At CES 2023, Samsung has decided to focus on software refinements rather than any major hardware upgrade for their new TV lines, centered around AI and enhanced picture processing.
Samsung Neo QLEDs for 2023 will feature a new Auto HDR Remastering feature that “uses AI deep learning technology to analyze and apply real-time high dynamic range (HDR) effects on standard dynamic range (SDR) content on a scene-by-scene basis, making SDR content brighter and livelier for absolute immersion.” The system compares SDR content with HDR material and uses deep learning to analyze the differences and then make the conversion.
On the hardware side, Samsung has quadrupled the number of dimming blocks across its Mini LED range and will now use 14-bit processing to enhance shading gradation and reduce compression artifacts, bringing out more detail in various scenes, especially dark ones, with the company saying it has virtually eliminated blooming. On premium models, VRR will be present all the way up to 144Hz, pleasing PC gamers.
On the downside, Samsung has again opted to forgo Dolby Vision HDR support across its entire portfolio, which is likely to be a sticking point for many movie and streaming fans.
MicroLED CX
Samsung are presenting a glimpse into the future for many at CES, with the new 76-inch MicroLED CX, billed as “the world’s smallest and most affordable MicroLED screen.” MicroLED has many of the benefits of OLED but without the downsides (dimmer picture, virtually no chance of burn-in over sustained use, longer lifespan).
"Between its unmatched screen performance and advanced technologies, MicroLED CX heralds a brighter, more luxurious future for consumer televisions. Additionally, its 20-bit black detail, 240Hz variable refresh rates, and 2-nanosecond response time solidify the 76-inch MicroLED CX’s display as the gold standard of picture quality, no matter what you’re watching or playing."
The TV will be available later in the year, but even with a new price point is unlikely to be affordable for the majority of buyers.
The Frame
Building on 2022 and their new antiglare matte finish, the company says there are new metal bezel options “and more realistic wood finishes” for those that like to make their TV screen look like a piece of art. An “automatic rotating mount will allow for landscape or portrait display of art.” will be offered separately.
New Apps, NFTs and Software
The Art Store: With access to over 2,500 pieces curated by world class galleries, The Art Store allows users to customize the screen to their personal taste. In 2023, the Art Store 2.0 will feature a more user-friendly on-screen experience. Samsung has partnered with the world’s leading NFT marketplaces to deliver this unique content in new ways. The new NFT platform delivers a diverse selection of carefully curated NFTs and the new UI even features events promoted by Samsung partners and feature more than 1,000 artists. Finally, with 8K NFTs over-indexing among purchasers of NFTs, Samsung partnered with Savage, a leading provider to deliver art in stunning 8K resolution.
Relumino Mode: The first technology that empowers people with low vision to enjoy their favorite shows, movies, and games without needing wearable hardware. With the click of a remote, Relumino, which translates from Latin to “return the light,” enables televisions to use Samsung-developed artificial intelligence to dynamically outline the edges of on-screen elements and rebalance colors. This enables virtually anyone to better see people, objects, and text.
Health Monitor: Samsung’s first TV-based health monitoring service. Built for the latest Neo QLED TV, OLED TVs, and Smart Monitors, Samsung’s new in-home health monitoring technology leverages an optional attachable camera to offer users the ability to monitor their own health without invasive physical diagnostics. Samsung’s camera analysis measures five key vital signs – heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and stress index – all from your couch. It does this by using remote photoplethysmography (rPPG), an intelligent computer vision technology that assesses vital signs by detecting changes in facial skin color caused by heartbeats.
The system is opt-in, contactless, accurate and easy to use.
Samsung Telemedicine: Samsung Telemedicine is a new application developed specifically for our smart TVs and engineered to make big-screen telemedicine appointments simple for those seeking at-home medical care. Users can select from a list of symptoms, indicate how long they’ve been present, and the app will show relevant available doctors. A doctor will generally connect within 60 seconds, then conduct an exam through video conferencing via the app and with devices such as a Samsung Galaxy Watch or other devices. Once the exam is complete, users can rate their experience, schedule a follow-up, or fill a prescription remotely and have it delivered directly to their doorstep all via the on-screen app.
Chat Together: Chat Together is the world’s first TV-embedded platform that allows real-time communications while watching live TV. It allows you to easily communicate with people outside the home in real-time. Moreover, the mobile app, available on both Android and iOS, allows users to quickly respond to both TV and mobile platforms using a single interface. The whole connection process is done simply by downloading the mobile app and tapping the BLE pop-up.