Samsung Electronics America has started shipping its first curved OLED TV, pricing it at US$8,999.99 and making it available through specialty retailers in the U.S.
The curvy panel on the 55-inch KN55S9C is a step away from traditional flat designs, and is also the cheapest curved TV available yet. A similar TV from LG Electronics became available at Best Buy last month for $14,999.99.
The new TV has a feature called MultiView, with the TV able to show two programs at once on the screen. Two people wearing 3D glasses can watch different full high-definition programs on the full screen, or one can watch a 2D program while the other watches a 3D program.
"The innovative MultiView feature is enabled by Samsung's 3D Active glasses, which come with built-in personal speakers providing crisp, full stereo sound. Samsung makes it seamless for viewers to switch between the two sources with the touch of a button, without changing glasses," Samsung said in a statement.
The TV is also based on OLED technology, which is considered more power-efficient than LCD. The technology allows for thinner TV sets. OLED has been under development for more than a decade.
The TV has also has other features like Smart Hub that categorizes and organizes programs under specific panels. Users will also be able to stream movies from the Internet directly to the TV.
Samsung says the new set is the first of its next-generation of TVs that will eventually reach the market.
Agam Shah covers PCs, tablets, servers, chips and semiconductors for IDG News Service. Follow Agam on Twitter at @agamsh. Agam's e-mail address is agam_shah@idg.com