Samsung has launched its latest offering in the television market with the introduction of the Samsung DU9000 Crystal UHD 4K TV. This 98-inch behemoth comes with a price tag of $3,999.99, making it a notable addition to Samsung's lineup, especially in terms of affordability for its size. The company aims to compete with its rivals TCL and Hisense, who have also ventured into the realm of large-format TVs at similar price points.

The Samsung DU9000 marks a departure from the company's previous pricing strategy for large-sized TVs. Traditionally, Samsung's 98-inch models have started at around $8,000, but with the DU9000, the company is targeting a more accessible price point. This move aligns with the trend in the industry towards larger screens becoming more affordable, as evidenced by TCL and Hisense's recent offerings.

“Just a few years ago, 65-inch TVs were considered ‘big,’” said Samsung Electronics America Senior Vice President of Home Entertainment James Fishler. “Today, people want even bigger screens. In fact, the number of 98-inch TVs sold across the industry has grown nearly 15 times since last year.”

One of the key features of the DU9000 is its Supersize Picture Enhancer technology, which addresses the challenge of maintaining picture quality on larger screens. As the size of TVs increases, so does the potential for pixel distortion and decreased sharpness. Samsung claims that its Supersize Picture Enhancer mitigates these issues, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience even on a screen as large as 98 inches.

The DU9000 supports HDR10 and HLG HDR formats, along with 4K upscaling to enhance the viewing of non-4K content. The TV is also geared towards gamers, boasting features like Motion Xcelerator, up to a 120Hz refresh rate, and a built-in Game Bar for quick access to gaming settings. Additionally, the inclusion of AI Auto Game Mode and Mini Map Auto Detection enhances the gaming experience further.

In terms of connectivity and smart functionality, the Samsung DU9000 comes equipped with the Tizen smart TV interface, providing seamless access to a variety of streaming services and smart home integration.

However, it's important to note that the DU9000 is part of Samsung's Crystal TV lineup, which means it does not feature quantum dot technology or full array local dimming backlight found in higher-end models. While this may impact aspects such as peak brightness and black uniformity, the DU9000 still offers a compelling package, particularly for gamers looking for a large-screen experience.

Comparisons with competitors like TCL and Hisense are inevitable, especially considering their offerings in the 98-inch segment. Both TCL and Hisense have introduced affordable 98-inch models, with aggressive pricing strategies aimed at capturing market share. 

While the Samsung DU9000 may not offer the same level of performance as Samsung's premium QLED and Neo QLED models, its combination of size, features, and affordability makes it a compelling option for consumers in the market for a large-screen 4K TV. The Samsung DU9000 is available for purchase now at the company’s official website.