Samsung Makes WW HDTV Push

Online staff -- Electronic News, 9/2/2005

To accelerate the adoption of high-definition television (HDTV), Seoul, Korea-based consumer electronics giant Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has teamed with media and entertainment provider Discovery Communications.

The companies said Thursday they would demonstrate to viewers around the world how HD technology enhances the viewing experience.

As the first step in what the companies said is a long-term relationship, Samsung will display Discovery content filmed in true high-definition on more than 30,000 Samsung HDTVs in more than 40 countries.

Venues will include exhibitions, public spaces and retail locations, on a variety of display sizes and technology platforms, including LCD, Plasma, Rear Projection DLP and SlimFit HDTV CRTs. Discovery will contribute selections from its HD programming.

The HD programming will use selected assets from Discovery’s library of HD content developed for airing on Discovery HD Theater, a 24/7 HD channel.

Samsung said its proprietary Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) is the key to stunning HDTV picture quality since DNIe optimizes six different elements of image quality such as color balance, sharpness, and motion to reproduce the most life-like and vibrant picture throughout Samsung's broad portfolio.

The first demonstration will begin at Samsung’s exhibition booth at the IFA tradeshow in Munich, which runs today through September 7. Discovery’s HD programming can be seen on a 102-inch plasma display panel TV as well as on Samsung's 40-inch LCD TV.

In Europe, the companies said HD is poised for rapid growth with several service providers announcing plans for new services next year. Crucial to the success of such services is the availability of outstanding HD programming and HD televisions.

In addition to thousands of locations throughout Europe and the U.S., the content will also be showcased in emerging HD markets such as China and South East Asia.

“We are thrilled to partner with Samsung to demonstrate to the world how compelling the HD viewing experience truly is,” said Donald A. Baer, senior executive VP of strategy and development at Discovery, in a statement.

“As a leading provider of HD content, Discovery Communications has helped build the HD category by working with cable operators and direct-to-home providers to market HD services as a compelling consumer product. Through this collaboration, Discovery and Samsung are taking a leadership role in building the foundation of the HDTV category in markets across the globe,” he added.