Samsung ES8000 dual-core TV leads new line of smarter TVs

OLED TVs may have received all the hype before this year's CES in Las Vegas, but Samsung had plenty of other innovations to talk about in relation to its Smart TV range. The new flagship model for 2012 is the Samsung ES8000 LED TV, which comes with a range of exciting new tech.

Most notable is the dual-core processor, the first one we've seen in a TV. There are immediate benefits too, Samsung claimed, with multi-tasking now alowing you to switch back and forth between two apps on the TV - say a streamed movie and sports headlines - without having to quit one app before opening the other.

This TV will be the first, but not the only new one, to have a Full HD resolution for its Smart TV interface. It also comes fitted with an integrated camera, which has uses beyond the usual Skype calls. The new line of TVs will support voice and gesture activated commands, so you won't need to get your greasy hands on the remote when eating and watching TV.

Furthermore the new range of Smart TVs will use the camera for facial recognition. This means it will recognise family members and bring up their profile with personalised app selections, favourite channel lists and recordings. Samsung was bullish about app support for its TVs, saying that the number of apps available will grow by 60% this year and that over 20 million downloads will soon be reached.

It's certainly a strking looking TV too, with the slim bezel we saw on the 8000 series, and a new U-shaped stand replacing the four-way pointed affair. With sizes up to 75in, you can buy a truly massive version of this TV set. That's a screen diagonal bigger than the height of our tallest staff member.

We'll take a closer look at the ES8000 and its siblings on the show floor tomorrow.