily on the price-performance ratio, but we absolutely do not aim at maximum savings. If a slightly more expensive component is simply better or covered by a longer warranty, we strongly recommend this solution, after all, quality and reliability are very important features.
Wondering what computer set to buy? The guide with recommended configurations should help you make the right choice.
The basic configuration in the kits proposed by PurePC consists only of basic components, i.e. .: processor, motherboard, RAM, graphics card, power supply, disks and possibly an additional cooling system In this case, the price of the computer case was not included, mainly due to the very diverse tastes of readers and an extremely wide range of manufacturers. of this element – the basket contains only the base components, while the boxes have a separate thematic section. In addition, peripherals and monitors have their own categories, where you can check the recommended models and choose the closest one visible preferences. Before you start shopping, be sure to visit our hardware department, where you will find tests of most of the components recommended in the guide.
As a service that pays a lot of attention to overclocking, We also couldn’t forget about overclocking the recommended configurations. However, it should be clearly and clearly stated that a lot here depends on the skills and equipment of the user, so we simply cannot promise anything certain. In the case of Intel processors, only some models with an unlocked multiplier allow for free overclocking, which of course plays a significant role in the entire process. Also take into account that extremely unsuccessful attempts at overclocking can end up damaging the equipment, and the responsibility for the effects of inexpertly changing parameters is always the person who performs such activities. As the editorial office, we only indicate which components have the OC potential that may facilitate the achievement of specific values. For completely inexperienced people, we recommend reading the guide – How to overclock the processor (LINK).
Our sets are based on the store’s offer Morele.net website, however, the publication is entirely authorial and independent. The store is only a product base, which it undertook to supplement as soon as possible and to maintain competitive prices of components selected by the editorial office. We decided to cooperate with Morele.net because it has been operating on the computer market since 2000 of the year, offers a wide range of products (~ 50 000) and fast shipping or personal pickup of goods in over 15 cities in Poland. Additionally each PurePC.pl user to order above 1500 PLN will receive computer assembly service for a nominal zloty . If the proposal met your expectations, just click on the link highlighted in red, which leads straight to the basket of products. To take advantage of the promotion, please proceed as follows:
Promotion: computer assembly service for 1 zloty and free shipping – what you need to do:
Place the computer kit assembly service in the cart (Click here!)
In the cart with the order in the field “Enter promotional code” add: W3FHN 50 JFW
Shipping costs and PC folding service price will be changed automatically – done!
We create recommended computer sets from 2008 of the whole editorial office, but we are always happy to hear readers’ observations and comments , after all is just for you. We realize that satisfying everyone is simply impossible, because subjectivism is an eminently human trait, but we will try to adapt the publication to the expectations of the majority. The proposed configurations are the starting point, tailored to the top-down budget, but the topic is absolutely not the end. The new version of the kits always appears on the first day of the month, and is updated thoroughly after two weeks, as prices and availability of products can change significantly. Under almost every component, we also place an alternative similar in terms of performance and price, which you can choose without worrying about the quality of the computer.
