Samsung Launches Touch of Color LCD TVs

Samsung has officially launched its Series 6 and Series 7 LCD TVs, lauding the new units for converting humdrum flat-panel LCD televisions into art by blending a bit of a red hue to their piano black bezels. Samsung claims the artistically-inspired design echoes the beauty of blown glass and sunsets, and will harmonize with any decor.

High-definition TV fans might be more moved by the 50,000:1 contrast ratio, integrated USB media browsing, 120Hz refresh rates, and Samsung’s InfoLink RSS service that automatically pulls in headlines and news from USA Today.

“We feel that the Series 6 and 7 LCD HDTVs reflect Samsung’s emphasis on continually innovating the design of our LCD lines as well as the performance,” said Samsung Electronics America VP of LCD TV marketing Jonas Tanenbaum, in a statement. “Samsung continues to find ways to blur the boundary between TV and art. And while we will always seek new ways to push the design envelope, Samsung’s continuing focus is on offering the best possible picture and viewing experience for consumers.”

The Series 6 LCD panels are available now in sizes from 19 to 52 inches, and specs vary a bit between the models, with the larger-screened siblings generally having more ports and higher contrast ratios. For instance, the 19- and 22-inch models manage 720p and offer one HDMI input, while all other sizes offer full 1080p and three rear HDMI inputs, plus one on the front. Series 6 models over 40 inches feature Samsung’s Auto Motion Plus 120 Hz refresh, while models over 32 inches offer Samsung’s UltraClear LCD panel along with Sports, Cinema, and Game modes for optimum video processing. All models feature integrated NTSC/ATSC/Clear QAM tuners, composite, S-Video, and PC inputs, and are Energy Star compliant. Series 6 models also offer USB 2.0 connectivity with Samsung’s “WiseLink” technology that enables users to access and sort through MP3 and JPEG data stored on a USB device.

Samsung’s Series 6 units are available now; estimated prices are $479.99 for the 19-inch model, $649.99 for the 22-inch model, $1,299.99 for the 31.5-inch model, $2,299.99 for the 39.9-inch model, $2,899.99 for the 45.9-inch model, and $3,199.99 for the 52.2-inch model.

Moving up a bit, the Samsung Series 7 expands the “WiseLink” capability with USB media to MPEG4 and DivX video files and adds DLNA compatibility for sharing content with other DLNA products. The Series 7 panels range from 39.9 to 52 inches, all offer 1080p resolution, come with content pre-loaded into their onboard flash memory, and feature 50,000:1 contrast ratios, along with 4 HDMI connections (3 rear, 1 front), 2 component inputs, composite, S-Video, and PC inputs, and a 10-watt per channel sound system with an integrated subwoofer. The Series 7 TVs should be available in May, with estimated prices of $.2599.99 for the 39.9-inch model, $3,199.99 for the $45.9-inch model, and $3,499.99 for the 52-inch model.

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