Samsung Electronics, the global television technology leader, has maintained its steadfast commitment to pushing the boundaries of the industry. With an illustrious history of innovation and an unrelenting quest for superior picture quality, Samsung has consistently guided the evolution of TV technology. Today, Samsung stands as a household name, setting new standards for picture quality and ushering in the era of Ultra High Definition (UHD) screens.
A History of Innovation
In 1977, Samsung introduced the first color TV in Korea, the Color Economy TV, inaugurating the color television era in the country. This pioneering achievement laid the foundation for Samsung’s future as a television technology trailblazer. Fast-forward to 2009, when Samsung launched its groundbreaking LED TV, incorporating light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver unparalleled picture quality, marking a significant milestone in pushing the boundaries of TV technology.
In 2017, Samsung’s introduction of the first QLED TV, based on cadmium-free quantum dot technology, offered exceptional picture quality and 100% color volume, cementing the company’s position as a technological leader in the industry. The year 2018 witnessed another significant leap as Samsung unveiled the QLED 8K model, uniting 8K resolution with their proprietary quantum dot technology. This TV featured Direct Full Array and 8K AI Upscaling, marking the commencement of the 8K era.
Looking ahead, in 2020, Samsung revealed the world’s first bezel-less TV, eliminating bezels from around the display entirely. A year later, they introduced Neo QLED technology, founded on Quantum Mini LED displays, further solidifying their position as an industry leader. Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation underscores their dedication to providing consumers with cutting-edge products that cater to their evolving needs.
Striving for Superior Picture Quality
The cornerstone of Samsung’s success in the television industry has been their relentless pursuit of superior picture quality. According to Youngseok Han from the H/W Lab, “good picture quality” is achieved when viewers feel as though they are witnessing the on-screen images firsthand, creating a sense of reality. To attain this level of picture quality, several factors come into play, including high resolution, high luminance, excellent color expression, and well-balanced cutting-edge technologies.
Han emphasizes the importance of balance in enhancing picture quality, stating that the most critical factors are how different technologies work together to reduce distortion, reproduce colors accurately, create sharp contrast for vivid, clear images, and ensure smooth and fluid motion on the screen.
Samsung’s dedication to delivering top-notch picture quality is evident in their 2023 Neo QLED TV, featuring the innovative Real Depth Enhancer technology. This technology is rooted in an understanding of human behavior, utilizing AI to separate objects from their background, creating a greater sense of depth and making on-screen images truly pop. Neo Quantum Matrix Pro technology further enhances fine details by precisely controlling quantum mini LEDs, elevating the viewing experience to new heights.
8K Technology in the Modern Age
The world is currently witnessing an explosion of new content, with thousands of new media pieces being published daily across various platforms. The rise of 8K technology has enabled anyone to create and enjoy content in ultra-high resolution. Sangmin Lee, Head of the Picture Quality Solution Lab, highlighted the growth of 8K content on social media channels and the creation of digital artworks in 8K.
Lee added that they’ve included a “YouTube Videos in 8K” feature in the 2023 Neo QLED TV, enabling users to explore 8K content and digital artworks, such as NFT images, with ease. Samsung is also a driving force behind the 8K content ecosystem, leading the 8K Association, a global non-profit organization aimed at setting 8K standards and expanding 8K content.
The Future of Picture Quality
As Samsung continues to push the boundaries of picture quality in the 8K era, their team of TV professionals remains focused on delivering the best possible viewing experience to consumers.
Youngseok Han aims to enhance algorithms and components to make the picture quality “more real than real.” Hyunchul Song strives to optimize products to provide high-quality experiences to as many viewers as possible. Sangmin Lee’s ultimate goal is to offer superb picture quality that goes beyond watching content, providing viewers with experiences that seem more real than reality itself.
In conclusion, Samsung’s innovative technologies have redefined the television landscape and set new standards for picture quality. The company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and dedication to creating exceptional viewer experiences continue to drive the industry forward.