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Samsung LCD UNB8500 HDTV

Among the Top Rated & Best Buys in LCD High Definition Televisions

Samsung's local dimming, LED-based UNB8500 series delivers the best picture quality of any LCD according to CNET. AlaTest users give it a 95 out of 100.

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.

	Samsung UN55B8500 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LED HDTV List Price: $4,499.99 Sale Price: Too low to display Average Rating:
	The 8000 Series of television build upon the success of Samsung's first and second generation LED HDTV models. Each using LEDs as their primary light source, the televisions all feature ultra-high contrast ratios as well as slim depths that allow for more artful designs, plus increased energy savings.

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 CNET has tested.

If you watch football, 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: CNET 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.

• Manufacturer: Samsung
• Part Number/Model: UN55B8500

General
• Product type: LCD TV
• Diagonal Size: 55 inches - Widescreen
• Dimensions & Weight Details: Panel without stand - 52 in x 1.6 in x 31.4 in x 61.7 lbs; Panel with stand - 52 in x 12.1 in x 34 in x 77.6 lbs
Display
• Technology: TFT active matrix
• LCD Backlight Technology
• LED Backlight technology
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display Format: 1080p (FullHD)
• LCD Refresh Rate: 240Hz
• LCD Pixel Response Time: 2 ms
• Progressive Scan: Progressive scanning (line doubling)
• Additional Features: Ultra clear panel , Auto Motion Plus frame interpolation technology
TV Tuner
• Multi-channel Preview
• Picture-in-picture (PIP)
• Stereo Reception System
• MTS
• Secondary Audio Program (SAP): Yes
Video Features
• Video Interface: HDMI , Component , Composite
• HDTV Ready: Yes
Audio System
• Speaker(s): 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 15 Watt
• Sound Output Mode: Stereo
• Surround Mode: Yes
• Sound Effects: SRS TruSurround HD
• Audio Controls: Balance , Bass , Treble
• Output Power / Total: 30 Watt
Connections
• Connector Type: Rear , 4 x HDMI ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - Side , 2 x USB ( 4 pin USB Type A ) , 1 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) , 1 x VGA input ( 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ) , 1 x Network ( RJ-45 ) , 1 x Digital audio output (optical) ( TOSLINK )
• PC Interface: VGA (HD-15)
Network & Internet Multimedia
• Functionality
• Digital audio playback , Digital video playback
Memory Card Reader
• USB Port: Yes
Remote Control
• Remote Control
• Remote control - Infrared
Stands & Mounts
• Stand Included: Yes
• Stand Design: Tabletop
• Stand Features: Swivel
• Flat Panel Mount Interface: Yes
Power
• Power Device: Power supply - Internal
• Compliant Standards: EPA Energy Star 3.0
Miscellaneous
• HDCP Compatible
• Yes
Manufacturer Warranty
• Service & Support
• 1 year warranty
• Service & Support Details
• Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
Dimensions & Weight (Shipping)
• Width (Shipping): 57.1 in
• Depth (Shipping): 15.7 in
• Height (Shipping): 39.2 in
• Weight (Shipping): 95 lbs
Sustainability
• Power Saver: Yes
• Operational power consumption: 136.16 Watt
• Calibrated power consumption: 123.99 Watt
• Power Save Mode power consumption: 77.66 Watt
• Power consumption Stand by / Sleep: 0.08 Watt
• Estimated Annual Energy Cost: 29.39 US Dollars
• EPA Energy Star Compliant: Yes
• Greenpeace policy rating (Sept 2009): 6.9