Samsung UN55C8000

Display Size & Technology

The Samsung UN55C8000 is a 55-inch 3D television using an LCD display with LED backlighting. In fact, a whole one-third of Samsung's LED TVs for 2010 are 3D, so it's clear that Samsung (along with most of the manufacturers) think you should own one.

The UN55C8000 also includes some intriguing processing technology that allows for realtime 2D to 3D upconversion. Because this technology is so new, you have a right to be skeptical: we certainly are.

Our first question to Samsung was about the difference between upcoverted 3D and native 3D, which was recently standardized for Blu-Ray discs.We were only able to get a vague answer, so we're looking forward to actually getting a production sample into our labs for scientific testing.

We did learn, however, that upconverted 2D-to-3D video can only create a foreground/background difference. Native 3D content offers more 'side-to-side and front-to-back' depth, which is more immersive. At this point, you're probably asking yourself, 'What does that mean?' We're wondering the same thing; we couldn't get a direct side-by-side comparison. The thing is, so much of this technology is new that we're still inventing the terminology to describe it. All we can say is that there is a difference: the native 3D content looks better.

All the Samsung 3D TVs have a 240Hz refresh rate, though you only need 120Hz for active shutter 3D display.

Oh, and in case you're wondering: yes, 3D TVs also function as normal 2D TVs.

1080p, LED-backlit, and, oh yes, 3D.

Formats & Resolution

The Samsung UN55C8000 displays at 1080p, with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Brightness, Blacks and Contrast Ratio

The Samsung UN55C8000 did not have any available data on brightness, black levels, or contrast ratio, because WHO CARES, IT'S THREE-DEEE! At least, that's the sense we're getting at this show. All the traditional specs have been thrown out the window.

In our lab testing the past year, Samsung LED-backlit TVs produced an excellent black level and contrast ratio. You can check out the Samsung UN46B8500 review for more details.

Color

Again, Samsung didn't seem to interested in talking about plebeian, 2D performance like color. It was especially difficult to discern anything with our own eyes because the Samsung UN55C8000 was only displaying 3D content.

Motion & Refresh Rate

The Samsung UN55C8000 has a 240Hz refresh rate, as do all the Samsung 3D TVs for 2010. Motion performance could not be determined because they were only showing 3D content on the models that could display it. 

Viewing Angle

Viewing angle, even an approximation, could not be determined. Similar models from Samsung were fairly narrow, only offering about 37 degrees.