Samsung introduces latest range of audio-visual products

Samsung Electronics unveiled last week its latest audio-visual products at the Samsung Digital Partners AV Roadshow 2007 held at the Manila Hotel.

Showcasing a comprehensive range of cutting-edge High-Definition (HD) and mobile multimedia offerings, the company aims to consolidate its leadership in the TV market and rise to become the number one MP3 player brand in the region.

"Samsung is passionate about leveraging our innovations in technology and design to enhance consumers’ lifestyles. We will deliver to consumers TVs with rich colors, sharp pictures, advanced features and superior design. Music enthusiasts can also look forward to sleek MP3 players that pack a complete portfolio of multimedia features and applications," said Dong Ha Jang, Samsung Philippines’ VP for consumer electronics.

Continuing the huge success of its Bordeaux R7 LCD TV last year, Samsung introduced the even sleeker Bordeaux Plus. The Bordeaux R7 won the prestigious 2006 Red Dot Design Award for outstanding design and the Bordeaux Plus clinched the same award this year. The R7 has sold more than three million units worldwide.

This year, Samsung will focus on the HD TV market with a new line-up that includes its M8 Full HD LCD TV which boasts a stunning 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and the award-winning Q9 Plasma TV which boasts a contrast ratio six times brighter than that of plasma TVs. Samsung has identified early on the great potentials in HD and has taken initiatives to leverage its leadership in HD to cultivate and expand the market for its range of HD products.

Latest statistics for Southeast Asia and Oceania have pointed to Samsung taking the leading position in LCD and flat-panel TVs in the second half of 2006, both in terms of value and units. Flat-panel TVs include LCD and plasma TVs, which are the two key TV categories that offer HD.

"Samsung expects tremendous growth in the HD industry over the next couple of years, with 2010 being the year HD reaches mainstream," said Spencer Shim, Samsung Philippines’ president and CEO. "HD will be a must for consumers, and Samsung is best positioned to deliver HD’s superior viewing experience, with our technological and product leadership in HD products from HDTVs to Blu-ray disc players and home entertainment systems."

In Asia, factors driving the adoption of HD are gradually falling into place. These include government regulations, HD broadcasts, HDTV availability, recorded content such as Blu-ray discs, and HD gaming.

Samsung is helping to accelerate the process through its strategic partnerships with Discovery Networks Asia and National Geographic Channel to educate consumers in the region on HD and allow them to fully experience HD.

Samsung led the global TV market last year, the first time since its entry into the business 34 years ago. In the region, Samsung clinched No. 1 position for LCD TVs, registering a spectacular growth of more than 400 percent, while its MP3 players achieved a volume increase of 63 percent. For 2007, Samsung is targeting a 70 percent increase in sales for its TVs and 300 percent increase in the MP3 category.

To achieve its targets, the company will cater to the needs of the premium market with products combining innovative technology and design, while catering to different budgets.

One such focus product is the SlimFit TV series, the new industry standard in CRT TV that boasts a 30-percent slimmer exterior than its usual counterparts while providing superior picture definition.

Other highlights at the Samsung Roadshow included the S8 LCD TV; the award-winning HD-capable HT-TXQ120 home theater system; and the DVD-1080P7 Hypervision DVD player, which incorporates an HDMI Out 1080p feature that enables full HD up-scaling for the ultimate viewing experience.

The roadshow also placed the spotlight on the BD-P1000, Samsung’s world’s first Blu-ray disc player that enables consumers to take full advantage of high-definition displays, playing content at native 720p, 1080i or 1080p video resolutions. It also offers full 1080p output via HDMI for the best available resolution and up-conversion capabilities for improving the picture of standard DVDs.

Last but not the least, Samsung unveiled the YP-K3 Flash-based MP3 player and the YP-T9 multimedia player. Also a CES 2007 Innovations Award recipient, Samsung’s revolutionary YP-K3 player redefines the super-slim personal audio player category with the ingenious incorporation of portable docking speakers into a sleek, slim profile.