NEWS: Samsung expands its 2008 home cinema range and launches new TVs

Samsung has a whole range of funky-looking new 2.1 and 5.1 home cinema in a box systems on the way. And it's given us further details of its new 4 and 5 series LCD TVs which are coming to the UK in the next month, having first shown the sets at CES in Las Vegas in January.

Details of the new home cinema systems are still being kept under wraps, but we have managed to get hold of some preview pictures. Shown above is the stylish Samsung X715 5.1 system, which will also be available in a 2.1 version, the X710.

For those who want an even more compact 5.1 system, there's the forthcoming (and very cute) XA100 shown below.

Samsung XA100

Other models due are the HT-BD2 Blu-ray system (below), HT-TZ215 (middle) and HT-TX500 (bottom), all of which have tall floorstanding speakers, a subwoofer and central control unit.

Samsung HT-BD2

Samsung HT-TZ215

Samsung HT-TX500

We've already reported on the Series 4 and 5 LCD TVs from CES in Las Vegas, but now we can reveal a bit more about them.

The HD-ready Series 4 comes in 22, 32 and 40in sizes if you choose the white model, and 26, 32, 37 and 40in sizes if you go for black. All are said to have a viewing angle of 178 degrees, and the down-firing stereo speakers are hidden in specially-designed chambers at the bottom of the display to increase audio quality.

The Series 4 models have also been designed to make connecting digital media devices such as HD camcorders and portable media players as simple as possible. All versions have one side-mounted HDMI socket, and specially designed 'hot keys' on the remote control that allow easy access to connected devices.

If you want a Full HD LCD screen from Samsung, then you'll have to step up to the Series 5 models. They have touch-sensitive controls, 24 frames-per-second capability, three HDMI connections, an entertainment mode and a claimed contrast ratio of 30,000:1. Screen sizes available are 32, 37, 40, 46 and 52in.

There will also be plasma Series 4 and 5 screens, available in 42 and 50in versions (4 series) and 50in (5 Series).

And in case you missed it, we've already reviewed Samsung's LE40A656 LCD TV exclusively here on whathifi.com.

Technorati Tags: 1080p, High-def TV, home cinema in a box, LCD TV

Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.