High-Def Advisor

Samsung has announced three new LED-backlit television series. The LED Series 6, 7 and 8 televisions incorporate a range of features including edge-mounted white LED backlights, DLNA network media sharing — with wireless streaming available — YouTube and widget access, an on-board content library and 200Hz motion smoothing.

Set to be released by the end of May, the televisions will be available in sizes from 40in to 55in. All models have quoted contrast ratios of 3,000,000:1 and host USB 2.0 ports, while the premium models will feature 200Hz motion smoothing and Internet access.

The LED Series 6 is Samsung's "entry level" LED TV range. Available in 40in, 46in and 55in sizes, the models have 100Hz modes and "rose black" finishes. Lacking the interactive features of the higher end models, the Samsung LED Series 6 is aimed at buyers struggling to make a decision between LCD, plasma and LED panels. Samsung claims its latest LED-backlit televisions will only be around 10 per cent more expensive than comparable CCFL-backlit LCD televisions.

The TVs in the Samsung LED Series 6 — like the LED Series 7 and 8 — are under 3cm thick, allowing them to be easily mounted when used in conjunction with the new Samsung wall mounting system. The system uses two individual circular mounts which are drilled into a wall, and the television has corresponding circular mounts attached with a wire running between them. This allows the television to be hung in a manner similar to a picture frame, allowing for easy removal and adjustment.

The LED Series 7 and Series 8 models include a "Media@2.0" suite, which includes an "Internet@TV" interface with quick access to YouTube, nineMSN, stocks, news and weather widgets. The TVs can be connected via wired LAN or Wi-Fi — through a USB wireless dongle sold separately. DLNA network streaming is available as well on these models, with photo, music and video content playable through the television's user interface.

The TVs in the Samsung LED Series 8 include all the features of the other series as well as 200Hz motion smoothing. Also available is a custom mode with 10 individual steps for blur and judder reduction, allowing users to tailor the picture to suit whatever content they are watching.