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If you watch football or read CNET, chances are you've noticed ads for Samsung's so-called LED TVs. The company has released three series of these super-thin LED-based LCDs so far this year, the 6000, the 7000, and the 8000 models, but it's saved the best for last. The fourth series is dubbed UNB8500, but you can remember it best as the king of LCD--for now.
Unlike the other three Samsung models, which use LED elements arranged along the edge of their screens, the company's two 8500 models employ a full array of local dimming LEDs behind the screen, yet maintain an ultraslim profile. As a result, this expensive HDTV handily outperforms its brothers and, yes, every other LCD-based display we've ever tested. It still can't match the best plasma, the legendary and discontinued Pioneer Kuro, and its off-angle picture leaves plenty to be desired, but people who claim the sweet spot in front of a Samsung UNB8500 will be treated to the most impressive flat-panel picture quality of the year.
Series note: We performed a hands-on evaluation of the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8500, but this review also applies to the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8500. The two share identical specs aside from screen size and should have very similar picture quality.
Design
Editors' note: Many of the Design and Features elements are identical between the UNB8500 series and the UNB8000 series we reviewed earlier, so readers of the earlier review may experience some déjà vu when reading the same sections below.
Holiday Tech GuideSamsung UN55B8500
Reviewed by
David Katzmaier
on 10/06/2009
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Review
*
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*
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*
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OVR ANGL SD RMT
Video Screen Shot
See all products in the series See all Samsung products
o CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
Design : 9.0
Features : 7.0
Performance : 9.0
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
o Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 25 reviews
See all user reviews
Write review
* CNET energy rating:
o Power-on wattage: 136.16 Watt
o Stand-by wattage: 0.08 Watt
o Annual cost: 29.39 US Dollars
More about this
* CNET Power SaverOct 09
Price range:
$3,999.00 - $4,299.00
Compare prices:
Abes Of Maine $4,088.18
Amazon.com Marketplace $3,999.00
Home Theater Store $4,299.00
Compare prices from 3 stores
* Quick specs
* Product type: LCD TV
* Screen size: 55 in
* LCD refresh rate: 240Hz
* See full specifications
Add to my list Product summary
The good: Deeper black levels than any HDTV available aside from Pioneer Kuro; solid shadow detail; reduced blooming compared with other local dimming LED-based LCDs; accurate, highly saturated color; excellent video processing with adjustable dejudder; numerous picture adjustments; extensive interactive features including Yahoo widgets; beautiful styling with 1.6-inch deep panel; extremely energy efficient.
The bad: Expensive; poor off-angle viewing; some blooming effects; benefits of 240Hz difficult to discern; glossy screen reflects ambient light.
The bottom line: It costs a mint, but Samsung's local dimming, LED-based UNB8500 series delivers the best picture quality of any LCD we've tested.
Read full review
See all prices
Compare this flat-panel tv to:
* Samsung UN55B8500 Samsung UN55B8500 Starting at $3,999.00
* Samsung PN50B860 Samsung PN50B860 Starting at $1,509.00
o Editor's rating: 4.0 out of 5
* Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800 Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800 Starting at $2,439.00
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* Samsung PN50B650 Samsung PN50B650 Starting at $1,399.98
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* LG 47LH90 LG 47LH90 Starting at $1,399.00
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* Compare selected
CNET editors' review
* CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
Design : 9.0
Features : 7.0
Performance : 9.0
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
* Reviewed by:
David Katzmaier
* Reviewed on: 10/06/2009
* Updated on: 03/04/2010
* Released on: 10/01/2009
Photo gallery: Samsung UNB8500 series
Photo gallery:
Samsung UNB8500 series
Editors' note (March 4, 2010): The rating on this product has been lowered because of changes in the competitive marketplace, including the release of 2010 models. The review has not otherwise been modified. Click here for more information.
If you watch football or read CNET, chances are you've noticed ads for Samsung's so-called LED TVs. The company has released three series of these super-thin LED-based LCDs so far this year, the 6000, the 7000, and the 8000 models, but it's saved the best for last. The fourth series is dubbed UNB8500, but you can remember it best as the king of LCD--for now.
Unlike the other three Samsung models, which use LED elements arranged along the edge of their screens, the company's two 8500 models employ a full array of local dimming LEDs behind the screen, yet maintain an ultraslim profile. As a result, this expensive HDTV handily outperforms its brothers and, yes, every other LCD-based display we've ever tested. It still can't match the best plasma, the legendary and discontinued Pioneer Kuro, and its off-angle picture leaves plenty to be desired, but people who claim the sweet spot in front of a Samsung UNB8500 will be treated to the most impressive flat-panel picture quality of the year.
