Samsung Unveils Its 2018 TV and Soundbar Lineup

Samsung Unveils Its 2018 TV and Soundbar Lineup​

(Samsung)(March 8, 2018) Samsung made a huge splash at CES 2018 with its configurable microLED display dubbed “The Wall.” Having seen it in person, I was floored by its size (which measured 146” diagonal) and richly gorgeous image. Much like OLED technology, microLEDs can turn completely off for pure black performance while delivering excellent off-axis viewing. The technology also possesses the ability to hit high levels of peak brightness while all but eliminating concerns of image retention, which immediately makes one wonder if OLED tech may have met its match. Of course, The Wall and its microLED panels are far from proven, but if reports by The Verge hold true, Samsung will begin selling it this summer (price TBD).

Recently, Samsung revealed details about its complete fleet of new TV models – several of which are positioned to be high-quality performers.

Headlining Samsung’s 2018 class are two series of QLED LCD TVs – Q8F and Q9F – offering full array local diming (FALD). That translates into backlighting that consists of LEDs strategically placed in zones behind the panel, rather than along the edges. This should result in drastically better black level performance. The Q9F will be manufactured in 65”, 75” and 85” screen sizes, while the Q8F will ship in 55”, 65” and 75” configurations.

Other QLED models include the flat panel Q7F (55”, 65”, 75”) and Q6F (49”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 82”) series, and the curved panel Q7C (55”, 65”). Samsung says all of its 2018 QLED TVs ship with onboard HDR10+ compatibility, which is Samsung’s new open source dynamic metadata high dynamic range format (a direct competitor to Dolby’s license-only Dolby Vision technology). They also ship with the company’s new “Ambient Mode” functionality, a feature that allows the TVs to display headlines, traffic reports, and weather updates while not in use. It also allows the TVs to mimic the wall behind it for a seamless room integration. In addition, the Q9F and Q7F/Q7C series carry Samsung’s “One Invisible Connection” that delivers both power and image signals (up to 15M) through one slim cable.

(Samsung) Demonstration of Samsung's "Ambient Mode"Samsung’s 2018 TV lineup also includes Premium UHD (NU8500, NU8000) and UHD (NU7100, NU73000) models with screen sizes ranging from 55” to 75”. Much like the Q9F and Q7F/Q7C models, the Premium lineup will ship with HDR10+ compatibility.

On the audio front, Samsung is releasing four new soundbars, headlined by the NW-N950 Dolby Atmos Soundbar, which delivers a 7.1.4 experience using a variety of front-, up-, and side-firing speakers. Other models include the NW-N650 (designed for gamers), NW-NW700 (a lifestyle wall-mount design), and VL550 (featuring remote voice control).

Samsung’s new TV and soundbar models are scheduled to begin shipping this month. Official pricing has yet to be announced.

 

[tripplej]

Thanks for the news update. Hopefully the reviews for these new products will be good..

 

[Todd Anderson]

First pricing has been released:

QLED
65″ Q9F (2018): $3799
65″ Q8F (2018): $2999
65″ Q7F (2018): $2599
65″ Q7C (2018): $2699
75″ Q6F (2018): $3499
65″ Q6F (2018): $2199

UHD with HDR
55″ NU8000: $1199

 

[tripplej]

Wow, over time, prices do fall.. Few years ago, this would not be the price..

 

[Michael Scott]

oh goodie. Samsung is still pushing their QLED's for the prices of OLEDs... *sigh. how the mighty have fallen

lets just hope the NU8000 is a step up over the mediocre MU8000 of last year (which was a step DOWN from the KS8000 of the year before)

 

[Todd Anderson]

No doubt, @Michael Scott, last year's Samsung crop was rather underwhelming.

 

[Michael Scott]

No doubt, @Michael Scott, last year's Samsung crop was rather underwhelming.

reading the specs I'm not so sure about the 2018 models either... I mean, we'll have to wait and see what everything looks like in motion as I won't make a snap judgement, but those specs don't look all that great for anything but the Q series.... which are priced waaaaaaay too high for what it is. This really boggles my mind. Samsung has been at the forefront of excellence for a middle of the road price for YEARS, but the last year or so has been rather underwhelming. Which makes me sad as I always bought Panasonic and Samsung products for YEARS for my TVs. 2017 was the first year I went and bought the NORMALLY over priced Sony products as they offered better bang for your buck

 

[Todd Anderson]

Processing power should be better... Samsung's entry at the Flat Panel TV Shootout (2017), as it was set up and calibrated, paled in comparison to the offering by Sony and LG.

QLED has promise, though, perhaps this year they'll show better.

 

[Michael Scott]

agreed. Qled has promise, my only problem is them trying to price it like OLED, which blows doors off the comp. I really think that Samsung is fairly competitive quality wise, but they tried to market midrange has high range and it ticked off a lot of videophiles

 

[Todd Anderson]

They're pushing the brightness aspect... something OLED will, apparently, always struggle with. But, I agree (in general).

I'm hoping Samsung's microLED takes off. That could cause HUGE problems for the OLED market... and could ultimately be a better Ultra Hi-Def technology.

 

[Michael Scott]

yup yup. Their brightness nits are getting better and better, which makes for better HDR... if it matures it very well could be a viable alternative to the issues that OLED struggles with

 

[JimShaw]

Todd

Any rumors out there when Samsung's MicroLEDs could go to market.

This might be my next TV buy. I'm saving right now for one. 2019 or 2020 might be nice. Next week would even be better

 

[Todd Anderson]

Hi @JimShaw!

I dig your enthusiasm for all this new tech! ;-)

My understanding is that the microLED is targeted to hit late this year, but will only be available in 146" (initially). Yes, it uses configurable panels, but it must be built to full size in order to maintain proper scaling.

Also, I'm told that you'll want to break-out your entire array of credit cards (this thing won't be cheap).

Stay tuned, as we might start to see a trickle of new HDMI 2.1 equipped TVs (although, I'd imagine that those TVs won't be able to meet most of what HDMI 2.1 is specified to deliver). You can be that HDMI 2.1 is going to go insanely buzz-crazy come CES 2019.

 

[mechman]

Hi @JimShaw!
Also, I'm told that you'll want to break-out your entire array of credit cards (this thing won't be cheap).

Will my AMEX black card suffice? lol

 

[Todd Anderson]

That plus the oil field you own. ;-)

 

[JimShaw]

146'? I'd have to sell my house, cars, wife and anything else I own.

I'm more thinking 75" to replace the 75" Z9D. That would look good hanging on the wall.

I could put it on my card and make payments for 20 years and then I would have the last laugh, I probably won't live for 20 more years.

.