Samsung’s Sizzling New Plasma TVs Start to Ship

Samsung's D8000 plasma TV

Samsung has started to ship its new, 3D-capable “Plasma+1” TVs.

The D8000, D6900, D550 and D490/450 series have a narrow bezel that adds an extra inch of viewable screen size over Samsung’s 2010 plasma TVs.

The top-of-the-range D8000 Smart TV models have Real Black Filter technology for improved on-screen contrast and reduced glare, Samsung’s proprietary Crystal Full HD engine with Cinema Smooth technology, and a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000,000:1.

They are compatible with Samsung’s new Bluetooth-enabled 3D active glasses, have a built-in Wi-Fi receiver for accessing the Internet through Samsung Apps or on DLNA-certified devices, and offer four HDMI inputs, one Ethernet input and two USB inputs.

The D8000 Series come in 51-inch, 59-inch and 64-inch screen sizes; the models also stand out for their ultra-slim silver metallic bezel and Samsung’s signature Crystal Design.

The D490 Series has one less HDMI and USB input, lacks built-in Wi-Fi, is only HD-Ready rather than Full HD, and isn’t quite as slim; the 43-inch model is priced at $1299 and the 51-inch, $1799.

There’s also a cheaper D450 series, with only two HDMI inputs, that’s priced from $200 less for the same sizes.

Pricing of the other series has yet to be finalised.