Samsung: 3rd gen Blu-ray; new monitors, HDTVs

Samsung has just released a slew of entertainment products yesterday, launching third-generation Blu-ray disc players, 22/24 inch widescreen monitors, 50-58 inch 1080p Plasma HDTVs, and 3D-ready DLP sets. New monitors include the 24-inch 245BW, with a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 5-millisecond response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio (3000:1 dynamic contrast), and 400 cd/m² of brightness, and the 22-inch 226CW with a 1680 x 1050 resolution, 300 cd/m² brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio and a 2 ms response time. The 24-inch model retails for $550 and the 22-inch model is priced at $380. The new Blu-Ray sets include the BD-P1400 and higher-end BD-P2400. The former includes Samsung's proprietary de-interlacing technology, powered by the company's HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) image processor. They both feature native 1080p playback. Also included is upscaling for standard DVDs to 1080p when using HDMI. The units both sport component, S-Video, and composite outputs. The BD-P1400 will be available in September for $550; the BD-P2400 will follow one month later at $650.

In TVs, the new 94 series plasmas feature 1080p display and 3 CEC-equipped HDMI ports. They also include Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming 1080i video to the set from similarly wireless players. Other features include a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 18-bit color processing, ATSC / clear QAM tuners, and USB ports. The 50 and 58-inch 94 series are priced at $3600 and $5300 respectively. They both will ship in the fourth quarter of this year.



The DLP sets Samsung announced at CES are also now shipping. All feature 1080p and are 3D-ready with a $100 add-on kit that includes LCD glasses. They all also include 10,000:1 contrast ratios and three HDMI plugs. The 76 Series ranges from $1900 for the 50-inch, to $2600 for the 61-inch. The 87 Series with CinemaSmooth LED Light Engine ranges from $2300 for the 50-inch to $3000 for the 61-inch, while the high-end 89 Series with Bluetooth headphone capabilities ranges from $2500 for the 50-inch to $3200 for the 61-inch.