Here’s some encouraging news for the nascent 3D television industry. Panasonic reports their new 3D plasma HDTV sets sold out in the U.S. in their first week of sale. The company is now taking backorders from retailers for additional units as they become available. Could the success of “Avatar” be spreading into the consumer home front with 3D sales?

TV manufacturers are certainly hoping 3D content in the form of box-office smash hits and 3D enabled sports broadcasts will help drive sales of 3D television sets.  Upcoming content aside from 3D movies include 24 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a new ESPN 3D channel set to debut in June, and a new Sony/Imax 3D channel set to unveil in 2011.

Unfortunately Panasonic has yet to release the actual sales figures so it’s hard to tell just how many buyers of 3D HDTV technology there are out there. For the record, we’ve seen plenty of Samsung 3D LED HDTV sets at regional Best Buy stores here in the Los Angeles region and at online retailers.

Given that this is effectively year one of 3D enabled flat panels, one would expect modest growth in the market. Realistically only the early adopters and folks with plenty of cash will probably jump on the new units. There are plenty of barriers to hurdle for these companies including the price premium consumers need to pay for 3D technology, the annoying active shutter glasses, the lack of 3D content, and the fact that you’ll basically need to upgrade your A/V receiver at some point because you’ll need HDMI 1.4 support!

Given these hurdles, Panasonic expects to sell approximately one million 3D TVs this year, Samsung – two million units, and LG Electronics – 400,000 units.

Will you be an early adopter? I have to admit – I’ve been thinking about getting one of the new 55 inch Samsung 3D LED HDTV sets since we’ve been looking for an upgrade over our current Samsung LCD HDTV set at home. 3D is certainly an enticing thought but my family still hates the idea of having to wear glasses. Groan.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: 3D HDTV, Panasonic 3D Plasma HDTV, Samsung 3D HDTV, LG Electronics

Samsung Sunburst:

• 3 inch full resistive touch-screen display
• Black and Chrome design
• Messaging options include SMS, MMS, IM, and email
• Widget based user interface providing one-touch access to favorite features, applications, and social networking sites
• Virtual full keyboard
• Full browser experience with single zoom
• Smart unlock for easy access to applications
• 2.0 megapixel camera
• Support for AT&T SocialNet, AT&T Navigator, and AT&T Mobile Music
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• Measures 2.08 x 4.33 x 0.51 inches and weighs 3.08 oz

The Samsung Sunburst will be available for $39.99 after a new two year agreement and a mail-in rebate of $50 dollars (pay $89.99 and receive a $50 dollar AT&T Promotion Card with a new 2 year agreement).

Samsung Strive:

The Strive is the first handset to offer AT&T’s three new mobile services – a new group messaging service, AT&T Mobile Share, and AT&T Address Book. Features include:

• Vertical slider handset
• Available in two color options – black/silver and purple/charcoal
• Full, slide-out QWERTY keyboard
• Send threaded text messages with video, pictures, and view multiple conversations at the same time
• Messaging options include mobile email, SMS, MMS, video messaging, and IM
• 2.0 megapixel camera
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
  AT&T Video Share and Mobile Video support
• Measures 4.2 x 2.3 x 0.57 inches and weighs 3.99 oz

The Samsung Strive is available for $19.99 for a limited time (you’ll pay $69.99 and receive a $50 dollar AT&T Promotion Card with a new 2 year agreement).

Technorati Tags: Samsung Strive, Samsung Sunburst, AT&T

Man it seems like the only thing we’re writing about right now are Samsung products. I promise – that’s ending.. BUT before we end, one more product for you to check out – it’s the new Samsung Stunt SCH-R100 mobile handset coming out for Cricket Communications.

The Stunt is a candy bar handset featuring:

• 1.7 inch 128 x 160 65K color display
• Support for email and IM messaging options
• Bluetooth
• aGPS support
• Apps including Calendar, Scheduler, To-Do list, Clock, Alarm, Converter, Calculator, memo book, and stop watch
• Speakerphone
• Voice recognition
• Measures 4.2 x 1.7 x 0.54 inches
• 3.3 hour talk time and 200 hour standby time

The Stunt is available for $99.99 at Cricket retail stores, dealers, and at mycricket.com.

