Samsung Electronics is pushing the boundaries of the theatrical experience with the introduction of a new 14-meter standard size for its Onyx cinema LED display. Unveiled at CinemaCon 2026, the expanded lineup is specifically engineered for Premium Large Format (PLF) theaters, aiming to bridge the gap between boutique cinema intimacy and the massive scale of traditional flagship auditoriums.
The move comes as cinema exhibitors increasingly prioritize “differentiated experiences” to draw audiences away from home streaming services. By scaling the Onyx platform—which replaces traditional projection with a self-emissive LED wall—Samsung is providing theater owners with a tool to optimize seating layouts and maximize the immersive potential of their largest spaces.
Hyoung Jae Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics, noted that the goal is to provide something that cannot be replicated in a living room. “That raises the bar for every part of the auditorium, starting with the screen,” Kim said, suggesting that the 14-meter Onyx is designed to aid turn moviegoing into a destination again.
Engineering the Shift: From Projection to LED
For those of us who spent years in software and hardware engineering, the shift from projection to LED is more than just a change in brightness; We see a fundamental change in how light is managed. Traditional projectors rely on a light source hitting a screen, which often results in “gray” blacks and light leakage. The Onyx system, as the world’s first DCI-certified cinema LED display, uses individual LEDs to create a level of contrast and color accuracy that projection simply cannot match.
The new 14-meter model maintains the core technical strengths of the Onyx ICD lineup, including support for 4K resolution at 120Hz. This ensures that high-frame-rate content remains fluid and sharp, even as the screen size increases. To maintain image integrity at this scale, Samsung has implemented a 3.3mm pixel pitch, which is optimized to prevent the “screen door effect” and ensure a consistent image for viewers regardless of where they are seated in the auditorium.
One of the most significant technical advantages of this new format is its flexible scaling support. While the standard size is 14 meters, the system can be expanded up to 20 meters by adding individual LED cabinets to the sides and bottom. This allows exhibitors to create a seamless, floor-to-ceiling visual experience tailored to the specific architecture of their building without compromising the presentation quality.
Technical Specifications of the Onyx LED Platform
| Feature | Specification | Impact on Viewing Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Brightness | Up to 300 nits | Approx. 6x brighter than conventional cinema standards |
| Color Volume | 100% at peak brightness | Rich, accurate colors in high-brightness scenes |
| Contrast Ratio | Infinite | True black levels for deeper immersion in dark scenes |
| Resolution/Rate | 4K at 120Hz | Ultra-smooth motion and exceptional clarity |
| Aspect Ratios | Scope (2.39:1) & Flat (1.85:1) | Versatility for different film formats |
Expanding the Global Footprint: From Morocco to Georgia
The adoption of the Onyx platform is moving beyond experimental phases into wide-scale deployment. In Europe, Pathé has emerged as a primary partner. A recent installation at Pathé Dar Essalam in Rabat, Morocco, serves as a flagship for the region. The complex features four auditoriums utilizing a mix of 10-meter, 5-meter, and scaled 6.4-meter configurations. With 12 Onyx screens in total, Pathé now operates more of these displays than any other cinema company in Europe.
In the United States, the momentum is centered around production hubs. In December 2025, Trilith Cinemas in Fayetteville, Georgia, became the first U.S. Theater to debut the latest generation of Onyx screens across five auditoriums. Given the theater’s location in a high-activity production community, the installation is intended to match the visual detail and creative intent of the professional production process.
Bo Chambliss, President of Georgia Theatre Company, emphasized that the reliability and color accuracy of the system allow the theater to remain true to the filmmaker’s intent. According to Chambliss, the system sets a new standard for image performance while providing a consistently premium experience for guests.
Beyond the Silver Screen: Alternative Content and Versatility
While cinema is the primary focus, the transition to LED opens doors for “alternative content” that projection often struggles to handle. As the Onyx screen does not suffer from the “hotspotting” or dimming associated with projectors, it is uniquely suited for live sports, gaming events, and corporate presentations.
The system’s compatibility with Dolby and GDC media servers ensures that theater managers can switch between a Hollywood blockbuster and a live concert with minimal friction. This versatility is key for exhibitors looking to monetize their screens during off-peak hours or for niche events that require high-impact visuals.
For those attending CinemaCon 2026 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Samsung is showcasing the 14-meter Onyx alongside other innovations, including glasses-free 3D Spatial Signage and a 115-inch digital signage display. The event, running from April 13-16, serves as the industry’s primary gathering for the motion picture theater sector.
As the industry moves toward 2027, the next critical checkpoint will be the rollout of these 14-meter displays in additional PLF auditoriums globally, which will test the scalability of the 20-meter flexible expansion in real-world environments. Further updates on installation partnerships can be found at www.samsung.com.
Do you think LED screens will eventually replace projectors entirely, or is there still a place for the traditional cinematic glow? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
