STACK #199 May 2021

FEATURE LIFE TECH

LIGHT-POWERED REMOTES Samsung’s 4K and 8K Neo QLED range for 2021 will feature an Eco Remote that’s powered by light, reducing the environmental impact caused by an estimated 200 tons of waste in used AAA batteries. Constructed using 28 per cent recycled plastic, the Eco WHAT'S NEW THIS SEASON

REFRESH RATE

What is it? Refresh rate refers to the number of times a TV refreshes the image’s frame rate per second, measured in hertz (Hz). Most TVs have a native refresh rate of 60Hz or 120Hz, which means the picture refreshes 60 or 120 times per second. Why it’s important: It reduces motion blur and flicker that can occur when viewing fast moving images in sports broadcasts, gaming, and frenetic action scenes in movies. Video content and games with a frame rate higher than the standard will be displayed as intended.

Remote features Samsung’s streamlined clicker design, while on the rear is a panel of solar cells that charge

PICTURE MODES

the internal battery. And there’s no need to leave it out in

What is it? Ultra High Definition TVs feature a number of convenient preset picture modes that will automatically optimise the image quality – simply select which one is best suited to the type of content you’re watching.

direct sunlight to charge – it’s sensitive enough to draw power

The most common picture modes are:

Dynamic Sharpens and boosts the image’s brightness and colour to high levels and is best used for brightly lit and outdoor environments. Standard/Natural Delivers a strong, bright image that’s good for everyday TV broadcasts and daytime viewing. Sports Ultilises motion smoothing on content with higher frame rates and fast moving images. Best for bars or outdoor viewing on the deck. Games Reduces input lag, which is the time it takes for the TV to process an image sent from the console to the screen.

Movie/Cinema Delivers accurate colour reproduction and the most warm and natural looking picture. Ideal for use across all types of content. Set and forget. Filmmaker Some manufacturers also offer this mode (endorsed by Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan, no less), which delivers an even more natural looking and cinematic picture that’s as close as possible to what the filmmaker intended.

from indoor lights. SEE COLOURS

Samsung is also expanding accessibility with its 2021 TV models, which means those who suffer from colour vision deficiency (CVD) can now enjoy the millions of colours available with the help of

Why it’s important: Preset picture modes instantly tweak specific types of video content to maximise image quality. How good a picture looks is subjective, so experiment with each to determine which looks best to your eye.

the SeeColors app. When installed, the app makes colour adjustments to deliver better optimised colours for those with CVD, beginning with a colour vision test to identify the type of CVD so that the screen can be recalibrated accordingly. SIGN LANGUAGE ZOOM If pandemic press conferences have taught us one thing, it’s a better appreciation of the Auslan translators speedily signing for the hearing impaired. Samsung’s new Sign Language Zoom feature automatically recognises and enlarges the translator. Alternatively, hearing impaired viewers can specify the sign language area of the screen and adjust the magnification to suit.

HDMI 2.1

ARC AND eARC

What is it? A new specification in HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connectivity to support higher video resolutions and refresh rates. Why it’s important: It’s all about the transmission of data – more bandwidth equals higher resolutions. Standard HDMI has a bandwidth of 18Gbps (gigabits per second), HDMI 2.1 raises it to 48Gbps for resolutions up to 10K and frame rates of 120fps. 8K TVs and next-gen gaming consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X) support HDMI 2.1 connectivity.

What is it? Audio connectivity via a HDMI cable, sending the sound from a TV back to a connected soundbar or AV receiver. ARC stands for Audio Return Channel and is supported by most TVs and soundbars/ receivers. eARC is Enhanced Audio Return Channel, boosting bandwidth and speed for higher quality audio formats, and is backwards compatible with ARC. Why is it important:

ARC simplifies the connection of audio receivers to the TV. eARC, with its higher bandwidth, brings out the best in Dolby Atmos and Dolby True HD. Be sure to check if the TV has an ARC or eARC HDMI port.

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