Samsung is expanding its Odyssey range of gaming monitors with the unique curved 55-inch Ark that can rotate between vertical and horizontal orientation. It will cost you $3500.
The TV-sized Odyssey Ark has an LCD panel with a miniLED local dimming backlight. Samsung says that the curved, matte monitor is built to deliver cinematic experiences in 4K resolution. It even comes with some of Samsung's TV features such as the Gaming Hub and Game Bar.
Photo: Samsung
- "We’re giving today’s gamers what they want – a cinematic and immersive experience – with new innovations in gaming display technology that only Samsung can deliver," said Harry Patz, Jr., SVP and GM, Samsung's Display Division. "Odyssey Ark is a personal gaming theater that introduces an entirely new way to game across console and PC."
The gaming monitor can be used in both horizontal and vertical (Cockpit Mode) orientation with a tilt, pivot, and height adjustable stand. There are four speakers and two woofers built-in and it supports Dolby Atmos audio. It does not supports Dolby's HDR format Dolby Vision, though.
Photo: Samsung
HDMI 2.1 for 4K, up to 165Hz
You can connect a PC or game console to Odyssey Ark's HDMI 2.1 for up to 4K 165Hz gaming with VRR (AMD FreeSync), or you can use the built-in game streaming apps through the Gaming Hub. These include Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Google Stadia, Utomik and Amazon Luna.
All cables must be connected the external One Connect Box, which is also huge.
Photo: Samsung
As big as a TV
Odyssey Ark is a new type of gaming monitor and Samsung hopes that gamers are ready to pay the high price for the large screen.
In this segment, gamers should also consider TVs including Samsung's own S95B QD-OLED TVs that come with many of the same features, better picture quality, better HDR, and faster response time. Samsung has yet to launch its first QD-OLED gaming monitor but it will be significantly smaller at 34 inches.
In addition, the Odyssey Ark features a Multi-View function that lets users divide the screen into four (horizontal) or three (vertical) segments. However, there are a number of limitations here including lack of support for VRR, Game Mode and cloud gaming.
Samsung's Odyssey Ark is available for pre-order now for $3500 in the US. In Europe, it will cost around 3400 Euro when it launches in late August.
Samsung Odyssey Ark – specifications
External One Connect box for Odyssey Ark. Photo: Samsung
| Model | G97NB |
|---|
| Display | Screen Size | 55” |
| Flat / Curved | 1000R Curved |
| Aspect Ratio | 1970-01-01 16:09:00 |
| Processor | Neural Quantum Processor Ultra |
| Matte Display | Yes |
| Back Light Unit | Quantum Mini LED(Local Dimming) |
| Contrast Ratio Static | 1,000,000 : 1 |
| Resolution | 3,840 x 2,160 |
| Response Time | 1ms (GTG) |
| Refresh Rate | Max 165Hz |
| VRR | FreeSync Premium Pro |
| Samsung Gaming Hub | Yes |
| Gaming Features | Others | Ark Dial, Flex Move Screen, Multi View, Game Bar, Game Mode |
| Auto Source Switch + | Yes |
| General Features | Eye Saver Mode | Yes |
| Flicker Free | Yes |
| Adaptive Picture | Yes |
| Off Timer Plus | Yes |
| Sound Output | 60W |
| Sound | Channel | 2.2.2ch (4 speakers and 2 woofers) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz ~ 20KHz |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.1 (4EA), HDMI-CEC |
| Interface | Lan Port | RJ45 (1EA) |
| Color | Black |
| Stand Type | Height Adjustable Stand (HAS) |
| Design | Tilt | Yes |
| Pivot | Yes (Cockpit Mode) |
| Wall Mount | Yes (200x200, 300x300, 400x400) |
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