Samsung UN55B8000 55" HDTV LED TV

 
Summary:  This is the new LED back-lit LCD flatscreen HDTV from Samsung.  Light when compared to comparably sized sets because it is very thin. The Series 8  LCDs from Samsung (46” and this 55”) are upgraded from Samsung’s Series 6 and 7 units with its new Auto Motion Plus 240 Hz (see below) which is double what was previously provided.  240 Hz gives a much sharper, crisper video viewing of fast-moving action films and sport events.  The 8000 models come with Samsung's Media 2.0 suite including, Internet@TV, DLNA connectivity, USB 2.0 Movie Multi-Media Center and the Pre-loaded Content Library (2GB Flash Memory); however, my husband and I are using this set primarily for movie and TV viewing at this point. 

This TV gives a 3D effect picture which is absolutely stunning.  It also has excellent wide-angle viewing which is not diminished and that is a real plus.   Product features and specifications follow.  All and all, from a viewer's perspective, this TV gives the viewer an exciting experience.  The one area that is in need of improvement is the multimedia functions--see comments below under "Features."  However, the general review is a thumbs up because of the exemplary picture quality.  [We also own the top-of-the line Pioneer 60-inch Elite Kuru Pro 151FD Plasma set which we also love; however, the Pioneer set is substantially more pricey.  I am going to write a review on the 60" Pioneer Elite Kuro, which is the set we are using for our multimedia home theatre setup.]

The widgets (Yahoo) feature (which is accessible via Internet TV function) is only so-so.  You have to run Samsung’s PC Share to see your PC folders but even then you can only view one folder at a time.  We may have not spent enough time on this function as yet because we have another set in our home set up for multimedia purposes, however.

Also preferable but not found on this set are side cable connections.  This is probably impossible with a set this thin, but having rear (back of set) connections is a hassle if you want to access them obviously.

Interspersed under "Features" below are other personal likes and dislikes concerning some of the features and functions included with this set.

Dimensions (inches)
Without stand:  52 x 1.2 x 31.4
With stand:  52 x 12.1 x 33.9

Weight (lbs.) 
Without stand:  51.1
With stand:  63.9

Features
Set advertised as 55 in (actually 54.6”) – Widescreen
Shiny black bezel frame

LED Backlight Technology (as opposed to traditional fluorescent backlighting)--greatly improves picture contrast and brightness.  It is also more energy-efficient.  The only drawback is that this technology is new and the backlighting appears uneven at the corners.  This is especially noticeable when viewing anything with a dark background.  This will undoubtedly be improved in latter models. For the most part, this doesn’t bother us too much.  It is a little distracting, but the picture is so gorgeous in other respects, this one aspect is not enough to deter me from a good review.   .  

Low Screen Glare :  The screen is not very reflective which is very nice and improves watching enjoyment.

Stunning 3D effect picture.

*Touch of Color™ reflective acrylic bezel (gives reflective acrylic highlights and an extra elegant, modern look to the glossy black frame of this TV)

Ultra clear LCD PANEL (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Full HD 1080p format 
Mega dynamic contrast ratio (5,000,000:1)—offers stunning brightness when used as TV or computer.
 
Technology TFT active matrix
 
Progressive Scan Progressive scanning (line doubling)
 
Pixel Response Time 2 ms (minimizes blurring of fast motion such as sports programs) 
 
Multi-channel Preview Picture-in-picture (PIP)—Allows you to watch simultaneous analog TV broadcast in a separate picture window with picture viewing of different video source from the Component, HDMI or PC input on the main window.  You have the ability to move the PIP window to corner of screen, or change the PIP window size or view two pictures split screen. PIP function will not work while V-chip is in operation.

V-Chip Control (locks out inappropriate programming for children).  Note:  Using V-chip makes the PIP function inoperable.
 
Auto Motion Plus 240Hz advanced technology.  LED edge backlighting for high contrast and natural looking colors—anti-blur technology for clearer motion. Hz rate refers to the refresh rate. The refresh rate refers to the frequency with which the image on the screen is updated or re-drawn; hence 240 Hertz means that the image you are looking at on the HDTV is updated 240 times a second.]  

Noise Reduction
There is a Digital Noise Reduction feature which reduces screen static and ghosting on weak TV signals.  Selections: Low, Medium, High, Auto, or Off.

Menu Language Display:  French, English, Spanish

Color Features and Adjustments

LED backlighting gives deeper reds and greener greens (Samsung uses very white LEDs that produce 105% of the broadcast color gamut), as well as stronger blacks and whites

HDMI Black Level:  There is a black level adjustment on the screen to adjust screen depth when a component is connected.

Blue Only Mode:  Function provides a blue filter effect that can be used to adjust color and tint of colors produced via video equipment (DVD, home theaters, etc.). It removes the red and green signals from the video signal.  Using this function allows you to adjust the video devices’ red/green/blue/cyan/magenta/yellow color bar patterns without having to use a separate blue filter.

Game Mode 
You can play games without using the game mode function; however, by selecting “Game Mode, you can enjoy greater dark tones and sharp images, with very faster image processing times for a very true-to-life experience.  Includes controls that allow you to optimize the picture and sound system to preference. 
 