OK.. that’s it! No more Samsung.. for a few postings hopefully.

Technorati Tags: Cricket Communications, Samsung Stunt SCH-R100

The Samsung Freeform SCH-r351 messaging handset is now available at U.S. Cellular for $19.95 after a new two-year agreement (which provides a discount of $90 dollars), and a mail-in rebate of $50 dollars. The SCH-r351 features a four-row QWERTY keyboard, navigation keys/shortcut bar, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and a 2.2 inch QCIF resolution display. Other specs include:

• Built-in MP3 player with support for playlists
• Stereo Bluetooth support
• One-touch speakerphone
• Support for SMS, MMS, and Threaded Text Messaging
• CDMA 800MhMHz/PCS 1900 MHz
• Measures 2.4 x 4.42 x 0.50 inches
• Weighs 3.63 oz
• Talk time of 6 hours
• Standby time of 300 hours

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: U.S. Cellular, Samsung Freeform SCH-r351

Samsung R0:

The R0’s claim to fame is it’s “Drag’n Play” functionality – allowing you to simply place your media onto the player without worrying about any conversion process. The player directly supports DivX playback – a joy for folks who have huge quantities of DivX material. Specs of the R0 include:

• 2.6 inch LCD display
• Tactile navigation keys
• Add storage via microSD slot
• Supports Samsung’s Digital Natural Sound Engine (DNSe) 3.0 sound enhancement technology
• Available in black, silver, and pink
• Six hours of video playback or 30 hours of audio playback
• Built-in FM radio

The R0 is available in 8GB or 16GB capacities with the 8GB priced at $99.99 and the 16GB priced at $129.99. Both versions will be coming out in April.

Samsung R1:

The R1 has the footprint of a credit card yet is capable of playing a variety of multimedia file formats. Specs of the R1 include:

• 2.4 inch TFT LCD display
• Drag and Drop feature
• Supports music, video, and photo playback
• 50 hours of audio playback or four hours of video playback
• Built-in FM radio and recorder
• Voice recorder
• Bluetooth support
• Supports Samsung’s Digital Natural Sound Engine (DNSe) 3.0 sound enhancement technology

The R1 is available in 8GB nd 16GB capacities with the 8GB priced at $149.99 while the 16GB is priced at $179.99. Both versions will be available in April.

Technorati Tags: Samsung R0, Samsung R1, portable media player

Ready for another e-reader device to hit the market? Introduced back at CES 2010, Samsung announced today the “imminent availability” of their first generation eReader device. This slider form factor device features a 6 inch E-Ink display, support for more than 1 million titles through a partnership with Barnes & Noble, Wi-Fi connectivity, and advanced handwriting capabilities.

Samsung’s eReader allows users to jot down notes directly on the electronic page, highlight content on the screen, and share notes with others. All of this is made possible thanks to the inclusion of an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) stylus pen. With the pen, electronic titles and even images can be modified with direct handwriting.

Other features include:

• Voice recorder functionality allowing users to create audio memos and annotations
• Includes journal, scheduler, and memo applications. Scheduler can be synced to Microsoft Outlook
• Electronic dictionary
• 6 inch E-Ink display with 800 x 600 resolution and 8 gray scale
• Supports e-pub, PDF/a, TXT, bmp and jpg formats
• Text-to-speech support
• Built-in MP3 player
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity
• 2GB of memory
• microSD card slot
• EmoLink technology allows users to share content between Samsung eReader devices

Stay tuned for the actual ship dates and pricing.. but hey it’s soon!

Technorati Tags: Samsung eReader

OK seriously now – enough subtle mocking on my part here.

For those of you that really are waiting on the new 2010 lineup of Samsung LED flat panel HDTV sets, here is the pricing and availability date for the various models (some of which are 3D enabled).

