Samsung LCD HDTV

Samsung’s LCD HDTVs have been talked about a lot recently, thanks to their new LED-based backlighting technology, leaving its plasma line sitting on the shelf. While Pioneer and Vizio have both abandoned their development of plasma HDTV models to focus on winning the LCD crown, Samsung’s offerings are the only comparable models to that of Sony’s LCD line, and they even out perform Sony with several models.

General Overview of Samsung 2009 Models

Samsung’s major LCD line introduction for 2009 is its LUXIA line, which is comprised of the UNB9000, UNB8000, UNB7000, and UNB6000. These are the most high-end of the company’s offerings, and they all feature a big emphasis on the company’s new edge-lit LED backlighting technology.

The Samsung Luxia 7000 and 6000 series is out in 40, 46, and 55 inch models. The Luxia 8000 series is only available in 46 and 55 inch sizes, and the 9000 Series has 46 and 55 inch models.

The whole LUXIA series has a depth of just over an inch. Its ATSC tuner is housed inside that 1 inch, so there’s no need for any external box. While this is insanely thin, the LG LH95 still retains its title as the world’s thinnest LED HDTV at 0.97 inches in depth.

The UNB9000 and the UNB8000, have a 240Hz refresh rate. The 7000 and 6000 still retain the 120hz rate, not quite reaching the 8000’s ability to display action with the same ease. The 8000, 7000, and 6000 HDTV models use LEDs as its primary light source, rather than conventional Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL). The biggest benefits of using these LEDs are very high contrast ratios, increased energy savings, and of course slim screen depths that allow it designers to be more creative with the overall look. The company’s Ultra Clear Panel also adds to the preservation of images in brightly lit viewing situations.

The 9000 Series uses a different type of LED technology. Instead of it being side lit by LED lights, the 9000 Series uses true LED backlighting with localized dimming, achieving unheard of contrast ratios and quality for an LCD HDTV screen.

Samsung also created new models of its 7 Series, 6 Series, 5 Series, and 4 Series lines that they introduced in 2008. The major difference in the 2009 model numbers is the inclusion of a “B” instead of last year’s “A” models, so the new Samsung LN52B750 differs from the old LN52A750 model.

The Series 7 comes in sizes 40, 46, and 52 inches, while the Series 6 models range from 19, 22, 32, 37, 40, 46, and 55 inches. The Series 5 has 32, 37, 40, 46, and 52 inch models, and the Series 4 is comprised of 22, 26, and 32 inch sets.

Samsung’s Touch of Color™ design from its 2008 line remains in the LUXIA line and its new Series models. The intensity of this outer edge faintly alters based on the viewing angle. A profound piano black bezel faded into a chrome finish along the outer edges is fitted for the 8000 Series, or light crimson for the 6000 and 7000 Series. The Series 7 features a translucent blue, the 6 and 5 have a bit of red.

Samsung 2009 LCD HDTV Models

• Samsung LUXIA UN B9000 – 1080p, 46 & 55 inch, slim design, True LED backlighting
• Samsung LUXIA UN B8000 – 1080p, 46 & 55-inch, slim design, ToC chrome
• Samsung LUXIA UN B7000 – 1080p, 40, 46 & 55-inch, slim design, ToC ruby
• Samsung LUXIA UN B6000 – 1080p, 40, 46 & 55-inch, slim design, ToC ruby
• Samsung Series 7 – 1080p, 40, 46 & 52-inches, slim design, ToC ruby
• Samsung Series 6 – 1080p for 32 inch and up and 720p for under, 19, 22 , 32 , 37, 40, 46, & 55 inches, slim design, ToC ruby
• Samsung Series 5 – 1080p, 32 , 37, 40, 46, & 52 inch, slim design, ToC ruby
• Samsung Series 4 – 720p, 22 , 26 , & 32 inch sets

Samsung LUXIA UN B9000

Featuring the only LCD HDTV model in the company to be equipped with true LED technology, the localized dimming gives both the UN55B9000, and UN46B9000 astonishing control ratios and image superiority. The set can alter the intensity of the LED backlight in precise areas on the image, to create bottomless blacks and brighter colors all at once. With the other model’s edge lit or standard backlight systems, this is impossible.

It’s also got lots of extra features like Yahoo widgets, DVB-T and DVB-C tuners, a USB 2 media input, DLNA for media streaming and Medi@2.0 with Youtube support. Both new models also have a wireless connection to an external box.

