Last Wednesday and Thursday, Samsung rolled out its 2008 HDTV line for the press at the Helen Mills Studios in New York City. Not surprisingly, LCD HDTVs dominated the proceedings with 20 new models ranging in size from 20 inches to 52 inches offered in four different series (4, 5, 6, and 7).

The Series 4 line comprises 720p (768p) models, starting with the 19-inch LN19A450 at $429 and ending with the 40-inch LN40A450 ($1,300). Series 5, 6, and 7 models are all 1080p offerings, with Series 5 LCDs spanning 32 to 52.2 inches (yes, you read that correctly), Series 6 LCDs covering 19 to 52.2 inches, and top-line Series 7 models offered in 40-inch, 46-inch, and 52 inch sizes. The most expensive set in the 2008 line, the Series 7 LN52A750, is tagged at $3,500.

These sets come with a myriad of options from multiple HDMI inputs to internal flash memory for Series 7 models, pre-loaded with "…high resolution artwork, cooking recipes, exercise routines, children’s programming, and games," according to the Samsung release. The Series 6 and 7 sets also have an unusual color scheme for the bezel that incorporates a mix of red and black. It’s different and attractive, and Samsung calls it "Touch of Color."

Samsung is one of the largest manufacturers of plasma panels and those are featured in the line as well. At the show, seven new models that range in size from 42 inches to 63 inches took a bow, and all are 3D-ready. The PN42A450 has an SRP of $1,199, while the PN50A450 is priced at $1,699. Both have 720p (768p) resolution. Series 5 plasmas step up to 1080p resolution in 50-inch and 58-inch sizes, while Series 6 plasmas top off the line with the PN50A650 ($2,600), PN58A650 ($3,999) and PN63A650 ($4,999).

Again, numerous installed options run across the line, from Samsung’s InfoLink onscreen RSS feeds of news, weather, scores, and stock info to a new digital media adaptor that will ship in August. In addition, Series 6 plasmas get the "Touch of Color" treatment.

Samsung is one of two companies that continue to sell DLP rear projection HDTVs, and there are six 1080p models to be found in the 2008 line. Four sets make up the Series 6 category, starting with the $1,299 50-inch HL50A650 and ending with the 72-inch HL72A650 ($2,999). There are two Series 7 products, both of which use LED backlights, unlike the conventionally lamped Series 6 sets. The HL61A750 is tagged at $2,099, while the HL67A750 is SRP’d at $2,499. 3D accessory kits are available for all six models.

Right off the bat, it’s obvious that Samsung is pricing its sets aggressively, in particular the rear-projectors. A 61-inch LED-equipped RPTV for $2,099 represents an $1100 drop in price from last year’s LED-powered HLT6189S, while the entry level HL50A650 is tagged $700 below last year’s comparable 1080p model - clear proof of the "heat" RPTVs are feeling from LCD and plasma sets at retail.

The plasma sets are also aggressively discounted. The PN42A450 should be retailing well under $900 by the fall, and the $2,299 1080p PN50A550 could easily drop by as much as $600. LCD price differentials from 2007 aren’t quite as low, although the $2,800 LN52A550 could hit and even fall below the $2,000 mark by year’s end.

Samsung also used the occasion to announce its newest Blu-ray player, the BD-P1500. Its HDMI 1.3 port is compatible with CEC, and the player supports BD Profile 1.1 Bonus View and is BD Live Ready through a rear-panel Ethernet connection. No price was mentioned, but Samsung has been a low-price leader in BD players and will probably get this one down to $299 by the fourth quarter.

One unique feature to all new Samsung HDTVs is an expanded Expert calibration menu. Calibrators can set up and save a wide range of image parameters for LCD, plasma, and DLP sets, and make these parameters the default values. The more accessible user menus also provide expanded control over image parameters, such as variable 120 Hz frame insertion for blur correction.

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