[Interview] Samsung x The Louvre: Bringing Timeless Masterpieces Straight Into Your Home
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By Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Electronics added a new dimension to cinematic storytelling with The Wall Micro LED display at this year’s world famous Venice Biennale Art Festival.
At the festival, The Wall Micro LED is showcasing director Marco Perego’s latest film Dovecote, starring Zoë Saldaña. Dovecote is a poignant film about a woman’s emotional journey as she leaves the prison and the deep bonds she formed with fellow inmates.
The screenings, scheduled until the close of the festival on November 24, take place in a unique setting at the Vatican’s official pavilion located in the Giudecca women’s prison. This venue adds layers of emotional depth to the film as it is also where the piece was filmed, heightening the themes of freedom, belonging and resilience.
▲ The Giudecca Women’s Prison, the filming location and venue for the screening of Dovecote
Unparalleled Visual Artistry With The Wall
Renowned for its celebration of artistic expression, the Venice Biennale became a stage for technological innovation with Samsung Electronics’ involvement this year. Perego’s Dovecote demanded a display capable of capturing its emotional intricacies, including the strong bonds formed between the inmates and the isolation they endure. The superior color accuracy and contrast of The Wall made it the ideal choice.
The collaboration between Perego and Samsung was a natural fit. Samsung Electronics provided advanced display technology and technical support from installation to execution, ensuring the visual depth intended by the director.
Groundbreaking Micro LED Technology Elevates Visual Art to New Heights
Samsung Electronics’ cutting-edge Micro LED technology was selected to showcase Perego’s Dovecote. The Wall’s 1.2mm pixel pitch IWA model was chosen for its ability to immerse viewers in the film’s delicate visual nuances.
▲ Film director Marco Perego viewing a screening of Dovecote
With Samsung’s The Wall, Perego was able to realize his artistic vision, presenting his film with the superior display needed to convey the precise hues and contrasts achieved during the color grading process. The immersive experience enabled by Samsung’s display technology was key to the film’s success in captivating artists, curators and art enthusiasts worldwide.
“The most important thing after you finish a film is how you show this film,” said Perego, following the premiere on August 17. “Thanks to the collaboration with Samsung, we were capable of really bringing out the right color and the right contrast to achieve the emotional impact I envisioned for the film.”
The Wall’s Micro LED technology delivers deep blacks and amazing contrast, intensifying the emotional weight of each scene while fully immersing viewers in the film’s themes and the performances of Saldaña and the cast.
▲ Samsung Electronics team alongside director Marco Perego and actor Zoë Saldaña
This collaboration stemmed from Samsung’s long-standing relationships with Hollywood industry professionals, including previous work with the Cinema LED Onyx. Originally shot at 23.98 frames per second in cinema color spaces, the teams worked together to seamlessly integrate Dovecote‘s cinematic elements with The Wall’s advanced display technology, pushing the boundaries of traditional screens.
“The Wall’s Micro LED technology resulted in a collaboration that delivered a screening with all of the elements great for the art industry,” said Paul Maloney, Head of Hardware Tech Consulting, Europe Display Office, Samsung Electronics. “For Samsung, it has been an honor to have supported Marco Perego’s film and achieve the artistic vision he had imagined.”
▲ Director Marco Perego with Paul Maloney, Head of Hardware Tech Consulting, Europe Display Office, Samsung Electronics during the Dovecote screening
“We are incredibly proud to contribute to this unique project,” said Ben Holmes, Director of Display Marketing, Europe Display Office, Samsung Electronics. “The Wall’s superior picture quality, coupled with its ability to bring out the minute details and vibrant colors, perfectly aligned with Marco Perego’s vision of creating an immersive experience to draw viewers into the themes of the film.”
Empowering Creators with Cutting-Edge Display Technology
Samsung continues to push the boundaries of display technology with The Wall, empowering creators in film and art. The Wall for Virtual Production (IVC model) is another prime example that enables companies and producers to innovate their productions. The ultra-large LED walls are created for virtual content, which seamlessly integrates real-time visual effects to reduce production time and costs.
Samsung’s The Wall displays have been utilized by artists worldwide to bring their creative visions to life. For example, contemporary Korean art leader, the late Park Seo-Bo, showcased his masterpiece on The Wall All-in-One (IAB model) 146-inch 4K screen at New York’s Rockefeller Center.