Testing Tests overview Smartphone Huawei P Smart 2021: Budget model with room for improvement Asus Zenfone 7 Pro: Turbo smartphone with flip camera Samsung Galaxy Xcover Pro in the test: Hard but slow Oneplus Nord N 03 5G in the test: galloped in price Oppo Find X2 Pro in the test: performance bargain Asus ROG Phone 3 in the test: Perfect gaming smartphone LG Wing in the test: 1.5 displays and gimbal cam Smartwatch Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 in the T est: competition for Apple? Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro in the test: Smartwatch with cross-country battery Apple Watch: Smartwatch with contract from 15 € per month Apple Buy Watch 6: All generations in the price check Skagen Falster 3 in the test: Smartwatch with Wear OS Test Huawei Watch GT 2: Noble fitness tracker in watch form Huawei Watch GT in the test: record-breaking battery life Multiroom Ikea Symfonisk in the test: Sonos loudspeakers under 100 Euro Bose Portable Home Speaker in the test: battery, WLAN, Airplay 2 Sonos Move in the test: The robust all-rounder Musiccast: Multiroom from Yamaha in the test Denon Heos in the test: Versatile multi-room system Flat soundbar Teufel Sounddeck Streaming in the test Teufel Raumfeld in the test: rich multiroom sound Keyfinder Tile Slim (2019): Key finder in credit card format Bluetooth key finder Tile Pro in the test: 122 m range! Key finder Tile Pro in the test: the range champion Orbit Bluetooth tracker in the test: looking for wallet and keys Nonda iHere 3.0: smart key finder under test Chipolo Classic and Plus: Bluetooth key finder under test Musegear finder 2: Keyfinder without registration obligation Action-Cam DJI Pocket 2 in the test: Zoom and 64 – Megapixel sensor Actioncam Insta 360 One R: 1-inch image sensor in the test Gopro Hero 8 Black in the test: Back to the top Insta 360 One R in the test: The modular action cam Motorola Moto G8 Plus Review: Great smartphone, but … Insta 360 Go: Micro-GoPro in the test Motorola One Action Test : Good hardware, bad camera microSD In the test: Kingston UHS-I U3 microSDXC Kit MicroSD card for smartphone: Samsung Evo Plus 2017 Test report: Lexar Professional 1800 x microSDXC Kit Test report: Intenso Premium microSDXC card with 64 GByte Android Sonos Move in the test: The robust all-rounder Honor 20: Inexpensive high-end smartphone in the test Xiaomi Mi 9: top technology at a bargain price Doogee S 90 in the test: modular outdoor smartphone ZTE Axon 10 Pro in the test: high-end phone at a competitive price Motorola Moto G7 Power in the test: large battery, small price Sony Xperia 10: smartphone with 21: 9 display in Test Counselor Advisor overview Purchase advice The right cordless screwdriver for the home workshop t Bargain: Which Fire TV Stick from 19 € is the right one? Purchase advice: What good is a leaf blower with a battery for 45 Euro? True wireless headphones: How much do you have to invest? Buying advice water cooling: High-end PCs cool better Adviser: Air conditioning and fan against the heat wave Sony shows the Xperia 1: Is the predecessor XZ3 worth it now? Practice Caution, money away: Kickstarter & Co. are not shops Turn off Android notifications from annoying apps Here’s how: Install the new Android L keyboard now Tip: Use “Ok Google everywhere” in Germany In the test : Will the jailbreak work for iOS 7.1? Goder ma and mobile medicine: The doctor apps are coming! Instructions: Jailbreak for iOS 7 on iPhone 5S, 5, 4S and 4 Technology Importing technology from China, part 2: Customs, taxes and tricks Drones & copters: From toys to FPV Racer What does the end of an ecosystem mean? Smartphones with a flexible display: What’s the point? Overview of smartphone processors: Everything Snapdragon? Evolutionary dead ends: the very worst cell phones mpass: Pay with the NFC mobile phone – or the NFC toilet roll Display calculator Calculate pixel density, number and display proportion Best list Test winner Price comparison Price comparison overview Smartphones from Android 7.0 Phablets with stylus Fitness tracker with GPS Bluetooth headphones with ANR Drones with GPS Video TechStage Counselor TV-OS: Strengths & weaknesses of Android TV & Co beginning Android TV Tizen OS Web OS My Home Screen Loewe OS Metz VIDAA U3.0 Conclusion Comments by Jochen // 03. 01. 2021 11: 10 Clock
Does it matter which operating system the new Smart TV has? TechStage presents the most important OS for TVs in the guide and explains where they score.
Modern smart TVs no longer only differ in terms of appearance, equipment, and picture and sound quality. An essential feature is the operating system, which is largely responsible for ease of use. While the smartphone market is dominated by Android and iOS, several operating systems are competing for flat screen televisions. We will introduce you to all the important ones and address the respective strengths and weaknesses.
The article appears in our UHD TV theme world. There were other articles published there, for example our guide for really big TVs, tips for buying a next-gen TV or our constantly updated list of the cheapest TVs from all categories (e.g. OLED, HDMI 2.1 or just huge).
