Great contrast ratio
Great motion performance
Color performance was a bit off
Narrow viewing angle for a plasma TV
Introduction
The Samsung PN59D8000 ($2,599 MSRP) is Samsung’s flagship plasma TV for 2011. It certainly looks beautiful in brushed metal, but will this 1080p, 3D display live up to your hopes, dreams, and $1,000+ investment? We found it to have good black & white and color performance, but it could still be outdone in these areas by other televisions on the market. It’s a lot of TV, at 60 inches on the diagonal (or 59 “+1,” as Samsung insists on marketing it). If you want a TV that can serve all of your needs at once, with 3D capability, many streaming internet features, and fantastic motion performance, this Samsung might serve you well.
Editorial Note: This is a review of the Samsung PN59D8000. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the PNxxD8000 series. The PNxxD8000 series includes the following models: PN51D8000, PN59D8000 and PN64D8000. Read here for more details on series differences.
| This review is organized into 18 pages | ||
|---|---|---|
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Page 1
Tour & Design
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Page 2
Blacks & Whites
Dim peak brightness, but still maintains a high contrast ratio. Read More... |
Page 3
Color Accuracy
Slightly inaccurate color gamut and temperature, with decent RGB curves. Read More... |
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Page 4
Motion
Great motion and resolution scaling. Read More... |
Page 5
3D
While we’re still not behind 3D technology, this second-generation 3D plasma can do the job. Read More... |
Page 6
Viewing Effects
Underwhelming viewing angle for a plasma screen but also better with reflected lights than most plasmas. Read More... |
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Page 7
Calibration
Learn about the calibration settings for the Samsung PN59D8000. Read More... |
Page 8
Connectivity
Plenty of ports for newer devices, but older technology will be left behind with this model. Read More... |
Page 9
Audio & Menus
The PN59D8000 takes advantage of every single one of its 15 watts of power with a great simulated surround sound feature that is almost as good as a surround sound system, just not as powerful. Read More... |
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Page 10
Multimedia & Internet
The Samsung PN59D8000 was designed for a broad range of multimedia, with features aplenty. Read More... |
Page 11
Power Consumption
Give as many excuses as you like, the Samsung PN59D8000 is still an energy guzzler. Read More... |
Page 12
Vs Panasonic TC-P55VT30
 We compare the PN59D8000 to the TC-P55VT30. Read More... |
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Page 13
Vs Samsung UN46C8000
 We compare the PN59D8000 to the UN46C8000. Read More... |
Page 14
Vs. Sony KDL-46HX729
 We compare the PN59D8000 to the KDL-46HX729. Read More... |
Page 15
Conclusion
Read our final conclusion of the Samsung PN59D8000. Read More... |
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Page 16
Series Comparison
Read about the difference between the models in the PNxxD8000 series Read More... |
Page 17
Photo Gallery
See photos of the Samsung PN59D8000 Read More... |
Part 18
Comments
Read what people are saying about the Samsung PN59D8000. Add your comments... |
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18-May-2012
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Samsung’s 2012 Smart TV Platform revolves primarily around the Smart Hub. The Smart Hub gathers all content the TV is capable of displaying under one roof: live TV, apps, streaming video and music, and personal media. Read More...
Samsung PN59D8000 Manual
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