Samsung PN51E8000 3D Smart Plasma HDTV Review

Menu Interface

Samsung's main menu features a very standard array of options: Picture, Sound, Channel, Network, System, and Support.

Picture allows you to make changes to your Picture Mode, cell light, sharpness, brightness, color temperature, etc. Sound works in a similar fashion: users choose a Sound Mode, and can determine overall treble/bass balance, as well as toggling Surround Sound on or off. Channel allows management of analog/digital antenna signals from available channels. Network is what you'll use to set up a wired (ethernet) or wireless (wi-fi) internet connection, and assists you in locating and finalizing your internet connection. System is used to manage things like channel locking, password protection, time/date setting, and running Initial Setup over again--in case you decide you want to take a crack at the Smart Hub en Français. Support will link you directly to Samsung's plasma-specific e-Manual.

Things like customized Picture or Sound options will be automatically saved when changes are made; and they will be saved between modes. This means that changes made to the Standard Picture Mode will not affect the other Picture Modes. Sound Modes work the same way, and most menus that allow for personalization of your TV's performance will have a "Custom" mode, if you'd rather not mess with Samsung's presets. Changes can be reset by menu, meaning if you like your picture setup but don't like your sound output, you can reset your Sound menu individually.

The AllShare menu can be accessed either by pressing the dedicated remote button, or by navigating to it through the Smart Hub. The AllShare menu filters your media content into one place, whether or not it's being accessed through a USB flash device, digital camera, or wireless connected PC or smartphone.