Samsung UN65C8000 65 Inch 3D TV Review

If you've read my article on the Samsung UN65C6500, you'll know my HD TV Buddy Tom got himself one a while back. And you'll also know we had a great time watching it in his viewing room. It was a great experience, but you'll also know that I did have a slight reservation that it was only 120 Hz and I was worried that Tom didn't wait for the 240 Hz version...which has duly arrived with the Samsung UN65C8000 65 Inch LED 3D TV. It's also 3D!

Despite the fact Tom's set is only 120Hz, I was surprised (in a good way) at the picture quality. It was definitely a superb set in his large viewing room.

But, with the upgraded version Samsung really have gone "the whole nine yards" with full 1080p, 240Hz and 3D. And...WOW, that's all! What a TV the new Samsung UN65C8000 is.

Samsung's new "Ultra Clear Panel" picture technology is remarkable. This is what the brochure has to say about it "Advanced technology (Ultra Clear Panel) lets you enjoy crisp image details, natural skin tones, excellent shadow detail, and vibrant colors". For once the advertising blurb is not wrong!

How do I know this? Well...by hook or by crook, I knew I had to get a look at one of these things! I wasn't sure how so my first stop was my HD TV chums down at the local store. So, I went down and asked when they were expecting a Samsung UN65C8000 on the showroom floor? Whilst they didn't have an exact time scale, they were going to a Samsung exhibition in Seattle the next day. Now, I am a great one for goal setting, and it's amazing what can happen when you put your mind to something. They had a spare ticket and offered it to me!

Talk about HD and 3D TV heaven, the first thing I did was make a beeline for the Samsung stand and there she was...in all her glory this wonderful new Samsung 65 Inch 3D LED TV. Beautiful!

First up, the picture. The Samsung brochure is right about the picture. I know there are only so many superlatives you can use when talking about clarity, vibrant colors, deep blacks and so on, but the picture was stunning in its beauty. I was blown away by it, with the skin tones, the reality of it and the way shadows looked, it was different. It was better, it was real! I've seen an awful lot of HD TV and this is the best picture I've seen - particularly on such a big set.

So, what exactly is the full package with this TV? Well, as I said, it's upgraded to full 1080p, 240 Hz HD and the set is 3D ready. Funnily enough the native 3D demo they had running was the same canyon demo I saw in London. When the water back-splashes on the screen got me again! Next up was Star Trek (the latest film) in 3D. Again I had seen this before but it was still hugely enjoyable. I was using Samsung active 3D glasses to view.

I love 3D, but I have a little grumble. I wear glasses and don't particularly "get on" with contact lenses. So, there can be no argument that it does get a little uncomfortable wearing the 3D glasses after a while. And it's something that has been brushed under the carpet! None of the promo advertising I've seen for 3D...anywhere, U.S, UK, Canada ever shows someone wearing the 3D glasses over prescription glasses. It's an issue that needs dealing with if 3D is going to really be taken up properly!

Back to the Samsung UN65C8000 3D TV...even the normal non 3D is stunning.

The Samsung UN65C8000 3D LED TV has every connectivity issue you could imagine covered. Internet@TV offers all of your favourite digital content at the press of the remote, you can connect up your digital camera or camcorder, access videos playlists and there is an enhanced game Mode which is stunning. You can connect your PC via LAN and there are USB ports. In fact anything you could want to connect up is covered including LAN Connections, USB and wireless!

I managed to get a preview of "Michael Jackson - The Experience" on Wii and it was huge fun and amazing game play quality. Game mode is definitely enhanced over the 7000 series.

A digital tuner is integral which means you don't need a set top box and "All Share" allows you to wirelessly hook up any other wireless devices you have. So all of your music and film is easy to keep and have available at the touch of a button all in one place.

So...I am now faced with a dilemma, I want one of these! I did say I was going to hold back on 3D, and I don't think I am going to get the "spend" past Alison because at the moment this one is not cheap. Also, if I am brutally honest...my viewing space is too small for the Samsung 65 Inch 3D LED TV, but I still want one!

I know I am not being logical in any way here. But the Samsung UN65C8000 is a thing of such stunning beauty whether it's on or off. The touch of color illuminates the dark slate grey surround and when it way it bursts into life with such a stunning clarity and brilliance...logic goes out of the window!

Now Petal, how about a nice meal out tonight? Your choice...honestly anywhere you like? Some champagne Darling? ...Keep watching!