Series note: We performed a hands-on evaluation of the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8500, but this review also applies to the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8500. The two share identical specs aside from screen size and should have very similar picture quality.
Design
Editors' note: Many of the Design and Features elements are identical between the UNB8500 series and the UNB8000 series we reviewed earlier, so readers of the earlier review may experience some déjà vu when reading the same sections below.
Samsung UNB8500 series
Thicker than its 1.2-inch edge-lit brothers, the UNB8500 still slices through your living room at 1.6 inches thick.
The 8500 series is a sliver when seen from the side, coming in at 1.6 inches deep at its thickest point and tapering even thinner toward the edges of the panel. Samsung offers a special thin wall mount, and if you decide to keep the TV on its stand, the panel will still look pretty impressive from edge-on. From the front the set is no slouch, either. Unlike the red-tinted members Samsung's edge-lit LED line, the frame of the 8500 is basic black accented by a transparent border, which lends the whole TV a jewel-like appearance. A subtle blue power indicator, which can be disabled, provides the only touch of color on this Samsung TV.
The stand has a brushed metal surface and a transparent, swivel-topped stalk to keep the thin panel gracefully suspended above its surface and allow viewers to aim the TV toward different areas of the room--a good idea since you definitely want to remain as close to dead-center of the screen as possible.
Holiday Tech GuideSamsung UN55B8500
Reviewed by
David Katzmaier
on 10/06/2009
*
Review
*
User reviews
*
Specifications
*
Compare
*
Shop
* Add to my list
* Print
* E-mail
* Share
* Yahoo! Buzz
OVR ANGL SD RMT
Video Screen Shot
See all products in the series See all Samsung products
o CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
Design : 9.0
Features : 7.0
Performance : 9.0
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
o Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 25 reviews
See all user reviews
Write review
* CNET energy rating:
o Power-on wattage: 136.16 Watt
o Stand-by wattage: 0.08 Watt
o Annual cost: 29.39 US Dollars
More about this
* CNET Power SaverOct 09
Price range:
$3,999.00 - $4,299.00
Compare prices:
Abes Of Maine $4,088.18
Amazon.com Marketplace $3,999.00
Home Theater Store $4,299.00
Compare prices from 3 stores
* Quick specs
* Product type: LCD TV
* Screen size: 55 in
* LCD refresh rate: 240Hz
* See full specifications
Add to my list Product summary
The good: Deeper black levels than any HDTV available aside from Pioneer Kuro; solid shadow detail; reduced blooming compared with other local dimming LED-based LCDs; accurate, highly saturated color; excellent video processing with adjustable dejudder; numerous picture adjustments; extensive interactive features including Yahoo widgets; beautiful styling with 1.6-inch deep panel; extremely energy efficient.
The bad: Expensive; poor off-angle viewing; some blooming effects; benefits of 240Hz difficult to discern; glossy screen reflects ambient light.
The bottom line: It costs a mint, but Samsung's local dimming, LED-based UNB8500 series delivers the best picture quality of any LCD we've tested.
Read full review
See all prices
Compare this flat-panel tv to:
* Samsung UN55B8500 Samsung UN55B8500 Starting at $3,999.00
* Samsung PN50B860 Samsung PN50B860 Starting at $1,509.00
o Editor's rating: 4.0 out of 5
* Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800 Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800 Starting at $2,439.00
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* Samsung PN50B650 Samsung PN50B650 Starting at $1,399.98
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* LG 47LH90 LG 47LH90 Starting at $1,399.00
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* Compare selected
CNET editors' review
* CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
Design : 9.0
Features : 7.0
Performance : 9.0
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
* Reviewed by:
David Katzmaier
* Reviewed on: 10/06/2009
* Updated on: 03/04/2010
* Released on: 10/01/2009
Photo gallery: Samsung UNB8500 series
Photo gallery:
Samsung UNB8500 series
Editors' note (March 4, 2010): The rating on this product has been lowered because of changes in the competitive marketplace, including the release of 2010 models. The review has not otherwise been modified. Click here for more information.
If you watch football or read CNET, chances are you've noticed ads for Samsung's so-called LED TVs. The company has released three series of these super-thin LED-based LCDs so far this year, the 6000, the 7000, and the 8000 models, but it's saved the best for last. The fourth series is dubbed UNB8500, but you can remember it best as the king of LCD--for now.
