Samsung UN55D8000 Every bit as good as I expected

Saturday, December 24, 2011

This review is a little long winded. Skip to the bottom for just the pros and cons. Or, keep reading to waste 10 minutes of your life. Over the last 5 years, I have been using a 58" Panasonic Plasma TV. Not a bad TV, but not the greatest either. It was only 1080i, it got hot pretty fast (which made the room hot and the air condition kick on too often), and the dimensions were weird (I looked at entertainment centers that should fit a 60" TV, but the TV still wouldn't fit.). I felt an upgrade was in order.

I'll have to admit, shopping for a TV was pretty fun. A lot of work though. The research was overwhelming at times. Websites upon websites, magazines, books, different people's inputs, salesmen trying to sell you different things depending on which store you went to, etc. I narrowed it down to one of many Sony HDTVs or a Samsung C or D series. After narrowing it down to those 2 brands, it was a little easier. I went to about 4 different Fry's Electronics and 7 different Best Buys to check it out in different situations. After that, it came down to the UN55D8000 (boy, did I memorize those numbers). To make the decision easier, I was looking on Amazon, and to my amazement, they had it for $500 less that everyone else, plus free shipping. Score!

With the free shipping, it usually takes a little longer. I would say, from the time the order was placed, until it got to my front door, it took about 1.5 weeks. It came delivered from Home Direct, USA and had no issues with delivery. They were going to set up the TV, but I told them not to, since my entertainment center hadn't come in yet. I opened up the box, put the TV on a soft cloth (our bed's comforter) and installed the stand. Eight screws, piece of cake. I connected the Directv receiver and a PS3. There are a few settings you will set in the beginning when the TV turns on. Takes about 2 minutes, literally. After that, the fun begins! Going from 1080i to 1080p is a huge difference! I had a recording of Chuck on the DVR and it almost looked live. I also watched some regular satellite programming and even the non-HD channels looked amazing.

After wiping the drool off the floor, I wanted to check out the 3D part of the TV. I popped in the free copy of Shrek the 3rd in the PS3, put on the glasses and waited to be amazed. Aside from the amazing colors, it looked exactly like 2D! WTH?! Then, I remember reading somewhere that the PS3 does indeed play 3D movies, BUT with an upgrade. I waited about 30 minutes for the upgrade to finish. After that, loaded up the dvd again, and there was the movie with that funky 3D image. Hey wait, I have 3D glasses on, how come I see that. Oh, oops. Batteries need to be installed in the glasses. Finally! The 3D image was awesome! Seriously, watching TV in 3D is amazing. I can't wait

Sony BRAVIA XBR-55HX929 More Than I Expected

Sony 55 inch is hard to always be surprised, after having spent nearly $3,000 on a TV, but TV is still just as impressed with me as the first time it is switched on. I was going to buy a new 3D in December 2010, almost a smudge UN46C7000 Samsung for the price of the day, before Chirstmas sweet ... Fortunately, I waited. I did the research as much as I did through the forums and electronic stores, but it is impossible to have a true sense of the ability of a TV without running their own content, so I really took a chance at the forefront of Sony to offer more competition sufficient to justify the price tag.

My first experience with this television, after the general meeting of the startup parameters, of course, threw on the legend of the Guardians 3D Blu-ray. It is not only the best 3D experience I've had so far, but the cinema experience easier than I ever had. Although the film has its flaws, the level of detail and fluidity of movement stunning 3D! And the film that show to show my friends what my 3D TV and you're really capable. I saw the first generation of Samsung 3D TV to the parent at home and I noticed a fair amount of ghosting, something I have not seen the current generation is the assembly, but is virtually nonexistent on Hx929. Bloom is a problem many have had with Sony LED for a while, but I have not personally experienced the same thing when I look at the corners. Another concern is that been put to rest was the response time of the game.

Gran Turismo 5, Killzone 3 and Crisis 3 seemed to be absolutely beautiful, and no noticeable delay or blur on the "Game Mode". I spent a few hours with the display settings fidling with other owners and CNET have posted, but found that I like the default "Standard" and "Vivid" more. As far as image quality is pure, is leaps and bounds better than my Samsung plasma, and provides greater clarity and deeper blacks than the rest of the series LEDs in 2011.

I did not use an Internet browser or a "widget", but my PS3 can perform most if not all, the TV can offer easier to navigate the XMB. I can not vouch for the TV audio is integrated, but I think it is disappointing as the loudspeakers of the TV shows these days. Anyone investing a lot of money in their home theater should take a slash at least decent. I have Pioneer VSX-1020-K Receiver with Sony front, side and rear (This is an incredible value!), And the whole package makes me miss my room when I'm in the movies.