Samsung eyes HD market in RP

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 complemen t its widescreen displays. HD refers to high resolution digital image processin g, usually by LCD (liquid crystal display) TVs, plasma panels and some projecto rs. Current broadcast signals are still in analog standard resolution, normally at 480p (progressive) and an aspect ratio of 4:3. However, HD can produce bett er images of up to 1080p with 16:9 aspect ratio. Samsung Philippines president Spencer Shim said he is confident the company wil l 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 reinfor ce our regional audio-visual leadership," Shim said. Shim said that part of their campaign to promote their products is to promote t he concept of HDTV. It has a partnership with the cable channels National Geogr aphic and the Discovery Networks Asia, which are already transmitting their sho ws 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 gla ss-infused bezel instead of the standard plastic bezel, giving the Series 7 a c rystal-like appearance. I interviewed Samsung Display product manager Roma Ramirez, who talked about th e company's latest flat panel displays. Check out the video. Samsung also brought to the Philippines the first commercially available 3D-rea dy plasma TV, the 42-inch PS42A450. It is based on the same technology as the I MAX 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 Chris tine Octia.