Smart TV concept is catching up among the zealous crowd of television viewers. The key attraction is that Samsung Smart TV has altered the course of network TV to a more integrated web browser. It aids in streamlining the media content on the home network and can also connect to online widgets. The Samsung Apps store adds more mileage and it is one of the first to introduce this functionality that had been used in phones and media players. Amazingly, there had been more than one million downloads from the Apps store. Though it is still in the budding phase, by giving downloads pertaining to TV viewers interest, we can say that Samsung Apps would crystallize shortly to a more sensible usability. Not to mention there are bundles of games, Face book and twitter access which can make the user addicted to TV than anything else. Samsung 46″ UE46D8000 Smart 3D LED TV is one such television with the Smart TV embedded in it.
Overview
The ultra narrow bezel and the slim body are attractive and deliver an aesthetic appeal to the interior. The connectivity is enhanced with four HDMI slots and is enabled with connect share, Anynet+ and All Share. The Samsung D8000 also referred as Smart TV is actually smart with integrated web browser and good media content. The colour reproduction is enhanced with the micro dimming and the wide colour enhancer features. In addition to this, the remote control is also revolutionised by integrating a QWERTY keyboard on the other side of the regular remote. But we must review the usability of the same. Finally the 3D viewing is far more enriched and the user can enjoy a stream of movies with unbeatable 3D performance.
Design
The Samsung UE46D8000 46-inch Smart 3D LED TV is all about style, elegance and sleek body embedded with tons of entertainment features in it. Measuring just 29.7mm thickness, the Samsung fondly calls this sort of, masterpiece as One Design. Amazingly, the Smart TV is perfected to light-weighted aspect without sacrificing the sturdiness. The characteristic feature is the mega slim bezel. It guarantees a good watching experience. The TV frame is fitted with a metallic silver border. It spruces up the interior of any house. In addition to this, it can be wall mounted too. Be it sitting quietly inside a cabinet or a wall, the TV actually camouflage in any surrounding, but still stay true to its stylish build. In most of the home appliance purchase of such higher end television means one need to create an extra space in the room, or hunt for furniture that can fit the television. In other words, added investment is required to acquire the television. However, with this one it would not be an issue, because the bezel body with 46 inch wide screen can fit into a space much lesser than that, take for an example 42” inch wide cabinet can comfortably accommodate it. The screen is semi-glossy in nature that is susceptible to reflections. Owing to the shiny coating which similar to that of laptop screen, the viewing can be disturbed in a very brightly lit environment. However, the screen is not so sensitive to be disturbed by the reflections created from lamps. The chrome plated stand offers the rotation to the tune of 30º degrees in both the directions. The buttons such as channel shift, volume control, menu, power are of touch sensitive type. Furthermore they are located on the rear side of it. It consists of Bluetooth feature, but since the transmitter is located beneath the Samsung logo, there is trouble in getting the connection activated. At such instances, the user must increase the proximity of the remote control to the transmitter and eliminate any other Bluetooth pairing gadgets away from the television. This could have been avoided by fixing a better place for the Bluetooth transmitter.
3D glass
The 3D glass compatible with this model is Samsung SSG-2100AB. It is of battery operated type and works on the active shutter technology. This technology creates an effect such as the staggered one, because it blocks the left followed by the right eye. This happens at a rapid rate and hence we can feel the real life like 3D effect, which is stunning. The glass is designed more like the sun-glass and is lighter than other chunkier ones. But the glass lacks a complete coverage near the corners. Owing to this, many would land up getting an annoyed feeling. The light can pass through it and can create visual stuttering. In some cases, the sunlight penetration can cause a peripheral flickering, though the 3D technology is not so robust to be watched under bright room lit conditions, nevertheless the effect could have been controlled. Moreover the 3D effect is better in a wider screen than the 46 inches. The operation part is simple with a LED indicator that signals the shut down. It automatically shuts down when not in use for several seconds. The plastic lens located on the front part of the 3D glass synchronise with the IR of the television to give the 3D effect. Nevertheless, it is reflective too and therefore any change in the scene conditions such as the too brighter scenes or the light-setting can disturb the synchronisation with the television. However, the situation can be avoided by blocking the sensor area in the glass to certain extent using an electric tape or something. Despite such minor flaws, all in all SSG-2100AB is great with increased depth and richness. As a final note, only one glass is supplied with this set. Most of the glasses are expensive and this one too falls under higher price range category. Hence for a family packed environment one must chip in additional money to get the extra glasses.
Slots and Connectivity
Like the many latest television there are plenty of slots. It consists of four HDMI ports, component connection, SCART connection and AV connection. There is also a separate slot for the home theatre connection. Pretty interestingly a tag is attached on to a few of the dongles, which has to be inserted to use the RCA connector. The tag notifies that the cord should be inserted securely. With some of the connections, the user must refer the instruction manual. Even though there is an E-manual, it does not cover completely about the connectivity part, for which we have to refer the instruction manual. But, there is no clear cut instruction as how to connect the cable or the satellite dish to the television. The smart install also skips with just briefing the connection to a cable. The external port enables the connection of a USB connector only. But, it is not possible to connect an iPad or iPhone or iPod with the help of Apple’s video connector. Only MP3 songs can be played. The product is wireless enabled. The wireless LAN adapter supports the communication protocol, viz IEEE 802.11a/b/g. Samsung recommends the usage of 802.11n. When the video is played over the prior connection, the content may not play very smoothly as expected.
