Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2023 52 N ow that summer is beckoning, we're reminding our BrandSource members that it's time to start looking into how their stores will support outdoor living – meaning grills, outdoor furniture, and of course, outdoor TV. Samsung is again leading the latter with its Terrace TV line, and while the models remain unchanged from last year, the 75-, 65- and 55-inch models in both full and partial sun offer the same cost and brightness advantages over the competition. They also offer a matching IP55 weather-resistant soundbar, as well as dust covers for the ultimate in backyard entertaining. On another subject, we here at Expert Warehouse (the electronics distribution arm of the AVB BrandSource buying group) get lots of questions about the proliferation of AI in tech products. While it's probably easier to understand their application in, say, ovens that check for doneness, or in self-parking cars, both LG and Samsung have integrated their latest TVs with AI-powered functionality that promises not to hunt for Sarah Connor. Samsung's 2023 Neo QLEDs offer auto HDR remastering that uses AI deep learning technology to analyze and apply real-time high dynamic range effects to each scene. As a reminder, HDR is an algorithm that increases the contrast between the brightest whites and darkest blacks a display can produce. The chipset looks ahead and matches non-HDR content with HDR material and uses AI scripts to find key differences, then upscales the final images in the blink of an AI. (Ouch!) Similarly, LG's 2023 C3 and higher-model OLED TVs feature a mode that can automatically detect and refine certain images to give them more "lifelike" qualities. There's also new audio mode, called AI Sound Pro, that simulates a surround-sound setup using only the built-in stereo TV speakers. There's also the promise in the very near future of audio/ video receivers using AI to help calculate speaker sizes and room setups. On the economic front as we see it affecting CE, the personal consumption expenditures index – an inflation metric closely followed by the Federal Reserve – continued to rise in the first quarter along with mortgage rates, suggesting that the Fed will probably follow through with another increase or three. So yes, we are technically in a recession. However, it is important to note that people are still spending money, and ProSource (BrandSource's affiliated custom integration group) reports that installs are still heavy in many parts of the country. As mentioned earlier, with summer now upon us, we do expect outdoor- living interest to spike, adding an additional revenue opportunity for those with the space and time to capitalize on it. Finally, here's what we're watching and listening to on some of the spectacular video and audio products available through Expert Warehouse: • The Mandalorian, Season 3 (Disney+): The adventures of Mando and Grogu continue! This season explores the redemption of Din Djarin as he tries to make up for the unbelievable crime of removing his mask. • No Control, A Projection: Sweden's highly recommended spiritual successor to the retiring Depeche Mode? Infectious darkwave tones for the soul. • Ghosts Again, Depeche Mode: Their farewell album, Memento Mori, and a supporting tour by these alt rock gods is nigh. • The Last of Us, HBO MAX: The first video game-to-film adap- tation that is not awful. It's a moving, heartfelt series (see Episode 3) that isn't a Walking Dead clone. At least, not yet. Here's hoping the fungus that absorbs human hosts isn't a thing in the future. AI UNLEASHED How deep learning is teaching TVs some new tricks Stephen Paczkowski Consumer Electronic Trends RO Stephen Paczkowski is a product manager at Expert Warehouse, the consumer tech distribution arm of AVB BrandSource, the nation's leading member-owned merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, furniture, bedding, and consumer tech dealers

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