Samsung TVs: All-new LED, LCD and plasmas

By Ian Morris on 22 January 2009, 11:19am

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Samsung TVs: All-new LED, LCD and plasmas Image 1

This year sees a new range introduced to the Samsung TV family. In the US it's going to be called Luxia, which is the umbrella name for the LED-backlit screens. In the UK, we won't be calling them that, but it's not clear yet if these new tellies will have some sort of catchy moniker or not.

In the LED-backlit stakes, Samsung has announced three lines, namely the 6000, 7000 and 8000. The 6000 range will be the 'entry-level' TVs, with four sizes, 32, 37, 40 and 46-inches. This range won't have the delightful new Yahoo Widgets built in, but they will have 100Hz picture processing and a lovely floating stand design.

The 7000 range also comes in four screen sizes: 32, 40, 46 and 55 inches, and will have a choice of two bezel designs. You can either opt for an updated 'Rose Black' design -- which is much improved over the older style -- or a new 'Platinum' style. This range will have access to the Yahoo Widgets, so you can check weather, stocks or news reports as you watch Come Dine With Me.

The 8000 range has two screen sizes: 40 and 46 inches. They're both 200Hz sets, which is supposed to further increase the quality of on-screen motion, and they come with a beautiful aluminium stand, which makes them look really rather funky.

We think Samsung's LED backlight TVs are stunning. These are side-illuminated, so they can't dim one area of the image, but they're incredibly thin, and should be significantly cheaper than other LED-backlit TVs.

There are some impressive LCD TVs on the way too though, which should offer better value for money. The big news this year is that all Samsung TVs larger than 32 inches will be 1080p. Series 7 are the most exciting screens in the LCD range. They'll feature Yahoo Widgets, 200Hz for smooth motion, four HDMI inputs and multimedia playback courtesy of WiseLink Pro.

The popular Bordeaux shape that Samsung introduced a few years ago has also made a comeback, the Series 6 screens all have the distinctive curve at the bottom of the screen, but also feature the 'Rose Black' finish too, giving it a delicious wine theme throughout.

In plasmas, Series 8 offers a new ultra-thin design, with a depth of 30mm, making these TVs incredibly sleek. You also get all the toys, including WiseLink Pro, Widgets and the attractive aluminium stand. There are also four HDMI inputs, and 100Hz motion plus, to improve the stability and motion of fast-moving pictures.

All in all, a very strong line-up for Samsung this year. Fingers crossed we get our hands on them soon!