Samsung unveils Mini LED Neo QLED TVs, upgrades Crystal UHD models for 2021

Samsung has unveiled its first Mini LED QLED screens at the virtual CES 2021. The new Neo QLED models, the 8k resolution QN900A and 4k QN90A, top this year’s QLED line-up, which will also herald a new generation of AI driven picture processing and smart features.

Mini LED is a radical new light engine that does away with traditional LED lens packaging and light guides, replacing them with an array of Mini LEDs. Not only does this allow screens to become even slimmer, it offers more precise dimming control and HDR picture management. A proprietary Samsung active control micro layer guides the light to where it needs to go.

The new panels still use Quantum Dot colour technology, but the new light source should deliver radical improvements in contrast and black level performance. Driving these Mini LED displays is a new Quantum processor.

Samsung says in addition to greater detail in both dark and bright areas of the picture, there’s less blooming on sequences with high contrast. The new Quantum processor also dynamically manages power distribution to direct power, where it’s needed, reducing it where it’s not.

This latest generation of QLED will also come with an adaptive picture technology, able to enhance brightness and contrast levels to match the ambient environment. A sensor below the QLED Samsung logo constantly monitors light levels in the room.

Samsung has yet to share specific model numbers and range sizes, but integrators should note that the top line 4k and 8k models will come with a new One Connect box which can be fixed to either the stand or wall mount.

Samsung will also upgrade its Object Tracking Sound system. OTS aligns sound to match the movement of the picture. In 2021, OTS Plus becomes OTS Pro, which adds two additional tweeters for clearer dialogue.There’s also Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) technology detects and compensates for a noisy listening environment.

While attention will be focused on QLED, and specifically NEO QLED, Samsung is also making big changes to its mid-range Crystal UHD screens for 2021, as they benefit from trickle down audio tech

These mid-range sets are the volume monsters of the TV maker’s offerings, and traditionally offer a tight balance between picture quality and value. In 2021, we can expect far more from them, we’re told.

The brand says it wants to ‘focus on strengthening the identity of crystal UHD to differentiate it from its competitors via its premium picture quality, product design, and sound quality.’

The new crystal new UHD lineup will feature a full array of smart features for in home activities, adapting to consumer needs as they spend more time at home.

An RGB backlight, able to produce pure white for greater colour autheticity, will be joined by a 16-bit 3d colour mapping algorithm. Adaptive 4k upscaling analyses data to optimise the picture for lifelike 4k resolution with granular detail. The crystal UHD lineup also promise superior motion handling, with the world's first dynamic refresh technology, so even a 60 hertz panel ‘can express up to 120 frames per second.’

In addition to picture quality improvements, Crystal UHD sets will enjoy enhanced sound. OTS (Object Tracking Sound) and Q-Symphony, which were previously only available on this year's QLED, will also be available on Crystal UHDTV through virtual top speakers. Crystal UHD TVs have two speakers at the bottom of the TV, but will be able to play sound effects through virtual top speakers, providing a three dimensional listening experience.

When a sound bar is connected, the virtual top speakers further enhance the surround sound impression.