Remote Access Control
Samsung has attempted to revolutionize the TV remote control and hence introduced the QWERTY type. Though, we appreciate the idea and the implementation, had Samsung Engineer’s carried an in-depth research in the usability it would have been better from the user perspective. The keyboard can be considered more as a marketing tactics used by Samsung to get the user frequented with the Samsung Apps, a store very much similar to that of Apple Apps. But what it lacks is the functionality and usability. It is a multidirectional keyboard with hotkey, optical sensor directional key. But it lacks intuitive lay-out. It is dual side remote with the basic remote functions on one side and the QWERTY keyboard on the other side. The unit as a whole is stubby in user’s hand and might not be highly welcomed by the children. The regular remote has a backlight function, but it does not last longer than three seconds and hence the user should scrap through very quickly under dark setting. The QWERTY pad can be used for the net and the Smart Hub purposes with the LED screen. However the keypad is a 5 way control type and by using the touch pad located on the right side of it, one can readily navigate the internet. It is relatively faster to operate than the 5 way control, but the only disappointment is it is small in size and the user would not able to find it quickly. In addition to this, sometimes Enter key has to be hit prior to typing anything and it can be frustrating as this issue is not uniform in nature. The arrangement of the keys is somewhat in a jammed manner so as to bring the compactness, and hence the typing can be a daunting experience for some. Another common problem encountered with the remote is the pairing issue. The remote works via Bluetooth and hence must be paired with the television prior to operating the same. Unlike the latest synchronisation technology, the process here is not made easy. One needs to get close to the television and hold the remote as per the prescribed distance of eight inches. The sym and the tab buttons had to be pressed and the “pairing” notification appears on the screen. Though the procedure is simple, there is some basic engineering defect that has caused dissatisfaction with respect to the procedure itself. In case of unsuccessful pairing, the television is to be put in the reset mode and then the action must be repeated. The consoling factor is that in case of Bluetooth pairing failure after multiple attempts, one can scan for the Bluetooth device similar like that of cell phone and can find out whether it is the issue of the television or rather than the remote itself. As a final note of conclusion, the remote control is not very ergonomic and sits at ease in our hands, unlike the sleek model ones. Moreover the response rate is very slow and very important factors such as the grouping favourite channels are not available. We could only say that the remote control does not completely compliments the television’s style and usability and makes the user-interface difficult.
User interface and Set-up
The user-interface in Samsung UE46D8000 LED Television is made simple with the E-manual integrated in to the television. Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is available and furthermore, the now and the next guide broadcast daily program available on the respective channel and the corresponding time. The EPG is very practical in the Samsung UE46D8000YU. On the other hand, Rovi on Screen solutions also provides the EPG guide but is limited in certain countries. The viewers can sort programmes that can be watched before and after 24 hours. The timer recorder function can record a programme that has been planned to be broadcast. It can support the USB stick and the USB HDD of Raid type is actually not supported. The favourite channels can be grouped within the Smart Hub. It is simple to edit one channel at a time and can apply the changes to all channels as desired. Samsung has put a thought for theft issues if their TV if it had been to be put in public places. The Kensington lock must be purchased and can be attached to it. As the television is integrated with the E-manual the user-interface is highly smooth. It is possible to toggle between the e-manual and the selected menus, thus rendering a good upper hand in the settings area.
Features
Smart Experience
Samsung UE46D8000 Smart TV has got a bunch of smart features. Television can be more personalised using the smart hub, your video, search all, social TV and Skype. The smart hub is a highly interactive feature. User can do tasks such as downloading the Apps, surfing the web and getting recommendations on the shows to be watched. Since the Samsung Apps is in the nascent phase, many features are missing. The Netflix-plug is somewhat less functional and does not yield a good image quality.
3D
The 3D effect is something very stunning with the Samsung UE46D8000. Aspects like 2D to 3D conversion, side by side, top and bottom, vertical stripe, checker board and frame sequential are available. The hyper real engine of Samsung gives the dazzling and almost real like effect. The 3D perspective can be adjusted to the tune of + or -5 and the depth from 1 to 10. In addition to this, the 3D sound effect creates a cinematic hall like effect. Thanks to the Depth rendering technology used by Samsung. The micro dimming effect plays a vital role in giving the deeper black and purer white for capturing even the smallest details very vividly.
Picture Quality Enhancing Features
The picture enhancing features is highly appreciated. It does not give any halo effect. Technology such as the wide colour enhancer is an added bonus. The algorithm drastically improves the picture performance. It displays the details and the tone far advanced than any TV could reproduce. The Digital noise filter keeps away the annoying image noise produced due to the low quality content from different sources. All in all, the picture looks really great and the ultra clear panel accentuates the quality. It even controls blur due to the latest panel construction technology involved.
