Samsung's latest Bordeaux LCD trio touts 15000:1 contrast ratio

It wasn't too long ago that we caught wind of Samsung's latest Bordeaux sets, but now the firm is one-upping itself by kicking out a new trio in the lineup with even more impressive specs. Jumping from 10000:1 to 15000:1 in the contrast ratio department, the 40-inch LN40M81BD, 46-inch LN46M81BD, and 52-inch LN52M81BD all tout the True Black Panel technology in order to bring "plasma-like blacks" to the LCD HDTV arena, and you'll also find three HDMI ports, "Full HD" resolution, and the obligatory sexy black frame to really set your living room theater off. Unfortunately, further details on the units are scarce, but we do expect all three sets to hit the Korean market soon for $3,518, $4,690, and $5,863 depending on size.

[Via TrustedReviews]

[MacroEQ @ Mar 24th 2007 1:25PM]

The Samsung 'Bordeaux' with the skyline of London...

[Evan @ Mar 24th 2007 1:53PM]

"Jumping from 10000:1 to 15000:1 in the contrast ratio department,"

Is that dynamic contrast ratio? Because they can dim the entire backlight all they want, but it's also not going to make a practical improvement in image quality.

[ShizNet @ Mar 24th 2007 2:01PM]

you can see it here as 'coming soon'
http://www.samsung.com/sg/products/tv/lcdtv/index.asp

[Fredster @ Mar 24th 2007 2:20PM]

What about LED backlit LCD's? How are they up against these? I'm going to buy a tv around May/June and i've been interested in these LED-LCD's. It should be 50"+, 120hz and if there's any goodies on top of this then that's just a bonus. Does anybody have a clue what/which makers to look at?

[Jeff @ Mar 24th 2007 6:23PM]

"What about LED backlit LCD's? How are they up against these?"

Better. LED backlighting with local dimming is the real revolution in contrast ratio. The real (ie. static) contrast ratio of these Samsung sets above is probably no more than 1,200:1. Dynamic contrast ratios are always used to fudge the numbers these days. I don't know if anybody even actually makes an LCD panel of these sizes with a contrast ratio greater than 1,200:1. When you see ratios above that, it's always a dynamic contrast ratio.

LED backlighting with local dimming will really bring LCD into close to the area of CRT in terms of contrast and black level, and certain as good as or even better than plasma right off the bat.

These sets are still at least 6 months away, though, and they'll be expensive at first. It may be worth waiting for if you're planning to buy a set you want to keep for 10 years, though. I just bought a "cheap" 1,000:1 ratio set myself because it wasn't worth waiting for me. But my next set will definitely be LED backlit/locally dimmed.

[Jeff @ Mar 24th 2007 6:23PM]

"What about LED backlit LCD's? How are they up against these?"

Better. LED backlighting with local dimming is the real revolution in contrast ratio. The real (ie. static) contrast ratio of these Samsung sets above is probably no more than 1,200:1. Dynamic contrast ratios are always used to fudge the numbers these days. I don't know if anybody even actually makes an LCD panel of these sizes with a contrast ratio greater than 1,200:1. When you see ratios above that, it's always a dynamic contrast ratio.

LED backlighting with local dimming will really bring LCD into close to the area of CRT in terms of contrast and black level, and certain as good as or even better than plasma right off the bat.

These sets are still at least 6 months away, though, and they'll be expensive at first. It may be worth waiting for if you're planning to buy a set you want to keep for 10 years, though. I just bought a "cheap" 1,000:1 ratio set myself because it wasn't worth waiting for me. But my next set will definitely be LED backlit/locally dimmed.

[ssuk @ Mar 24th 2007 2:47PM]

@1: London? I don't think so my friend.

[Phil Perman @ Mar 24th 2007 3:14PM]

It is, you can see Blackfriars bridge and St. Paul's cathedral pretty clearly

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackfriars_Bridge

[Malcolm McClure @ Mar 26th 2007 9:17AM]

Picure is at least 10 years old as there is no Gerkin (Swiss Re) Building Visible.

[Pablo @ Mar 24th 2007 3:22PM]

Samsung sure knows how to launch a product, don't they? I'll take two! :)

[Jake @ Mar 24th 2007 4:02PM]

@ Shiznet:
Those are only 8000:1 Contrast Ratio so must be a different model?

[rendezvous65 @ Mar 24th 2007 5:10PM]

Apparently the Korean 81 series are the USDM 65 Series LCD TV.

[danny rho @ Mar 24th 2007 8:31PM]

What would it be like to read a product news involving girls' pic without having to read
perverty comment?

Ah.... wouldn't be the Engadget with out it.

[GhostDoggy @ Mar 25th 2007 9:12AM]

Name me one 3rd part that actually measured at least half of this contrast performance. Now, for some crickets.

[Seventhexile @ Mar 26th 2007 12:39PM]

If both those ladies come with the T.V I'll be more then happy.

If its just the one of the left.. I want a discount off the price..

[dr stevie (ms) @ Mar 26th 2007 2:27PM]

virgin uk gave away sony 46" with PS3' for all those queing up & in the store on launch day, but i can't have a lezzie 3-some with a LCD!