▲ Park Seo-Bo’s “Écriture” series, digitally rendered on The Wall’s 146-inch 4K screen, at the “Origin, Emergence, Return” exhibition, Rockefeller Center, New York.
Likewise, Dutch-American audiovisual artist 0010×0010 used The Wall All-in-One during an exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand, to explore the convergence of digital and physical worlds. These are just a few examples of how The Wall is helping to redefine the boundaries of modern art.
Samsung Electronics’ participation at the 60th Venice Biennale is more than just a milestone in its support of the arts; it is a testament to the future of art and technology converging. By continuing to push the limits of display technology, Samsung opens new possibilities for creators across the globe, allowing them to tell their stories with unparalleled visual depth and clarity.
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By Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of its latest innovations in home entertainment, The Premiere 9 and The Premiere 7. These ultra-short throw projectors, designed to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience, transform any living space into a premium home cinema with stunning 4K resolution, immersive audio and other advanced features.
“The Premiere lineup is set to redefine the premium home cinema experience by combining our advanced laser technology with cutting-edge, user-friendly features that offer stunning picture quality and immersive sound,” said Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “As we continue to innovate, we envision a future where our products transform everyday living spaces into immersive entertainment hubs, setting new standards for home entertainment.”
Unmatched Picture and Sound Quality
Samsung’s newest entries in The Premiere lineup meet the growing demand for high-quality entertainment solutions, using cutting-edge laser technology to bring the cinema experience directly to homes. The Premiere 9 features triple laser technology for enhanced color accuracy and brightness, while both models offer ultra-short throw capabilities and vibrant 4K resolution on screens up to 130 inches.1
The Premiere’s vibrant 4K resolution and exceptional color accuracy bring every scene to life. The Premiere 9 and The Premiere 7 projectors provide color gamut coverage of 154% and 100% of the DCI-P3 standard,2 respectively, while both models support HDR10+, ensuring clear and vivid images — even in bright environments. With a maximum brightness of 3,450 ISO lumens3 for The Premiere 9 and 2,500 ISO lumens for The Premiere 7, these projectors both deliver sharp and dynamic visuals.4
To further enhance picture quality, The Premiere projectors are equipped with innovative AI picture enhancements, including AI Upscaling and Vision Booster. AI Upscaling ensures that content is displayed in stunning 4K resolution, regardless of its original quality, while Vision Booster automatically adjusts brightness and contrast in various lighting conditions for optimal picture quality.
The built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos technology in both models provide powerful and immersive audio, creating a true home theater experience without the need for additional sound equipment. The Premiere 9 features 40W 2.2.2 channel up-firing speakers, while The Premiere 7 includes 30W 2.2ch speakers for an expansive dome of sound.
Samsung Tizen OS Home Brings Streaming and Gaming, Along With Broad Connectivity
The new Premiere projectors come with Samsung Tizen OS Home, offering access to a wide range of streaming services, including Samsung TV Plus, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and more. This extensive selection ensures that users can enjoy their favorite movies, TV shows, providing a comprehensive entertainment experience at the click of a button.
For gaming enthusiasts, the Samsung Gaming Hub5 offers a seamless gaming experience. Users can enjoy games without the need for a console, accessing a wide choice of cloud-based games directly through the projector.
For those who want to create a tailor-made interior, Custom Ambient offers personalized home decorations by projecting various widgets onto the living space. Users can combine photos, videos and widgets freely via the SmartThings app on their mobile phones.
Even when not being used as a fully cinematic projector, The Premiere ensures convenience and entertainment for all consumers as a Smart speaker with hands-free voice control and a variety of music applications.
The new Premiere projectors also enhance connectivity, providing a seamless and integrated entertainment experience. Users can effortlessly share content from their smartphones to the big screen with Tap View and Mirroring, while embedded voice assistant support allows easy control of the projector and other connected devices with simple voice commands. Additionally, Samsung’s SmartThings integration enables users to manage smart home devices such as lights, thermostats and security systems from the projector, thereby creating a fully integrated home environment.
