Samsung PN64D8000 REVIEW & BEST PRICE: October 2011

Samsung PN64D8000 BETTER than panasonic, better color, inky blacks, perfect tv!!
That being said, I researched exhaustively as my little 37" Diamond series was getting a little small. For 3-4 months I had my heart set on the P65VT30, preordered at J&R. Then I started reading reviews by cnet, and other pros on the web about their previous sets. Blacks levels on pannys WILL degrade. That rating on their site which says it has better blacks will change, they will degrade over time, and very likely to a point worse than this set. I do not care how many people say that the VT30 has better blacks because 4300 dollars is just not worth it for a set that has worse color, temporarily better blacks, and a vizio-esque blocky design.

I cancelled my VT30 preorder shortly after reading review after review regarding the above issue. It is due to how the set adjusts brightness, and is just the way those sets work - the issue is unavoidable, so don't say I didnt tell you so when you notice while watching the super bowl later this year and the steelers jerseys are not as black as they once were!

Now the samsung PN64D8000 is about as good as you're going to get on a big screen pdp display - blacks ARE better on this set than the smaller ones, which I will address later. Blacks are Inky!! And I use that term because that is the most applicable word I can think of. Colors are delicious, with reds, greens, yellows, and blues all popping right off the screen and into your living room. I play a lot of HD games on ps3/360 and the first thing I noticed is how well the set responds to fast moving images. It is spot on, and at least twice as fast as my old LCD set was. Gaming on this TV is an absolute pleasure, and I cant stand it on my old mitsu anymore, as my eyes have become accustomed to nearly perfect response time.

On to BD's. I have read conflicting reports of Cinema Smooth degrading blacks when turned on. I have not seen this one solitary instance. I watched the Matrix Reloaded twice - the first time with CS on, the second with it off. Blacks did not decrease any that I could notice, and I have a good eye for detail. Yes, CS mode does improve PQ on bluray movies, and quite a bit I might add. The picture, for lack of a better word, just seems more "together." More details can be seen with CS mode on than off. This feature is really personal preference, but for me it improves an already amazing picture to a pq I have literally not seen before on a TV. This mode is what videophiles call the "96hz mode". Technically means that turned on CS will match the 24fps, with that of the bd, which greatly improves pq. Modern films are filmed at 24fps, and CS mode basically matches that, by reducing from 60fps to 24fps using 96hz mode. Techno-babble I know, but moving on.

Netflix. We've all got it, and we've all seen the input signal change mid-way through a movie much to our annoyance. It shows up even worse on a big hd set. Here is where I have one of my few complaints: while whatching netflix I have seen in only a few instances some mild fluctuating blacks. I'm not sure if it is due to the picture source(netflix) or the tv's processing. I'm still trying to figure it out.

I have seen FB only one other time. On the BD of Interview with the Vampire the blacks did fluctuate a few times, and if I was not so obsessed with detail I would not have noticed it. Its really a small issue, and most folks will probably not see it like some of us tech heads do. NOTE: Samsung did release an update for this tv, and after installation I watched the IWTV again. This time I did not see FB's. None.

The only time I EVER see fluctuating blacks now is when netflix is on a low quality for whatever reason. It only seems to happen when watching poorer quality signals like sd cable, or netflix, so really nothing to worry about.

My review is mainly regarding picture quality, and ive got a tower for my internet. That being said, the internet on the tv is ok. A little laggy sometimes, but its bearable. Netflix straight through the tv is quite acceptable, and at least as good as from a ps3/360. Netflix through the ps3 has been the best overall, if it makes any difference(1080p streaming).

Overall I would give this set a 9/10 just because the stand is so darn ugly, the bezel is not black like the d7000 and the few instances I saw FB's. Blacks are amazing, inky, and you will notice them the first time you turn it on. Colors are spot on!! Response time is absolutely fantastic, and despite what those 18 year olds at best buy say, plasma is far superior for gaming. Burn-in is a thing of yesteryear, and there is absolutely no issues with that on this set. I would take this set over the Panasonic P65VT30 ANY DAY!! Samsung is better with parts distribution, service, warranty claims(not that you will have any), and over picture quality. Blacks are videophiles obsessions, and this set does them perfectly.

