52" HD LCD TV Resolution 1980 X 1366
Reviewer: Robert Wiley with Jack Burden

INTRODUCTION

The Samsung LN52A750 is a current Fall/Winter 2008 LCD TV model which includes non-detachable hidden speakers, 3 HDMI inputs and a 15 pin computer input. The appearance is a black transparent gloss finish with scarlett Touch of Color around the bezel frame. This LCD is next to the top of the lineup for Samsungs current model offerings second only to the LN52A850. Once calibrated, this LCD has a fantastic picture and is packed with features.

PICTURE QUALITY RATING: 94/100

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 13 feet

Up conversion from 480i and 480p: As with most LCDs there is notable motion blur and jerkiness in various scenes, fast moving images, and panning side to side. Color information from this Samsung TV is natural and realistic and displays extremely well. Flesh tones were very good in Braveheart and Risky Business. Overall I thought the upconversion processing was excellent delivering clear sharp images on even the most difficult old DVDs. The LN52A750 chip sets took out grain and background noise leaving a smooth, clear image.

Flesh tones, greens and blues looked exceptional in Braveheart

Upconversion processing in Risky Business was superb

720p/1080i/1080p Picture Quality: Motion Lag continues to be an issue even with HD content. We highly recommend that for any film source (I.e. DVDs, Blu Ray, movie programming) that the user turn the Auto Motion Plus (120hz) processing OFF. Otherwise, the picture picks up studio set material which is not intended for viewing. In other words, this feature cuts down on the realism of the picture. Picture depth will also suffer. (See directions on how to turn this function on or off below in the remote/menu function section.) Once the 120hz processing is turned off, the picture returns to an excellent experience with superb detail – yet not in unintended areas. The one drawback is that motion lag will be worse once the 120hz processing is turned off. It's a tradeoff you will want. One important exception to this rule is high definition sports programming in which you will want to utilize the 120hz processing. Wow, football games look incredible! Black levels are some of the best we've seen, helping create depth.

Color information in HD was rich and black levels very good
from this scene from Blu Ray Ironman

HQV Processor Testing: We tested the Samsung with the Auto Motion Plus feature (120hz) on. With HD signals there was little to no background noise. During video resolution loss testing the LCDs processor performed superbly. Diagonal Filter tests also yielded excellent processing showing little to no jaggies on the horizontal moving bar test. The Samsung LN52A750 has a stellar video processor. The only drawback was during the film resolution loss test, there was slight distortion in the upper right quadrant block of the test screen.

Black Level: Honest black levels characterize this LCD TV. Black levels appear pretty natural due to the transparent plexiglass outer screen (as opposed to an antiglare screen). The black levels are not plasma like but are very good for an LCD.

Dark Shadow Detail: Blacks can get slightly oversaturated at times blotting out detail – especially with some HD content. Overall, though we liked the tradeoff with dark matter detailing still solid.

The colors are accurate and dark shadow detail impressive as in
the hair in this scene from The Fifth Element

Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: Colors appeared natural and accurate (post calibration) with several of our review DVDs, blues in the mountain scenes and flesh tones on Mel Gibson's face in Braveheart.

Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: Off angle viewing was very good on this LCD. Contrast doesnt begin to degrade until around 120 degrees at side angles – an excellent result. This is due in part to the non-antiglare transparent gloss screen used with this LCD TV as well as the quality of the LCD panel.

Motion Lag: There was motion lag and jerkiness evident in our reviews of Ironman and The Fifth Element. It's a drawback for this and almost any other LCD.

Exceptions: Turn the 120Hz processing OFF when watching film and show content. The screen does throw off a lot of glare on this TV especially for an LCD.

Note: There is some glare noted from the screen which is glossy. While this type of overlay helps with depth and contrast it should be taken into consideration in dark rooms.

FEATURES RATING: 90/100

Inputs: 3 HDMI inputs, 2 component, one 15 pin D sub (for computer) and a USB port round out a generous supply of input compatibility.

