Sure, we might all just be getting used to
LED-backlit LCD HDTVs, but this train ain't stopping, Chico -- Samsung just got official with the 8500 series, which features the next-generation of local-dimming LED backlights. The 54.6-inch and 45.9-inch 240Hz sets are just 1.6 inches deep and offer a 7,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a 2ms response time, and an Energy Star 3.0 savings mode that continually adjusts the picture and backlight to optimize both picture quality and power savings. You're also getting Samsung's usual suite of connected TV features, like the Yahoo! Widget Engine, DivX playback, and DLNA support, but you'll be paying handsomely for all this newness -- the 45.9-inch UN46B8500's MSRP is $3,599, while the 54.6-inch UN55B8500 will run you $4,499.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
reallynotnick @ Jul 30th 2009 10:57AM
Now that should be a sweet LCD, too bad it costs so much. Would just get a Panasonic G10 instead.
I wonder if they have improved the viewing angle on these things at all? Because that was pretty poor on their other edge lit LCDs.
JoN @ Jul 30th 2009 11:05AM
Saw this thing last week at a work training.... viewing angle and contrast/colors are way better then the edgelit
kcmurphy88 @ Jul 30th 2009 11:36AM
Maybe next year
Rob @ Jul 30th 2009 11:37AM
When it comes to LCD, local dimming LED backlight versions are the only ones that pique my interest. If they can get the off-axis viewing to look decent, these have a chance to compete with plasma.
But as we can see, plasma now holds a significant price advantage. I'll look forward to seeing local dimming LED LCDs continue to improve and drop in price, but for the time being, plasma is still king.
DrXym @ Jul 30th 2009 6:14PM
Edge lit LEDs use half or less of the power of even the best Plasma. I wouldn't discount what it costs to run the unit in your calculations.
Rob @ Jul 31st 2009 2:02AM
I certainly cannot speak for everyone, but for me, I prioritize picture quality and accuracy above all else. If two displays have equal quality and accuracy, then price (both up front and cost of operation) comes into consideration. But when one display has better picture quality and accuracy AND it has a lower up front cost? That's a winner to me - even if it costs more to run over time.
Ken @ Jul 30th 2009 12:04PM
Wow, I was not expecting the 8500-series to have local dimming.
Will the 9000-series (we knew that would have local dimming among other things) use the SAME physical screen and backlight, or something even better?
Jaxim @ Jul 30th 2009 7:55PM
That's what I was wondering! What will be the differences between the 8500 and 9000 series. Maybe they'll fix the slow run-time problems of the Yahoo widget engine with the 9000 series to make it actually worth it.
Ferry @ Jul 30th 2009 1:26PM
Nice, local dimming!
The price is ridiculous! $3500 for a 46 inch??
In the Netherlands I can buy a 50 inch Pioneer for €2200 en the 60 inch for €3200.
riverside_guy @ Jul 30th 2009 1:15PM
Does it have a highly reflective, glossy screen?
If so, no go.
Ken @ Jul 30th 2009 1:16PM
What do you think?
Of course it does!
Andy Sullivan @ Jul 30th 2009 3:36PM
Let's see. The Sammy 54" for $4499 or the Panasonic 54" V series for $2499. Duh.
Jaded @ Jul 30th 2009 3:14PM
Considering this big boy's features and the fact that 3500 USD equals €2484 I think "ridiculous" is somewhat exaggerative, unless the Pioneer you're talking about has similiar features. But hey, I'm just passing by and have little knowledge on TV's whatsoever so maybe I'm wrong.
jitty @ Jul 30th 2009 5:43PM
Seriously these contrast ratio numbers get so inflated they're basically useless now (even more than before). I'm sure this "7,000,000:1" contrast ratio is no better (if not worse) than the sony's OLED TV's 1,000,000:1
John @ Jul 31st 2009 12:38PM
Sony's OLED TV's. Which OLED TV's. They only have one and that is only 11" and that one is way over the top on price.
No comparison hear.
I can say that I used to be a Sony fanboy. They used to make some great LCD TV's. Now I am very much considering a Samsung LED tv when my xbr2 goes to hell.
Johnny Neat @ Jul 31st 2009 11:08AM
I don't know, as much as I love my Samsung 52A750 and would love to have the 54B750, I'd have to say for the price of this bad boy and the soon to arrive 9000 I would grab a Kuro 60" or the Panasonic V10 series 54" or 60" next time around for my main movie loving home theater set up retiring the 52A750 to the bedroom.
Someone needs to post an official review once it has been made available.