Built-in 2 GB flash memory library

Gallery:   Built-in images and scenes.  Gallery function allows you to play a high-resolution image slide show with background music, while giving you options on various atmospheres as well. 
Cooking:  Menus and recipes built-in, giving step-by-step instruction. Game:   Entertainment for the whole family.
Children:  Educational and interactive content designed specifically for children.
Wellness:   Stretching and massage exercises. Basic to Advanced.
My Contents:  Copy and store new personal content TV memory using the Content Management screen.
Note:  Some free add’l content material can be found periodically on Samsung.com.  Contents can be downloaded directly into a USB memory device and play it that way (so you don’t have to copy it into the TV’s  built-in flash memory).

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) Certification  
This function allows you to view photos, listen to music and watch videos saved on your PC through its network connection via the Ethernet (LAN) port (rear of set).  The following formats are supported: JPEG, MP3, MP4, AVI, MKV, ASF, 3GPP, PS, TSS.  Your TV has to be connected to your network with PC Share Manger 2.0 software disc  installed on your PC, or you can use the optional Samsung PC Share Manager program which can be downloaded to your PC from the Samsung website.  NOTE:   If you are looking for great multimedia functionality, there are better out there.
The following system requirements are needed to operate DNLA:
--- Windows XP or Windows Vista and free hard disk space of 30MB (minimum needed for program installation.

Screen Size Options:

Screen Fit:   Full image is visualized without any resizing when an HDMI input (720p/1080i/180p), Component (1080i/1080p), or DTV (1080i) signal is used.

Zoom1:  Can use arrows on remove to enlarge picture.

Zoom2:  Vertical enlargement, using arrows on remove

Wide Fit:  Allows you to enlarge picture all-over to fit the screen without changing aspect ratios.

4:3:  Sets picture to 4:30 normal mode, which has pillars on either side of screen.

Note:   This unit offers capability to store your screen size settings for each external device you have connected to an input of the TV.

HDTV Tuner 

Built-in over-the-air HDTV (ATSC) and Digital Cable (QAM) tuners, so you don't need a separate set-top box to receive and decode over-the-air HDTV/SDTV or unencrypted Digital Cable signals (cable service required)

Stereo Reception System MTS
 
MTS Stereo

Secondary Audio Program (SAP)

Video Features

HDTV Ready
1080p Input Video Formats
Parental Channel Lock

Audio System
Stereo Sound Output Mode
Surround Mode
SRS TruSurround HD
Audio Controls Balance, Bass, Treble
Built-in down-firing stereo speakers (15 watts x 2)

Connections—Inputs and Outputs

Total video inputs:  5, including 4 HDMI and one component video input (as to the latter, it is also a composite input for connecting your VCR or camcorder, etc.).   There is a "CEC" control that operates compatible Samsung HDMI-equipped components using the included Samsung remote (allows you, for instance, to control inside cabinet components without using a remote repeater system.  HDMI jacks will accept 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 470p and 480i signals. You can also use HDMI input to connect your PC.

PC input: analog RGB (D-Sub 15-pin)—allows you to use your TV screen as a high resolution computer monitor (no connecting cables are provided however).

RF input for antenna/cable signals

2 USB Ports:  Located on rear panel.  Type A port is used for playing music, picture/video files and firmware updates.  The other Type A port is for Samsung’s Wireless LAN adapter (not included—sold separately) that allows you to have a wireless connection to Samsung's network via the Home Network Center feature (included) which connects select mobile phones to the TV so you can access and view calls and text messages on your TV screen.

Optical digital output (rear panel) will output Dolby Digital (when available) or 2-channel PCM.

Ethernet LAN port--allows you to connect an Ethernet cable from PC to your TV for media playback and some internet Yahoo content/

SOUND Setting Choices:

Standard:  Factory settings.
Movie:  Watching movies in general
Music:  Listening to music, music videos, concerts
Clear Voice:  For shows/movies which are primarily dialogue-based.
Custom:  Adjust the 5-band EQ; 100 Hz, 300 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, and 10 kHz.

Remote Control

Infrared RF/IR Remote Control – illuminated, which is a nice feature in low-light situations.  Remote is designed to only operate this TV (by IR or RF), and Anynet+ connected Samsung components (IR mini remote).  This system can only be used with Anynet+ supported Samsung devices (function is turned on via the menu).  Also comes with a mini IR remote, which has minimal functions on it (power, channel, volume).

RF remote has a handy find-the-missing-remote (my name, not Samsung’s) function, so if the remote is misplaced, you can activate a remote alarm via a button on the front of your set (you have to keep it pushed in for 10 seconds to activate).  The remote alarm will sound for 30 seconds for each time you activate this function.

Note:  Using the Favorite Channel feature, you can create a list of favorite TV channels and then use your remote (FAV-CH button) to bring the list up.
 
Timers:
 
Sleep Timer: The sleep timer switches the television off after a specified amount of time. The sleep timer can be set to 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or 180 minutes.

On/Off Timer:  You can program the TV to turn on and off (timers work independently). 

Manufacturer Warranty
1-year parts and 1 year labor warranty (in- home or pick-up for service)
Samsung has toll-free support also.
Warranty for commercial use is lower (I believe 90 days parts and labor)