Aesthetic Considerations: The LN52A750 is quite attractive if not a bit cheap feeling. It doesnt have the weight that it's previously reviewed brother plasma has. The back panel is made of thin plastic. The plexi overscreen coat is also a little cheap feeling. The Touch of Color accenting is nice yielding that subtle red tone.

The bezel frame of the LCD is too hefty for me at 3" in width on the sides and 2.75" on top and bottom. It's glare can detract from the picture as well.

Remote Control/Menu Functionality: The menu on the LN52A750 is slick looking- transparent but the navigation is not swift. The scrolling wheel on the remote is slow to use and a little awkward. Another negative here is the gloss black remote which shows fingerprints too readily. The remote is backlit but does not have an aspect ratio button on the interface. The source button controls input selection.

To get to the Auto Motion Plus (120Hz) setting go to: Picture, then scroll down to Picture Options, then scroll down to Auto Motion Plus where you can turn it On or Off using the side arrow keys.

Audio Output: Audio output was excellent from our Dolby Digital Test disc. Volume level was plentiful and sound rich and full at just 35% of capacity. Virtual Surround sound effects also impressed us from the 10W X 10W speakers.

Features: Adding to the large increases in features and functionality of the 650 series is the 750 series. Upgraded features in this Samsung TV take network and multi media capability to a higher level. The LCD is MPEG and JPEG compatible using USB 2.0. The LN46A750 LCD series also boasts a Home Viewing Gallery or MPEG3, an internal flash memory with premium content as well as enhanced audio technology through an integrated woofer design. Users can now connect and utilize the data stored in a variety of digital devices, turning their HDTV into a media hub.

Video Aspect Ratio Sizing: Aspect ratio processing and sizing was spot on non-distorted from a variety of input sources. Selection is 16:9, 4:3, Zoom 1, 2, 3.

VALUE RATING: 88/100

For $2400 to $2500 this 52" HD LCD packs a lot of punch. It is near the top of Samsung's lineup for 2008 (the LN52A850 is highest). Price wise, the unit is compatible with Sharp's LC-52D85U, though it is several hundred dollars more than LG's 52LG70. Given its positive features 120hz processing (use for sports only), Touch of Color styling, excellent black levels and viewing angle vs. its negatives motion lag, glare from the screen (from any lighting behind the viewer), large bezel (frame) I put it priced very fairly in a crowded field of entry's. This LCD's strongest point is not price though it is competitive.

OVERALL RATING: 91.50/100

Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). A rating in the 60s for any particular category of a product review indicates a serious defect which causes the product not to operate properly. Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.

Review Equipment Used: Sony Blu Ray BDP-S1 High Definition DVD player, Sony DVP-S50 DVD player, JVC HM-DH40000U HD Video Cassete player, Sencore Color Pro 5000, Sencore Auto Cal Pro, Sencore signal generator.

This review format and all of the headings, sub headings and paragraph titles are part of a copyrighted process. Any unauthorized reproduction or use, either in full or in part, of this product review format is expressly prohibited.

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A scene from Walk Hard in 480i. Flesh Tones appear natural despite the rich color saturation of the B750.

The B750 series is a mid to high end Samsung LCD that includes some of the newest features from this years models such as 240Hz and Touch of Color (gray) while not going all the way with the LED backlight. Many of the positive traits of last years A850 series are continued here. There is the addition of Internet connection widgets which give limited value. Picture quality is consistently good, color information is more vibrant with the new wide color enhancement technology and contrast ratio - with all inputs and content through what Samsung calls the Ultra Clear Panel. See our review of picture quality, features and value below. The included 240Hz technology will give the viewer an unreal football watching experience (especially from HD of course).