• 55 inch UN55C9000 coming out in April 2010 for $6999.99
• 46 inch UN46C9000 coming out in April 2010 for $5999.99
• 65 inch UN65C8000 coming out in July 2010 for $4999.99
• 55 inch UN55C8000 coming out in April 2010 for $3499.99
• 46 inch UN46C8000 coming out in April 2010 for $2799.99
• 55 inch UN55C7000 coming out in March 2010 for $3299.99
• 46 inch UN46C7000 coming out in March 2010 for $2599.99
• 40 inch UN40C7000 coming out in May 2010 for $1999.99
• 55 inch UN55C6800 coming out in May 2010 for $2999.99
• 46 inch UN46C6800 coming out in May 2010 for $2299.99
• 65 inch UN65C6500 coming out in May 2010 for $4499.99
• 55 inch UN55C6500 coming out in March 2010 for $2799.99
• 46 inch UN46C6500 coming out in March 2010 for $2099.99
• 40 inch UN40C6500 coming out in March 2010 for $1699.99
• 32 inch UN32C6500 coming out in May 2010 for $1199.99
• 60 inch UN60C6300 coming out in May 2010 for $2999.99
• 55 inch UN55C6300 coming out in March 2010 for $2499.99
• 46 inch UN46C6300 coming out in March 2010 for $1699.99
• 40 inch UN40C6300 coming out in March 2010 for $1399.99
• 55 inch UN55C5000 coming out in May 2010 for $2299.99
• 46 inch UN46C5000 coming out in March 2010 for $1499.99
• 40 inch UN40C5000 coming out in March 2010 for $1199.99
• 32 inch UN32C5000 coming out in March 2010 for $849.99
• 32 inch UN32C4000 coming out in March 2010 for $699.99
• 26 inch UN26C4000 coming out in March 2010 for $549.99
• 22 inch UN22C4000 coming out in March 2010 for $429.99
• 19 inch UN19C4000 coming out in May 2010 for $379.99

Here are other tidbits about the new 2010 LED lineup:

• The first 3D capable sets coming out are the 46 inch and 55 inch LED C7000 series HDTVs
• C7000, C8000, and C9000 feature Samsung Real240Hz refresh rate technology and Samsung’s proprietary 3D processor which is compatible with major 3D format standards. 3D processor also lets you render 2D content into 3D in real time
• For a limited time, consumers will receive a free 3D Starter Kit with the purchase of a Samsung 3D HDTV and either Samsung BD-C6900 3D Blu-ray Player or the HT-C6930W 3D Home Theater System. Kit incliudes 3D version of Monsters vs. Aliens and two pairs of Samsung 3D active glasses.
• C8000 and C9000 feature Samsung’s Precision Dimming technology
• LED 6500, 6800, 7000, 8000, and 9000 series come with Internet@TV support
• C9000 series comes with 3 inch color touch-screen remote control

Here are various pictures of upcoming Samsung LED displays taken at CES 2010:

Technorati Tags: Samsung 3D LED TV, Samsung LED TV

Without further ado, here’s what you need to know about the new systems.

Samsung HT-C7530W:

• Touch of Color design
• Wood-grain texture receiver cabinet encased in translucent material
• 5.1 channel system with two half-tall speakers, two wireless rear speakers, center unit, subwoofer
• Wi-Fi dongle
• 1GB embedded memory
• 2 HDMI ports
• Available in May 2010
• Estimated price of $999.99

Samsung HT-C6930W:

• 7.1 channel 3D surround sound
• Built-in digital signal processor
• Supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio high-definition audio formats
• 8 speakers, wide center channel speaker, large subwoofer, two tower speakers, and four surround speakers (including wireless rear satellite speakers)
• Two HDMI ports
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Available in April 2010
• Estimated price of $899.99

Samsung HT-C6730W:

• 7.1 channel surround sound
• Built-in digital signal processor
• Supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio high-definition audio formats
• 8 speakers, wide center channel speaker, large subwoofer, two tower speakers, and four surround speakers (including wireless rear satellite speakers)
• Wi-Fi connectiviy
• Available in March 2010
• Estimated price of $799.99

Samsung HT-C6500:

• 5.1 channel surround sound
• Advanced auto sound calibration
• iPod/iPhone dock
• 1GB of built-in storage
• 2 HDMI ports
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Available in March 2010
• Estimated price of $649.99

Samsung HT-C5500:

• 5.1 channel surround sound
• Advanced auto sound calibration
• iPod/iPhone dock
• Available in March 2010
• Estimated price of $499.99

Technorati Tags: Samsung Blu-ray Home Theater System

The R80 is currently made up of the 14 inch R480, the 15.6 inch R580, and the 17.3 inch R780. Here’s what you need to know about each of the new systems.