Android TV Not only on smartphones, but also on smartphones TVs are very popular with Android. In addition to Sony and Philips, TCL and Metz Blue rely on Android TV from Google. Corresponding televisions can not only be set up using the remote control supplied, but optionally using an Android smartphone.
Tile-like structure, clear structure and a lot of apps: that’s Android TV. #The start page has a uniform design on almost all Android TVs: Here you can find a list of the most important apps, streaming services and TV channels. All applications are arranged in tiles on the user interface; additional applications can be added in next to no time. While Android was still a bit sluggish and unstable to use in previous versions, these teething troubles have been resolved with Android 9.0 (Pie).
The gear wheel at the top right takes you to the most important system settings, the Google Assistant is lurking at the top left, for example to browse streaming services by voice or to call up current weather information or traffic reports.
The selection of apps under Android TV is generally huge and one of the best on the market. Thanks to the Google Play Store, you will find a varied portfolio in the areas of video, music, games and news. The integrated Google Chromecast ensures flexible compatibility with smartphones. While the standard interface is identical on all Android televisions, the individual manufacturers adapt their menus for picture and sound settings individually.
Overall, Android TV scores with a clear design, high operating speed and an extensive selection of apps. Smaller weak points in terms of performance can only be found on very inexpensive or older flat-screen TVs with an Android system. It is therefore important to check every now and then whether there is an update for your own TV.
Tizen OS With Tizen, Samsung uses its own operating system; the sheer number of Samsung TVs alone makes it a major competitor to Android TV. With Tizen OS, all functions are packed into a horizontal menu bar. You can store the most important apps here, preview streaming content, switch sources, open TV recordings from USB sticks and jump to the picture and sound settings.
Tizen OS from Samsung offers a lot of information at a glance and likes it colorful. All of this succeeds quickly even if the selected Samsung television does not have the fastest processor. In contrast to its competitors Philips and Panasonic, Samsung has integrated a powerful media player into Tizen OS, which can play photos and videos as 360 Degree view. In addition, there is a function in “Ambient Mode” to display paintings, photos or infographics with news or weather data on the screen when not in use. Alternatively, this takes on the look of the wallpaper behind the flat screen TV.
Relatively new is the intelligent program guide, which combines content from television and streaming services. In terms of apps, Samsung is one of the leading manufacturers on the market. In addition to HD +, you can also find Disney +, Apple TV, DAZN, Sky Ticket, Netflix, Tidal, Amazon Music, Spotify and Deezer. Tizen OS supports Apple AirPlay 2 to stream photos, music and videos from iPhone or iPad wirelessly to the hip flask, as well as Google Chromecast and Bluetooth.
If you like control by voice, you will also get your money’s worth with Tizen OS. A recent software update makes Google Assistant available on Samsung smart TVs in addition to Bixby and Amazon Alexa. Together with WebOS from LG Tizen OS is one of the most user-friendly and versatile operating systems on the market.
Web OS LG uses the WebOS operating system in its OLED and LCD televisions, which is visually reminiscent of the keyboard of a piano. The latest version, WebOS 5.0, is extremely fast and clearly structured. The high level of operating comfort is also due to the fact that you can control a mouse pointer on the TV with the LG remote control. So you can move the so-called Magic Remote freely in the air and navigate to the desired window like with a laser pointer. This is surprisingly precise and you get used to it quickly.
LG’s WebOS provides apps and functions like on a keyboard. The individual tiles give access to the TV program, the most important apps (these are freely configurable), the home dashboard – an overview of all connected and networked devices – as well as the art gallery, the sports alarm and the fast media player for 360 – degree representations. The art gallery contains paintings, photos and drawings that transform the LG TV, including a wooden or metal frame, into a deceptively real work of art. The sports alarm provides timely information about when your favorite team is playing again, for example in football or basketball, and provides constantly updated results.
With AirPlay 2 and the support of Chromecast and Miracast, WebOS 5.0 is very communicative. The range of videos and games in the app area is plentiful, including Apple TV, Disney +, DAZN, Sky Ticket, Google Play Films, Netflix and Zattoo. However, music and news apps still have room for improvement. The already installed application “Reelgood”, a streaming guide that bundles content from Netflix, Disney +, Amazon Prime Video and Maxdome, is very useful.
