Tech enthusiasts have a strong emphasis in recent years on reducing screen edges. This has given a whole new look to numerous consumer electronics products. We are not only seeing this trend with smartphones, but also with tablets, gaming monitors and TVs. What will this lead to? There is a good chance that we will increasingly see ‘zero bezels’ designs in the future.
Samsung ‘Zero Bezel’ QLED TV and gaming monitor
On October 2, 2019, Samsung Electronics registered a trademark with the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) for the brand name ‘Zero Bezel’. The application was submitted by intermediary Abril Abogados from Madrid, Spain. This company has often acted in the name of Samsung, among other things for a series of Galaxy A-series models.
The application is categorized as Class 9, with the description: ‘televisions; computer screens; LED displays; digital signage display panels’.
The name ‘Zero Bezel’ speaks for itself; no edges. It can be seen from the description that it is not a zero-bezel smartphone. However, we see the trend of thin screen edges in more branches.
The current Samsung QLED TVs are provided with very thin screen edges. Consider, for example, the Q7F 4K Smart QLED TV, where the manufacturer ‘s website speaks of a ‘bezel-less design’. Logically, a Zero Bezel TV will be the next step.
However, the trademark description speaks about several products. The term can, therefore, be used more broadly. The current QLED gaming monitor line-up from Samsung is also equipped with very narrow screen edges. Consider, for example, the 49-inch QLED gaming monitor with a 32:9 ultra widescreen. It is possible that Samsung will eventually also release a Zero Bezel gaming monitor.
Although I wonder if gamers will benefit directly from this. But, gamers like to keep an eye on the corners of the image. A minimal bezel then ensures a better contrast than no bezel at all.
Digital Signage is an industry where ‘Zero Bezel’ certainly offers a solution. In recent years, the screen edges of digital signage panels have been greatly reduced. The UHF-E Series 55 is described as an ‘Extreme Narrow Bezel Videowall Display’. These panels are often used side by side and on top of each other, which would make it a huge profit if Samsung actually managed to release a Zero Bezel Digital Signage panel.
The time will have to show whether Samsung wants to apply this first for its TVs, monitors or digital signage panels. It is clear that the era of ‘bezel-less’ changes into ‘zero bezels’.
It is certainly not inconceivable that the first Samsung zero-bezel of QLED TV will be revealed at CES 2020. The Consumer Electronics Show takes place from 7 – 10 January 2020 and is an annual event where many new television innovations are also shown. It is possible that Samsung will also reveal a rollable TV on CES, just like LG did last year.