Unlike the other three Samsung models, which use LED elements arranged along the edge of their screens, the company's two 8500 models employ a full array of local dimming LEDs behind the screen, yet maintain an ultraslim profile. As a result, this expensive HDTV handily outperforms its brothers and, yes, every other LCD-based display we've ever tested. It still can't match the best plasma, the legendary and discontinued Pioneer Kuro, and its off-angle picture leaves plenty to be desired, but people who claim the sweet spot in front of a Samsung UNB8500 will be treated to the most impressive flat-panel picture quality of the year.
Series note: We performed a hands-on evaluation of the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8500, but this review also applies to the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8500. The two share identical specs aside from screen size and should have very similar picture quality.
Design
Editors' note: Many of the Design and Features elements are identical between the UNB8500 series and the UNB8000 series we reviewed earlier, so readers of the earlier review may experience some déjà vu when reading the same sections below.
Samsung UNB8500 series
Thicker than its 1.2-inch edge-lit brothers, the UNB8500 still slices through your living room at 1.6 inches thick.
The 8500 series is a sliver when seen from the side, coming in at 1.6 inches deep at its thickest point and tapering even thinner toward the edges of the panel. Samsung offers a special thin wall mount, and if you decide to keep the TV on its stand, the panel will still look pretty impressive from edge-on. From the front the set is no slouch, either. Unlike the red-tinted members Samsung's edge-lit LED line, the frame of the 8500 is basic black accented by a transparent border, which lends the whole TV a jewel-like appearance. A subtle blue power indicator, which can be disabled, provides the only touch of color on this Samsung TV.
The stand has a brushed metal surface and a transparent, swivel-topped stalk to keep the thin panel gracefully suspended above its surface and allow viewers to aim the TV toward different areas of the room--a good idea since you definitely want to remain as close to dead-center of the screen as possible.
Samsung UNB8500 series
A brushed metal base and transparent stalk further enhance the UNB8500's style.
Aside from the obvious thinness, the LEDs allow a couple other design bonuses. The UNB8500 runs a lot cooler than other LCD and especially plasma displays, and the panel itself also weighs less.
Samsung used the same menu system as last year and we still think it's one of the best. Big, highly legible text is set against transparent blue backgrounds that occupy almost the whole screen. Getting around is easy, there's helpful explanatory text along the bottom of the menus, and we liked the context-sensitive menu that provided more options depending on your current activity.
There's a different twist to the 8500's remote compared with step-down Samsung models. The included clicker features RF capability, allowing it to work without you having to aim it at the TV, or even be in the same room. RF worked great in our testing once we had "paired" the remote with the TV (a simple first step), and we really appreciated the convenience.
Unlike the other three Samsung models, which use LED elements arranged along the edge of their screens, the company's two 8500 models employ a full array of local dimming LEDs behind the screen, yet maintain an ultraslim profile. As a result, this expensive HDTV handily outperforms its brothers and, yes, every other LCD-based display we've ever tested. It still can't match the best plasma, the legendary and discontinued Pioneer Kuro, and its off-angle picture leaves plenty to be desired, but people who claim the sweet spot in front of a Samsung UNB8500 will be treated to the most impressive flat-panel picture quality of the year.
Series note: We performed a hands-on evaluation of the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8500, but this review also applies to the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8500. The two share identical specs aside from screen size and should have very similar picture quality.
Design
Editors' note: Many of the Design and Features elements are identical between the UNB8500 series and the UNB8000 series we reviewed earlier, so readers of the earlier review may experience some déjà vu when reading the same sections below.
Holiday Tech GuideSamsung UN55B8500
Reviewed by
David Katzmaier
on 10/06/2009
*
Review
*
User reviews
*
Specifications
*
Compare
*
Shop
* Add to my list
* Share
* Yahoo! Buzz
OVR ANGL SD RMT
Video Screen Shot
See all products in the series See all Samsung products
o CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
Design : 9.0
Features : 7.0
Performance : 9.0
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
o Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 25 reviews
See all user reviews
Write review
* CNET energy rating:
o Power-on wattage: 136.16 Watt
o Stand-by wattage: 0.08 Watt
o Annual cost: 29.39 US Dollars
More about this
* CNET Power SaverOct 09
Price range:
$3,999.00 - $4,299.00
Compare prices:
Abes Of Maine $4,088.18
Amazon.com Marketplace $3,999.00
Home Theater Store $4,299.00
Compare prices from 3 stores
* Quick specs
* Product type: LCD TV
* Screen size: 55 in
* LCD refresh rate: 240Hz
* See full specifications
Add to my list Product summary
The good: Deeper black levels than any HDTV available aside from Pioneer Kuro; solid shadow detail; reduced blooming compared with other local dimming LED-based LCDs; accurate, highly saturated color; excellent video processing with adjustable dejudder; numerous picture adjustments; extensive interactive features including Yahoo widgets; beautiful styling with 1.6-inch deep panel; extremely energy efficient.
