Samsung 81 Series LCD HDTVs Blacker than Black

"It is so black ... light just falls into it." So says Ford Prefect in The Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but he might be talking about Samsung's new line of LCD HDTVs, if their specs are to be believed.

Due out in August, the 81 Series feature a dynamic contrast ratio of 100,000:1. Samsung accomplishes this astonishing rating by using its local dimming technology to turn off the backlighting LEDs in the darker areas of the image. (The added bonus is that it cuts down on power consumption. So suddenly Battlestar Galactica is a greener TV show than What Not to Wear.)

The 81 Series will range from a $2,999 40-inch model to a $6,999 57-incher.