Samsung launches new 2024 television and audio range in Australia

There are some new big boys on the block in the television market in Australia and they don’t only have size on their side.

Mark Furler

@furlernator

4 min read

April 11, 2024 - 6:43AM

Samsung launches its 2024 Australian television and audio line-up

Everyone knows bigger is better when it comes to televisions right? Well not always.

You can have the biggest screen on the block, but if the technology behind it, or the content driving it, is poor, it will look terrible.

But combine great technology, a huge screen, superb sound and you have the ultimate cinema, sports viewing or gaming experience right at home.

That’s the promise of Samsung’s 2024 audio visual line-up, unveiled in Sydney this week, which now offers three 98 inch models with prices starting for what some 65 inch screens were only a few years ago.

The 98 inch TV range includes Crystal UHD, Neo QLED and QLED 4K displays.

The Samsung S95D OLED 4K smart television features some super vivid colours and deep blacks.

The AI technology behind some of the best options in the huge line-up promises to do for television viewing what it has done to smartphone photography in devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S24Ultra.

The 4K and 8K screens show the most vivid colours and the deepest blacks and for the first time you can see what 8k television really offers with the fine details and picture clarity.

The Neo QLED 8K television uses what Samsung is calling 8K AI Upscaling Pro, a way of generating the missing picture details from lower resolution content.

Big sports events in Australia are driving sales of bigger televisions, says Samsung. Photo: Mark Furler

Think of it like using a good optical zoom on a phone camera combined with AI wizardry to create a picture beyond your expectations.

The AI wizardry in some of Samsung’s top televisions will also have sports fans drooling.

Samsung says its AI Motion Enhancer Pro helps to ‘follow the ball’, ensuring the action is smoother and clearer. It is said to be particularly noticeable for sports like football.

Samsung launches its 2024 line-up of televisions and sound bars in Australia at Sydney’s Machine Hall Precinct. Photo: Mark Furler

As you watch more of your favourite sports, the AI ‘learns’, promising to generate even better results.

There’s also what is called Real Depth Enhancer Pro which promises to add a lifelike depth to the picture, pulling viewers into the action.

And the clever tech continues with sound with an active voice amplifier promising to extract dialogue from background noise to ensure you don’t miss key moments in the movie.

The sound will even adjust to outside noise when someone is vacuuming.

For gamers, AI Auto Game Mode kicks in during gaming, optimising the visuals and audio for a better experience.

BIG SPORTS EVENTS DRIVING SALES

Jeremy Senior, vice president of Consumer Electronics for Samsung Australia, told this publication that big sports finals later this year would be the biggest driver of Australians deciding to upgrade to even bigger televisions.

The resolution and clarity of the displays on the new television range is pretty impressive. Photo: Mark Furler

Last year, the back to back AFL and NRL finals drove a 28 per cent spike in big screen purchases, Samsung reported.

“Big screen TVs continue to be the growth driver in Australia and to have a big-screen TV, you want to have the best picture experience,’’ Senior said.

“Aussies love sport. We all know that, so this AI upscaling and Neo QLED technology gives you the best sporting experience on the screen TV.”

While years ago, a 65 inch screen was considered a big screen, Samsung now talked about big screens being 85 inch and above.

GREATER CONNECTIVITY, PERSONALISATION

He said Australians were continuing to see how AI could improve their lives, including through connected devices at home via Samsung’s SmartThings technology which can control compatible fridges, washing machines, airconditioning, lights, home security and so on.

Samsung Music Frame allows users to feature their favourite photos or art as the front for a speaker which can be put on the wall or on tables.

“Our new AV range is no different, and is powered by cutting-edge AI features, enabling big screen experiences to be more accessible, intuitive, and personalised for consumers.

“We’re thrilled to continue redefining TV and sound solutions to better meet Australians needs and love of design and aesthetic, with our Neo QLED 8K and Music Frame examples and as pinnacles of the new range.”

Samsung Music Frame allows you to combine art or your own photos with great music.

Samsung’s latest televisions are designed to connect with a smart ecosystem immediately upon setup.

The TV recognises and connects to existing networks and devices, all orchestrated through a simple notification on users’ smartphones.

This eliminates the need for extra hubs, so everything from lighting to security sensors can be managed directly from the screen.

Another one of the big standouts from the AV line up unveiled, was the S95D which offers the ‘world’s first Glare-Free OLED certification, reducing unnecessary reflection while preserving deep blacks and clear image. Powered by the same NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor as the Neo QLED 4K line-up, Samsung’s QLED TVs boast features like the Real Depth Enhancer.

ART, PHOTOS AND SOUND

The Frame 2024 TV from Samsung in art mode. Samsung has now launched a music speaker version.

Samsung has also unveiled the Music Frame marrying premium audio with artistic design inspired by The Frame television. This device allows Australians to display either their own images, photographs or artwork while enjoying wireless audio with smart features.

You can use it as a stand-alone device or paired with a TV and soundbar via Q-Symphony to augment bass and surround sound.

The 2024 line-up also includes the latest Q-Series Soundbar, Q990D, which boasts an 11.1.4-channel setup with Wireless Dolby Atmos. Innovations include Sound Grouping for pulsating, room-filling sound, and an option for personal listening that allows users to enjoy their content through compatible rear speakers without disturbing others.

The writer was a guest of Samsung Australia in Sydney for the launch.