The Samsung UN55B8000 and Edge-Lit HDTVs Reviewed
Samsung is making yet another breakthrough with its edge-lit LED-based LCD HDTVs or LED TVs, a roster topped by the pricey 55-inch Samsung UN55B8000. But what does an edge-lit HDTV mean? And how does it make models like the UN55B8000 a cut above the rest?
An edge-lit HDTV is a type of LED-based HDTV, so first, you have to understand how LED-based televisions work. Compared to usual LCD televisions which use a fluorescent lamp for a backlight, LED-lit ones use hundreds of tiny bulbs called light emitting diodes (LEDs), hence the term LED-based TV. These bulbs do not only use less electricity and last longer than the fluorescent lamp. They are also arranged in clusters that can be turned off entirely, resulting in black levels as outstandingly deep as those on Plasma televisions.
Because of this, LED-lit HDTVs are becoming popular. However, most of them are direct-lit, which means that the LEDs cover the entire panel and project the light forward. On the other hand, the Samsung UN55B8000 is edge-lit, which means that the LEDs are only on the top and the bottom of the panel, projecting the light towards the center where a light guide plate reflects it forward and focuses it accordingly.
One advantage of edge-lit HDTVs is that they can be made even thinner and lighter, making them not only attractive but also easier to mount on the wall just like a framed painting. Indeed, the UN55B8000 is only 1.2 inches deep at most, making it one of Samsung’s slimmest and most stylish HDTVs.
Another advantage is that edge-lit HDTVs consume even less electricity. In fact, while LEDs already consume half the electricity that a fluorescent lamp uses, edge-lit HDTVs use far less. The UN55B8000, in particular, consumes up to 40 percent less power.
Edge-lit televisions have disadvantages, too, though, such as the heat generated by the frame - especially the top and bottom part - and problems regarding screen uniformity. Samsung claims to have solved these issues, though, and indeed, the UN55B8000 is an efficient piece, with the issue of screen uniformity only appearing during dark scenes, and even then, is difficult to discern.
Aside from the fact that it is an edge-lit HDTV, the Samsung UN55B8000 is an excellent HDTV for other reasons, such as its 240Hz processor, which results in clear and crisp images even during fast-moving scenes and its accurate colors, which contribute to creating amazing picture quality. It comes with interactive features, as well, such as an extensive library of built-in content and Yahoo widgets to keep you posted on the latest updates in the weather, news and stock market. Connectivity, though not its strongest point, is quite good, too, with four HDMI inputs, a PC input and two USB slots to name a few.
All these make the Samsung UN55B8000 truly a cut above the rest, which is why it doesn’t come cheap. You won’t feel bad about the hole left in your savings, though, since you can brag about this cool HDTV for years to come.
Edward McKellen is an HDTV expert who writes plasma tv reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To read more about the Samsung UN55B8000 55 inch LED HDTV or check out the latest Sony HDTV reviews visit HDTVreviewlab.com