LG has thought of the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. In terms of handling and clarity, WebOS 5.0 is currently ahead, closely followed by Samsung Tizen OS, Panasonics My Home Screen and Android TV.
My Home Screen Panasonic equips its current flat screen TVs with the My Home Screen 5.0 operating system. This is clearly laid out, almost spartan, and requires little space on a flat screen. In the horizontal bar you can find the app icons from Netflix, YouTube and the “HD +” platform as well as access to the complete range of apps and an overview of all connected devices.
My Home Screen from Panasonic is limited to the essentials and is therefore intuitive to use. The sorting of the symbols is flexible, other applications can be added. You can also assign a button on the remote control to start your favorite app with just one press of a button.
New in My Home Screen Version 5.0 is the preview of thumbnails with various cinematic content as soon as you navigate to the streaming apps from Netflix and YouTube. The Panasonic software works quickly and smoothly with barely noticeable waiting times when changing menus. In addition to a DLNA server, My Home Screen also has the TV> IP function. This allows the TV signal to be transported over the network to a television set in another room in which no programs are traditionally accessible via cable, satellite or DVB-T2.
At Panasonic, the app offer is still expandable. With Disney + and Apple TV, two industry giants are missing here. Even those who like to stream music are currently losing out with the Japanese. When it comes to voice control, Panasonic is also not up to date: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can only be used in conjunction with separate speakers.
Loewe OS The traditional Loewe brand, which after the takeover by the Skytech Group was able to avert its final end at the very last second, is building its high-priced television with the Loewe OS6.3 operating system. In contrast to earlier Loewe TVs, the current models are easy to operate thanks to their attractive user interface with rectangular symbols and a simple menu structure. However, you have to get used to some little things first, such as the fact that a longer press on the “Home” button leads to the picture and sound settings.
The Loewe OS is clear, but important streaming apps such as Netflix are missing. The start page gives you access to the TV recordings that land on the internal hard drive. With the apps, however, you have to do without industry giants such as Netflix. These are only accessible via a Fire TV Stick from Amazon, which Loewe makes available to its customers free of charge after registering online. All applications on the streaming stick can be accessed via the heavy Loewe remote control.
In the spring 2021 Loewe wants to significantly expand the range of apps with a new platform. Loewe OS6.3 works quickly overall, but like Panasonic only enables voice control via Amazon Alexa via separate speakers such as the Echo Dot. Multimedia files can be accessed from a smartphone or a Fritzbox, for example. Loewe OS 6.3 has caught up with the market leaders from LG, Samsung, Panasonic and the like, but cannot quite keep up in terms of appearance and comfort.
Metz While the cheaper smart TVs of the Metz Blue series are delivered with Android, some Metz televisions come with a Linux Operating system used. This offers a special feature: The user can decide for himself how complex the user interface should appear. In addition, the number of functions can be gradually adapted to your own needs (“Simple”, “Comfort”, “Expert”). The start page and the submenus are kept very factual with clear labeling, but dispense with colored frills. But you know immediately which function is where.
The Metz user interface is based on a Linux system and attaches great importance to sober objectivity. The Linux system promptly implements control commands via the remote control and works at a good speed. The heavy metal signaling device with a well-structured key arrangement has reserved three keys so that preferred functions can be freely assigned to them.
If apps are important to you, you should think twice about buying a Metz TV. Because Netflix, Disney +, Apple TV, YouTube, Rakuten TV or Amazon Prime Video are just some of the relevant applications that are not available here. You have to buy a Fire TV stick separately.
Instructions are stored in the operating system so that you can look up almost any important topic quickly if you have any questions. Bluetooth and Chromecast are supported for streaming. Overall, the Linux operating system is very tidy and quickly transparent, without setting optical highlights.
VIDAA U3. 0 At the steadily growing TV manufacturer Hisense, the operating system listens to the bulky and somewhat getting used to name VIDAA U3.0. Here memories of Android TV are immediately awakened. This is ensured by the large tiles on the user interface, which not only include apps, but also the entrances and the media player.
