The Samsung UN55C8000 is part of Samsung’s 8000 Series of LED-based LCD TV’s.  This 55-inch widescreen HDTV has a 3D-ready display, great features and an ultra slim design that gives it a striking look.

This HDTV makes use of Samsung’s LED edge-lit backlighting technology that produces excellent display performance and enables the manufacturer to push the limits of the screen’s thickness.  It also features touch-sensitive controls for channel, volume, menu and power along the translucent plastic strip at the bottom edge of the TV’s panel.

The TV features a 1080p display format with a refresh rate of 240Hz and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.  The fast refresh rate is four times faster than the average 60Hz used in less expensive TV’s.  The fast refresh rate ensures a fluid display of motion videos and pictures.  Images that travel across the screen will not look jerky or jumpy like in less expensive TV’s.  Another advantage of the faster refresh rate is better 3D viewing content.  This produces smooth 3D viewing and lessens flicker that are evident in TV’s with lower refresh rates.  Its fast refresh rate and 1080p display format makes this TV perfect for viewing high-speed videos, action movies and sports telecasts.  One known disadvantage of the edge-lit technology is the appearance of uneven backlighting across its screen.  The issue may increase when the TV operates in dark rooms or environments.

Excellent deep black performance enables this HDTV to produce dark black colors with less greyish tones.  Deep black performance is comparable to the Samsung UN46B8500 and the Sony KDL-52XBR9.  The peak brightness performance is slightly better than the Sony KDL-52XBR9 and the Samsung UN46B8500.  Contrast ratio is at about 8010:1 better than the Samsung UN46B8500 with only 4605:1 actual contrast ratio.

Audio output is thru thee two front speakers mounted at the right and left side of the TV.  Each speaker has a rated power output of 15 Watts totalling to 30 Watts audio output.  Audio output is in stereo mode.  Users can opt to connect the TV to an external surround sound system to optimize viewing pleasure.  There are controls for Balance, Bass and Treble.

Ports are available at the back of the device, forming an L-shape arrangement.  The arrangement makes port connection easy even if you mount the TV on the wall.  The design is also efficient in concealing the cords when connected at the TV’s back – cords will not be visible from the TV’s side.  Rear ports include two USB 2.0 (4 pin USB Type A), four HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A), one Component video input (RCA phono x 3), one VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), one Digital audio output (optical – TOSLINK), one Network (RJ-45).  The two USB ports can readily accommodate two thumb-drives to allow playback of videos, pictures and music.  Internet connectivity is thru the TV’s Ethernet port.

3D technology is new and there are apprehensions as to the quality of 3D videos on this Samsung HDTV.  Things to look out for are halo effects and teething when viewing images in 3D.  This TV is also equipped with Samsung’s 3D up Conversion Technology that enables the system to convert regular 2D media to 3D content.  The output is not as smooth and real as regular 3D material but it does look good.

When using Samsung UN55C8000 in a large room or office there seem to be a small viewing angle that delivers uniform color and viewing performance.  Like most new Samsung models, this TV exhibits a narrow viewing angle of about 37 degrees.  Viewing the screen at an angle greater than 37 degrees you will start to notice a decrease in the TV’s color accuracy and contrast ratio performance.

Dimensions for the TV are 62.2 x 7.9 x 35.4 inches (W x D x H) and it weighs about 66.1 lbs.  This HDTV is also ENERGY STAR qualified and consumes about 129.46 Watts of power in operational mode.  In Sleep or Standby mode, it consumes about 0.07 Watts.

Although the 8000 series from Samsung are very slim in design and construction, there are still slimmer models available.  You may want to check the 9000 series of Samsung LCD TV.  These new designs feature an incredible 0.3-inch body thickness.

You may also want to check the LG Infinia 47LE8500 HDTV.  Video performance is comparable to the Samsung UN55C800 although the LG TV doesn’t support 3D.  The LG TV can produce deep blacks that can rival any TV in its category and can deliver great details in color and shadow reproduction.  Like the Samsung TV, it also exhibits occasional uneven uniformity in its backlight technology especially when viewed in bright room environments.  With a price difference of about $500-$1000 this is a good alternate for users who doesn’t really need 3D TV sets but still wants excellent performance in 2D.

Another Samsung TV at the same price category is the Samsung UN46B8500.  This is a great looking TV with excellent black, white and contrast ratio performance comparable to the UN55C8000.  It exhibits the same problem in screen uniformity and a narrow viewing angle.  For only about $500 less in price, the Samsung UN55C8000 is a better choice with its 3D technology.

Other 3D TV’s you may want to check on are the Samsung UN55C7000 and the Panasonic TC-P50VT20.  The Panasonic TV offers a functional design but not as sleek and elegant as the Samsung UN55C800 TV.  It offers above average performance in both its video and audio output.  It also offers a wider effective viewing angle than the Samsung TV with about 80 degrees compared to the UN55C800’s 37 degrees.

The Samsung UN55C8000 is more expensive than your regular 55-inch LCD TV.  However, with its edge-lit technology, 1080p, 240 Hz refresh rate, 3D conversion function, sleek and elegant metallic design it offers much more than any regular TV in the market.  It offers convenience and viewing satisfaction to users who are willing to pay extra bucks for its features.

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