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 12

See full
calibration results

Calibration: The Samsung 52B750 was fairly calibration friendly without going into the service menu. Just as with the B650 series, there was a hitch at around 40 ire but the TV performed well at 30 and 50 ire so this should not be an issue when viewing. The standard setting has a major blue push. The Movie setting allows adjustment of all picture setting options.

Picture Settings
Picture Mode:	Movie
Color Temp:	Warm 2
Brightness:	47
Contrast:	95
Color:	49
Tint:	G49/R51
Sharpness:	0
Backlight:	7
For advanced picture settings including white balance see our calibration page

Calibration of White Balance through advanced picture options.

See full HQV
test results

Up conversion from 480i and 480p: Deep black levels, vibrant colors, and clear upconversion from low end signals characterize the picture from 480i. One important note to always remember with this TV is to turn the 240Hz feature off when viewing anything but live sports programming. Doing so will save you the unpleasant kitchy cardboard cutout effect that this feature creates by taking the natural motion blur out of film based content. Finding the control to turn the feature off is not easy. See instructions below under the Features section. Up conversion clarity is crisp and defined on the LN52B750. The picture is amazingly well defined without the excessive motion artifacts that can exist with many TVs when up converting from lower signals. There is a lot of range in the TVs ability to display lower end signals. This leads one to the conclusion that the B750 contains very high quality processing chip sets and indeed our HQV processing tests prove this to be the case. Black levels can get a little over saturated at times and there is a blue push with the panel in general which will cause the same effect when viewing programming occasionally. One drawback was continued judder effect (stuttering image) on side to side panning scenes. This is otherwise called motion lag and occurs more prominently but necessarily when turning off the 240Hz.

480i DVD shot of Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Notice the rich vibrant red in the sweater.

720p/1080i/1080p Picture Quality: After turning off the 120Hz feature, high definition content appears vibrant, realistic and extremely crisp. Blacks are rich for an LCD and contrast is a strength. One of the highlight features of the LN52B750 is its picture depth perception. Samsung has been unparalled in this area lately. I believe this is due to the companies Ultra Clear Panel technology which does allow for some glare on the screen but the tradeoff with great depth and rich colors is a winner.

A very defined shot the Blu Ray of The Big Hit showing excellent contrast between the white shirt and black seat in the background. Notice the variation in color in the characters hair.

See full Contrast
measurements

Black Level/Contrast/Contrast Ratio: Contrast ratio measures a respectable 197:1. We believe contrast is enhanced by the Ultra Clear Panel that Samsung uses for this LCD. Blacks appear rich and there is no lack of brightness.

Dark Shadow Detail: Blacks can over power dark material at times causing a little deficiency in shadow detail. It certainly is not what we could classify as a problem though.

Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: Colors are bright, rich and vibrant but not oversaturated. The color rendition of this TV is exceptional.

Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: Off angle viewing is very good and the TV continues to display a deep image even at 45 degrees. Contrast and black levels do not degrade substantially at angles.

Motion Lag: There is prominent motion lag and judder effect especially after turning off the 240Hz Auto Motion Plus feature. Nevertheless, it's better to have the jerky motion panning effect than the strange background information appearing with the 240Hz feature turned on. Thus, turn the feature off for all but sports programming.

False Contouring / Mapping: There was some false contouring and mapping present in a few scenes from Friday Night Lights. This did not appear to be a frequent problem and it did not occur during HQV testing.

Features: As mentioned above, turning off the 240Hz Auto Motion Plus feature for all but sports programming is essential. To do so follow these instructions:

1. Press the Menu button
2. Select the Picture Setting option
3. Scroll down to Picture Options and select
4. Scroll down to Auto Motion Plus and select
5. Press the right arrow key and scroll select the off option

Next up the B750 LCD series has an Internet widget feature with Yahoo!, Flicker, You Tube, and others. It's one of those features that you will scroll through and glance at once and never use again. The options are currently unappealing, but it's nice to have the LAN connection for possible future proofing if Samsung can upgrade the firmware. The B750 series is DLNA compliant which allows various devices in the DLNA network to communicate with one another.