A Design Fit for Any Home Environment
The Premiere projectors feature a minimalist, warm white design with rounded edges and a premium fabric finish from Kvadrat, a Danish textile design company that seamlessly blends in with any home decor. The compact size and easy installation make the projectors an ideal fit for any room, maximizing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Setting up any model of The Premiere is simple — users merely need to plug in the projector and connect to a wireless network. Ultra-short throw capabilities eliminate the need for complex installations, allowing users to enjoy large-screen projections with minimal effort.
The new Premiere 9 and Premiere 7 projectors are now available for purchase at Samsung’s official online store and select retail locations in the United States, Canada and China. The rollout will continue in other regions later this year. For more information, please visit Samsung.com.
1 The Premiere 7 provides 4K high resolution on screens up to 120 inches.
2 DCI-P3, known as Digital Cinema Initiatives – Protocol 3, is a color space commonly used in digital cinema and is the color standard for the film industry.
3 ISO lumens is the brightness level based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.
4 The brightness levels for The Premiere 9 (3,450 ISO lumens) and The Premiere 7 (2,500 ISO lumens) reflect approximate increases of 23% and 14% over previous models (2,800 ANSI lumens and 2,200 ISO lumens). Actual performance may vary based on usage conditions.
5 Available games and content may vary by country and model and are subject to change without notice. Certain games require a separate controller. Internet connection and subscription may be required. Requires a Samsung account.
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By Samsung Newsroom
“It’s all about making colors truer to the vision of video game creators”
– Bill Mandel, VP, Samsung Research America
HDR (high dynamic range) technology has been revolutionizing visual quality in movies and TV shows for several years. Now, with Samsung championing HDR10+ GAMING, the same visual transformation is making its way to the video game industry. It’s beneficial for game makers and players alike, and truly makes it possible to get the most visual impact out of gaming’s modern graphics and realism.
Samsung Newsroom sat down with Bill Mandel, Vice President, and Steve Larson, Senior Manager at Digital Media Solutions, Samsung Research America, to discuss HDR10+ GAMING and how the technology is changing the gaming industry.
▲ Steve Larson (left), Senior Manager and Bill Mandel, VP, Digital Media Solutions, Samsung Research America
Gamers and Game Creators Deserve HDR, Too
While HDR dramatically heightened the visual experience for television and film, its application in video games has been limited. Game engines have built-in color management systems that help the connected TV or monitor know what colors to show. However, a lack of communication between screens and game engines requires users to manually calibrate their displays.
“HDR10+ GAMING establishes a direct line of communication between the screen and the game engine”
– Steve Larson, Samsung Research America
In search of a solution, SRA started to develop HDR10+ GAMING. By automatically adjusting HDR settings based on the screen’s capabilities, HDR10+ GAMING unlocks a premium visual experience through accurate color, contrast and brightness.
“HDR10+ GAMING establishes a direct line of communication between the screen and the game engine,” said Larson. “The screen can now understand what the game engine is doing, and the game engine knows what the screen can display. That produces a much better visual output.”
“It’s all about making colors truer to the vision of video game creators,” said Mandel.
Engineering a Simple Solution for the Artists
Game developers were the first to call for new technology that addressed the limitations of HDR.
“The initial need came from game developers themselves who want the games they build to look the best they possibly can,” said Mandel. “They were struggling to get colors to look the way they hoped across monitors.”
▲ Bill Mandel, VP, Digital Media Solutions, Samsung Research America, explains how HDR10+ GAMING was introduced to bring better visual experience to all gamers
“We wanted the specs we published to be simple for game developers to use, without a heavy burden,” said Larson. “Once they integrate our specs into their game engine, they can use it across any game built in that engine. This significantly simplifies adoption across the industry because it doesn’t rely on certain configurations or devices. It’s easy.”
Making It Simple for the Players
With HDR10+ GAMING, gamers no longer need to deal with dials and test patterns to calibrate their monitors.
“HDR10+ GAMING simplifies the process by automatically adjusting settings for games, just like it does for movies,” said Mandel. “This ensures gamers get the best picture quality without any hassle — just turn on the game and go.”
▲ Bill Mandel (top), VP, and Steve Larson, Senior Manager, Digital Media Solutions, Samsung Research America demonstrate how HDR10+ GAMING automatically elevates the gaming experience
Because HDR10+ GAMING works both on TVs and gaming monitors, gamers can now enjoy a consistent visual experience with immersive graphics across platforms without setting anything up. This standard is especially important as today’s gamers expect photorealistic graphics in gaming today.