The bad: Expensive; poor off-angle viewing; some blooming effects; benefits of 240Hz difficult to discern; glossy screen reflects ambient light.
The bottom line: It costs a mint, but Samsung's local dimming, LED-based UNB8500 series delivers the best picture quality of any LCD we've tested.
Read full review
See all prices
Compare this flat-panel tv to:
* Samsung UN55B8500 Samsung UN55B8500 Starting at $3,999.00
* Samsung PN50B860 Samsung PN50B860 Starting at $1,509.00
o Editor's rating: 4.0 out of 5
* Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800 Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800 Starting at $2,439.00
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* Samsung PN50B650 Samsung PN50B650 Starting at $1,399.98
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* LG 47LH90 LG 47LH90 Starting at $1,399.00
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* Compare selected
CNET editors' review
* CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
Design : 9.0
Features : 7.0
Performance : 9.0
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
* Reviewed by:
David Katzmaier
* Reviewed on: 10/06/2009
* Updated on: 03/04/2010
* Released on: 10/01/2009
Photo gallery: Samsung UNB8500 series
Photo gallery:
Samsung UNB8500 series
Editors' note (March 4, 2010): The rating on this product has been lowered because of changes in the competitive marketplace, including the release of 2010 models. The review has not otherwise been modified. Click here for more information.
If you watch football or read CNET, chances are you've noticed ads for Samsung's so-called LED TVs. The company has released three series of these super-thin LED-based LCDs so far this year, the 6000, the 7000, and the 8000 models, but it's saved the best for last. The fourth series is dubbed UNB8500, but you can remember it best as the king of LCD--for now.
Unlike the other three Samsung models, which use LED elements arranged along the edge of their screens, the company's two 8500 models employ a full array of local dimming LEDs behind the screen, yet maintain an ultraslim profile. As a result, this expensive HDTV handily outperforms its brothers and, yes, every other LCD-based display we've ever tested. It still can't match the best plasma, the legendary and discontinued Pioneer Kuro, and its off-angle picture leaves plenty to be desired, but people who claim the sweet spot in front of a Samsung UNB8500 will be treated to the most impressive flat-panel picture quality of the year.
Series note: We performed a hands-on evaluation of the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8500, but this review also applies to the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8500. The two share identical specs aside from screen size and should have very similar picture quality.
Design
Editors' note: Many of the Design and Features elements are identical between the UNB8500 series and the UNB8000 series we reviewed earlier, so readers of the earlier review may experience some déjà vu when reading the same sections below.
Samsung UNB8500 series
Thicker than its 1.2-inch edge-lit brothers, the UNB8500 still slices through your living room at 1.6 inches thick.
The 8500 series is a sliver when seen from the side, coming in at 1.6 inches deep at its thickest point and tapering even thinner toward the edges of the panel. Samsung offers a special thin wall mount, and if you decide to keep the TV on its stand, the panel will still look pretty impressive from edge-on. From the front the set is no slouch, either. Unlike the red-tinted members Samsung's edge-lit LED line, the frame of the 8500 is basic black accented by a transparent border, which lends the whole TV a jewel-like appearance. A subtle blue power indicator, which can be disabled, provides the only touch of color on this Samsung TV.
The stand has a brushed metal surface and a transparent, swivel-topped stalk to keep the thin panel gracefully suspended above its surface and allow viewers to aim the TV toward different areas of the room--a good idea since you definitely want to remain as close to dead-center of the screen as possible.
Holiday Tech GuideSamsung UN55B8500
Reviewed by
David Katzmaier
on 10/06/2009
*
Review
*
User reviews
*
Specifications
*
Compare
*
Shop
* Add to my list
* Share
* Yahoo! Buzz
OVR ANGL SD RMT
Video Screen Shot
See all products in the series See all Samsung products
o CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
Design : 9.0
Features : 7.0
Performance : 9.0
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
o Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 25 reviews
See all user reviews
Write review
* CNET energy rating:
o Power-on wattage: 136.16 Watt
o Stand-by wattage: 0.08 Watt
o Annual cost: 29.39 US Dollars
More about this
* CNET Power SaverOct 09
Price range:
$3,999.00 - $4,299.00
Compare prices:
Abes Of Maine $4,088.18
Amazon.com Marketplace $3,999.00
Home Theater Store $4,299.00
Compare prices from 3 stores
* Quick specs
* Product type: LCD TV
* Screen size: 55 in
* LCD refresh rate: 240Hz
* See full specifications
Add to my list Product summary
The good: Deeper black levels than any HDTV available aside from Pioneer Kuro; solid shadow detail; reduced blooming compared with other local dimming LED-based LCDs; accurate, highly saturated color; excellent video processing with adjustable dejudder; numerous picture adjustments; extensive interactive features including Yahoo widgets; beautiful styling with 1.6-inch deep panel; extremely energy efficient.