Navigation to the widget weather feature was relatively simple.

Video Aspect Ratio Sizing: Aspect ratio processing and sizing was spot on non-distorted from a variety of input sources. Selection is 16:9, 4:3, Zoom 1, 2, 3.

Inputs: 4 HDMI, USB, LAN, Component

Aesthetic Considerations: The LN-52B750 has a rectangular design with sharp lines, and the Samsung signature Touch of Color in subtle gray at the bottom of the panel. It's a more utilitarian design than many of the more sleek sexy models from this year. The heavy, sturdy included table top stand has a clear neck and swivels side to side.

Remote Control/Menu Funtionality: The menu system on the on the LN52B750 has an excellent little tutorial which helps the user understand what each function does. It's a slick looking- transparent menu controlled by a new and better tilt wheel control. Another nit picky negative here is the gloss black remote which shows fingerprints too readily. The source button controls input selection. The p. size button controls aspect ratio.

The menu system tutorial is a nice feature.

Audio Output: Audio output was excellent from our Dolby Digital Test disc. Volume level was plentiful and sound rich and full at just 35% of capacity. Virtual Surround sound effects also impressed us from the 10W X 10W speakers.

At $1929 this LCD is attractively priced especially for its picture quality. Competition comes from the Sony KDL-52XBR9 which sells for a 12% premium around $2220. I give the picture quality soundly to Samsung in this competition. LG's LG55LH85 is a sound competitor but in 55" size. Sharp is also not to be left out of this discussion with it's price competitive LC-52E77U which has a slightly lesser feature set.

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Description: Sony Bravia 1920 X 1080 (1080p) 55" Diagonal LCD TV with LED Backlight
Resolution: 1980 X 1366
Dimensions with Stand: See Specifications Here
Power Consumption: 480W
Reviewer: Robert Wiley
Date: April 2009

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 15

Up conversion from 480i and 480p: 2:35:1 aspect DVDs should be viewed in the Zoom aspect picture mode controlled by the Wide button on the remote control. While this mode properly displays the aspect of the content, it does soften the picture giving a slightly blurred appearance from the enlarged image. This was one of the only drawbacks from the XBR8's picture. Aside from that the Bravia Engine 2 processed signals extremely well.

A scene from 480i input from Braveheart shows off the contrast of this LED backlit TV as daylight penetrates illuminating the veil of the princess. But notice that the image is overly soft due to using the Zoom aspect ratio to gain the correct sizing alternative.

720p/1080i/1080p Picture Quality: One feature that we found very necessary was the Noise reduction feature. See explanation here.

Once turning on this setting option, the picture was crisp and clear with very little about which to complain. There is bright color, great contrast and black levels and most surprising to us – plasma-like viewing angles. There was some false contouring in dark on bright areas of the picture. This "mapping" of dark matter will not be noticed if one is 15 feet or more from the television. However, it is noticeable from a closer distance. Other than that, another defining plasma-like characteristic is depth perception with HD signals which is excellent.

In this scene from The Fifth Element notice the false contouring in dark blotchy areas of the tunnel.

In this scene from The Fifth Element see the beautiful color definition and contrast provided by the XBR8's Triluminous LED Backlight.

Black Level: Our post calibration contrast measurement was a fairly impressive 228 to 1. While this still is well short of many top tier plasma TVs which we've measured at 700 to 1, it is a very good result for an LCD television. See our full calibration report here. I was surprised by how deep and penetrating the blacks were on this LED TV – perhaps the best black levels we've seen on an LCD though a couple of new Samsung LCDs may rival them.

Dark Shadow Detail: No complaints in this department aside from the occasional mapping issue. Dark areas of images were detailed and easily discernible.

See the excellent dark shadow detail in this HD Dolby Digital test disk image of 9 Inch Nails in concert.

Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: The Sony Bravia XBR8 dialed in nicely to D6500 and color information appeared natural and not over baked like so many expensive LCDs. At times we found ourselves pleasantly glued to a scene just enjoying the realistic, colorful images.

Notice the variation and realism of the flesh tones in this HD image from our Dolby test disk.

Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: The XBR8 has the best viewing angle capability we've seen on an LCD. We estimated that contrast does not start to degrade until about 75 degrees – a superb plasma-like result – especially for an LCD TV.

Motion Lag: There was some notable jerkiness when the camera panned from side to side. Sony does not give a clear option for accessing the 120Hz processing. Instead, they give a few advanced picture settings such as Motion Enhancer and Game Modes. So, it was impossible to know whether we were viewing images in 60Hz or 120Hz. We thought the XBR8 did a good job with reduction of motion lag during fast moving scenes. It would be nice to clearly be able to turn the 120hz processing off if wanted – to see the difference.

Video Features: We do not normal recommend using many of the "enhancing" features present on todays TVs which typically add video noise. However, the Noise Reduction option on the XBR8 is a favorable feature. We recommend placing it on the medium setting which greatly helps to reduce background motion artifacts without softening the picture too much.

Video Aspect Ratio Sizing: The Wide button on the remote controls aspect ratio options. There are more aspect ratio options for HDMI input content including Wide, Wide Zoom, Normal, Full, H Stretch, Zoom.

Inputs: 4 HDMI inputs round out a complete enough set of input options. Has Firewire and USB port as well as a CAT 5 input jack.

Aesthetic Considerations: While an attractive TV, there are no real design style improvements over past models. One drawback we immediately noticed in the XBR8 is the 6" depth cabinet which is no doubt caused by the new LED lighting system. Still, that is a bulky depth especially if wall mounting. The speakers now are housed on the sides of the "floating" glass. The wide bezel and glass create a little glare from ambient lighting though the screen itself does a good job reducing glare.

Remote Control/Menu Funtionality: The Xross Media Bar menu system is a cool looking if not a little quirky to use at first. Once accustomed to it, it is a fun little feature scrolling through the numerous advanced settings which for the most part you will want to avoid. One that you do want to turn on is the Noise Reduction function. It's annoying to have to scroll through inputs each time one needs to change input sources (for instance from HDMI to composite). We would like to see discrete input buttons on the remote control.

Audio Output: We felt the sound was flat without enough definition when listening to the Ramsey Lewis Jazz Ensemble in our HD test disc. There was no crispness in the high hat. Sound output was dull and the speakers did not put out sufficient volume for the size.

Features: There is a new Video Game mode as well as Bravia Sync option for communicating with other Sony equipment.

Note: At 480watts the Bravia 55BXR8 uses close to the same power as a plasma TV of the same size. It's an energy guzzler, but it does not get hot to the touch.

Price Considerations: At $5500 this LCD is a pricey option. The Samsung LN55A950 is a similar LED backlit LCD and costs about $1000 less. The Sharp Aquos LC52XS1U-S is a premium priced $10K plus model also with LED backlighting and other premium features. The playing field will narrow somewhat soon with LG entering this size LED backlit LCD market, but for now that's the whole competitive landscape if you take plasma out of the picture.

LCDs which are not LED backlit, may not have the viewing angle or deep blacks that this unit does but will sell for half the price. A 58" top of the line Plasma TVs with similar picture quality will sell for around half the price as well.

The picture is certainly excellent especially the black levels, and viewing angles which are so important to viewing pleasure. Color information while not the best we've seen was also good. Drawbacks include the cabinet depth at 6 inches, the surprising poor audio quality from the built in speakers, and the occasional scaling mistake from lower resolutions.

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Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). A rating in the 60s for any particular category of a product review indicates a serious defect which causes the product not to operate properly. Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.