“When activated, your device automatically identifies that HDR10+ GAMING is an available option in any compatible game and takes advantage of it,” said Larson. “There’s no need to navigate a hidden menu or adjust settings.”
Lowering the Threshold for the Gaming Industry
For game developers, one major advantage of HDR10+ GAMING is that it is free to implement. With the right application programming interface (APIs), they can integrate HDR10+ GAMING into their existing game engines without any specialized training.
“It’s simple. Once developers integrate our specs into their game engine, they can use it across any game built in that engine”
– Steve Larson, Samsung Research America
Putting these standards into action, Samsung partnered with NEXON in September 2023 to launch the world’s first HDR10+ GAMING title, “The First Descendant.”
At Summer Game Fest this past June, the company showcased its latest Odyssey OLED gaming monitors with HDR10+ GAMING capabilities. The combination of HDR10+ GAMING and Samsung’s Odyssey OLED gaming monitors demonstrates how advanced display technology can elevate the gaming experience in video games like “Red Dead Redemption 2.”
Moreover, Samsung has worked with partners such as CD PROJEKT RED on “Cyberpunk 2077” — bringing the game’s fictitious Night City, California, to life like never before. The copy was a great hit, selling over 25,000,000 copies worldwide.
“We designed the system to be incredibly simple to implement,” said Larson. “In fact, CD PROJEKT RED told us that they knew HDR10+ GAMING was something they wanted to use. They were impressed with how fast and easy it was to implement. Their team was actually able to get it up and running in about half a day.”
“This is a free license technology. We’ll see a lot more games and platforms adopting the technology”
– Bill Mandel, VP, Samsung Research America
A Radiant Future Ahead for HDR10+ GAMING
Samsung is looking to expand HDR10+ GAMING to include additional game engines, particularly those that are more niche. The company is already working with major studios and developers to add into their proprietary engines and some of the more widely adopted ones.
“Through collaborations with game companies, we will expand the HDR10+ GAMING ecosystem — ensuring broader adoption and richer gaming experiences,” said Mandel.
This wide network will provide game developers with a versatile and powerful set of tools to create visually stunning games more efficiently.
▲Steve Larson (left), Senior Manager, and Bill Mandel, VP, Digital Media Solutions, Samsung Research America
“As this is a free license technology, we’ll see a lot more games and platforms adopting the technology,” Mandel continued. “For consumers, it means a consistent and immersive gaming experience across a range of devices — with minimal setup and maximum visual impact.”
Mandel and Larson anticipate a notable increase in the number of developers, games and users leveraging HDR10+ GAMING soon.
“Expect big things to come!” said Mandel.
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By Samsung Newsroom
Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic is an award-winning, multidisciplinary artist whose work has been recognized and displayed in prestigious institutions and venues such as The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Art Basel Miami Beach and even the White House. His inspiration stems from a diverse cross-section of cultures — embracing a wide variety of mediums from fashion and film to live art performances and beyond.
His unique artistry exists at the junction where art and technology meet, and he considers the history and evolution of the two as inseparable. He sees technology as a transformative force — one that has expanded and will continue to broaden the art world — opening new opportunities and encouraging artists to reimagine and refine their work. Samsung Newsroom sat down with Aerosyn-Lex to discuss his journey as an artist and how technology has become interwoven into his work.
▲ Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic
Early Encounters With Multicultural Inspirations
Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your artistic journey?
I’ve been a life-long artist and creative. Art and design are core elements of my self-identity. I studied art from an early age and never stopped using creativity as my primary means of communication. I’m thankful that my artwork and designs have been recognized by some of the biggest institutions and brands in the world, and I’m excited for what’s to come!
Q: Your early influences present a fascinating blend of various cultures, including Japanese calligraphy, Latin script, graffiti and Slavic mysticism. How did you encounter and choose to incorporate these distinctive elements into your artwork?
Early on in life, I was exposed to calligraphy through a course I took during a summer vacation. For some reason, the act of writing and all its cultural variations stuck with me. Be it Japanese calligraphy or Western scripts, writing really became a huge influence on all my works. I think there is great power in the written word, and those words can take on any shape.
Q: How do you incorporate diverse cultural perspectives into your art? How does that resonate with audiences across the world?