The bad: Expensive; poor off-angle viewing; some blooming effects; benefits of 240Hz difficult to discern; glossy screen reflects ambient light.
The bottom line: It costs a mint, but Samsung's local dimming, LED-based UNB8500 series delivers the best picture quality of any LCD we've tested.
Read full review
See all prices
Compare this flat-panel tv to:
* Samsung UN55B8500 Samsung UN55B8500 Starting at $3,999.00
* Samsung PN50B860 Samsung PN50B860 Starting at $1,509.00
o Editor's rating: 4.0 out of 5
* Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800 Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800 Starting at $2,439.00
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* Samsung PN50B650 Samsung PN50B650 Starting at $1,399.98
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* LG 47LH90 LG 47LH90 Starting at $1,399.00
o Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5
* Compare selected
CNET editors' review
* CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
Design : 9.0
Features : 7.0
Performance : 9.0
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
* Reviewed by:
David Katzmaier
* Reviewed on: 10/06/2009
* Updated on: 03/04/2010
* Released on: 10/01/2009
Photo gallery: Samsung UNB8500 series
Photo gallery:
Samsung UNB8500 series
Editors' note (March 4, 2010): The rating on this product has been lowered because of changes in the competitive marketplace, including the release of 2010 models. The review has not otherwise been modified. Click here for more information.
If you watch football or read CNET, chances are you've noticed ads for Samsung's so-called LED TVs. The company has released three series of these super-thin LED-based LCDs so far this year, the 6000, the 7000, and the 8000 models, but it's saved the best for last. The fourth series is dubbed UNB8500, but you can remember it best as the king of LCD--for now.
Unlike the other three Samsung models, which use LED elements arranged along the edge of their screens, the company's two 8500 models employ a full array of local dimming LEDs behind the screen, yet maintain an ultraslim profile. As a result, this expensive HDTV handily outperforms its brothers and, yes, every other LCD-based display we've ever tested. It still can't match the best plasma, the legendary and discontinued Pioneer Kuro, and its off-angle picture leaves plenty to be desired, but people who claim the sweet spot in front of a Samsung UNB8500 will be treated to the most impressive flat-panel picture quality of the year.
Series note: We performed a hands-on evaluation of the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8500, but this review also applies to the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8500. The two share identical specs aside from screen size and should have very similar picture quality.
Design
Editors' note: Many of the Design and Features elements are identical between the UNB8500 series and the UNB8000 series we reviewed earlier, so readers of the earlier review may experience some déjà vu when reading the same sections below.
Samsung UNB8500 series
Thicker than its 1.2-inch edge-lit brothers, the UNB8500 still slices through your living room at 1.6 inches thick.
The 8500 series is a sliver when seen from the side, coming in at 1.6 inches deep at its thickest point and tapering even thinner toward the edges of the panel. Samsung offers a special thin wall mount, and if you decide to keep the TV on its stand, the panel will still look pretty impressive from edge-on. From the front the set is no slouch, either. Unlike the red-tinted members Samsung's edge-lit LED line, the frame of the 8500 is basic black accented by a transparent border, which lends the whole TV a jewel-like appearance. A subtle blue power indicator, which can be disabled, provides the only touch of color on this Samsung TV.
The stand has a brushed metal surface and a transparent, swivel-topped stalk to keep the thin panel gracefully suspended above its surface and allow viewers to aim the TV toward different areas of the room--a good idea since you definitely want to remain as close to dead-center of the screen as possible.
Samsung UNB8500 series
A brushed metal base and transparent stalk further enhance the UNB8500's style.
Aside from the obvious thinness, the LEDs allow a couple other design bonuses. The UNB8500 runs a lot cooler than other LCD and especially plasma displays, and the panel itself also weighs less.
Samsung used the same menu system as last year and we still think it's one of the best. Big, highly legible text is set against transparent blue backgrounds that occupy almost the whole screen. Getting around is easy, there's helpful explanatory text along the bottom of the menus, and we liked the context-sensitive menu that provided more options depending on your current activity.
There's a different twist to the 8500's remote compared with step-down Samsung models. The included clicker features RF capability, allowing it to work without you having to aim it at the TV, or even be in the same room. RF worked great in our testing once we had "paired" the remote with the TV (a simple first step), and we really appreciated the convenience.