Review Equipment Used: Sony Blu Ray BDP-S1 High Definition DVD player, Sony DVP-S50 DVD player, Sencore Color Pro 5000, Sencore Auto Cal Pro, Sencore signal generator.

This review format and all of the headings, sub headings and paragraph titles are part of a copyrighted process. Any unauthorized reproduction or use, either in full or in part, of this product review format is expressly prohibited.

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Model: Samsung UN55B8000
Description: 1080p LED backlit LCD Television (ultra thin)
Reviewer: Robert Wiley, Jack Burden
Date: Summer 2009

This super thin 1.2" deep TV has non-localized LED backlighting in the sides of the panel. It is loaded with features – some pretty good and some not very useful. It's attractive and has some surprising picture attributes regarding light reception and contrast. Read the following review in depth to get a sense about whether this TV is right for you as you'll be paying a lot for extra features if not.

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 15 feet

See full HQV
test results

HQV Benchmark:The TV tested very well in when we ran it through a series of processor video board testing.

See full
calibration results

Calibration: Calibrating white balance was somewhat difficult on this LED TV. Blue tones were especially difficult to dial in perfectly as they lacked consistency. To dial in close to D6500 start out by changing the Picture Mode to Movie and Color temperature to Warm 2 and follow the following picture settings:

Picture Settings
Picture Mode:	Movie
Color Temp:	Warm 2
Brightness:	44
Contrast:	93
Color:	43
Tint:	G47/R53
Sharpness:	10
Backlight:	7
Picture Settings
Black Tone:	Off
Dynamic Contrast:	Off
Gamma:	0
Flesh Tone:	Off
Edge Enhancement:	Off
Digital NR:	Auto
HDMI Black Level:	Low
Film Mode:	Auto 1
Color Filter:	Off
For complete picture setting including White Balance settings please see the UN55B8000 Calibration page

480i DVD and Broadcast Viewing: For any film based material start by turning off the 120Hz/240Hz rate feature as follows: Click Menu/picture/Scroll down to Picture Options/Press enter/Scroll down to AutoMotionPlus 240Hz/Press Enter/Scroll or press to Off position. It is important to turn this feature off (see more on this feature under features section below).

Rebecca Dimornay in the 1997 version of Risky Business. The 55B8000 struggled to present a smooth clear presentation.

Rebecca Dimornay more recently in Wedding Crashers. A clearer presentation but notice the over saturated white suit coat.

720p/1080i/1080p Picture Quality: There is nothing subdued about this LED TV, from its super thin good looks to its super saturated colors. Blacks are rich and deep and colors vibrant if not over powering at times. Some dark shadow detail is lost and and subtle color notes forgotten. But it's a colorful picture many will relish. Read our extended picture notes below.

A great shot of Sly Stallone showing vivid contrast and detail from the Blu Ray release of Rocky.

This scene from the Blu Ray version of Rocky shows detailed contrast and color information.

See full Contrast
measurements

Black Level/Contrast: With color information both light and dark appearing so deeply saturated, contrast effect is excellent. Blacks appear inky and sometimes lose dark shadow detail. White light sometimes is distractingly too bright. Contrast appears more intense on the screen than the average of 187:1 post calibration ANSI checkerboard pattern contrast that we measured. See calculations here.

From The New World; this scene shows how saturated black and white can appear.

Dark Shadow Detail: As a result of the super saturated blacks, shadow detail can get lost in some scenes. In others, it was fine.

Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: We found color rendition continually vibrant but over saturated. Blacks can get oversaturated at times as can white.

Red tones in the Lucky Seven Bar in this scene from the Blu Ray release of Rocky appear somewhat oversaturated..

Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: At 40 degrees off axis contrast is significantly reduced and black levels become hazy. However, the destruction of contrast and black levels stops there, not continuing as viewing angle widens. The screen remains perfectly viewable even from 70° side angles (with the reduced contrast).