So when you pull out your credit card for the VT30, just remember "i told you so" when youre cursing at your set come super bowl time, or neo's trench coat isnt as black as it used to be...

Hope this helps with your decision!

Thanks for reading guys.

Samsung PN64D8000 Near Perfection
I've had this beast of a plasma for about a month now and I am truly still being blown away. Like other reviewers, I was on the fence about Panasonic versus Samsung. I also wanted something OVER 60 inches, and plasma was the way to go to keep costs reasonable. It was either a Panasonic VT65 or GT65 or the Samsung D8000 or D7000. I read countless point and counterpoint discussions on the AVForum site for months...And when I saw a great deal on this 64D8000 I jumped on it and am totally pleased with my choice.

PICTURE: Unbelievable.. Out of the box, it was amazing. Midnight blacks and bright clean whites.. I mean watching the Boston Bruins play in the Stanley Cup was the first thing I saw when I had this on...the black shirts contrasted against the white ice was amazing. Close ups of the Bruins uniforms looked like the TV was powered off on that part of the screen. Really great. Blu-rays of course looked even better. Again the blacks stood out and colors really popped...TRON: Legacy looked UN-believable!!! Just when I thought I'd seen it all, I went into advanced options in the menu and entered a professional calibration result from a tester on AVForum. It took awhile entering in all those R G B settings, but it was totally worth it. (Saved me a couple hundred I'm sure) After my "calibration", I saw the true power of this Samsung. The colors came alive. And the contrast and flesh tones became more realistic. Blacks were inky (definitely a popular but very true word to describe these blacks) and even darker than before! So, before I thought the picture was amazing, but now it was near perfection! I honestly can't see how even the wildly popular, overpriced Panasonic VT series can beat this...(according to CNet reviews, they BARELY edge out this tv in picture quality). But you won't be disappointed with this Samsung. I'm no TV expert but I've had lots of HDTVs the last decade, and keep up with the latest. Plasmas aren't going away anytime soon... This is a big, bright, beautiful beast. Even more beautiful if you calibrate it, or "calibrate" it on your own.

DESIGN: Very nice looking, when turned off. The dark titanium bezel is attractive (darker than the picture shown here on Amazon) with a nice glass edge to give it that classy look. The stand, I agree, is kind of ugly with it's chrome spider legs..but you gotta hang this thing anyway. This thing is meant to hang on the wall. Its surprisingly thin for a 64-inch plasma. The screen is a bit reflective so it looks nice when it's off, but plan accordingly if you want this in a room with lots of windows. The reflections will be noticeable. The remote has a nice Qwerty keypad for entering text, and I actually like it's flip design...although that keypad should light up! It's useless in the dark. There is an app to use on a smartphone that I have yet to try.

3D: I've only watched Directv 3D channels, so I haven't gotten a lot of 3D experience yet (no Blu-ray 3D yet either even though I'm ready for it). What I have watched is nice. I got two free pairs of battery powered glasses and one rechargeable pair that I paid for extra. The 3D is fun to watch and clear in HD. It is still a gimmick in my book, and I can only watch so much of it before I get annoyed. Bottom line, 3D on this tv looks good (dimmer, but still clear and nice) but I bought this for its 2D picture... 3D is nice to have though, and I'm looking forward to trying out a 3D Blu-ray sometime soon..

SMART TV: Like the 3D feature this is nice. But not necessary in my book. I still use a computer for Internet features and YouTube videos, not my TV. That being said, I think the layout of this Internet connectivity is nice and smooth. Not as smooth as a computer or iPad but it works well enough. And it has built in wifi, so I had to try it out. I was impressed, and I have occasionally gone back to this for sports scores or a YouTube video once in awhile. Samsung has done better than I would have guessed with this "Smart TV" thing...I imagine some people, not myself really, will get a lot of use out of this..

