Samsung One Connect box: what TVs actually get it?;

Date:
Mon, 05 Jul 2021 13:34:00 +0000

Description:
Samsungs nifty One Connect box is back for 2021, with some changes. Here's everything we know so far, from inputs and dimensions to which Samsung TVs will be benefiting.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

The Samsung One Connect Box has an almost mythical status among TV owners as a brilliantly useful TV accessory that is nonetheless nowhere near as widespread as youd expect it to be.

The function of the One Connect Box is to funnel cables and wires away from the television itself, outsourcing HDMI inputs, power connections, and the like, and ensuring the mess isnt anywhere near the screen itself.

Whether you place the One Connect Box underneath a wall-mounted screen,
beside it on a counter, or hide it in a savvy manner within a media cabinet, it offers far more flexibility around your personal AV setup and home theater system .

So far, so good. But you cant simply pick up a One Connect Box with any new Samsung TV and its this restriction that makes getting one for your home a bit of a headache.

Thats where we come in. In this guide, youll find a full explanation of the One Connect Boxs capabilities, how things are changing for 2021s Slim One Connect Box model, and what Samsung TVs will come with the useful accessory. Slim One Connect box: what is it?

The first thing you need to know is that theres a new 2021 model called the Slim One Connect Box. Its a slimmer, more compact version of the One Connect Box weve seen over the past few years, with updated connections and a new
form factor along with the ability to attach it to the back of a TV stand .

A blog post from Samsung on its 2021 TV range gives a small nod to the Slim One Connect box, calling it an all-new cable management system that can be attached to the TVs back allows for an easier install and cleaner aesthetic.

Elsewhere, Samsung calls it "A minimalist's dream for reducing clutter," saying that "the Slim One Connect keeps cables from gaming consoles and satellite receivers out of sight with a discreet box that you can tuck behind the TV or place to the side." Slim One Connect Box for Samsung (2021) (Image credit: Samsung) Samsung One Connect Box connections

The specific connections on the One Connect Box will depend on how new or old your Samsung TV is. A 2021 model that comes with the box will have HDMI 2.1 ports, given they now come as standard on QLED TVs, as well as eARC (enhanced audio return channel, for passthrough to a soundbar). There's also 3x USB 2.0 ports, 1x ethernet port, 1x optical output and an RF antenna input.

Older screens, though, wont be so lucky.

The One Connect box usually comes with ports for connecting an IR extender
(IR Out) and external speakers (Audio OUT). There are also ports for antenna (ANT IN), component (AV IN), HDMI (with ARC), Ethernet (LAN), optical, and USB.

The 2019/2020 model came with the below inputs: 1 x Power 1 x Service 1 x Antenna IN 1 x AV IN / Component IN 1 x Digital Audio OUT (Optical) Port 1 x Ethernet Port 4 x HDMI IN (one with ARC) 1 x One Connect Port 2 x USB 2.0
0.5A Ports 1 x USB 2.0 5V HDD Port Samsung One Connect Box dimensions

There have been a few One Connect Box iterations since its inception in 2014, sometimes even coming in an even smaller Mini model for those wanting to make do with fewer inputs.

The 2019/2020 model measures at 390 x 130 x 70mm for 4K TVs , with slightly larger 394 x 177 x 80mm dimensions for 8K TVs .

The 2021 Slim model is set to be smaller than either of these, though. From what imagery weve seen, the new model is definitely slimmer and shorter, with the curved body and smooth sheen of a polished pebble quite different from the rectangular shape and pointed corners of the previous iteration. Slim One Connect Box for Samsung (2021) (Image credit: Stephen Withers) Samsung One Connect Box price: how much does it cost?

This is a difficult question, given that you cant buy the One Connect box as
a standalone accessory. It comes packed in with certain Samsung TV models, upping the RRP for those respective sets.

2020s Q95T , for example, first retailed at $2,999 for a 65-inch size which is $500 (around 350 / AU$650) more than the Q90T , which comes without the box. Thats a big uptick in price, and speaks to the premium nature of the
box.

Its a confusing way of doing things, and not overly consumer friendly, but we can run you through which Samsung TVs come with the box below. You can tell from a brief glance that the amount of support across Samsung's range varies wildly from year to year.

2021 Samsung TVs (Slim One Connect Box) Samsung QN95A Neo QLED (4K) Samsung QN85A Neo QLED (4K) Samsung QN900A Neo QLED (8K) Samsung QN800A Neo QLED (8K)

2020 Samsung TVs (One Connect Box) Samsung Q95T 4K QLED Samsung Q950TS 8K QLED

2019 Samsung TVs (One Connect Box) Samsung Q85R 4K QLED Samsung Q90R 4K QLED Samsung Q900R 8K QLED Samsung The Frame Samsung Serif Samsung QN900 Neo QLED TV (2021) (Image credit: Samsung) Samsung One Connect Box: the future of cabling

Samsung clearly sees something of a future in the One Connect box, even if availability continues to be limited to select sets.

2021 has seen an evolution of the form factor, with a slimmer profile and updated HDMI 2.1 connections, though the accessorys full potential wont be reached until its as easy to pack in with a flatscreen as a compatible soundbar, or additional bezel for Samsung The Frame .

That said, none of the other major TV brands are doing anything quite like
the One Connect box; for now, even Samsungs staggered progress puts it in the lead. New Samsung TV 2021 : every new QLED and MicroLED TV



======================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/news/samsung-one-connect-box/


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)