Main points
- Samsung’s 98-inch Crystal UHD TV offers a high-resolution 4K display with a Motion Xcelerator refresh rate of 120Hz.
- AI enhancements improve low-resolution content, while the TV also supports HDR 10 and HDR 10+ for vivid images.
- The TV runs Samsung’s Tizen operating system, works perfectly with Samsung accessories, and comes with multiple ports for connectivity flexibility.
Following its debut at CES in January, Samsung has finally released its latest 98-inch flat-screen TV. The 98-inch Class Crystal UHD DU9000, as the company calls it, doesn’t come cheap – it costs $3,999.99 in the United States.
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The new TV is now available to buy directly from Samsung, with the option of paying in monthly installments. Before taking the plunge, however, here are 6 things you should know about Samsung’s latest big-screen panel.
1 It outputs in 4K and 120Hz
In other words, the panel is high-resolution and refreshes quickly
Samsung
The Crystal UHD DU9000 has a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, which makes it a 4K Ultra HD panel. Coupled with the 120 Hz “Motion Xcelerator” refresh rate, this means you get a clear and smooth display.
Every year, more and more media is made available in 4K resolution, primarily accessed through streaming services. 4K Blu-ray discs are also available, although they require you to buy a compatible disc player. Although there are 8K TV panels on the market, basically none support such high-resolution content. For most consumers, 4K offers more than enough pixels per inch, even on such a large display.
Gamers with sufficiently powerful PC hardware will be able to fully enjoy smoother displays and a more responsive and fluid gaming experience.
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Most content also won’t take advantage of the monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate, with movies and TV shows typically opting for 24 or 30 frames per second respectively. Gamers with sufficiently powerful PC hardware will be able to fully enjoy smoother displays and a more responsive and fluid gaming experience.
2 It makes old content look better
Artificial intelligence is the name of the game in 2024
Samsung
Samsung’s “Super Image Enhancer” technology uses artificial intelligence to upscale lower-resolution content so it looks sharper on a 4K panel. The concept isn’t new, but the company claims its advanced artificial intelligence “reduces noise and improves clarity even at larger sizes.”
There’s also an “AI Energy Mode” that promises to reduce the display’s energy consumption, helping to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
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Artificial intelligence has also been extended to the gaming field, and the panel supports “AI automatic game mode”. Samsung promises the technology will help optimize your gaming experience and combat the scourges of input lag and motion blur.
3 It supports high dynamic range (HDR)
It may not use OLED, but the display panel is still clear
Samsung
Crystal UHD DU9000 supports HDR 10 and HDR 10+. HDR, short for High Dynamic Range, improves images by adjusting brightness and contrast and taking advantage of a deeper pool of available colors. For its part, Samsung uses the term “PurColor” to refer to a wider range of colors.
As long as the content on the screen is created with HDR in mind, the result will be a more impactful image. HDR 10 is the most basic implementation of the technology and is what most media supports. HDR 10+, similar to its rival Dolby Vision format, is more advanced and can analyze each scene for a more precise HDR effect.
HDR is becoming increasingly common on streaming services, and many 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs also support HDR. Some video games have also utilized the technology to great effect, although its reach remains limited.
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4 It runs Samsung Tizen operating system
Not to be confused with Android TV, webOS, or any other smart TV operating system
Samsung
The Crystal UHD DU9000 is a smart TV, so naturally it comes with an operating system and internet connectivity. There are many competing TV software platforms, but Samsung uses its in-house Tizen operating system.
The merits of Tizen OS, and whether it stacks up against competing TV platforms, is a comparison for another day. Samsung promises “years of software support,” and most of the streaming apps and services you’d expect to be available are already present and addressed.
Oh, and the company’s digital assistant, Bixby, is also available. Well done, Samsung.
It’s important to note that most of the TV’s smart features require a Samsung account to unlock. Oh, and the company’s digital assistant, Bixby, is also available. Well done, Samsung.
5 Works well with other Samsung accessories
Samsung soundbar is perfect for this TV
Samsung
Of course, Samsung is involved in far more markets than just televisions. If you own one of the company’s Q-series or S-series soundbars, it unlocks the “Q-Symphony” feature. Essentially, it automatically synchronizes the speakers of your TV and soundbar and plays both simultaneously for a surround sound experience.
Samsung is demonstrating the strength of its ecosystem by highlighting support for SmartThings, Samsung Health, Samsung TV Plus, Galaxy Buds Auto Switch, and more. Oddly, the panel supports Apple’s AirPlay wireless casting standard, but makes no mention of Google’s Chromecast protocol. If you happened to just buy a shiny new Galaxy S24 Ultra from the company, this is disappointing news.
The Crystal UHD DU9000 is equipped with three HDMI ports for connecting external devices such as DVD players, game consoles and cable TV boxes. One of the ports includes return channel eARC support, which means non-Samsung soundbars will also work well with the TV and output audio on all connected devices. Two USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, RF input, and Bluetooth 5.2 are also welcome, making the monitor a flexible option for connecting your various peripherals (Samsung or otherwise).
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6 This isn’t the only 98-inch Samsung TV
However, this is one of the more affordable options
Samsung is selling a full line of 98-inch flat-panel displays, including ones with gorgeous QLED display technology and 8K resolution. There’s a lot of screen real estate at 98 inches, but the narrow bezels around the display keep the TV as compact as you’d reasonably expect.
The TV comes with its own stand, measures 85.9 x 52.1 x 15.8 inches, and weighs approximately 117.7 pounds. It’s really a huge display and won’t fit in every living room setup. If you have enough space for your TV and don’t want to put it on a TV stand, you can choose to mount your TV using the VESA standard.
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Samsung provides guidelines on recommended viewing distances and recommended TV sizes, which can be found on its website. For a 98-inch display panel, the company recommends a viewing distance of 2.98 meters, which is equivalent to 9.8 feet. If your setup has enough space, and you’re willing to invest the money in it, you’ll get a truly immersive viewing experience when viewing content from a specified distance.