By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net
DESPITE the almost non-existence of high-definition signals in the Philippines, Samsung is expecting that the growing demand for audio-visual equipment would push their latest product lines that are geared toward the HD market.
Samsung is already introducing its first Blu-ray standalone player to complement its widescreen displays. HD refers to high resolution digital image processing, usually by LCD (liquid crystal display) TVs, plasma panels and some projectors. Current broadcast signals are still in analog standard resolution, normally at 480p (progressive) and an aspect ratio of 4:3. However, HD can produce better images of up to 1080p with 16:9 aspect ratio.
Samsung Philippines president Spencer Shim said he is confident the company will be among the key drivers in the HD space, citing its performance in the Asian region where it said it had sold about 600,000 widescreen displays in 2007.
“This year, we aim to cross the one million mark, as we seek to further reinforce our regional audio-visual leadership,” Shim said.
Shim said that part of their campaign to promote their products is to promote the concept of HDTV. It has a partnership with the cable channels National Geographic and the Discovery Networks Asia, which are already transmitting their shows in HD format. “These initiatives will help convert consumers to HD advocates.”
The company recently launched a new series of equipment from LCD and plasma TVs, Blu-ray players, to digital cameras, camcorders, and some MP3 players.
One of their main highlighted products is the Series 6 LCD TV, which uses a glass-infused bezel instead of the standard plastic bezel, giving the Series 7 a crystal-like appearance.
I interviewed Samsung Display product manager Roma Ramirez, who talked about the company’s latest flat panel displays. Check out the video.
Samsung also brought to the Philippines the first commercially available 3D-ready plasma TV, the 42-inch PS42A450. It is based on the same technology as the IMAX theater, wherein users have to wear specialized eye glasses to view images in 3D. The product is to be introduced in the Philippines in May but the price has yet to be set.
Here’s a video of me getting up close and personal with the 3D TV.
Editor’s note: Videos taken by INQUIRER.net online videographer Janie Christine Octia.
