2010 Samsung LED tv

2010 Samsung LED tv overview

Each year manufacturers focus on a new innovation to improve their tvs and to create a reason for customers to upgrade their current tvs. In past years it was 1080p picture or the battle for better contrast rations or a 120HZ model or slimmer models with innovative designs. This year no doubt the buzz has been about 3D TV capabilities along with the continuing quest for slimmer designs. Samsung LED tvs incorporate both in the 2010 models.

For a look at 2009 models check out Samsung LED tv.

It can be difficult to decipher the differences between models with the alphabet soup of letters and numbers in each Samsung flat screen tv model. So like I have done in previous years, below is an overview of this year's LED tv models.

Samsung UNxx series

Some of the more populare Samsung LED models on the market now include:

When looking at Samsung flat screen tv models you will see something like this:

Samsung UNxxCyyyy (ie Samsung UN55C7000)

The UN signifies that it is an LED based HDTV model. If you see an LN it is one of their LCD models. (Click Samsung LCDHD to learn more about the LCD tvs.)

The xx = the size of the LED screen in inches. LED models will be 32", 40", 46" or 55" (although note that not all sizes are available in all series models as I will touch on next).

The yyyy indicates the specific series of the model. Models range from the basic 4000 and 5000 models, but for the purpose of home theater we will be looking at the 6000, 7000, 8000 and 9000 series models.

Samsung LED Series 6000

LED models in this series include a 32", 37", 40", 46" and 55" model. These models are all full 1080p models, with a smooth 120Hz picture, offer DLNA connectivity and 4 HDMI inputs. The Samsung LED tv models are available in a variety of slim, stylish Touch of Color designs. Models exceed the Energy Star standards.

You may see some slight variation within this series such as a 6300 model which has a 4,000,000:1 contrast ratio, but we will focus on the 6500 model which has a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio and adds Internet@Tv web functionality through specialized widgets for sites such as Blockbuster, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, Amazon Video on Demand and more.

A popular model in this series is the Samsung UN46C6500 46-Inch 120 Hz 1080p LED HDTV (Black)

Samsung LED Series 7000

LED models in this series include a 40", 46" and a 55" model. Models in this series boost contrast range up to 6,000,000:1. These full 1080p models offer an incredibly smooth picture with 240HZ technology. They offer a slim, Mystic Earth Touch of Color design and again their efficient design surpasses Energy Star standards. 

The big addition to this series is the inclusion of 3D-ready technology that provides a visually stunning picture where images seem to leap off of your screen. With a Samsung 3D ready LED tv, a pair of 3D glasses and a 3D compatible Blu-ray player, you are ready to experience broadcast and Blu-ray 3D programming. While the 3D industry is still in it's infancy stages, more and more movies are being produced in 3D so the future of 3D appears to be bright. The tv is also capable of converting 2D to 3D.

Of course like the 6000 series these models include the Internet@Tv web functionality which offers an expanding base of digital content through customizable widgets.

A popular model in this series is the Samsung UN55C7000 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV (Black)

Samsung LED Series 8000

The 8000 Series LED tvs due out shortly offer an ultra thin, brushed metal design with a 4 legged stand in a chrome finish. The 8000 series will be available in 32", 40", 46", 55" and 65" models.

The 8000 series again offers a full 1080p, 240Hz picture, offers PVR functionality and adds Wi-FI functionality and a premium remote. Like other models the screen offers Edge LED backlighting, but the 8000 series incorporates local dimming as well.

Of course these models again will incorporate the latest 3D technology and Internet@Tv web functionality.

Samsung LED Series 9000

The 9000 Series model is the flagship model and achieves an amazing feat by being only 8mm thin, which is less than 1/5 of an inch. If thin is what you are looking for be sure to check this out when it becomes available closer to summer time.

46" and 55" models will be available. In addition to the features offered in the 8000 Series, the 9000 Series models will also include a premium touch remote. 

Summary

It remains to be seen what the impact of 3D will be on the home theater market. The effects can be stunning when watching a 3D movie, but whether it will become mainstream or be relegated to more of a novelty item remains to be seen. 3D without 3D glasses does not appear to be anywhere in the near horizon so if you are looking for a new, slim tv with a smooth picture as well as the ability to wow your friends and family with 3D viewing, then the 2010 Samsung LED lineup is worthy of consideration. 

For information on wall mounting check out the Flat screen tv wall mount page.