Growing up as an immigrant in the United States in a culturally diverse area helped shape my identity. I’ve been fortunate to travel the world through my work, and I strive to translate those experiences through my artwork. My goal is to connect with people on a subconscious level, regardless of their background.
Q: What inspires you to keep pushing your artistic boundaries?
I’m thoroughly inspired by evolving technologies and their ability to reach larger scales and audiences globally. Having worked across various global markets and diverse industries, my goal is to share my work with the world, aiming to leave a lasting legacy.
Exploring the Entire Range of Artistic Mediums and Projects
Q: Can you recount a project that pushed you beyond your comfort zone?
I was commissioned to direct my first short film “SCRIPTURA VITAE” many years ago for the BBC and Channel 4 in the U.K. This began as a simple concept, but it turned into one of the most life-changing projects I’ve ever worked on. I had to teach myself filmmaking whilst making the actual film! This single work really set the stage for many of my major projects that followed.
Q: Your extensive portfolio spans across pop culture, fashion, technology and more. What inspires your choice of medium for different projects?
My process varies greatly depending on the project. From designing fashion collections to crafting live art performances for Carnegie Hall, the medium follows the concept. There’s no single approach that works for all those varied applications of creativity.
I look at each project individually and try to figure out the best way to craft a memorable and emotionally moving work or performance. I always begin by thinking of a concept for a piece before attempting to work out the best way to represent that.
Q: You’ve collaborated with cultural icons and brands such as Jeff Koons, Nike and Mr. Children, and your art has been exhibited at renowned venues around the world. How have these experiences shaped you?
Those are definitely some of my “greatest hits” and they certainly have instilled confidence and motivation to push the limits of my work. However, the art industry can be a fickle and fast-changing landscape to navigate. Nothing is guaranteed in the career of an artist — to sustain artistic relevance, one must constantly push forward to redefine oneself.
▲ An interview with Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic
Connecting Artists and Audiences Through The Frame and Samsung Art Store
Q: How has your experience been partnering with Samsung Art Store?
It has been truly amazing. I was thrilled to have so many acquaintances and new supporters reach out and mention that they’d seen my work on the Art Store. It’s such a wonderful platform, and I’m excited to continue crafting and creating work for it!
I truly appreciate brands that understand the value of art and genuinely seek to support artists and their artwork. The art market has seen a seismic shift in the past few years, and I believe it takes large players to come up with innovative ideas for new platforms and ways of interacting with broad audiences. I think Samsung is doing just that in a unique way.
Q: Can you tell us about the technique behind your signature ethereal ink paintings? How do they appear on The Frame?
My work is created in a fully practical, non-digital technique that I developed over years of experimentation. These works began with my film “SCRIPTURA VITAE” and were then exhibited at The MoMA. I love how my work is presented on The Frame — having them live inside people’s homes now is a great feeling. The Frame’s aesthetic and calibration just make everything pop!
Q: Can you recommend three of your favorite pieces available on the Art Store?
The beauty of the Art Store is that you can change the artwork based on your mood. Some of my favorites are below, but check them all out! There will be more coming soon, so please keep an eye out!
▲ CHROMIS IOMELAS MMXXI (2021)
CHROMIS IOMELAS MMXXI (2021) is from my “Living Paintings” series, which embodies the fluidity and movement in my process.
▲ VERSALIS DRIP MMXXII (2022)
VERSALIS DRIP MMXXII (2022) is a playful use of paint as a painting. This work is taken from a newer series of work which was initially created as 60FT (20 meter) Murals for the Wynwood Arts District in Miami, Florida. The concept was to create a dynamic representation of fluid paint but play with the scale of the artwork which would be represented in the context of Trompe L’oeil.
▲ VERSAEL BRUSH MMXXI (2021)
VERSAEL BRUSH MMXXI (2021) introduces meticulous calligraphy which looks incredible in the crisp 4k of The Frame. This piece speaks to my long standing passion from calligraphy and the written word. These large paintings are steeped in multicultural symbology and seek to find beauty in the pattern and rhythm of the calligraphic strokes and lettering used within the artwork.
Pushing the Boundaries of Art With Technology
Q: Your work often blends art with various forms of technology. How do you see this intersection shaping the future of art?