LUXIA UN B9000 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 2,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: Ultra Clear Panel
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (2 in back)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): YES
• Internet@TV: YES
• Other: Slim design (1.6-inches thick), Picture In Picture, Wide Color Enhancer Pro

LUXIA UN B9000 Models

• Samsung LUXIA UN46B9000 (46-inch)
• Samsung LUXIA UN55B9000 (55-inch)

Samsung LUXIA UN B8000

Samsung’s 8000 Series features the company’s LED backlight technology, allowing the manufacturer to produce the LUXIA line at just over an inch thick. Samsung’s Ultra Clear panel is equipped in the 8000 and is aimed at increasing contrast and reducing reflection.

The 8000 Series features a chrome Touch of Color™ design that differs from the ruby tint of the 7000 and 6000 series. This series is also WIFI ready, but requires the extra purchase of an adaptor.

The 8000 Series also is equipped 240Hz refresh rate that isn’t available on either of the step-down models. This improvement is designed to make the processing seem more inherent and eliminate artifacts.

LUXIA UN B8000 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 5,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: Ultra Clear Panel
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (2 in back)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): YES (with adapter)
• Internet@TV: YES
• Other: Slim design (1.2 inches thick), Picture In Picture, Wide Color Enhancer Pro

LUXIA UN B8000 Models

• Samsung LUXIA UN46B8000 (46-inch)
• Samsung LUXIA UN55B8000 (55-inch)

Samsung LUXIA UN B7000

Unlike both the 9000 and 8000, the 7000 still retains the standard 120hz refresh rate, not quite reaching its higher-end siblings’ ability to display action with the same ease, but it is still a great model with plenty of the same features. The set also features dejudder processing in addition to the backlighting technology available in the rest of the Edge LED models.

With 40, 46 and 55 inch models, the 7000 series retains some of the best value for screen size throughout the LUXIA line. The Touch of Color™ for the 7000 series is a light ruby, and like its siblings, it stands at 1.2-inches deep.

LUXIA UN B7000 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 3,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: Ultra Clear Panel
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (2 in back)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): YES (with adapter)
• Internet@TV: YES
• Other: Slim design (1.2 inches thick), Picture In Picture, Wide Color Enhancer Pro

LUXIA UN B7000 Models

• Samsung LUXIA UN40B7000 (40-inch)
• Samsung LUXIA UN46B7000 (46-inch)
• Samsung LUXIA UN55B7000 (55-inch)

Samsung LUXIA UN B6000

With its ruby Touch of Color accent in the bezel, the 6000 series retains the traditional 120hZ refresh rate like that of the 7000 series. The LUXIA line is reportedly 40% more power efficient than similar LCDs. The 6000 series has the same screen sizes as it’s step-up sibling, the 7000 series, with 40, 46, and 55 inch models, as well as the same clear swiveling stand.

The main difference between the 6000 and the rest of the LUXIA line is the interactive capabilities included. The 7000 and above have built-in content, the ability to stream photos, video, and music from a networked PC, as well as Yahoo Widgets. The 6000 models don’t include those extras, instead featuring Samsung’s InfoLink service, which was included in many of 2008’s models.

LUXIA UN B6000 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 3,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: Ultra Clear Panel
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (2 on side)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): YES (with adapter)
• Internet@TV: YES
• Other: Slim design (1.2 inches thick), Picture In Picture, Wide Color Enhancer Pro

LUXIA UNB6000 Models

• Samsung LUXIA UN40B6000 (40-inch)
• Samsung LUXIA UN46B6000 (46-inch)
• Samsung LUXIA UN55B6000 (55-inch)

Samsung Series 7

The Samsung’s Series 7 leads the pack in the 2009 models with its CCFL backlighting and 240hZ refresh rate. The 7 Series also meets the Energy Star 3.0 requirements with its low power consumption. It also comes equipped with Samsung’s exclusive Wide Color Enhancer 3 technology, which maps source colors to the panel’s color space, providing an accurate as possible reproduction.

The Series 7 has a built-in wired Ethernet connection and supports 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking capabilities via a wireless USB dongle. It is even DLNA certified, supporting wireless connections so viewers can use their PC-based video, music, and pictures from any room in their home. With sizes of 40-, 46-, and 52-inches, the Series 7 is quite versatile.

