Samsung is launching a new generation of its lifestyle TVs that will be available in more sizes than previously. The Frame 2019 and Serif TV 2019 are now available in the US and Europe.
New lifestyle TVs from Samsung
Serif TV was designed in collaboration with the french designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, and was originally introduced in 2015. The TV is inspired by the Serif font, hence the name.
The Frame saw the light of day in 2017. The TV doubles as a digital photo frame when you are not actively using it. It can be mounted on a wall or a floor stand. Digitalized works of art, including some from Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh and Botticelli, are available from the built-in art store. Cables are connected to the external One Connect box
Both products have been refreshed this year and now exist in more sizes than previously. The Frame spans 43 to 65 inches, while Serif TV is available in 43 to 55 inches. The TVs were announced shortly before CES in January and are now available in the US and in some European countries, says Samsung.
The 2019 editions feature edge-lit 4K LCD panels with a quantum dot film. Samsung now includes them as part of its "QLED" line-up. The Tizen platform has reached version 5.0, which includes support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa via external devices. The TVs also come with Apple's 'TV' app and AirPlay 2.
Samsung likes to categorize as lifestyle TVs and they are priced to match. The same picture technology is available in the cheaper Samsung Q60R but Samsung argues that The Frame 2019 and Serif TV 2019 are designed to cater to consumers who are willing to spend extra money on an elegant TV that fits into a modern living environment.
This is the second generation of Serif TV and the third generation of The Frame. In 2008, Sony tried to commercialize a similar concept with its white EX1 TV that doubled as a picture frame. It did not take off and Sony later out-phased its line of picture frame TVs.
Samsung The Frame 2019 and Serif TV 2019 are available now in the US and in some European countries, with wider availability to follow in the coming weeks. Samsung says that Serif TV, which was previously available almost exclusively from department stores, will arrive at selected electronics retailers this year. Suggested retail prices and dealers are included in the table below.
Samsung 2019 lifestyle TVs – prices & dealers
