Samsung recently invited us to a virtual seminar to talk about the next generation of 8K TVs for 2020, along with their “Lifestyle TVs”. These include the flagship Q950TS QLED 8K TV, along with The Sero, The Frame, and The Serif. Among other things, the company talked about the importance of machine learning and AI-based tech for their 8K TVs.
Samsung unveiled the new 2020 QLED 8K Q950TS at CES 2020, and it looks like we’ll be seeing their flagship as part of the QLED 8K TV lineup in Malaysia sometime soon. Something that the company is clearly proud of is this “ultra-thin” form factor, and of course, 8K picture quality.
While there may not be as much available 8K resolution content as, say, 4K or Full HD content, Samsung says that it anticipates an increase in 2020. Part of that may be due to the capability of their latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S20 to shoot videos in 8K resolution.
Additionally, AI and deep-learning capabilities play an important role in Samsung’s 8K TVs. The Q950TS features Samsung’s AI Quantum Processor 8K, which means that lower resolution videos will be upscaled to 8K. AI is also used for a feature called Adaptive Picture, which helps to optimise the screen for ambient conditions.
We’re also seeing HDR10+ supported on the 8K TV, as well as the AV1 codec—this should mean better compression rates and optimisation, among other things.
The company also talked about their “Lifestyle TVs”, including the interesting-looking Sero. The Sero is a TV that can be rotated between horizontal and vertical orientations, with connectivity with smartphones supported. This, of course, means that users will be able to watch vertical-style content (such as social media videos) in a fully-sized vertical screen.
Another Lifestyle TV from Samsung is The Serif TV, which is supposed to be the “aesthetic-focused” model in the range. The Serif uses QLED technology as well, and the design is certainly one of the more unique looks in the TV market today. Plus, you get a few features that are in line with the “lifestyle” branding of the TV: the ability to display imagery, and even recreate display the pattern of the wall behind the TV.
Lastly, we have The Frame. As per its name, The Frame TV looks a lot like… a large photo frame. There’s even an Art Mode where you can display digital copies of world-famous art pieces, with the Frame’s Adaptive Picture also helping to adjust the brightness and contrast settings of the TV to match the environment.
We’re also seeing support for three virtual assistants on Samsung’s new TVs: Samsung’s Bixby, Google Assistant, and Alexa from Amazon. You can also use tap view on the Q950TS 8K TV, which will allow for you to mirror your smartphone display by simply touching your mobile device to the TV.
Samsung says that the 2020 QLED 8K TV, The Sero, The Serif, and The Frame will be in the Malaysian market “soon”. To find out more, click here.
