Samsung's Newsroom previously explored the key drivers of this trend, focusing on the 98-inch Neo QLED 8K in 2023. In this article, we move on to analyze the intricate design process that helped showcase the behemoth of a display in a sleek and elegant form factor, as well as the details considered to bring the immersive viewing (and listening) experience to the frontier.

In pursuit of simplicity with a purpose

The essence of the TV experience is defined as much by what you see as by what you hear. Samsung Electronics has long focused on creating a "bezel-less TV" to deliver a seamless experience that eliminates unnecessary distractions, and continues to adhere to the idea of "simple, yet purposeful." A few years ago, this journey went so far as to minimize the company logo on the front; this year, the 19.9mm bezel-less design of the 98-inch Neo QLED pushed the envelope to represent the culmination of Samsung's design philosophy.

"We focus on the core activities of the TV experience, which is watching and listening to content, and bring value by leaving only the beauty of simplicity", says Jangho Kim, who collaborated on the TV's design.

Design" paves the way for even larger TVs

As screens increase in size, users expect a new viewing experience. The current incarnation of Samsung's TV design philosophy can be summed up as "One Plate Design," to offer a perfectly immersive environment while eliminating potential size concerns at 98 inches.

"We created 'One Plate Design' by adopting a basic and simple design language so that the TVs do not appear intrusive in the space. Being completely flat, you can hang the TV flush to the wall," Kim explains. "The TV is physically slim, but with a purpose: it all adds up to deliver a truly immersive experience".

The stand also follows the minimalist design philosophy, providing a solid base that does not obstruct the user's view. Composed of two metal sheets, the compact stand evokes a clean design while holding the ultra-wide screen steady, without the need to visually flaunt its ability to support a 98-inch display. "We went to great lengths to find the optimal structure and proportion to firmly balance a 98-inch TV without it moving or sagging", Kim explains. "The stand has been developed with a simple yet elegant and stylish design that can integrate naturally with the TV".

The creation of this innovative product is the result of many talented minds from different departments coming together. Kim explained that the expertise of several engineers, including those from the circuitry, mechanical and materials departments, helped greatly in achieving a slim, sleek and simple design.

Incredible details on a larger scale

As the design language of TVs - like that of many other electronic devices - has become simpler, some jokingly say that there's not much left to design. But Kim smiles and says, "That's why details are becoming more and more important".

For example, the 98-inch Neo QLED 2023's stylish One Connect box has been redesigned to blend in even better with users' surroundings. The One Connect box helps users simplify their field of view by allowing them to connect power and various input sources (e.g., cable set-top box, game console, LAN cable) through a dedicated device. Compared to previous models, which required a separate space to place the device, the Neo QLED 8K's new slim One Connect box can be easily clipped onto the back of the TV or stand. Regardless of where you place the TV, whether it's on the wall, on a dedicated stand or other furniture, you can enjoy your viewing experience without being distracted by unsightly cables, wires or external devices.

"We have revamped the new Slim One Connect box to help users create a seamless TV environment in their homes", Kim stated. "Ease of installation and minimal wiring are also part of the TV experience. We kept these aspects in mind and delved into the details when designing the new Slim One Connect box".

Details are also found in the sound system. Speaker holes have been strategically placed on the sides, with woofer units at the rear, both for performance and aesthetic pleasure. "We went to great lengths to maintain the beauty of the product from all angles, including the rear," Kim explains. The large units help lend visual credibility to the sound performance of the set, while making the TV pleasing to the eye from all angles".

These speaker positions, of course, also serve practical purposes. Different directions and alignments of the units help enhance features such as object-tracking sound; exposed woofers can bounce sound off the rear walls and fill the room.

As it continues to capture the attention of users around the world, the 98-inch Samsung Neo QLED 8K 2023 is redefining "immersive" with its sleek design, crisp graphics and superior sound quality. On the front, basically everything except the screen is removed. Details on the sides and back elegantly fill in the rest of the immersive experience. In a constant process of elimination, innovation and refinement, Samsung TV designs continue to thrive to deliver an even more immersive viewing (and listening) experience.

Translated by: A.M