The largest CES crowd we saw so far, generating an audible buzz, was dogpiling into the huge Samsung section. What we saw there was astonishing, in a way that the photos probably don't accurately convey: There appeared to be floating windows looking into a different, better-looking-than-reality world.

They weren't windows of course, but high-def TVs. The crispness of the picture and the thinness of the border lent them their jarring effect. A team of designers clearly slaved over these things—getting up close, you only expect craftsmanship like this from Apple—and their manufacturing must be conducted by magic elves. The TVs "small" enough to be mounted on tables (I put small in quotes because these things were freaking huge) had beautiful polished metal legs and seemed just an inch or two thick when viewed from the side.

Then there were the huge TVs, the ones that looked like you could climb into the picture. They seemed impossibly thin from the side despite their man-sized scale, perhaps several inches deep.

I was surprised that even the Samsung employees seemed in the dark about them; they could only say that one was 85 inches and the other was 110 inches, but there were no model names, price points, release dates, technical specs or press materials available. (Later, we were surprised to find this is far from uncommon among manufacturers at CES.)

All they had in the way of information was a pane of glass near the display inscribed with this poetic description:

Inspired by the ethereal perfection of nature and drawing on decades of product refinement, the latest lineup of Samsung TVs represent a new era in minimalism. In a breathtaking fusion of advanced technology and superior design, the TV can seem like a single pane of glass floating weightlessly. Large crystal clear screens, smooth natural curves, a slender body and unique stand represent never seen before developments in TV design. Superslim bezels and a modernized logo are also special features. Composed of the finest materials in the purest form and echoing artisanal influence, Samsung TVs appear flawless in any space, from any angle. Materializing with state of the art precision and delicate strength, the newest premium TVs embody natural elegance and refined luxury.... A strict ethos of Samsung craftsmanship is infused in each TV to distinguish from the typical and offer an entirely fresh and engaging viewing experience.