Source: PRO AV News Service - Samsung Electronics this week introduced its new line of outdoor LCD displays, the DR Series, designed to withstand bright outdoor conditions. The series includes the 460DR, 460DRn, and 460DRn-A, and are currently available for estimated street prices of $3,800, $4,200, and $19,999 respectively.

The DR series was designed for indoor and outdoor installations affected by high ambient light, offering a brightness level of 1,500 nits and a static contrast ratio of 3,500:1. The displays feature Samsung's SPVA LCD panel technology, with 1366x768 resolution and 178/178 degree viewing angles.

"Sunlight always degrades picture quality," said J.H. Kim, president of the Information Technology Division at Samsung Electronics America, in a statement. "These displays now overcome display placement limitations. We have also worked to create different versions with the DR Series to fit the customers' needs."

The 460DR is a stand-alone panel that can be integrated into any cabinet or in-wall installation. The 460DRn is the next step up, providing an embedded PC and offering network connectivity through which the display can be managed, plus content delivery.

The company's all-in-one solution is the 460DRn-A, a floor-standing, weatherproof and dustproof cabinet designed for most outdoor installations. The durable cabinet features its own HVAC and filtration system, enabling it to withstand weather conditions from -22 degrees Fahrenheit to 109 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to 90 percent humidity. The cabinet also features shock-resistant glass and integrated anti-vandalism features including front-facing web camera, shock sensors, and auto-notify. The 460DRn-A also features an embedded PC, integrated touch, and a stereo sound system. The exterior can be customized to meet customer preferences and additional sizes, including a 70-inch will be available soon.

Also new from Samsung is a new line of full HD commercial displays. The FP-2 Series, which includes the 400FP-2, 400FPn-2, 460FP-2, and 460FPn-2 all offer 1920x1080 resolution, commercial connectivity, and commercial-grade panel rated at 16 hours, seven days a week. According to the company, the series measures right below its 24/7 DID panels displays, the DX Series. The FP Series is currently available with starting prices of $1,175 for the 400FP-2 and $1,646 for the 460FP-2.

"Our latest commercial offering… is designed to help customers who have not been able to utilize digital signage in the past because of the cost-of-entry," said Kim. "However, we recognized that a commercial installation deserves a commercial-grade display built to withstand environmental factors that consumer-grade TVs are not designed to handle."