4 replies to this topic

[Htpc-online]

For those of you that have not been following CES this year its a Technology conference held in Las Vegas.

Check out the new Samsung line up. Looks pretty sweet. It might render the need for HTPC's soon

http://www.engadget....12-press-event/

Check out the ES8000 75" TV

[Owen]

Htpc-online, on 10 January 2012 - 02:07 PM, said:

Check out the new Samsung line up. Looks pretty sweet. It might render the need for HTPC's soon

Only if you are happy with basic playback quality and crippled functionality.

[regis169]

Some notable features of Samsung's ES8000 LED TV,

1) Users can turn the TV on or off, activate selected apps or search for content in the web browser simply by speaking in any of the 20 to 30 languages that are supported by the technology. No need for a remote. Screenshot here,
http://www.blogcdn.c...01201096413.jpg

2) The built-in camera also recognises movement in the foreground. So, with a wave of their hand, they can browse and choose a link or content via the web browser.
http://www.blogcdn.c...01201096415.jpg

3) Samsung's new suite of exclusive services include,

- Fitness - it allows users to connect their Samsung TV to a Samsung smartphone via a mobile Fitness app. They can then use the TV's built-in camera to create a virtual mirror to monitor their exercise routines. Screenshot here, http://www.blogcdn.c...01201096268.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.c...01201096405.jpg

- Education for kids - kids are offered a wealth of infotainment and games in a kid-freidnly interface. Screenshot here,
http://www.blogcdn.c...01201096270.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.c...01201096407.jpg

- Family story album - lets users to organise photos and enjoy slide shows on the big screen. Family members can also share memos and reminders. Screenshot here,
http://www.blogcdn.c...01201096402.jpg

4) The set will be available at up to a whopping 75". http://www.blogcdn.c...01201096321.jpg

5) "Evolving TV" - The TVs also feature a slot on the back that allows you to upgrade your TV's processor so that you can easily enjoy the benefits of the latest TV technology year after year without purchasing a brand new set.

6) 20% increase in brigtness that will give richer colours and higher contrast ratios compared to Samsung's 2011 LED models.

7) Samsung is taking its minimalist and luxurious design identity further with this year’s Smart LED line. The 0.2 inch ultra-slim bezel design.

[Htpc-online]

Owen, on 10 January 2012 - 06:14 PM, said:

Only if you are happy with basic playback quality and crippled functionality.

Your always so negative

Your right though im sure it will be another few years before they get it right.

But bring on the 75" and that sexy stand

[Owen]

Htpc-online, on 10 January 2012 - 09:03 PM, said:

Your always so negative

Yes I'm negative but not without reason. I have been a HTPC user for 10 years and have had 2 in daily use for the last 7. I hate "media centre" type applications with a passion and will never use one as they are so frustratingly slow and cumbersome to use, just like the media applications in PVR's, set top boxes and TV's. Its so much quicker and easier to control a PC with a bluetooth mouse, no scrolling through menus just double click and go.

The advanced video processing available with a HTPC puts them well above any other playback device and likely always will, however I do concede that most people dont use the advanced playback options of a HTPC and are happy with media centre like interfaces, for them smart TV's will likely replace a HTPC sooner or latter.