NEGATIVES: okay, so this not perfect. There are a couple things I will point out that people will surely notice. First is the reflective screen. I notice it even in my window-less downstairs room when lights are on and the scene on TV is dark... This TV is meant to be viewed in a darkened room with minimal light. Second, if you've read up on plasmas then you've heard about "buzzing". Apparently, Samsung has had buzzing issues before. I tried to notice this right away but couldn't. Then during a quiet scene of a movie, I sat dead center in front of this tv and happened to turn my head away from the screen and heard it. Now, to be clear, this is not a loud "buzzing" sound and I'm not even complaining about it, but if you are dead center in front of the TV in a quiet scene and you turn your head (directing your ear towards the screen) AND you listen for it, you can hear an ever-so-faint "ticking" sound. I can't imagine many people would complain but I know some will... And lastly, again if you've read up on this model, you may hear about the anti-glare screen coating peeling away on the top corners. I have to say, that my two top corners are just BARELY peeling (or not completely sticking) at the tips.. It was like this when I got it and it doesn't even reach the actual picture or affect it in any way, so again I'm not complaining and I'm not messing with it. But if it happens to get any worse I would certainly be calling Samsung on this known issue. As it is now, it doesn't hinder my high opinion of this TV and is only noticeable if you get real close and look.

OVERALL: I got this for a big, bold, picture and solid design and I'm not disappointed in the least. Blu-rays are unreal! Sports look better than I could have imagined. And 3D and SMART TV features are a nice occasional option. And despite those couple flaws which do NOT directly bother me at all, this is near perfection. 9.5 out of 10 from me.

Samsung PN64D8000 The Search is Over
First off, let me say that I am extremely picky when it comes to HDTVs. I feel if I have to shell out over 3k for a high tech gadget, it might as well be perfect or near perfect. Let me exhale and say, that the search is finally over...I hope.

To make a long story short, I have owned 6 different HDTV's in the past 6 months. Some of them had annoying buzzing/humming sounds, others had blurriness when viewing fast motion scenes. And even others just didn't even turn on right out of the box !

It really came down to this model or the highly anticipated Panasonic 64 inch VT30. I owned the Panasonic model for about a week before I got annoyed by the loud clicking/humming noise during dark scenes and whenever I changed the channel. It was also a hefty price tag of over 4k. The glasses for the Panasonic also made me nauseous.

I got this PN64D8000 @ Magnolia TV instead when it included the 3D starter kit in addition to a free 3D blu ray player.

The picture is simply stunning!!! It is crisp for both for blu-rays and when I watch channels on Direct TV. When watching sports, there is virtually no blur during fast motion scenes, a prerequisite for me, since I watch tons of hockey and the likes. I was just thinking that the HD content on this TV is so clear, my eyes almost hurt!! I'm half joking! Even popping in a movie such as the Guardian on standard DVD, the picture looks like its in HD!

The 3D content is tremendous when watching the Shrek movies. The colors are rich and vibrant, and for me the glasses were very comfortable and didn't make me nauseous at all, unlike Panasonic's glasses.

Trust me when I say, if I don't like a TV I return it, as mentioned above. I have had this TV for over 2 weeks now and continue to be amazed. My roommate is even raving about the resolution on it.

The only negative thing, I can live with and not to bothered by is the initial buzz when the TV turns on. After about a few mins the buzz goes away. Either way, due to the fact it is a plasma and it is a large screen TV, I don't think there's a way around the slight noise. But like I said, this sound is acceptable and barely noticeable to me. And I am extremely picky!!!

Buy, if you have the funds.

Samsung PN64D8000 Best picture I have ever seen!
This picture is so good that you can see the makeup cover-up on the actors' zits, blades of grass and any imperfections that exist on a local news set. I did not know that the picture being this much better would show so many things that I did not want to see.. LOL! I am actually painting the chrome base because I find it a distraction while watching the TV. I had eye surgery 20 years ago and I have an annoying starburst with shiny objects but... everyone else loves the chrome base. The bright window next to the TV set has more reflection on this plasma than on my Sony Lycos rear projection that I replaced. That is my only complaint and I am REALLY PICKY!! The apps are way more than I will ever use. The set-up is a snap. The controls are extensive and easy to use. LOVE the remote with the keyboard. I got the Samsung over the Panasonic because of all of the bad reviews I read on Panasonic's customer service vs. Samsung's. I bought this online from a Plasma seller and had a wonderful experience. I bought this TV for its awesome 2D picture. I don't give a rip about the 3D feature. BTW you can check face book and email while watching TV. A Techs dream!

