New HDTVs offer advanced performance and advanced connectivity.

Samsung announced a number of new LCD and plasma TV models at its press conference, but the highlight was definitely the new crop of LED-based 1080p LCDs.

The new LED lineup includes three series – the 6000, 7000, and 8000 Series – that differ slightly in features and design but are all built around Samsung’s well-received LED technology, which offers much deeper blacks than you get from a traditional fluorescent LCD backlight.

The 6000 and 7000 Series use 120Hz technology to reduce motion blur, while the 8000 Series ups the ante to 240Hz. All three lines offer Samsung’s Auto Motion Plus de-judder technology for film sources.

Beyond the performance improvements that LED brings to the table, this technology also allows Samsung to build slimmer cabinets and reduce energy consumption. The new models measure just over one inch thick and will still sport Samsung’s Touch of Color aesthetic, with chrome and clear prism accents for the 8000 Series and light ruby for the 7000 and 6000 models.

These TVs also meet the new Energy Star v3.0 guidelines, reducing energy consumption by 40 percent compared with a traditional LCD of the same size. Plus, LEDs are mercury-free, which is another eco perk.

Last but certainly not least, the 7000 and 8000 Series will include Samsung’s new Internet@TV Web platform, also announced at the show. Via a wired or wireless connection, you can access content from Yahoo!, Flickr, YouTube, and more. The 6000 Series retains Samsung’s InfoLink RSS Web service from last year’s line, which lets you display news, sports, weather, and stock information.

Complete specs, pricing, and release dates have yet to be announced, but we should see some models in the first half of 2009.

PRICE:
Samsung 6000, 7000, and 8000 Series LED LCDs: Price TBD

CONTACT:
samsung.com