Samsung has been charging full speed ahead with their product releases, the most obvious evidence of this being in their increasing number of LCD products available locally as “local release” models. It’s a heartening thought that the Philippines is increasingly being considered a mature market that can garner high-end model sales as well as the more bread-and-butter mid-range LCDs and even CRT units.

This confidence in the local market has resulted in the release of the Series 8 Slim LCD TV models in “Beyond TV” last November 27, 2008 at Le Souffle, the Fort, right at the heels of the Series 7 launch a few months back. Samsung positions the different series of LCD TVs with different points of strength; that is, while the Series 8 is centered around a slim design in addition to the newest Samsung LCD features, the previous Series 7, while no less technically sophisticated, had a heavier emphasis on great sound reproduction. The Series 8 release is delving further into the “style” market currently blossoming in our local market.

                                             Content wirelessly delivered to a Series 8 LCD.

Samsung has a comprehensive set of experiences in different markets worldwide; in fact Samsung is now leading the global TV market in both amount and number of units sold; a remarkable achievement and a first since Samsung’s entry into the display market 35 years ago. Thus it is easy to surmise that Samsung knows what the market wants, releasing these TVs to the markets most capable of moving them – the Philippines is one of these markets. If Samsung is confident in the potential of the local market, Samsung is even more so with their new release’s design and aesthetics, and I’d agree wholeheartedly.

                                             Super-slim and sexy, looks are emphasized, though performance is not ignored with the Series 8.

With a super-slim form factor just 1.9” thick (for the 46” model), this LCD TV will fit right in with the burgeoning ranks of style-conscious entertainment aficionados who take their entertainment seriously, and want their equipment to look as good as they are. The streamlined “Crystal Design” bezel makes sure of this, putting the Seires 8 a cut above the bland rectangles that is most other competitor’s LCD offerings. For something that is basically a flat plane of glass, metal and plastic, the Samsung Series 8 sure feels much more substantial with its sleek, solid look and its “essentials only” design – the integrated TV tuner and connectors are tucked away, while controls are touch-type and unobstrusive.

                                            The Series 8's feature set does not lose out to its earlier-released cousins.

Samsung was also quick to point out however that the Series 8 is not all beauty and no brawns; three key technologies were featured during the event – WiseLink Pro, Content Library, and DLNA. WiseLink Pro is Samsung’s USB connectivity implementation, a ridiculously simple way to port all of your existing media simply by plugging in a storage device into the Samsung’s integrated USB port. In this day and age of data-content, Samsung is keeping up with the times by providing the WiseLink Pro. DLNA or Digital Living Network Alliance takes the connectivity theme a step further; all devices compatible with this standard can easily be linked together. Interoperability is the central purpose to this standard, and Samsung takes full advantage by implementing “Multi-room viewing” through wireless streaming of content to one or more DLNA-certified television sets.

                                             A Series 7 LCD with Samsung's HT-BD2 Blu-ray Home Theatre System.

The Content Library, with different categories such as Gallery, Fitness, Cooking and Games serves as the meat-and-bones of Samsung’s drive to make the TV more than just a television. Both DLNA and WiseLink may use the Content Library to store content and provide easy access to files – all through your LCD TV, making the Series 8 a potential “central station” or “main terminal” that can be accessed as a one-stop portal for the user. Many significant Samsung technologies also make a reappearance, such as 4 HDMI connectors, 120Hz super-clear Motion Plus, and an Ultra Clear Panel that is both beneficial in a technological sense and in its aesthetic sense.

                                             The Samsung HT-BD2 Home theatre System which includes a 7.1 system and the BD-P1500 player.

Somewhat overlooked due to the Series 8’s dominating presence was the Samsung HT-BD2 home theatre system, a Full-HD and 7.1 channel capable collection of components that is able to bring out the best quality media in conjunction with Samsung’s LCD TVs. Part of this system is Samsung’s BD-P1500 that employs third-generation Blu-Ray technology with a 1080p/24Hz out for the most precise reproduction of high definition content – a perfect complement to the Samsung Series 8 LCD TVs.

                                             Mr. Jay Ha, VP CE Dept. of Samsung Philippines.

The on-site gallery showed the different Samsung Series LCDs, with demonstrations of the wireless streaming capability and the nominal high-definition display of content. The different Entertainment Modes were also demonstrated to great effect during the event. The event is a touchstone launch for Samsung, with an ever-increasing number of models that has run the gamut of catering to different customer’s needs and preferences, from budget-consciousness, to versatility, and finally to cutting-edge design and aesthetics combined with a full feature set. The event is an indication that Samsung is fully committed to the local market, and also an indication of the local market’s maturity. More pictures to follow.

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                                              Samsung's BD-P1500 Blu-ray player, a third generation device and a perfect match for Samsung's Series 8 LCDs.

                                             A complete home theatre system centered around the Series 7 LCD.

                                              Mr. Jay Ha, along with Ms. Roma Ramirez, PM ofr Samsung LCDs, in a photo op with fellow local Samsung executives.