Samsung Introduces the First Televisions in Singapore to Feature Internet Connectivity and Embedded Content

Five new Full HD LCD TVs announced including three IPTVs and the Armani / Samsung TV; First Armani / Samsung TV marries Armani's design prowess with Samsung's industry leading technologies

Samsung Electronics today unveiled five stunning Full HD LCD TVs that combine exceptional style and performance with the Full HD 680 and 750 LCD TVs, new generation LCD TV Series 8 and Series 9, as well as the first Armani / Samsung TV.

Samsung's TV lineup in Singapore for the second half of 2008 includes the aggressive introduction of three IPTV models – the Series 7, Series 8 and Series 9 – that showcase the company's technology leadership and its understanding of the latest consumer trends.
"Consumer media consumption patterns have changed dramatically over the years and consumers today are now demanding more from their TV viewing experience," said Mr. Ki-Heung Yoon, Managing Director, Electronics Business Division, Samsung Asia Pte Ltd. "We're poised on a new technology era for TVs that involves harnessing the power of the Internet on the television screen for a richer user experience. Samsung's introduction of the first IPTVs in Singapore is set to capitalize on these new consumer trends and will drive the Singapore market in the adoption for IPTVs."

The new series of Samsung Full HD IPTVs incorporates Media Solution – comprising the four key features of InfoLive, WISELINK Pro, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and Content Library – which is set to herald a new era in the way consumers enjoy digital multimedia content on their TV screens. InfoLive streams up-to-date information through RSS feeds on their TV screens. WISELINK Pro enables the quick and convenient playback of various media types from USB devices, while DLNA allows users to stream multimedia content from their PCs for display. Content Library features various embedded content such as interactive fitness exercises, step-by-step cooking recipes and even built-in games that can be played via the TV remote control for a new interactive media experience for the whole family.

In Singapore, Samsung will partner Yahoo! in providing the latest up-to-date information, such as news headlines, weather forecasts and stock market information through the InfoLive feature in the Samsung IPTVs' Media Solution. "On the PC and mobile devices, Yahoo! is a leading starting point for millions of consumers around the world," said Mr. David Ko, Managing Director and Vice President, Yahoo! Connected Life, Asia Pacific. "Yahoo! aims to extend this leadership to the emerging world of Internet-connected TVs and transform the experiences of millions of TV viewers globally. This partnership with Samsung through InfoLive shows us a glimpse of what is to come."

"Samsung's strategic partnership with leading Internet company Yahoo! highlights our dedication in providing the best content to our consumers. On the design front, Samsung continues with its stunningly beautiful Crystal Design for its TVs and also introduces the Armani / Samsung TV, the first TV from our collaboration with fashion house Armani," said Mr. Yoon.

Samsung extended its lead in the LCD TV market in Southeast Asia and Oceania in the first half of the year, with unit sales crossing the 500,000 mark on the back of a phenomenal 113 per cent growth compared to the same period last year. The company has been in pole position for LCD TVs in the region since 2006. Based on the latest available GfK data in May this year, Samsung remains the dominant LCD TV leader in the region with more than 27 per cent market share. For Singapore, Samsung leads the LCD TV market with 29.4% market share and the LCD TV Full HD market at 33.8% in terms of volume from January to June 2008.

Last year, Samsung led the global TV market in both amount and sales units, a first for the company since it entered the business 35 years ago. According to DisplaySearch, the market share gap between Samsung and its second competitor grew from 0.8 per cent in 2006 to 2.2 per cent in 2007. Samsung is also the first TV manufacturer to sell over 10 million units and achieve sales revenue of over US$ 10 billion.

Samsung will also introduce IDTV availability for all TV models introduced in the second half of this year.

Highlights on Series 8, Series 9 and Armani / Samsung TV:

• Series 8 LCD TV incorporates Samsung's revolutionary Crystal Design and features amazing slimness through a phenomenal 50 per cent reduction in thickness to produce a slim and narrow bezel measuring just 44.5mm. The Series 8 LCD TV will be introduced in Singapore in the fourth quarter of 2008.
• Series 9 LED TV The Series 9 features the company's Smart LED technology and 2,000,000: 1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio to provide the truest blacks and the highest contrasts available today for outstanding picture quality. The Series 9 LED TV will be introduced in Singapore in the fourth quarter of 2008.
• Armani / Samsung LCD TV packs the best of Samsung display technologies in a luxurious and minimalist look in a black finish for the ultimate designer TV. It will be introduced in Singapore in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Highlights of four key elements of Media Solution in Samsung's Series 7, Series 8 and Series 9 LCD IPTVs:

• InfoLive uses content feeds from the Internet to display up-to-date information on the TV screen without requiring the user to boot up their PC. In Singapore, Samsung has partnered with Yahoo! for the delivery of content including news headlines, weather forecasts and stock market information.
• The USB 2.0 WISELINK Pro connection allows users to quickly and conveniently connect USB devices such as MP3 players, cameras, memory sticks and memory cards to enjoy various media – music, video and images – played through the TV.
• DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a home network solution that allows users to stream and share multimedia content stored in PCs onto the TV screen. It even allows content to be streamed simultaneously several TVs, thereby creating a multi-room network.
• The embedded Content Library allows users to enjoy a variety of non-broadcast material. Five categories of content are provided: Fitness, Games, Edutainment, Cooking and Gallery. Additional content can be downloaded from www.samsung.com and transferred to the TV via USB.