Samsung is due to release a new range of Series 3 through 7 HDTVs at next month's CES expo, kicking off January 8th in Las Vegas, a recent forum entry claims. Apart from updating current offerings, the electronics giant is expected to introduce one new 3-series model, three new 4-series TVs, two new 4-series models and four 6-series sets. A new 7-series model, the 7U, is also due for a debut. The refreshed line-up will have a number of new features, including a support menu with a Flash-based user manual, and tools for diagnosing sound and picture issues such as HD connections and DTV signal quality. People will also be able use the menus to upgrade the firmware of Internet-capable TVs.

Among the more notable changes is support for 1080p movies encoded in the MKV, WMV, VOB, AVI, TS, 3GP, MGP and ASF file formats. An Internet@TV feature will replace InfoLive, and use Yahoo Widgets to integrate Internet content onto the screen while watching TV. The 100Hz Motion Plus-capable sets will have a custom setting with Blur and Judder Reduction, and models in the 7, 8 and 9 series will now be officially DivX Certified, as well as support DivX Video On Demand services. A BD Wisesync feature will optimize HD playback by communicating with Blu-ray dic/HTX players. Connecting devices to the TVs, including external drives, will be made possible through a pair of side-mounted USB 2.0 ports.

Samsung is said to be renaming the Motion Plus Low setting to Clear, while High will be called Smooth. There will also be a new picture mode dubbed Natural, which adjusts a display for minimal eye strain. A Film Mode will sense and process film-format settings and adjust the display accordingly. Apart from nomenclature changes, the new TVs are said to be Optical Link Ready, which should allow for an optical pass-through to sound systems.

Most if not all of the new Samsung HDTVs are expected to go on sale during the first half of 2009, though no specific release or pricing information has been revealed. [via AV Forums]