We announced it to you in one of our previous news items at the end of February, Samsung's 8K Ultra HD TVs (as well as the largest 4K UHD TVs of all brands) would be there in stores in 2023, unlike fanciful information claiming the opposite and distilled since the end of 2022 on the net, supposedly based on a stricter evolution of the regulations on the energy consumption of screens within the European Union (EU). As already specified, it was enough to consult the relevant articles of law on the EU site to understand and verify that this would not be the case. We can therefore present them to you in detail.
Like the TV series QLED Ultra HD 8K QN900A vintage 2021 and QN900B vintage 2022, the Samsung QN900C will also have three references, the Samsung TQ65QN900CB (65'', 165 cm), Samsung TQ75QN900CB (75'' , 191cm) and Samsung TQ85QN900C (85'', 216cm).
Samsung QN900C, focus on design
On the design side, you don't change a recipe that works. Identical to their predecessors, these televisions still sport such a splendid design, with a virtually borderless screen and no black borders around the slab, called Infinity Screen. Judge for yourself, the latter allows the image to occupy 99% of the surface (see photo above). It's really stunning purity and harmony. This impression is further accentuated by the presence of the One Connect box which makes it possible to deport all the source connections to the TV, leaving only a single cable visible. Splendid.
And as with the 2021 and 2022 TVs, believe us, the incredibly thin frame that surrounds the LCD panel becomes imperceptible at a viewing distance of 2/3 meters, giving the impression with a wall installation that the image literally floats in the air.
Furthermore, in addition to the absence of edges, the Samsung QN900Cs are also extremely thin, 17.2 mm over their entire surface, and the foot is made of a sheet of metal with a thickness of 4 millimeters. And, like their predecessors, the QN900C TVs are perfectly straight. Once fixed to the wall, the rendering is simply incredible.
Samsung QN900C, main specs
In terms of specifications, the Samsung QN900C 8K Ultra HD QLED TVs incorporate a native 10-bit and 120 Hz LCD panel. They also benefit from the latest version of the Neural Quantum Processor 8K processor, a more powerful evolution of the chip that equips the QN900B. As with the 2021 & 2022 televisions, this one mixes Machine Learning process and Deep Learning process. But this year, not less than 64 Deep Learning modules (compared to 20 in 2022 and 16 in 2021) are at work for even better image quality (see our CES 23 news > Samsung Neo QLED TV , 64 Deep Learning modules and Real Depth Enhancer Pro for the Neo Quantum Processor 2023). As a reminder, the Deep Learning process is based on a neural model, i.e. without human intervention (unlike Machine Learning) in the learning of the processor. This decides on its own on the necessary changes to the image processing algorithms to regain optimum quality starting from a degraded display.
Another big improvement related to the Neural Quantum Processor 2023 chip, the AI Real Depth Enhancer Pro algorithm. The latter aims to improve the relief of the image by optimizing the contrast between the foreground of the image which concentrates the moving objects or the action and the background. New this year, the image processing manages with particular care what is around the focal point (the place where the viewer's eyes land, identified by the on-board artificial intelligence) to improve its display compared to the remains, which further accentuates the 3D effect.
We can also mention the new EyeComfort Mode which, once the television is connected to the Internet, subtly modifies the brightness and the color temperature of the image according to the hours of during the day, for optimal viewing comfort. The latter, for example, reduces the blue light emitted in the evening to promote the sleep of sensitive people. Finally, the Samsung QN900C TVs are Pantone certified, a first, for the accuracy of their colorimetric rendering.
Samsung QN900C, 13,000 Mini LEDs and 1,920 zones for the 85''
Concerning the quality of the blacks displayed on the screen, the new Mini LED backlighting system developed by the engineers of the brand called Quantum Matrix Pro. Compared to last year, the latter has a large number of additional zones (we suspect about 2,000 zones for the 85'' and 1,300 for the 75'') for a total of roughly equal diodes, between 12,000 and 15,000 according to the diagonals and a luminous peak of 4,000 nits (3,000 nits on the 65''). Samsung also announces better electrical management of each area of the backlight system and optimized management of light leaks. As already explained on Quantum Matrix technology, this allows fine management of the quantity of current sent to each of the LEDs (Local Power Distribution) and internal upsampling of the gray scale on 14 bits (compared to 12 bits in 2021 ) to achieve vastly more accurate color grading and a noticeably wider displayed palette. It also allows in tone-on-tone images to reveal many additional details for richer textures and increased image readability.
