Samsung unveils new-look LCD TVs
updated 02:30 pm EST, Wed February 7, 2007
Samsung Bordeaux 2007
Samsung has just unveiled the new style for its LCD TV sets through a pair of new models. Continuing the earlier "Bordeaux" name based on the angled wine glass look of the chin, the new 81 series now has a transparent chin that both adds a more distinguished look and also bounces sound from the chin-mounted speakers towards the viewer.
The displays have also seen a genuine technical upgrade, the Korean firm claims: compared to earlier models, the dynamic contrast ratio has doubled to 10,000:1 thanks to a new S-PVA panel. The enhanced color range is said not just to help with shadows but also enhances the blue tints that are often neglected on LCD sets. As with the 53 and 61 series announced at CES, the 81 will have three HDMI inputs. Models are expected to ship in March at 32- and 40-inch sizes: prices are set in Korea at the equivalent of $1,700 and $2,600 respectively, but may change slightly when the TVs are released at the same time in the US.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Backlight
According to a previous electronista piece, the 81 series were to have LED backlight systems, with some form of variable control over the LEDs across the surface of the screen ("local dimming"). So now no mention of it, and the big technical advancement is going from 7 or 8,000:1 of previous models contrast ratio to 10000:1???