Samsung LED D8000

The future of television

The Samsung LED D8000 blurs the line between televisions and computers
by S Shiva
Updated 06:37 PM Aug 30, 2011
The Samsung LED D8000 TV is proof that we have come a long way since the invention of the goggle box. Even by the standards of the slim, flat screen, high definition televisions of today, the D8000 looks like a device from the future.

Televisions have long been shouldering the responsibility of one sole purpose - to deliver infotainment to anyone and everyone regardless of age. Smart TVs, a concept only introduced several years ago, combines the traditional role of televisions with the versatility provided by the Internet, turning your television set into a one stop entertainment hub.

The D8000 is by no means a small device, measuring in at 55-inches. Yet, it is remarkably slim for its size. Perhaps what is more impressive is the 5mm wide brushed metal bezel that encloses its screen. This thin strip of metal is so miniscule compared to the large LED panel that it is almost invisible to the eye, making the front of the television look as if it only consists of a screen and nothing else.

This minimalist design is a look first seen on Samsung's C8000 Series, and the D8000 continues the cycle. It may not be for everyone, but the D8000 will definitely be able to make any living room look cooler.

Despite the screen's large size, the television sits sturdily on any flat surface thanks to an improved Quad Stand. Instead of the large plastic base many flat screen television sets use, the D8000 stands on four legs, which spread out the weight of the screen and balances it.

Turn the D8000 on, and it does not take long to realise that it is much more than a mere television set. Instead of simply displaying a blank screen while waiting for you to tell it what to do next, a buzzing Smart Hub portal, which looks more like the menu of a computer or game console, comes on.

The D8000 comes with Wi-Fi connectivity built in, and it can connect directly to any wireless networks to access content on the Interment. Social sites like Facebook and Twitter can be viewed directly from the Smart Hub portal, and services like Skype can be used as well. In fact, the D8000 comes with a full web browser for surfing the Internet.

Under the Smart Hub portal, music, photos and videos can be viewed in separate categories. There is also a handy guide to answer all your queries.

The D8000 supports Samsung Apps, a service that offers numerous applications that can work on the television. These apps can provide useful information, like the weather or news, and they even come in the form of games that can be played on the D8000.

The image quality on the D8000 is excellent thanks to a bunch of technologies that work hand in hand. Fast motions, like those produced by sports or action programs, can be viewed smoothly on the television thanks to its 800Hz CMR, and this feature is complimented with its LED backlight scanning technology, which reduces the chances of double images during fast paced movements.

These functions are especially useful because the D8000 can deliver both 2D and 3D content. A problem many 3D televisions face is multiple images appearing when in 3D mode. The D8000 addresses that issue by being able to keep up to the pace of the dual images use to create the 3D effect.

The D8000 has Micro Dimming technology, which enhances the blacks to look deeper and the whites to look purer. The resulting effect makes content look as rich and lifelike as they possibly can be. This works great while watching movies in high definition format, like Blu-ray discs. Image quality is at its best and beats watching the movies even on the big screen.

The D8000 can be paired with other devices through DLNA, and can easily be connected with other Samsung products through Samsung's One Foot Connection technology. This function allows any Samsung device to be connected to the D8000 wirelessly.

Despite being a television, the D8000 feels much more like a computer with a huge display screen. With all the Internet options it offers, it does not hurt that the D8000 is also excellent for watching movies thanks to its top notch quality.

The 55" D8000 is available now at $6,499.

Source: todayonline.com