Flat Screen TVs Are So 2013, Or Maybe Not

Every time I visit a department store that sells televisions, I always leave thinking what will they come up with next?

In the past few years, we have seen the introduction and mainstream use of connectivity, high-definition, and 3D viewing. What they came up with next is curved screens.

So, why curved screens? According to the official Samsung website, "The curved screen is supported with proprietary technology that creates an accurate picture with exceptional color, without any picture distortion. It has a dramatically improved field of view that creates a panoramic effect and helps the picture feel bigger."

"Samsung has poured millions into research and development for its curved TVs and millions more into marketing under the slogan "The Curve Changes Everything," reports CNET, which specializes in technology gadget news and reviews.

A reviewer for CNET performed testing in the lab for a week. In addition, he agreed to Samsung's request to also use a 65-inch Samsung HU9000 at his home as his family's main TV for a month-and-a-half. Both parties agreed a hands-on evaluation would give the curve a fair chance.

So, what is the verdict?

The certified reviewer said, "the curve lends a unique, futuristic look." But, "Aside from reducing reflections somewhat, the curve provides no benefit to image quality and in fact introduces subtle distortions."

"The Samsung HU9000 has straight-up great picture quality, design and features, but the gratuitous curved screen adds very little to the viewing experience and way too much to the price," according to the reviewer. Currently the 65-inch curve costs $4,300, an extra $1,000 compared to a 65-inch flat screen.

Ironically, Samsung says the curve "increases immersion, but the HU9000 feels no more immersive than any big, flat, excellent-performing TV," said the reviewer. "That's a huge chunk of change for something that changes pretty much nothing."

One of the more interesting features the reviewer describes is a pop-up camera that can be used for Skype and select other apps. Also, Samsung's more expensive 2014 TVs have a feature called Multi-Link Screen where a dedicated button on the remote splits the screen in half.

"Despite these extras and 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels), the HU9000 is not a good value, rather a pricey gimmick," according to the review.