Reminiscent of Android, but is named VIDAA U3.0: the operating system from Hisense . The operating concept is well thought out, Hisense dispenses with a nested menu structure and also makes life easy for new customers who previously trusted a different TV brand. There is also an aluminum remote control, which is also clearly designed and has four direct selection buttons for the streaming portals Netflix, YouTube, Rakuten TV and Amazon Prime Video.
Hisense cannot keep up with the range of apps from Sony, Philips, Samsung or LG, but the most important streaming platforms are on board. Via the home network, VIDAA U3.0 allows access to multimedia files that are slumbering on a PC hard drive or a media server in the network. The media player is, however, quite simple and neither does 360 – Degree representations still zoom in on photos. Amazon Alexa can be used for voice commands via voice.
Overall, VIDAA U3.0 makes a very smooth impression, but you have to be patient when switching and starting recordings on USB Bring your hard drive. Because the remote control does not have its own record button. Rather, you first have to navigate to the TimeShift menu and from here to the record button. Top dogs like LG, Samsung and Panasonic are still ahead in the area of ease of use.
Conclusion The operating system of a TV may not seem essential at first glance. But it depends a lot on how you want to use the television in the future. Anyone who mainly watches traditional television or plays via a Blu-Ray player (guide) does not have to attach excessive weight to the TV OS. But if you use apps and streaming services, or stream video games from the cloud via a cloud service such as Shadow or Geforce Now, you should take a close look at what you are buying. Android TV is one step ahead here, and hardly any other manufacturer has app support.
The good news is that these functions can be upgraded if necessary. There are enough cheap streaming sticks, as our guide to streaming boxes shows in comparison. If you need a little more power, you should take a look at the Nvidia Shield TV (guide).
The article appears in our UHD TV theme world. There were other articles published there, for example our guide for really big TVs, tips for buying a next-gen TV or our constantly updated list of the cheapest TVs from all categories (e.g. OLED, HDMI 2.1 or just huge).
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LG has announced its first TV series with mini LEDs. For the time being, a total of ten models will use the new background lighting, which, compared to conventional LED lighting, should primarily offer higher contrast values and better HDR display. According to LG, the top model is just under 30. 000 LEDs – distributed over approximately 2500 lighting zones. With full-surface LED backlights, a number of LEDs in the middle three-digit range and one to two dozen zones are common.
All models are new QNED family that LG has placed between the previous LCD and OLED series. The few technical data mentioned so far include resolutions of 4K (3840 × 2160 pixels) and 8K (7680 × 4320 pixels) and a maximum screen diagonal of 86 Inch. All models should offer a native refresh rate of 120 Hz and use the mini-LED backlight in conjunction with Quantum Dots. LG puts the maximum contrast at 1. 000. 000: 1.
With the number of LEDs and zones, LG is in a similar range to other manufacturers who already have mini-LED TVs announced or launched. So TCL installed in its top model 8-Series with 75 inch 25. 000 Mini LEDs that point to 1000 zones are distributed. In the cheaper models of the 6-Series, however, TCL only uses 240 zones at 75 Inch. It is still unknown how many mini-LEDs Samsung is using for its first corresponding televisions. However, it is certain that the company, like LG, will use the CES 2021, which will start in mid-January, as a stage for such announcements.
Better background lighting Manufacturers have been working on televisions with mini LED background lighting for several years. The smaller size of the mini-LEDs compared to the LEDs usually installed in televisions enables the use of more diodes and, as a result, more lighting zones. The latter allows a much finer control of the brightness. This is particularly beneficial for content with a high dynamic range.
Further advantages of mini-LED technology: Since the diodes are smaller, the displays are also thinner – and more delicate lighting can result in lower power consumption. For this reason, too, Apple is said to have a great interest in corresponding displays. Industry experts assume, among other things, a new iPad Pro with a mini-LED display, which will be launched in the spring 2021.
vivo only announced the Y20 in August and today the company is already following it up with its 2021 model, dubbed vivo Y20 (2021).
However, there aren’t too many differences between the two models. The Y20 (2021) replaces the Snapdragon 460 SoC with a Helio P35 chipset, runs Funtouch OS 11 out of the box, and charges at up to 10W instead of 18W.
