Jordan O'BrienSamsung may be one of the world’s largest technology companies but it’s one that has its fingers in many pies. Due to that commitment to so many markets, the company hasn’t always been the best at catering to the custom install channel – but at CEDIA 2016 the company is hoping to underscore its commitment with a large stand full of some of Samsung’s latest products.
Samsung will showcase its 4K Ultra HD Premium Ecosystem with HDR – the industry’s first and only end-to-end 4K solution – which includes the latest SUHD TVs featuring Quantum Dot technology. Samsung will also introduce its new Samsung CMS (Content Management System) applet, as well as new mounting and display solutions designed to simplify installations.
The main showcase on the company’s stand will be its consumer line-up of products that custom installers may already be familiar with. This includes the company’s SUHD TVs with Quantum Dot Color Drive and HDR technologies, as well as the world’s first Ultra HD Blu-ray player. Rounding out its home entertainment options however, Samsung will also showcase the new flagship HW-K950 soundbar with Dolby Atmos support.
While those are all existing products, Samsung will also have a new launch at CEDIA 2016 specifically designed for the custom install industry. Exclusively for Samsung-authorised custom installers, the Samsung CMS applet delivers the most up-to-date information needed to spec the Samsung TVs that customers are asking for. Once registered as an authorised dealer, custom installers can access via the CMS portal the latest firmware updates, spec sheets, product grids, RS-232 and IR codes, request Samsung’s 2016 HDR10 Reference Disc, download mechanical and / or the CAD drawings of its 2016 models, and much more.
Installers can register at the Samsung booth to request the USB drive that contains the CMS Applet. Upon registration, the Samsung authorised dealer/installer will receive the drive that comes preloaded with the tools necessary to install Samsung products and will allow access to updated information via download as well as notifications when updates become available. The easy-to-use Samsung CMS applet will also allow for the downloading important TV firmware updates.
Despite embracing custom installers – the company is hoping to convince some of them on something many have criticised in the industry – curved TVs. Go to any CEDIA event or speak to any custom installers and you’re likely to hear some criticism of the curved sets that have popped up from the likes of Samsung and LG. That’s not a concern for Samsung at CEDIA 2016 however, which will see the company show off three mounting solutions that are designed to perfectly complement a curved TV.
- A 1.2in deep wall mount designed for curved and flat TVs to hang as close to the wall as possible
- A ‘Shadow Box’ solution that creates an elegant integrated wall design solution
- A speaker mounting approach that seamlessly blends with a curved TV install design
It’s not yet known whether Samsung will be able to convince custom installers that curved TVs are anything more than a gimmick – but one thing it will be able to do is showcase the Crestron compatibility with its TVs. The company will have a demo set-up on its stand, while simultaneously boasting support for numerous other systems that support IR and RS232 control.