Samsung Series 7 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 150000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: Ultra Clear Panel
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (2 in back)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): YES (with adapter)
• Internet@TV: YES
• Other: Slim design (3.1 inches thick), Picture In Picture, Wide Color Enhancer Pro

Samsung Series 7 Models

• Samsung LN40B750 (40-inch)
• Samsung LN46B750 (46-inch)
• Samsung LN52B750 (52-inch)

Samsung Series 6

The Series 6 is easily the most versatile of the 2009 models, featuring seven screen sizes, 19-, 22 , 32 , 37-, 40-, 46-, and 55-inches. All the sizes under 32 inches are only capable of 720p, but the 32 , 37-, 40-, 46-, and 55-inch are all able to attain 1080p. The Series 6 has many similar features as the lower end models and add a 178 degree view angle, 4ms response time, and four HDMI 1.3 inputs.

The 32 inch and higher also features Samsung’s Auto Motion Plus™ 120Hz frame-interpolation technology, which is designed to virtually eradicate motion haziness and judder. The Series 6 also features a ruby Touch of Color™.

Samsung Series 6 Specs at a Glance

Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact) for 32 to 52-inch models and 720p (standard) / 1280×720 (exact) for 19 & 22 inch models

Contrast ratio: 150000:1 (dynamic) for 32 52-inch models and 15,000:1 for 19- & 22 inch models

• Anti-glare filter: Ultra Clear Panel
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (2 in back) for 32 52-inch models, NO for 19- & 22 inch models
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): YES (with adapter)
• Internet@TV: YES
• Other: Slim design (3.1 inches thick), Picture In Picture, Wide Color Enhancer Pro

Samsung Series 6 Models

• Samsung LN19B650 (19-inch)
• Samsung LN22B650 (22 inch)
• Samsung LN32B650 (32 inch)
• Samsung LN37B650 (37-inch)
• Samsung LN40B650 (40-inch)
• Samsung LN46B650 (46-inch)
• Samsung LN52B650 (52-inch)

Samsung Series 5

The last model in the new 2009 lines with 1080p, the Series 5 features a hidden speaker that gives the set a more classy design. With four HDMI 1.3 inputs side and a USB 2.0 input, the Series 5 has great connectivity. With a contrast ratio of 70,000:1 and a 60 Hz refresh rate, the Series 5 is a great value.

The set’s game mode speeds up image processing response and the USB port can be utilized for displaying JPEG/MPEG files and listening to MP3 audio. The Series 5 is equipped with a ruby Touch of Color™ comes with SRS TruSurround HD, which is designed to create immersive surround sound from two speakers.

Samsung Series 5 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 70,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: Ultra Clear Panel
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 on side)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): YES (with adapter)
• Internet@TV: YES
• Other: Slim design (3.1 inches thick), Wide Color Enhancer Pro

Samsung Series 5 Models

• Samsung LN32B550 (32 inch)
• Samsung LN37B550 (37-inch)
• Samsung LN40B550 (40-inch)
• Samsung LN46B650 (46-inch)
• Samsung LN52B650 (52-inch)

Samsung Series 4

The entry-level models of the new 2009 line are comprised of 22 , 26 , & 32 inch screen sizes. They are all only capable of 720p. Each screen size also has a different contrast ratio, 50,000:1 for the 32 inch, 30,000:1 for the 26 inch, and 15,000:1 for the 22 inch. The Series 4 also is missing many features of the higher-end models, such as USB ports, Internet@TV, Ethernet, or an anti-glare filter.

The Series 4 also is missing the Touch of Color™ feature, as well as several other picture controls. However, these models are a great value and still feature the same CCFL backlighting technology.

Samsung Series 4 Specs at a Glance

Resolution: 720p (standard) / 1366 x 768 (exact)

Contrast ratio: 50,000:1 (dynamic) for the 32 inch, 30,000:1 (dynamic) for the 26 inch, 15,000:1 (dynamic) for the 22 inch

• Anti-glare filter: None
• 24p cinema mode: NO
• USB: NO
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Internet@TV: NO
• Other: Wide Color Enhancer Pro

Samsung Series 4 Models

• Samsung LN22B450 (22 inch)
• Samsung LN26B450 (26 inch)
• Samsung LN32B450 (32 inch)