Samsung PN51D8000

Samsung launched a whole new series of 3D Plasma HDTVs in 2011 and the Samsung PN51D8000 is one of the new models that are rolled out from the assembly line. The TV is visibly thinner than its LG and Panasonic counterparts. Not only that, another distinguishing feature is its Plasma +1 Design which gives the TV and extra inch of screen size and a thinner bezel too. The D8000 series which the TV belongs to is differentiated from the similar sized D7000 series by its titanium metallic frame.

Samsung PN51D8000

Features

The PN51D8000 has 3D capability coupled with a screen that can display full 1080p HD content with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Its contrast ratio is a staggering 25,000,000:1. It uses the 600Hz Subfield Motion technology to deliver clear and crispy pictures to the screen. Samsung’s Real Black Filter Technology reduces onscreen glare and ensures that sharper images and deeper blacks are maintained. The TV however does not have dejudder unlike some of the older Samsung Plasma TV models. The Crystal Full HD Engine and Cinema Smooth feature further enhance the quality of the images by making them crispy clear and vivid.

The TV is capable of displaying full HD (1080p) 3D content. You will require Bluetooth-enabled active shutter glasses (SSG-3100/3300/3700) to be able to utilise this 3D feature. Samsung has been rather generous to customers of its 2011 range of 3D TVs. Although the glasses are not packaged together with the box, you can get 2 pairs of them for free from Samsung if you have purchased the TV from authorised dealers. It must be noted that the older Samsung models of 3D glasses will not be compatible with this TV due to the usage of Bluetooth technology rather than the traditional Infa-Red.

The TV has built-in Wi-Fi for you to connect wirelessly to the Internet in addition of the standard wired Ethernet connection. This definitely saves the hassle of buying a separate wireless dongle to fit with the TV. Once connected, you can have a whole range of access to applications and services via Samsung Apps such as Hulu Plus, Netflix and Youtube. The most prominent absence from its line-up of 43 choices is Amazon Instant which is available in the TVs of Samsung’s other competitors.

As the D8000 series is the highest-end of plasma 3D HDTV offered by Samsung this year, it has more advanced features compared to the cheaper and simpler D7000 series. Such additional features are like a web-browser, a Local Contrast Enhancer (LCE) and the ability to connect to an optional Skype camera.

The remote control bundled with the PN51D8000 is one accessory which will definitely attract your attention. In addition to the standard layout, the backside of this TV remote control has a QWERTY keyboard for your convenience especially when you go online. There is a small screen on the remote control which you can utilise while you are typing. This helps to reduce the need for you to glance at the TV all the time to see what you are typing. The remote control is powered by 4 AAA batteries which is included with the set.

There are four HDMI inputs and 3 USB Ports for the TV. It can also function as a PC Monitor when you connect the TV using the 15-pin D-Sub (RGB) input. The DNLA certification of the TV enables it to display pictures (JPEG), play videos (MPEG/DivX) and music (MP3) through your Windows 7 PC via the LAN port or wireless connection.

Performance

The quality of the images produced by the PN51D8000 is spectacular. Its color accuracy is impressive and the color of near-black areas was fantastic. It delivers the deepest black levels as compared to other competitors on the market. Movies from DVD and Blu-Ray looked superb even with Samsung’s default picture settings. Amateurs will find little problems in setting up the TV and they can enjoy it straight away without doing much. The 600Hz refresh rate is a major plus as it is able to handle a lot of fast-action paced videos and delivers them in a smooth fluid transition.

Unlike most of the other 3D HDTVs on the market, the audio quality from this TV performs rather well. It can handle most TV shows and its volume is not too soft. It is still always better to invest in an external sound system for the best results.

There are no problems in connecting to the Internet. The Samsung Apps Smart Hub generally offers more choice compared to its other competitors. The default interface of the Smart Hub looks rather congested but you are able to customize certain portions of it to make it look neater. Samsung’s web browser is much more developed than those offered by its competitors. It is ideal for light browsing of most web pages. Nevertheless, it has a tendency to crash if you view websites that are complex in nature.

The 3D performance is impressive. There is generally little crosstalk when 3D content is displayed by the TV. The new Bluetooth glasses perform much better than the older versions of Infa-Red glasses. It is much easier to use and it keeps up the synchronisation with the screen very well.

The QWERTY keyboard found on the remote control is of mixed reviews. On one hand, it is quite comfortable to type on it. The remote also responds well in automatically adjusting itself to the correct side that is in use to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. The major downside to it is that the QWERTY keyboard does not have sufficient backlighting. In dark or dim light conditions, usage of the remote is almost impossible and can be rather frustrating. Samsung TV Menus are known to be one of the easiest to navigate around. There are some minor changes to the 2011 line-up and these changes do bring about some small improvements. The main column is now opaque blue with good text sizes instead of being totally transparent.

Conclusion

The Samsung PN51D8000 is possibly the finest model that is introduced by Samsung in 2011. Some of the new features found on the TV are an indication that Samsung is dedicated in reviewing its past model and to improve on aspects that are problematic. You will find the PN51D8000 to be a fantastic addition to your living room if you are looking to upgrade or buy a new 3D HDTV.

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