The end result offers an even more abysmal rendering of blacks and even brighter whites, on very small surfaces, for tenfold shine effects. Regarding light leaks, their perfect management results in the elimination of the Blooming phenomenon. These are more than interesting elements for an unprecedented HDR experience, knowing that the QN900C screens manage HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive and HDR HLG. Also note the AI HDR Remastering mode to convert an SDR signal to HDR.
Of course, the LCD panel with QLC (Quantum Light Control) coating, featuring an extremely low reflectance index (reflections are almost non-existent) and a wide viewing angle via Ultra Viewing Angle technology Technology, inaugurated in 2019, is still in place in 2023, and that's a very good thing because its efficiency amazed us.
Samsung QN900C, Adaptive Sound Pro, AVA, OTS Pro and Dolby Atmos
The sound section is also in the spotlight on the Samsung QN900C TVs with the on-board OTS Pro process. This has a total of twelve speakers placed at the back of the screen (6.2.4 system) for a total power delivered of 90 W via a configuration adapted to the reproduction of Dolby Atmos. The sound is diffused according to a dispersion grid that runs all around the screen (see photo below). The purpose of the OTS Pro system is to "glue" the sound of objects to their movement in the image for better realism (see second photo below).
The SpaceFit Sound function is still on the menu. Associated with a Samsung Q-Series soundbar, the TV processor is used to calibrate the latter according to the listening room. A succession of sound messages is delivered and their frequency response, echo and return speed are analyzed to proceed with the optimum acoustic treatment.
For the rest, we find the Q-Symphony 3.0 function. The latter consists, always, in the presence of a connected Samsung Q-Series 2020/2021/2022/2023 soundbar, of taking advantage of the television speakers in addition to those of the soundbar to magnify the sound reproduction, its extent and its spatialization. Indeed, until now, when a sound bar is connected to a TV, the speakers of the latter are then disconnected. With the Q-Symphony system signed Samsung, they remain active and largely contribute to the perceived audio improvement with a configuration up to 11.1.4 depending on the sound bar connected. And the demonstration we have witnessed truly demonstrates the effectiveness of the process and its relevance. Namely, if the soundbar is connected wirelessly to the television (via Wi-Fi), the management of Dolby Atmos soundtracks is of course also provided wirelessly.
The Adaptive Sound Pro function, evolution of the Adaptive Sound, if it is still able to adapt the audio settings of the TV in real time according to the displayed image, now takes into account the listening room . Otherwise, the AVA (Active Voice Amplifier) function is still required, intended to cover new noise in the TV environment, automatically. For example that of a kettle or a vacuum cleaner which will be covered by an increase in volume managed directly by the TV. Don't panic, the TV lowers the sound, automatically always, when the noise stops.
Samsung QN900C, Multiview function
Another improvement, the Samsung QN900C 8K Ultra HD QLED TVs offer the simultaneous display of up to four contents with the MultiView function through as many windows on the screen: the first with the signal of a TV channel or one source connected to the TV, the second with the user's smartphone screen, the third from a game console and the last with the internet (see photo below). There are 14 display possibilities, from the classic PIP to having four adjacent windows.
Good point, the HDMI 2.1 standard with VRR, Freesync Premium Pro, ALLM, 8K/60 and HFR 4K/120 and eARC compatibility is required on the four HDMI inputs and to activate Mirroring mode between a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and a Samsung QN900C TV, it is enough thanks to the Tap View function to touch the second with the first and that's it. Precision, even if it is not officially mentioned, G-Sync compatibility should also be available in 2023, as on the 2022 range.
Samsung QN900C, One Connect Box
In 2023, we find last year's One Connect case, very thin (only 33.2 mm thick), for perfect discretion (it looks like an ultra-thin Blu-Ray player).
And as in 2022, if the One Connect can be remote from the screen for better ergonomics of the audio-video installation (the sources can thus be placed/stored in a place other than the television for total freedom of arrangement with, for example, a wall mounting of the screen), it can also, on the brand's 8K TVs, be clipped to the back of the TV stand, in a suitable housing, to disappear completely (see photo below). Beautiful work.
Samsung QN900C, Amazon Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant and Tizen 7
In 2023, the Tizen 7.0 interface remains very close to that of last year. It always gives pride of place to content, and now all Internet service providers have an IP TV application allowing you to enjoy it directly from a Samsung Smart TV, thus eliminating the need for a TV decoder. (see our Samsung Smart TV 2018 to 2022 news, focus on dematerialized TV boxes).
The Bixby voice assistant is still available, as are Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. And it is possible to easily switch from one to the other via the menu. Likewise, the Samsung QN900C series is compatible with the AV1 codec. On the connectivity menu, we must mention the Wi-Fi 6th function (8K requires), Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 compatibility plus many communication features (Google Meet For example for video calls) or the possibility of working on these documents Microsoft via the Cloud on the TV screen.
