The latest big TVs are pushing firmly into screen sizes that were once the exclusive purview of projectors. But while a projector is a great way to create the ultimate home cinema, if you have the room for a large TV, there are now options that can compete with a dedicated projection system in terms of image quality and brightness.
One such option is Samsung?s new 98-inch 8K TV. Unveiled in Dallas at the 2022 CEDIA Expo, the QN98Q900C is the latest iteration of the company?s flagship Neo QLED series. It features Mini LED backlight technology, the Infinity One slim screen design and Dolby Atmos audio. The TV also has a new Neo Quantum Processor that can up-scale regular HD content to 8K resolution, as well as improving contrast and colours in HDR content.
If you want to take advantage of the new processor, you will need to buy a separate Samsung QN900C One Connect box, which is an upgrade from the previous version that used an external power supply. The new box has an integrated Wi-Fi and Ethernet port to help speed up streaming and gaming, as well as HDMI 2.1 support for 4K at 120Hz. The TV itself has a pair of built-in 4.2-channel woofers and one 7.1-channel speaker built into the stand.
While the 98-inch set is an impressive upgrade on its smaller cousins, it doesn?t quite achieve the same level of image quality as Samsung?s flagship QD-OLED TVs like the S95C. That set boasts a staggering 1400 nits of peak brightness and the ability to display deep blacks that are closer in style to OLED. It also has a unique ‘auto-HDR remastering’ feature that can boost the brightness of existing content, giving it a more high-dynamic range look.
Despite the nitpicks, there?s no denying that the 98-inch QLED is an exceptional TV. It has enough size to rival the screen on a projector and has an image quality that will blow most people away. The only downside is that you?ll need a very large room to accommodate the screen, but if you have the space and are looking for a TV that can do justice to a film like The Hobbit or Cyberpunk 2077, this is an excellent option.
Samsung?s 98-inch QLED is available for preorder now, with delivery expected to begin in the second half of this year. Pricing starts at $7,999. You can find more details on the Samsung website.