Samsung PN64D8000 Best Price, Best Tv Ever.
I looked over every TV I could find over 55" and I came across this one. After looking on youtube and every website I could find that talked about this TV I went to Best Buy and tuck a hands on look. I must say even when the TV is off it looks great! But once you turn it on you will never see anything like it. The colours are LIFE LIKE!
At first I read some revues that said the "Blacks were Inky" i didn't really get that... just thought "well the blacks just must be black".... all i can say as i am at a loss for words is, its like that part of the TV screen is turned off. No grey/black as i see with my LED AND LCD... like I said I also own a LED and LCD and the Plasma (this one) is 100,000,000 X better in ALL areas... (colour, refresh rate, BLACKS. style)
i am not going to give a long revue as i am sure you have seen 100 or so and your eyes hurt from your computer screen. In closing I will say, any TV you get will look great in your living room. But once you see this TV next to 70 others on the best buy wall... you will know you have the Alpha dog of TV's. you will see what your money is going to and then and only then will you see your getting the best. well the best under $10,000. and FYI I looked at the Panasonic $10,000 TV and yes the pitcher is GREAT!!! but the TV itself looks like crap... see for yourself.
I hope this helps.
GO BIG OR GO HOME! i just hope home does not hold a 46" Hitachi LED lol ;)
Perry

Samsung PN64D8000 Best Price, VERY PLEASED
Just got the television delivered yesterday and I am VERY PLEASED with the TV and the overall experience.

I had worries about ordering such a $$$ item from Amazon, but the delivery/setup experience was a BREEZE. I dont expect to have to return the set, but I have 30 days no questions if I feel the need. One thing about the delivery is that I selected a different time than the default. In speaking to the shippers, they told me that they dont get the schedule updates so it seems the delivery default is from 11-3pm. No problem, but something good to know. The delivery company (CEVA) was responsive, called before their arrival and setup/powered on the unit. Very good experience.

Now the TV. Perhaps it is such a jump from my old 4:3 53" RP Sony, but the picture is just beautiful. The pictures are sharp, vibrant and really pop off of the screen. I used the PIP feature of the TV, and it "seems" that I can only get network out of the PIP rather than from the dish (which makes sense because there is only one output from the receiver to the TV). I found the Samsung E-Manual to be very annoying and cumbersome to use on the TV. Clearly they are trying not to print paper, but the one time I actually READ the manual is when I first get the TV so the learning curve is longer because I have to page through the manual via the TV (but I believe that Samsung will allow you to download one).

The TV stand does look like the Cylon Base Star, but it works. It is heavy, made of metal and I do not notice it when watching TV. The screed DOES WOBBLE when on the stand, but I am more than confident it wont simply fall over because of it.

The TV remote takes a little getting used to, but it works well when typing in searches and surfing the net via the TV. Its not a full blown browser, but it does display the sites I normally visit quite nicely.

The biggest challenge I had was setting up Netflix. When I would fire up the application via the SmartHub on the TV, it would say "Not connected to the internet" (when I CLEARLY was attached to the internet). Called Samsung, they said if internet is working then it is Netflix problem. Called Netflix and they said my bandwidth was too low to stream a movie (even though every other device streams JUST FINE). Netflix said to call my cable operator. In the end, I physically needed to UNPLUG the TV for 30 seconds and then replug it back in. This is a hard reset and from that point, the Netflix application was able to register and stream movies without issue.

Looking forward to seeing some sports on this TV. I am very happy with the purchase. I have not seen the fluctuating black issue and there isnt a peeling of the protective coating (but I will continue to watch both very closely.)

I was considering the 70" Sharp, the 65" Panasonic VT30 and the 64" Samsung PN64D8000. So far, very happy with the purchase.

Samsung PN64D8000 Best Buy, Wonderful.
The most wonderful television I have even owned. Thin, sleek, with a fabulous picture. Best news, it was $500 cheaper than at Best Buy.

Samsung PN64D8000 REVIEW & BEST PRICE

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Samsung PN64D8000 REVIEW

@# CHEAP Samsung PN64D8000 64-Inch 1080p 600Hz 3D Plasma 8000 Series Smart TV

Samsung PN64D8000 64-Inch

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