Samsung PN64D8000 64-Inch 1080p 600Hz 3D Plasma 8000 Series Smart TV Reviewed
For the past several years, Panasonic has held the edge over Samsung within the Plasma HDTV industry. The Samsung PN64D8000, however, comes with all of the tricks Samsung has up its sleeve when it comes to Plasma technology, and, with its sleek design and superb efficiency, proves that Samsung has what it takes to seize the top spot this 2011.
Style
The crux of the PN64D8000′s design is that it has a wider screen along with a narrower bezel – only 1.2 inches wide, to be precise. The gap between the panel as well as the frame, which sports a glossy titanium finish along with a transparent edge, has also been reduced, producing a seamless look similar to that of many LCD TVs. From the side, it’s also extremely sleek, measuring just 1.5 inches thick, although it really is significantly thicker if you include the shiny quadruped stand, which swivels from side to side.
The remote is also among the most innovative available – a clicker doubling as a Bluetooth-enabled QWERTY keypad, and will not have the pairing issues of the UND8000. The clicker has distinct, backlit buttons while the keypad has a tiny screen so viewers won’t have to keep checking the screen. The side not being used is automatically locked by a built-in intelligent sensor, stopping the keys on the other side from becoming pressed by mistake. The menu on the screen is extremely user-friendly, too, with large text, beneficial hints accompanying main menu items and new opaque blue background.
Screen/Picture Clarity
Although color accuracy is the strongest suit of the PN64D8000, its black levels are also superb. Actually, they are deeper than those exhibited by all of the previous Samsung Plasma sets, and are lastly at par with those of Panasonic. Color saturation and shadow detail are both great, as well.
Even 3D content is handled extremely nicely by this Samsung HDTV, while handling content from 1080/24p sources just isn’t a problem, either, though the CinemaSmooth mode has to become engaged, which might result in lighter blacks. This mode gives the best motion resolution, too.
Functions
Apart from its active 3D technology and its capability to convert 2D content to 3D for a more spectacular viewing expertise, the PN64D8000 comes with the SmartHub, which consists of among the most advanced internet browsers today, the Skype feature, along with a long list of applications that allow viewers to access media content and details from the internet. Picture controls are comprehensive, as well, including a full-scale color management method, while connectivity choices are supplied by four HDMI inputs, one every for component and composite video, an ethernet port, a PC input and 3 USB ports. Built-in WiFi capability has been tossed in, as well.
One more factor you should know about this Samsung 3D HDTV is that it isn’t compatible with the 3D glasses released last year. This really is not a cause to frown, although, since the glasses released this year are equipped with Bluetooth technology, generating them significantly better accessories.
With its stellar performance and eye-catching style, the Samsung PN64D8000 proves to be among the very best within the class of 3d hdtvs today and might even be Samsung’s very best HDTV to date. Although costly, those that want that additional dimension to their viewing expertise are sure to locate the added price worthwhile.