The rest of the specs remain the same, meaning you get a 6.51″ HD+ LCD, 5,000 mAh battery, and a side-mounted fingerprint reader.
The vivo Y20 (2021) features a total of four cameras – an 8MP selfie shooter inside the notch and a 13MP primary camera on the back joined by 2MP depth and 2MP macro units.
The smartphone comes with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage and has two color options – Dawn White and Nebula Blue. It is priced at RM599 ($150/€120) in Malaysia, but it’s unclear when it will arrive in other markets.
vivo Y20 (2021) in Dawn White and Nebula Blue colors
LG has revealed that it will be announcing a new range of television during the virtual CES 2021 event. Called QNED Mini LED, this new range of televisions feature a combination of mini LED backlighting, quantum dot technology and LG’s NanoCell in one product.
Mini LED (not to be confused with microLED) is a method of backlighting for LCD panels where the backlighting is made up of tiny LED light elements. Since these are significantly smaller than standard LED backlighting solutions, you can pack many more in the same space. This allows for much more localized control over the brightness of the panel, leading to a higher overall contrast ratio and less blooming or haloing that plagues traditional full-array local dimming backlighting.
LG claims its top of the line 86-inch 8K display will have 30,000 mini LEDs, producing nearly 2500 local dimming zones and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1.
The other major aspect of the QNED Mini LED TVs is that the panel is using two technologies for improving the color output. LG has combined quantum dot technology — which uses a layer of semiconductor nanocrystals that can be excited to produce colored light — and the company’s own NanoCell technology — which is a color filter that absorbs certain wavelengths of light to improve color accuracy and increase the viewing angles — with its panel technology, which is likely still using IPS as with the company’s other models. This should result in an increased color gamut and vibrancy that quantum dot is known for. The TVs will also offer refresh rates up to 120Hz.
LG says its QNED Mini LED TV range will sit between its flagship OLED range and its more budget oriented NanoCell models.
We don’t know yet how many models will be available in this new range and what their specifications would be. LG has said, however, that it will be launching 10 new 4K and 8K TV models in 2021, with 86-inch being the max size. More information should be revealed during CES 2021, which starts January 11.
It’s been quite a while since AMD revealed its RDNA 2 based Radeon 6000 graphics cards, and while the RX 6800 and RX 6800 XT, which are among the best graphics cards, have seen plenty of custom versions already, the RX 6900 XT has, so far, only been dished in its reference version with AMD’s cooler.
But that all changes today, as Gigabyte just revealed its first custom RX 6900 XT graphics card, and trust me when I say: you’re not ready for it.
(Image credit: Gigabyte)
The card in question is the RX 6900 XT Gaming OC, which is Gigabyte speak for being the ‘mainstream’ 6900 XT option. Of course, calling this card mainstream is a huge stretch, but this isn’t the Aorus Master option yet with its LCD panel or anything.
This card comes with a massive triple-slot cooler, stretching its dimensions to a whopping 286 mm long, 118 mm wide, and 58 mm thick, so make sure you have the space in your case before smashing the order button.
You’ll also need a hefty power supply, as powering the card requires not two 8-pin PCIe power connectors like on the reference card, but three, and Gigabyte recommends an 850 W PSU at the very least. Thankfully, you do get a factory overclock in return for this, bumping the boost clock up to 2,285 MHz — a mighty 35 MHz over reference.
(Image credit: Gigabyte)
The Radeon RX 6900 XT is AMD’s top-of-the-line GPU at this time, packing a staggering 5,120 RDNA 2 cores spanned across 80 CUs, and it is manufactured on TSMC’s 7nm node. It comes wired to 16GB of GDDR6 memory that operates at 16,000 MHz over a 256-bit memory interface for a total bandwidth of 512 GB/s.
The card comes with addressable RGB, a backplate, dual-BIOS (including a silent mode), and two HDMI 2.1 outputs and two DisplayPort 1.4a ports.
No word on pricing or availability, but given the GPU scarcity at this time, it’s safe to assume ‘expensive’ and ‘difficult, if not impossible’ to come by.
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