Also present, the Game Bar 3.0 and its 16/9, 21/9 or even 32/9 display modes (Super Ultra Wide Game View and Mini Map Zoom function, see our news Samsung Smart TVs 2022 dematerialize PCs and consoles) for video game enthusiasts with the connection of a PC and the Game Motion Plus mode. As a reminder, the latter (adapted to video games as its name suggests) is very interesting since it allows you to activate the motion compensation process of the TV with games while maintaining a fairly low Input Lag (about 6 ms with a 4K/120 signal).
We can also mention the new Expert Calibration feature (see our CES 22 news > Neo QLED Samsung 2022 TV, Intelligent Calibration via Samsung Galaxy or iPhone) and a remote control that is still solar-powered but much more compact and capable, still in 2023 , to be recharged by RF (radio frequency). Thus, the zappette takes advantage of your box's Wi-Fi to recharge constantly.
Of course, the SmartThings feature is still there. The group's IoT (Internet of Things or Internet of Things) platform is compatible with Android and iOS and with several hundred devices from other brands (Arlo type surveillance cameras, Amazon Echo or Google Home type smart speakers, Philips Hue type connected lights , connected lock, etc.). Samsung Smart TVs are thus able to fit into the most modern interactive ecosystems with a major advantage, directly linked to their DNA, the possibility of displaying a great deal of information on their screen: the face of the person who has just rung at the front door, the contents of the Samsung Family Hub refrigerator, notifications from the robot vacuum cleaner or even from the washing machine when the cleaning or washing cycle is finished. The television thus becomes the preferred interface for accessing the functionalities offered by Smart Home equipment.
Available immediately. Indicative prices: €5,999 for the Samsung TQ65QN900C, €7,999 for the Samsung TQ75QN900C, and €10,999 for the Samsung TQ85QN900C.
Reminder of the key characteristics of Samsung QN900C TVs:
• 10-bit panel
• LCD panel
• Ultra HD/8K panel
• 144 Hz panel
• Processor: Neural Quantum Processor 8K
• Wide Color Gamut function
• UPnP (DLNA) multimedia gateway function
• eARC function
• Ultra Viewing Angle Technology function
• QLC (Quantum Light Control) panel function
• Game Motion Plus function
• VRR function
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) function
• 4K HFR 120/8K 60 function
• AVA (Active Voice Amplifier) function
• Adaptive Picture function
• Tap View function
• Adaptive Sound function
• OTS Pro function
• Ultimate function 8K Dimming Pro
• Adaptive Sound+ function
• Quantum HDR 4000 function (HDR 3000 for the 65'')
• Quantum Matrix Technology Pro function
• Super Ultra Wide Game View function
• Expert Calibration function
• Q-Symphony 3.0 function
• Game Bar 3.0 function
• SpaceFit Sound Pro function
• HDR10 and HDR HLG compatibility
• Chromecast, Google Home, Google Assistant compatibility
• Dolby Digital Plus compatibility
• HDR10+ compatibility
• NTFS compatibility (via USB)
• Miracast compatibility
• HEVC compatibility
• Fransat compatibility
• Wi-Fi Direct compatibility
• AV1 compatibility
• G-Sync compatibility
• HDCP 2.3 compatibility
• FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility
• HDR10+ Adaptive compatibility
• Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility
• Wi-Fi 6e compatibility
• Filmmaker Mode certification
• Inputs: 4 HDMI 2.1 including one with the function eARC, three Fat32 and NTFS compatible USB Host ports, an Ethernet port plus a CI+ port and Canal Ready certification
• SmartThings multimedia
• iTunes multimedia
• AirPlay 2 multimedia
• Multimedia Amazon Alexa
• Multimedia Google Assistant
• Multimedia Bixby 2
• Multimedia Digital Butler
• Multimedia Multiview 4 screens
• Multimedia Google Meet
• Multimedia Smart TV Tizen 7.0
• One Connect box
• Mini LED Local Diming backlight system
• Input Lag: 5.8 ms (4K/120)
• Bright peak: 4 000 nits (3,000 nits for the 65'')
• Mini LED technology: yes
• Dual DVB-T2 tuner
• Dual DVB-S2 tuner
• Dual DVB tuner -C2
• Sound section: 6.2.4
• Power: 90 W
• Other: Ambient Mode, One Connect One Cable box (a single cable between the box and the TV with power supply load)
• Energy label: G (SDR & HDR)