Samsung has just begun shipping select models in three of four planned 2009 LED-endowed HDTV ranges, in a bid to “take an ownership position” in that market, said Jonas Tanenbaum, vice president, LCD HDTV marketing.

The 6000, 7000 and 8000 series all use edge-mounted LEDs that side-fire from the TVs’ inner rims, using light-guide plates that then reflect the light forward. The technology, said Tanenbaum, is both less costly to execute than backlit LED technology with local dimming, and permits a chassis depth reduction to just 1.2 inches, even with an integrated jack pack and tuner built into the back.

The sets feature Samsung’s ToC (Touch of Color) bezel design that evolves into different variations as the lines increase in price. Models range in size from a 32-inch SKU (due in May at $1,599.99) to 55 inches and up to $3,999.99. They address consumer picture quality needs through a million-to-one contrast ratio spec and a svelte form factor. The Energy Star-compliant designs, he added, use up to 40 percent less energy than sets with conventional backlit technology. And the sets include models in the 8000 and 7000 series that are interactive via Samsung’s Medi@2.0 suite, which uses the Yahoo! Widget platform.

Refresh rate on the 8000 series is 240Hz, and 120Hz on the 7000 and 6000 models, and users can tweak judder and motion blur settings through an Auto Motion Plus customization feature. Moreover, Samsung is offering an optional $250 proprietary wall-mounting solution that holds a set on a wall with just .6 inch of space between wall and TV.

These sets are to be joined on the market in April by the 850 and 860 series Samsung plasma displays, the latter range being earmarked for specialty distribution.

A fourth LED grouping, the 9000 series in 46- and 65-inch screen sizes, which will use LED backlit technology with local dimming, will arrive in July at retail through limited specialty distribution pipelines including Magnolia and PRO Group dealers, he said.

Also on display was a 52-inch model from a range due in May. The 7 750 series is a group of traditional LCD CCFL TVs in 40-, 46- and 52-inch sizes that will offer a 240Hz refresh rate.

In Blu-ray, Netflix and Pandora streaming capability are featured on several models. The company showcased the HT-BD7200 2.1-channel integrated Blu-ray BD-Live system ($799; June availability); the BD-P1600 BD-Live-ready and wireless-ready player, ($299; available now); the BD-P3600 BD Live Blu-ray player with wireless adapter and 1 GB memory ($399); and the flagship side-slot-loading BD-P4600 ($499; end of March) – at 1.5 inches thick, what the company is calling the world’s thinnest Blu-ray player.

Tanenbaum said the new TV lines were being robustly supported at the dealer level with flyers and ROP (run of paper) advertising, and would benefit by a national freestanding insert in this weekend’s USA Today. Also bolstering the line rollout will be a TV campaign breaking at the end of April “to position the product as ‘what’s new, what’s next.’” He added that the company would explore new marketing tactics that include a “mall showcase” in 12 major markets that will begin in May and run from one to two months. “That sort of exposure,” he said,” creates grassroots buzz for the products.”

Tanenbaum observed that the retail TV business overall had been “somewhat sheltered from the ill effects of the economy as felt in other industries.” He added that was partly due to the lack of total digital TV penetration in U.S. households and partly due to a consumer nesting trend. While he noted a bit of “choppiness” at retail of late, he said the industry, while “not unfazed” by the economy, has been “resistant and resilient.”

He remarked that the effects of Circuit City’s market exit on other retailers’ businesses was “to some extent regionalized. Where Circuit City was a highly concentrated presence, the local retailers have benefited. Six months to a year from now, we should be better able to conclude which channels have benefited the most.”