The history of art cannot be separated from the progression of technology. Their stories are intertwined infinitely. As a huge tech nerd, technology is a space that I find endlessly fascinating and inspiring.
We’re certainly moving into a radically new age with the proliferation of artificial intelligence, and I’m excited to participate in pushing creative methods forward with technology. I am truly looking forward to working on projects in this space, and I’m thrilled to combine them with the practices I’ve developed over my career.
Q: Can you give us a sneak peek at some of the projects you are working on?
I’m excited to be working on major projects across various metropolitan cities including Tokyo, New York City, Los Angeles, Riyadh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These projects range from large-scale installations for major hotels to huge digital art installations in completely new city centers.
I’m working on some new projects in the gaming space as well, which I’m thrilled about since I’m an avid gamer. I am also launching my own collection of luxury Japanese whisky, sake, shochu and wine this year with the award-winning Japanese distillery, Nishi Shuzo. Lastly, I’m looking to establish a large art studio in Los Angeles.
I have a lot going on at the moment, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Visit Samsung Art Store in The Frame to see more of Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic’s collection.
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By Samsung Newsroom
Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), has dedicated his career to creating an inclusive environment. In this role, he not only represents the two million blind or partially sighted people in the U.K., but also advocates for the development of inclusive technology around the world.
There are many nuances around technological inclusivity, from widespread misconceptions about disabilities to the unique needs of every individual. Through the partnership between Samsung and RNIB, Robin lends his perspective and expertise to help the two organizations navigate these complexities with the ultimate goal of creating “Screens for All.”
Samsung Newsroom sat down with Robin to shed light on what today’s inclusive technology looks like, discuss his work with Samsung and get his perspective on what the future holds in the world of accessibility.
▲ Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People
Robin Spinks is Head of Inclusive Design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), spearheading efforts in global digital service and product accessibility. Before joining RNIB, Robin spent five years in Africa working collaboratively with NGOs, overseas governments and a leading assistive technology company in the U.K. to create a bespoke affordable screen reading and magnification solution for low resource environments. Now at RNIB for nearly 15 years, he continues to advocate for inclusive technology.
Assessing the Need for Accessible Technology
Spinks and his team work to improve the design and usability of products and services to ensure they are accessible to all individuals, while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to improving usability and accessibility in every aspect of daily life.
▲ Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at RNIB (right) speaks with Richard Moreton, Samsung (left)
Advocating for accessibility across such a diverse portfolio of products and services comes with unique difficulties, Spinks pointed out. “Some people will benefit from magnification, so enabling a zoom functionality on a portion of the screen, for example, will help optimize their viewing experience. Some may need assistance with edge detection or making the edges more discernible so they can follow the action on the screen,” says Spinks.
Today’s technology is more integrated into our daily lives than ever before and there are countless possibilities to innovate around the user experience. Samsung and RNIB have embarked on this partnership together to shape the future of accessible viewing by creating uniquely powerful and accessible features that will innovate the viewing experience for all.
▲ “We’ve worked on everything from showers to bank machines, smart TVs to smartwatches, mobile phones to apps, digital services, eLearning and much more,” said Spinks
Power of Partnership: Samsung and RNIB’s Joint Mission for Better Accessibility
Traditional televisions can present challenges for those living with visual disabilities. Samsung and RNIB, however, have worked collaboratively to address this for nearly a decade, leveraging the power of technology to create a more inclusive viewing experience.
RNIB is heavily involved in testing user accessibility features, leveraging community insights and pain points to drive innovation. Combined with Samsung’s technological prowess and leadership in the television industry, Samsung Smart TVs and screens continue to incorporate groundbreaking improvements in their accessibility features and functions.
Born out of this partnership are some popular features like Relumino Mode.1 Relumino Mode is designed to help improve the viewing experience for those with low vision, making it possible for more people to engage with and enjoy their favorite content. By enhancing specific parts of videos — such as highlighting outlines and improving contrast, color and sharpness — it is easier to discern content on the screen and follow all the actions. This important feature is designed to be powerful and customizable, so that it can work as a solution for all.
The collaborative efforts between Samsung and RNIB are making a real impact, and among the many companies RNIB works with, the partnership with Samsung stands out, according to Spinks. “Samsung is leading the pack when it comes to accessible television, not just here in the U.K. but around the world,” he said. “It’s been a brilliant thing to be part of that story and to continue to see it developing and evolving professionally and personally. It’s been genuinely gratifying to be a part of something so powerful.”
