Samsung is bringing its FALD Q8 models to Europe
When Samsung announced its 2018 line-up, Europeans were disappointed to learn that the full array local dimming (FALD) version of Q8 was limited to the US. FlatpanelsHD can now exclusively report that 55 to 75-inch Q8DN models are coming to Europe in July.Samsung Q8DN in Europe
Samsung’s European line-up for 2018 includes only one model with true zone dimming; the Q9FN. The European Q8FN (flat) and Q8CN (curved) are edge-lit models that offer inferior picture quality but come with the external ‘One Connect’ box.
Next month, Samsung will add Q8DN to the line-up, FlatpanelsHD has learned. This will be the European equivalent of Q8 in the US, and it will be available in 55, 65, and 75-inch sizes. It will no longer feature the One Connect box but on the other hand it should deliver improved picture quality with its ‘Direct Full Array’ backlight – Samsung’s term for full array local dimming. Q8DN has fewer dimming zones than Q9FN but will also be cheaper.
FlatpanelsHD has been told that Samsung Korea will offer the Q8DN model to its various European offices that may or may not decide to pick it up (and decide which model sizes to offer). At this point in time, we can confirm that it is listed in the UK, Germany, Nordics, and Switzerland. Our source informs us that Samsung Korea made the decision to introduce Q8DN in Europe after seeing how Europeans reacted to the news.
The design elements of Samsung’s edge-lit “QLED” LCD TVs have received praise but reviewers and consumers have found picture quality to be subpar compared to competing TVs. By introducing Q8DN with FALD technology at a lower price point, Samsung will be able to challenge Sony’s XE90 and other zone dimming-enabled LCD TVs in Europe.
Q8DN will come bundled with the company’s ‘One Remote’ and have a silver-colored design with a very thin bezel. It will offer access to apps through the Tizen platform. Furthermore, FlatpanelsHD has been able to confirm that it will include a twin tuner for recording as well as 4 HDMI ports.
Samsung Q8DN will start to roll out in Europe in July 2018 as a “QLED” model. Pricing has not been finalized but it will obviously be more affordable than the Q9FN that starts around €2500 / Ł2500 for a 55-inch model. In the US, the price difference between Q9FN and Q8FN (65-inch) is approx. $900.
Update 12.7.2018: Samsung has officially announced Q8DN for Europe and revealed suggested retail prices:
Samsung Q8DN – specifications
| Picture 55, 65 & 75-inch sizes 4K LCD panel with quantum dots Direct Full Array (full array local dimming) Q Engine video processor Q HDR 1500 (1500 nits peak brightness) Ultra Black Elite filter |
| Other One Remote Twin tuner (DVB T2/C/S2) 4 HDMI Tizen 4.0 Ambient Mode 40W audio |