Samsung R480:

• Intel Core i3 processor
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
• 4GB of RAM
• 14 inch LED HD display with 1366 x 768 resolution
• Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics
• Blu-ray drive
• 3 watt stereo speaker (1.5 W x 2)
• HD audio
• 0.3 megapixel webcam
• HMDI port
• 500GB 5400RPM HDD
• 802.11 b/g/n WI-Fi
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Weight of 5.07 lbs
• Price of $729.99

Samsung R580:

• Intel Core i5 processor
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
• 4GB of RAM
• 15.6 inch LED HD 1366 x 768 resolution display
• NVIDIA GeForce 310M
• Blu-ray drive
• 3 watt stereo speakers
• HD audio
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• HDMI port
• 500GB 5400RPM HDD
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Weight of 5.7 lbs
• Price of $829.99

Samsung R780:

• Intel Core i5 processor
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
• 4GB of RAM
• 17.3 inch LED HD+ 1600 x 900 resolution display
• NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics
• Super Multi Dual Layer optical drive
• 4 watt stereo speaker
• HD audio
• HDMI port
• 500GB 5400RPM HDD
  802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Weight of 6.26 lbs
• Price of $929.99 (available exclusively on BestBuy.com)

Technorati Tags: Samsung R80 Series, Samsung R480, Samsung R580, Samsung R780

Soon you’ll be able to Skype your friends and family from the comfort of your couch. Samsung and Skype have announced that Skype software will be embedded in Samsung’s new lineup of LED 7000 and 8000 Series of 2010 HDTV sets.

With Skype software installed, users will be able to make video and voice calls using their television sets. The new sets with Skype software will start shipping in Korea today and worldwide during the first half of this year.

The Samsung LED 7000 and 8000 series HDTV sets feature Samsung’s free Internet@TV service which allows users to access applications and online content. Owners who want video for their Skype calls can easily attach a FREETALK TV Camera for the TV set available at www.skype.com/store (the camera is due out in March).

Control of all the Skype features can be performed using the Samsung remote control. As always, Skype to Skype calls will be free while Skype to landline and mobile phones will cost a small nominal fee.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Samsung, Skype, Samsung LED 7000, Samsung LED 8000

Samsung announces their latest environmentally-friendly hard disk drive for the desktop market in the form of the EcoGreen F3EG hard drive. Offering two terabytes of disk space spanning across four 500GB platters, the F3EG utilizes Samsung’s EcoTriangle technology providing eco-friendly components, low-power and low-noise operation technology.

“Green” features of the F3EG include:

• Eliminates halogen compound and brominated flame retardant from the PCBA
• Model produced from eco-friendly materials
• Meets environmental regulations including RoHS
• Utilizes low-noise operation technology SilentSeek and NoiseGuard for quiet operation
• 40 percent lower in power consumption in idle mode and 10 percent lower in reading/writing mode than competing drives
• Zero percent failure rate in unstable voltage environment test

Specs include:

• 3.0 Gbps SATA interface
• Native Command Queuing features
• 16MB/32MB buffer memory

The 3.5 inch F3EG drive is available in 1.5 TB and 2 TB capacities in the U.S. and EU markets with an MSRP of $179.99.

Technorati Tags: Samsung EcoGreen F3EG Hard Drive

Manning the television shows will be a team of “enthusiastic product experts” who will help bring “insight and knowledge to viewers who might be interesting in buying a Samsung product, or have already made a purchase”.

SPSTV officially launched on Jan 7th, broadcasting from CES with initial pilot episodes entitled “Keep It Simple” covering topics from Samsung Digital Televisions to Samsung Mobile Phones. You can check out SPSTV by heading over to www.samsung.com/spstv.