Motion Lag: The UN55B8000 did a good job eliminating motion lag and judder. There was some notable jerkiness in a few scenes panning side to side with the AutoMotionPlus feature turned off.

False Contouring/ Mapping: When viewing the rough 1997 version of Risky Business much false grain and mapping information was visible. This was somewhat surprising given the excellent results of the 55B8000 in processor testing (See Test Results).

Inputs: Amazingly with this thin screen Samsung has managed to fit 4 HDMI slots, a PC slot, a LAN Cat 5 slot (for Internet connection), 2 USB ports, and a component video input.

Aesthetic Considerations: The 55B8000 comes with a 20 degree swivel table top stand. The stand is heavy, sturdy and a nice matte silver accent to the all gloss black screen. There are accompanying screws to further secure the stand to the TV. The super thin screen itself we measure at 1.2 inches in depth. It is obviously sleek and attractive with the surrounding frame measuring 2" in width. The frame has a subtle invisible edge feature with clear acrylic on a silver backing.

Remote Control/Menu Functionality: The Samsung UN55B8000 comes with 2 remote controls. One is substantial, backlit, complete and well designed with gloss black finish and every ergonomic enhancement imaginable. The remote wheel is catchy but not necessary. Clicking the edges of the wheel accomplish the same tasks as scrolling the wheel and expedites changes. This standard remote control contains a discrete button called P. Size for changing the video aspect ratio. The second pod-like diminutive remote contains a center arrow keypad for controlling basic functions; power, next channel, and volume. The TV menu is not accessible with this remote.

The Menu is very attractively laid out and thorough, but slow and cumbersome to navigate.

Audio Output: Sound is initially hollow as in a deep vault from the dual 15W speakers. For a majority of programming changing the mode to movie, and utilizing the Clear Voice feature will help a lot to improve voice tone in DVD and broadcast material. SRS TruSurround is a useful feature for HD content but it doesnt help voice tone. Overall, we were not impressed by audio delivery from the UN55B8000.

Features: The Samsung UN558000 is loaded with extra features, some surprising, others more useful. AutoMotionPlus 240Hz Refresh Rate. Samsung has increase the frame rate conversion to 240Hz on the B8000 as the one of the premium markup features. See our complete article about 120Hz/240Hz rates here. This feature is awesome on the Standard setting for sports programming and gaming. Turning it off during film and broadcast viewing will save you from the cardboard cutout soap opera effect and deconstruction of cinematography that this feature creates (in film playback).

Internet Connectivity: Connect to the Internet to see Yahoo news, Flikr, twitter, Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Video and more. There is a nice picture option to compress the entire TV picture over to the side so you can see your full program while using the internet features. There was a lot of content to view on the different channels but we can't say we were impressed by the response time of the menu and though the feature itself has potentional, it feels as though it is still in it's infancy. You can make this feature wireless with an optional accessory.

Internet connectivity

Media Play: Use this feature connected through USB to keep picture and video files.

Clear Voice, SRS and Movie sound options are listed above under Audio Output.

Video Aspect Ratio Sizing: 16:9, 4:3, Zoom 1 &2, Wide Fit, Screen Fit round out a complete set of options for viewing modes controlled by P. Size button on the remote.

Price Considerations: At $3700 the UN55B8000 is not a discount TV. It demands a premium for some of Samsungs newest technology including 1.2" depth, LED backlighting, Internet connectivity, a nice heavy table top stand and remote, and one of the best looking panels we've seen. Competition hails from the Sony KDL-55XBR8 (local dimming LED backlit see review here) which sells for in excess of $4200 and measures higher in contrast. Both sets have their own advantages in certain areas so read the reviews to decide. LG has several models that will provide competition in the future in the LG 55LH55, and the LG 55LH90. The Sharp LC52E77 is a non-LED backlit lower end unit from Sharp.

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Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). A rating in the 60s for any particular category of a product review indicates a serious defect which causes the product not to operate properly. Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.

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