Samsung adds Dolby Atmos to Micro LED, upgrades Neo QLED

Samsung will ramp up support for Micro LED technology in 2022, announcing picture technology improvements and feature options at CES 2022, including integrated Dolby Atmos audio.

Samsung’s modular Micro LED line has added an 89-inch option, to join its 110- and 101-inch configurations.

This year, Micro LED modules will also support a 20-bit greyscale depth, for more precise gradations (the brand claims over one million steps of brightness); while colour fidelity is rated at 100 per cent of DCI and Adobe RGB colour gamut.

Enhanced audio is also coming to Micro LED technology, with Dolby Atmos delivered via top, side, and bottom channel speakers. Welcome to the next-gen home theatre?

Samsung is also promising a performance boost for its 2022 Neo QLED TVs, which use Mini LED backlight technology.

Specific model numbers haven’t been confirmed but we can expect these new QN designated models to largely follow in the footsteps of 2021's 4k and 8k models.

What we do know is that there’s a significant change to its Neo Quantum Processor for 2022, thanks to the inclusion of advanced contrast mapping, and 12 to 14-bit gradation for better control of the Mini LED light source. This allows the TV to control its lighting across 16,384 steps, quadrupled from the previous 4,096 steps.

There’s also new Shape Adaptive Light technology, which allows the processor to analyse the shape and surfaces of objects, and adjust illumination for greater picture accuracy. We should see a reduction in backlight blooming as a result. Also new for 2022 is a Real Depth Enhancer. This AI picture quality algorithm, powered by a 20-strong Neural network, claims to deliver a greater sense of realism, by separating an object from its background and enhancing contrast to emphasise the sense of depth.

When it comes to design, minimalism continues to be the watchword, with a 99.9 per cent screen-to-body ratio on its Infinity One design (pictured) range-toppers.

Other 2022 Neo QLED niceties include an Eye Comfort mode, which adjusts the screen’s brightness and tone based on a built-in light sensor and sunset/sunrise information. More sophisticated than the intelligent ambilight light setting we’ve seen in the past, it’s able to gradually reduce the amount of light and offer warmer tones, adjusting blue light levels as part of the process.

Audio upgrades include OTS (Object Tracking Sound) Pro+ Dolby Atmos. OTS Pro incorporates up-firing speakers to deliver overhead sound, for a 6.3.4 channel configuration. Power output is rated at 90W.

Integrators will also appreciate an all new Smart Calibration EzCal mode, which allows installs to be calibrated on the spot using a partnering app. The apps Smart Professional mode will optimise screens in 10 minutes.

Samsung is also updating its lifestyle TV range (The Frame, Serif and Sero models), with a new matte screen finish to create a more convincing gallery effect when used to display artwork and photographic imagery.