Technorati Tags: Samsung SPSTV

The TL110 features:

• 14.2 megapixel resolution
• 27mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens
• Dual Image Stabilization technology combining both optical and digital image stabilizers to reduce hand-shake
• 2.7 inch 230K pixel LCD display
• New image effects including Fisheye and Lomo.
• Other available photo styles include Normal, Soft, Vivid, Forest, Retro, Cool, Calm, Classic, Negative, Custom RGB, Sketch, and DeFog Clear/Fog Lifting
• 720p HD video recording using H.264 compression at 30 fps
• Smart Auto for both still and movie capture
• Choose between program mode or scene modes. Available scene modes include Beauty Shot, Night, Frame Guide, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-up, Text, Sunset, Dawn Backlight, Beach & Snow, and Fireworks
• Smart Face Recognition
• Smart Filter (Miniature, Vignetting, Fisheye Effect)
• Object Tracking
• Measures 3.8 x 2.2 x 0.65 inches

The T105 features:

• 12.2 megapixel resolution
• 27.5 mm wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens
• Digital Image Stabilization technology to reduce hand-shake
• 2.7 inch 230K pixel LCD display
• New image effects including Fisheye and Lomo.
• Other available photo styles include Normal, Soft, Vivid, Forest, Retro, Cool, Calm, Classic, Negative, Custom RGB, Sketch, and DeFog Clear/Fog Lifting
• 720p HD video recording using H.264 compression at 30 fps
• Smart Auto for both still and movie capture
• Choose between program mode or scene modes. Available scene modes include Beauty Shot, Night, Frame Guide, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-up, Text, Sunset, Dawn Backlight, Beach & Snow, and Fireworks
• Perfect Portrat System (FD, Beautyshot, etc)
• Smart Album
• Smart Filter (Miniature, Vignetting, Fisheye Effect)
• Measures 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.65 inches

Both models are expected in February. No details on pricing as of yet.

Here are additional pictures of the TL110:

Here are additional pictures of the TL105:

Technorati Tags: Samsung TL110, Samsung TL105, Digital Cameras

Both cameras support Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology which utilizes both optical and digital image stabilizers to deal with hand-shake issues. You’ll also be able to record 720p H.264 encoded video at 30fps on both models.

The AMOLED display on the HZ35W providers users a brighter and sharper display which can be easily viewed outdoors and in direct sunlight. Other niceties from using an AMOLED display include improved battery life, higher contrast ratios, more vibrant colors, and higher viewing angles.

The HZ30W has the following specs:

• 12 megapixel resolution
• 24mm super-wide angle 15x zoom Schneider-KREUZNACH lens
• 3 inch TFT LCD display
• 720p HD / 30fps / H.264
• HDMI output
• Advanced Real Dual Image Stabilization : Optical IS + Digital IS
• Smart Auto for still and movie capture
• Smart Album
• Smart Filter (Miniature, Vignetting, Fisheye Effects)
• Perfect Portrait System includes Beauty Shot / Face Detection / Self Portrait / Smile Shot / Blink Detection
• Photo Style Selector
• Full manual control (A/S/M): Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority
• Measures 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches

The HZ35W has the following specs:

• 12 megapixel resolution
• 24mm super-wide angle 15x zoom Schneider-KREUZNACH lens
• 3 inch AMOLED display
• 720p HD / 30fps / H.264
• HDMI output
• Built in GPS for geo-tagging with location data (city name is displayed). Also shows visual map and real-time location display from anywhere around the world.
• Advanced Real Dual Image Stabilization : Optical IS + Digital IS
• Smart Auto for still and movie capture
• Smart Album
• Smart Filter (Miniature, Vignetting, Fisheye Effects)
• Perfect Portrait System includes Beauty Shot / Face Detection / Self Portrait / Smile Shot / Blink Detection
• Photo Style Selector
• Full manual control (A/S/M): Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority
• Measures 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches

Both models are expected in March of this year – no word on pricing at this time.

Here are additional pictures of the Samsung HZ30W:

Here are additional pictures of the Samsung HZ35W:

Technorati Tags: Samsung HZ35W, Samsung HZ30W, Digital Cameras

Samsung extends their SL-Series of digital cameras tonight with the introduction of the new SL630 point-and-shoot. The SL630 is a 12.2 megapixel digital camera featuring a 28mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens, dual image stabilization technology, and a host of features in a compact slim form factor.