▲ Robin Spinks explores Relumino Mode on a Neo QLED TV
Through the partnership, Samsung’s Smart TVs have earned RNIB’s “Tried and Tested” Certification, which is awarded to products based on their suitability for people who are blind or partially sighted. Not only does this certification help guide consumer purchasing decisions, but it also holds manufacturers accountable to design products with all users in mind.
▲ Samsung’s Relumino mode offers customization of intensity appropriate to various viewing conditions
A Glimpse Into the Future of Accessible Tech
Samsung’s cutting-edge Relumino Mode is transforming home entertainment, making it more inclusive and accessible for all. And in Spinks’ experience, reception to Relumino mode has been positive. So why not expand its reach?
Spinks highlighted that there are two million people in the U.K. today with significant sight loss, and by 2050, that number is expected to double to four million — a considerable number of people who would benefit from an increase in accessible technology. “Think about all the devices that have a digital interface or screen. I think it would be interesting to look at those other devices, and other applications, where Relumino Mode could be useful.”
▲ A blurry vision goggle simulation of what Relumino Mode may look like to people with visual impairment
Spinks suggested that this type of technology should be expanded to a range of products that consumers encounter on a daily basis. Using public kiosks to order food, purchasing a train ticket, signing in digitally at the doctor’s office, and everything in between should be an equitable and accessible experience for all. “Our quest really is to achieve a culture where there are no barriers for people with sight loss when they’re accessing the digital world,” he said.
▲ Samsung Relumino Mode’s technology highlights outline while improving contrast and color for enhanced clarity
As we look to the future of accessible technology, he envisions a “dynamic mix of increased inbuilt mainstream technology” and more specialist support for specific use cases. He sees the need for accessibility to grow alongside operating systems.
When asked what advice he would give to companies or designers looking to develop accessibility features, he said, “Above all, talk to users and listen to their stories. Actively listen and understand the barriers that they’re facing and if you can, use a bit of simulation that enables you to learn and understand that.” He went on to say, “One of the best things about investing in accessibility is that everybody benefits from the fruits of your labors.”
▲ “It’s not just about providing solutions. Make accessibility features interesting,” said Spinks.
At the center of it all is a great user experience for everyone. “That’s the critical element and ultimately, that’s what it will be judged by — how easy and pleasing it is to use,” Spinks adds. “It’s about creating and co-creating thoughtful experiences that people don’t just find easy to use, but want to go back and use time and time again because they enjoy the experience.”
Spinks noted that designers, manufacturers, and engineers alike must adopt a forward-thinking attitude towards improving the user experience, offering a roadmap for the future of inclusive technology. “People talk about technological progress, but from our point of view, it’s only progress if it’s equitable,” he said. “If technology is inherently visual, that’s then exclusive and people with a visual impairment find it harder to participate in to enjoy those technologies.”
Samsung and RNIB understand that, particularly when it comes to televisions as accessibility features are designed to create more equitable and enjoyable experiences for all. “What’s especially impressive about Relumino Mode is it doesn’t visually disturb the picture to the point where non-visually impaired people would dislike watching,” Spinks said. “I can sit down with my family and for the first time actually enjoy watching the TV together.”
The journey toward a completely accessible technological landscape is far from over, but with the combined efforts of committed advocates like Robin Spinks and innovators like Samsung, progress will be made. Samsung and RNIB share the perspective that advancements in accessible technology underline the essential truth: technology should, and must, be for everyone.
To learn more about Samsung’s accessible technology, visit https://www.samsung.com/.
For more information on the Royal National Institute of Blind People, visit https://www.rnib.org.uk/.
1 Relumino Mode targets those who suffer from severe visual acuity loss (Source: WHO, World report on vision, 2019) and symptoms of blurry vision. This feature is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease or medical problem. Any information found, acquired, or accessed through this feature is made available for your convenience and should not be treated as medical advice.
Some features may be supported at a different time, and service availability may not be available at the time of purchase of this product. Relumino Mode is applied for TV models QN80C, QN90C, QN800C, QN900C and works on sources provided through DTV and HDMI only. The Mode does not work on other sources, OTTs, etc.
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