Samsung UE55ES8000

Bought this TV a couple of weeks ago (not from Amazon). Took me a while to set up because I got a bundle with a Samsung Blu-Ray and speaker set, and there were a lot of cables to get sorted (I eventually settled on using an optical output cable from the TV to my speakers).

Once I'd got it all cabled up and set up I have to say this TV is STUNNING! Leaving aside the size (which starts off massive, but over time becomes normal) the picture quality is incredible. It is worth spending some time customising the colours and contrast/brightness to the way you like it - search the web and find the settings recommended by the serious TV watchers. The most realistic picture is in Movie mode.

Plug this in to a Blu-Ray source and a separate speaker system and this is true home cinema.

3D is OK but a bit of a gimmick so we don't bother with it.

Voice control is fun, especially when the TV sometimes decides to turn itself on when you are singing! Motion control is a bit inaccurate, so once again we haven't bothered with that much.

What is really great is the speed at which it reads video files from a USB stick, and the TV native support for multiple video formats including Matrushka files.

Overall this is the best TV we have ever owned, and now I watch TV programmes I'm not even bothered about, just so I can watch the TV!

If you get a massive bonus and want to treat yourself - get one of these now!

The first thing to consider when purchasing this Set is the Price. I don't believe the ES8000 Models is in any significantly way better than the es7000 model, therefore I advise you choose the ES7000 model if you want one of Samsung's top 2012 TV. The ES7000 is almost identical with the exception of the Micro dimming mode which is supposedly more advanced in the 8000 model. The only other difference i could find is the stand, it's the same panel, same LCD, led Edge lit technology. You will most likely hardly notice any difference, as I've seen both models.

Its ultra clear panel (as I believe it's called) is only on the 7000/8000 models & as the name suggests, it is indeed very clear in comparison to other sets I saw in the shops. Picture quality is extremely good, particularly with HD content on disk/usb/usbhdd/network/etc. Other digital files or streamed online via netflix/lovefilm is also quite impressive. Standard definition picture works well. You will notice the picture is bright & crisp. The TV is overloaded with settings, users will generally get themselves lost for the first couple of weeks until you get the hang of menus and adjust the presets to suit. You will find most default settings are too high so they will need to be fine tuned. Once adjusted, you can quickly access the presets to suit your programmes. You will probably have read about the lighting issues, there are some bright spots & slightly bluish edges when the screen in black & in very low light conditions. It isn't particularly something that has bothered me much, & can't normally be seen unless in very low light.

3D as I've heard is fantastic, so far I've seen 1 or 2 videos were cool but otherwise 3d gives me a headache so I'm not bothering with that. If you want to try it out, there is a fruit fight demo on the Samsung 3d content services, very nice but that's about it.

Inputs are all there but could be better, 3x HDMI's can be quickly used up with modern devices, Enough usb's, Digital out however
There isn't proper full analogue output, there is a headphones socket but of course it isn't ideal for connecting to an analogue home stereo. The Special HDD usb port works great, powers my usb hdd which instantly allows the tv to access hundreds of Gigabytes of digital content. It handles movies with ease, the file browser is smooth and simply designed. Photos, videos & music play quickly and easily. If you content gets more advances like 720/1080p HD MKV's for example, it works great, allowing you to select audio track and sub titles if integrated. At this time I have not tested sub files in addition to the movie file. You have Ethernet/built in wifi.

Sound is ok, will need some adjusting with the EQ to get a clearer fuller sound but it does a fair job consider how slim the tv is.
Ideally if you want the cinema experience you need a sound system up to the job.

Smart services work well, the Skype, lovefilm/Netflix, VOD services have been the ones mainly used. There is an integrated mic/camera which is believe is HD. Picture quality is fair on skype calls. The Opera browser isn't something I could get use to, firstly the browsing experience is sluggish & you'd probably need additional keyboards / mouse to get proper control. Using your pc/laptop is much less hassle. If you really want smart services, there are loads of additional devices you can purchase and connect to your existing set.

Its other services such as Voice/Motion control just isn't practical, I wouldn't waste my time. If you want to play around, try it out but you will soon get annoyed by its lack of or inaccurate response. For voice, you can use its secondary remote which has a built in mic if you really need to try voice search but again, it doesn't work well. Of course you have

You should get 2 remotes & IR blaster. I tend to use the main remote most of the time. It does a good job once you get use to it and find the right buttons including that colourful smarthub button which I thought was the logo. It a long remote so some functions are more accessible using 2 hands, remote design, they all need work. Software access shortcuts to settings could be smarter; otherwise you might find yourself lost in the menus again.

RRP @ £2,300 (UE55es7000) & £2,500 (UE55ES8000), quite the price tag isn't it. Even discounted between £1500 - £1999 towards the end of 2012 into 2012 it is still a high price to pay. Compared to other sets from Sony or Panasonic, Samsung's pricing is high, while at the same time their high end 2012 models are only led edge lit lcd screens. I've seen some full led screens from Panasonic / LG
So it's a shame Samsung couldn't include that yet. The glass on the Sony HX is gorilla, but very reflective, while its tand/soundbar designs couldn't work for my layout. Panasonic & LG have some good looking models but they all very highly priced as well.

I luckily got an extremely good deal on the set almost brand new, otherwise the 7000 model would have been my 1st choice. Depending on your budget of course, the 6000 series looks like it does a good job as well but you'll need to compare them side by side to see if you think its worth the extra for the ultra clear panel.

Very good TV, Fair Sound, Fantastic Picture, Complicated settings, Some good smart services but many things like browsing, Voice/motion just doesn't work. For a premium price, you expect its premium features to work & their not quite there yet in 2012.

As they stand all manufactures have issues but of the Sony, Panasonic, LG & Samsung I stick with my choice for an overall quality experience.

Anyway. Enjoy.

I purchased the TV after seeing the excellent reviews it had received around the internet and it certainly lives up to its reputation.

The picture quality is absolutely outstanding, giving a crisp and clear HD picture. So far I've played files from USB, the built in Netflix application and the built in BBC iPlayer application. In every case the television has performed perfectly with no issues.

The Smart Touch Remote that came in the box is quite cool, although I find that using it for text entry is slower than using the ordinary remote.

Overall this is a brilliant TV that I would absolutely recommend to anyone.