Full features and specs include the following:

• 28mm wide-angle Samsung lens
• 5x optical zoom (28mm – 140mm / 35mm equivalent)
• Samsung Dual Image Stabilization (IS) technology combines both optical and digital image stabilizers which compensates for hand shake
• Smart Auto analyzes key elements of the composition of the image including color, brightness, motion, and subject and then selects the appropriate scene mode for best results possible
• Object tracking allowing users to select any object or area within the frame and automatically program the camera to lock and keep its focus on the subject
• Perfect Portrait System – a series of automatic technologies including Face Detection, Smile Shot and Blink Detection technologies, Red Eye Fix, and Beauty Shot
• Standard definition video recording at 640 x 480 resolutions at 30 frames per second
• 2.7 inch 230K pixel LCD display
• Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery
• Measures 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches

The Samsung SL630 will be available in March of this year – no word on pricing as of yet.

Technorati Tags: Samsung SL630 Digital Camera

The IceTouch YP-H1:

Features include:

• The world’s first 2 inch full-color, transparent AMOLED touch-screen display
• DVD quality video player
• Studio quality audio player
• Photo album support
• Built-in FM radio
• Portable storage
• High-performance CPU
• “TouchWiz Sweep” interface designed for comfortable grip and gives new options for interacting with the player
• 5.1 channel sound enhancement technology
• Supports MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, AAC, M4A, WAV and MP3HD audio codecs
• Supports MPEG4, WMV, H.264, Xvid and Divx video files
• Continually analyzes and adjusts audio levels to reflect the producer’s intended sound

The player is constructed using a dual-injection molding process and tempered glass which results in a “smooth, durable and scratch-proof surface”. IceTouch is available with 16GB of storage space and color skins including white, pink, blue, purple and gray.

The MyFit (YP-W1):

Features include:

• First wellness-promoting technology on a music player
• Helps monitor stress level, fat thickness, calorie intake and burn, and exercise effectiveness
• Music can be collected into a jogging playlist
• Change songs via simple tapping control jogging mode
• Fat and stress sensors are located on top of the player
• Exercise management program built-in to track calories burned while jogging
• Water intake manager and smoking cessation utility
• Built-in FM radio tuner
• DNSe 3.0 sound enhancement technology
• Supports MP3, WMA, OGG, and AAC, as well as MPEG4 and WMV video formats.
• 8GB of storage space

Both players are expected in the first half of 2010.

Technorati Tags: Samsung, IceTouch YP-H1, MyFit YP-W1

Samsung’s fallen in love with 3D in a big way with today’s introduction of new HDTV sets, Blu-ray players, and home theater systems. A larger number of the new products come 3D enabled including new LED TVs, Plasma TV sets, Blu-ray player, and a 3D enabled home theater system. Let’s quickly summarize the new product announcements.

On the LED HDTV front, Samsung announces the 9000, 8000, and 7000 series of LED HDTV sets.

The 9000 series will feature:

• Built-in 3D processor and emitter optimized for multiple 3D standards including half and full HD resolutions as well as the new Blu-ray 3D standard
• Super-thin footprint measuring 0.3 inches (yes it’s as thin as a pencil) – oh and see below for the thinness picture.
• Innovative TV stand with built-in TV tuner and electronics which makes the TV super thin
• Remote controls features a 3 inch color touch-screen display and Wi-Fi connectivity. Watch TV on he remote control while also watching a separate video source on the main display
• 240Hz refresh rates
• Ethernet connectivity
• Wireless-ready

The 8000 series features:

• Built-in 3D processor and emitter optimized for multiple 3D standards including half and full HD resolutions as well as the new Blu-ray 3D standard
• 240 MHz refresh rate and support for Samsung’s Internet@TV
• Ethernet connectivity and wireless ready
• Not quite as thin as the 9000 series

The 7000 series features:

• Built-in 3D processor and emitter optimized for multiple 3D standards including half and full HD resolutions as well as the new Blu-ray 3D standard
• Ethernet connectivity and wireless-ready
• 240Hz refresh rates
• Internet@TV support

Now if you don’t need 3D technology, Samsung announces an upgraded Samsung 6500 Series (and higher) LED TV sets that feature built-in Ethernet connectivity, Wi-Fi readiness, upgraded Internet@TV content service, and Samsung Apps support.