Miscellaneous Features
Samsung UE46D8000 3D Hyper Real Engine TV is configured with features such as the All share; connect share and Free View HD. Though the internet connections are slow, it can be still viewed. The All share connects the TV and other compatible Samsung devices such as the mobile phones through one network. The user can listen to music, watch movies transferred from the device to the TV. The view is further facilitated with auto chaptering, bookmark function, digital content management and many more. Skype is enabled and Skype to Skype video calls can be made.
Performance
Huge expectations lurk around the Samsung D8000 3D Full HD LED TV. Primarily because, it has been launched with an immense preamble but only the user’s experience can decide the success rate. Even if lots of glittering features such as the Smart TV are added, finally it is the performance that all matters at the end of the day. Once when it is switched on, the default settings gives away too much of brightness, and when it is adjusted to the ample viewable settings it is good. Samsung UE46D8000YU is striving to reach perfection in the colour gradation area. It is a terminology used to define the ability of the TV to differentiate colours from each other. It is considered the best, when there is ideally no band, whilst this one produces some at the semi-dark areas. This can be even reflected in the gamma settings, which deflects 0.13% as against 100% during the calibration. This could be attributed to the limited reproduction of darker colours.
The picture quality in the standard definition mode is comparatively better and crispier than the previous launch. The high definition mode is simply great with detailed colour contrast. The black levels re noticeably improved than the previous year models. However the response time matters a lot in establishing the desired picture quality in the high definition and this one has commendable one. Owing to this, there is minimal blurring. In continuation with this, the trailing effect which produce halo around the object is also not to be seen. One of the major reasons suspected for this performance is the scanning backlight function. The incorporation of the feature has significantly increased the refresh rate and by constantly resetting the vision. When some of the features add beauty to the viewing experience, but a few should be kept at bay while watching the television. The Motion Plus is one such a adjustment that needs to be completely turned off to enjoy a complete gaming experience. When it is activated, it creates a less natural look and resembles like a least expensive soap opera.
The 3D viewing experience is made better in the Samsung D8000 Smart 3D LED TV. Largely, it is due to the considerable reduction in the cross talk effect which was more pronounced in the previous 3D LED models of Samsung. The cross talk reduction or compensation mechanism is effective and we could say that the same momentum is maintained in the forthcoming LED 3D technology, and then it can perform on par with plasma based 3D technology. The performance is similar to that of Sony X720. The 2D to 3D conversion is specifically enhanced with movies having mountain scenes and spectacular flying sequences such as the Pearl Harbor etc.
We can put the performance of Samsung UE46D8000 in exceeds expectation category. At the same time, certain shortcomings such as the backlight bleeding must be totally eliminated in the forth-coming models and since the edge-lit technology it yields away rather easily.
Verdict
Samsung has applied a different strategy to make the user glued to the TV for most of the time. In order to do so, it must be equipped with functionalities provided by other electronic items. It has rightly integrated with the Skype to make the calls, and the Smart TV to get connected to the net and the Samsung Apps to get numerous content suiting to their needs. Though the concept itself is a breath of fresh air, we must however take in to account the performance factor. Since the TV is contained with internet capability, Samsung has supplied the QWERTY keyboard sort remote control. From the user perceptive, it had created issues with respect to pairing with the internet and cannot be operated at ease. Hence we could only say, the accessory designed for such high end usage must be truly user-friendly. The saddest part is that some of the technical details are also eluded from the user manual, which Samsung must seriously look in to. With respect to the performance it exceeds expectations and the minor upshots observed in the previous 3D TV’s are eliminated. The picture clarity is scintillating and not to mention the super applicability of the Samsung Apps. It is directed for every occasion, take for an example, if the TV is turned on in the morning, one can see fitness related apps. This has made it more than the TV and completely brings a personalised touch to the viewing experience.
Samsung UE46D8000 46″ 3D Television – Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | Samsung |
| Model Name | 8000 Smart 3D LED TV |
| Product Code | UE46D8000 |
| Colour | Silver |
| Dimension (W x H x D) | 104.1mmx599.4mmx29.7mm |
| Design | Super Slim |
| Quad Stand | Available |
| Technology | LED |
| Swivel Stand | Available |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Picture Technology | Wide Colour Enhancer, Digital Noise Filter |
| Interface | HDMI x 4, USBxx 3, CI Slot, Scart x 2, DVI Audio In |
| TV Tuner | Analog and Digital |
| Sound | SRS theatre Sound, DTS 2.0 |
| Features | |
| 3D | Yes |
| Internet | Yes |
| Auto Channel Search | Yes |
| Eco Sensor | Yes |
| Miscellaneous Features | All Share, AnyNet+, Time Shift, Samsung Apps, BD wise, Personal Video Recorder |
| Teletext | Yes |
| Accessories | 3D Glass, Vesa mount support, ultra slim wall mount support, Remote control |
| Warranty Period | One year |
Thursday, September 1st, 2011
