Samsung's Curved 4K HDTV Launch Overshadowed by Michael Bay Explosion

Samsung’s impressive 105 inch u9000 series TV set, with near 4K quality ultra-high definition, has generated headlines worldwide, but not for the reasons the electronics giant was hoping for. The merits of the TV set itself have only been mentioned in passing, with most reporting on the spectacular temper tantrum thrown by film director Michael Bay, who was brought onstage at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas to endorse the new range.

Bay, famous for big budget, effects loaded films like Transformers and Pearl Harbour, skipped his cues on the teleprompter provided, leaving those controlling the feed at a loss. Their efforts to get the script back on track failed, something that saw Bay storm off the stage – see video here.

A short while after the event, Bay took to the internet offering a full apology and taking all the blame for his outburst. He also commented that it showed his place was behind cameras, not in front of them.

As for the set the director was supposed to be endorsing, it’s fair to say that Samsung have created a lot of enthusiasm for the TV at the CES. The 11 million pixels and 21×9 screen ratio size – the closest yet to meet a theatrical cinema screen dimension – has impressed all that have seen it, although there has been some criticism of the curved screen.

Some who have tested it suggest you need to sit at a very specific angle to see the picture on the curved screen properly, saying that it is not as enjoyable as the current range of high-end, flat screen HD TV sets.

If this criticism proves to be correct, electronics companies could find themselves with a hard selling job. LG are also believed to have a curved TV set ready to launch too. After just over a decade of persuading consumers that flat screen sets were the way to go there was always the likelihood of it being challenging to convince everyone to upgrade again. If this new curved range of TV sets isn’t as user or viewing friendly, sales and demand forecasts may come under a fast review.