Plasmas

On the plasma side of the equation, Samsung has the new 8000, 7000, and 6500 series of displays – all with a slim profile.

The high-end 8000 and 7000 series feature Samsung’s 3D processor while the 6500 series features Samsung’s familiar Touch of Color design. The 7000 comes with the new Samsung brushed black bezel finish.

Here’s a picture of the 7000 series

and the 8000 series

All three plasma lines feature support for Samsung’s Internet@TV content service which now includes the newly announced Samsung Apps.

Blu-ray

Moving on to the Blu-ray player front, there’s the new Samsung BD-C6900 player which features a slim, transparent design as well as 3D playback support.

There’s also the BD-C7500 which Samsung claims is the world’s slimmest Blu-ray standalone player.  Wall-mountable, the C7500 features 3D support, fast bootup times, Internet@TV support, deep color support, and Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The BD-C6500 is similar to the C7500 except it’s not as thin and it removes the 3D support.

Finally, there’s the inexpensive BD-C5500 with an “eco” design made of 100 percent recyclable construction. Other features include 13 watt power consumption, BD Live 2.0 support, and Ethernet connectivity for accessing Internet@TV content.

Home Theater

On the home theater front, Samsung has two new home theater products – the HT-C7500W and the HT-C6730W. The C7500W features detachable speaker grills, Samsung Crystal Sound Pro technology, iPod dock, USB device support, and support for several audio formats.

The C6730W features everything above as well as 1330 watts of power, built-in DSP effect generator for creating 3D surround, eight speakers including 4 surround speakers and wireless rear speakers.

All this 3D-goodness is useless without content of course and to that end, Samsung announces new partnerships with DreamWorks and Technicolor including the first 3D Blu-ray title to hit the market with Monsters vs. Aliens. The three companies “have joined forces to accelerate the worldwide deployment of in-home 3D to mainstream consumers. “

Oh yes – some final details. Samsung announces they sold 2.5 million LED TVs globally during 2009. The company expects to sell 10 million LED TVs in 2010. Hmm.. is it time for me to upgrade finally??

Technorati Tags: Samsung 3D technology, LED TV, Blu-ray 3D

Samsung announces their entry into the eReader market with today’s introduction of the 6 inch E6 eReader and the 10 inch E101 eReader. While specs weren’t exactly forthcoming, here’s what we do know about the devices:

• There’s a built-in stylus that allows you to jot down handwritten notes on the eReader.
• Some content will be shareable somehow
• Expect a virtual QWERTY keyboard
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• 2GB of flash memory storing more than 1200 books or 24000 memos
• Bluetooth connectivity

Of course content is king and to that end, Samsung announces a new partnership with Google Books making their 1+ million titles available to the reader.

The new eReaders should be hitting the market early this year with a price point of around $399 for the 6 inch model and $699 for the 10 inch model.

Technorati Tags: Samsung, Samsung E6, Samsung E101

BlackBerry models available at AT&T include:

• BlackBerry Bold 9700
• BlackBerry Bold 9000
• BlackBerry Curve 8900
• BlackBerry Curve 8520
• BlackBerry Curve 8320
• BlackBerry Curve 8310

And as for the Samsung Solstice, you’ll get a $50 dollar mail-in rebate AT&T Promotion Card with a minimum 20 dollar data or messaging package and two year agreement. Specs to the Solstice include 3.0 inch touch-screen display, virtual landscape oriented QWERTY keyboard, TouchWiz user interface, 3G network support, and a 2.0 megapixel camera.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: AT&T

Samsung updates the STORY Station external hard drive product lineup with the announcement of the new STORY Station Plus which now features a 3.0Gbps eSATA interface and storage capacities up to 2 terabytes in size.

The drives still feature a USB 2.0 interface as well as an aluminum outer casing. You’ll also find Samsung’s low standby power design within the STORY Station Plus which reduces standby power by 96 percent to 0.1 watts from the conventional 2.5 W.

The STORY Station Plus will be available globally by the end of this month with the 2 TB version priced at $299.

Technorati Tags: Samsung, STORY Station Plus, External Hard Drive