Samsung pn58c8000 Review : Top-notch 3D-ready Plasma
Samsung’s PN58C8000 is one of three plasma HDTV models representing the company’s top-tier, 3D-ready 8000 series. With its ultra-thin profile and brushed-metal finish, this 58-inch TV is beautiful. And its top-notch performance and broad fea- ture set justify its price tag.
With its 1.4-inch-deep cabinet, the 8000 is the thinnest plasma set we’ve seen. The two down-firing, 10-watt speakers under the bottom bezel are loud and provide good mid- and high-range output, but could use a bit more bass response. The PN58C8000’s most frequently used connections are eas- ily accessible on the left side of the cabinet, and include four HDMI ports, two USB ports, two audio outputs, and a PC audio input. Additional ports are located in the rear.
The Samsung Apps suite is extensive; its streaming video lineup includes Netflix, Vudu, You Tube, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, Explore 3D, and DailyMotion.
Performancewise, the 8000 series uses Samsung’s proprietary Real Black Filter technology, an advanced anti-glare fea- ture that truly delivered some of the darkest blacks we’ve seen in a plasma. Shadow detail on our 2012 Blu-ray test disc was excellent, as was the overall HD-detail qual- ity. On top of all that, the PN58C8000 does a very good job of displaying 3D content. It does produce a degree of crosstalk (a double-image effect) but it was not as pro- nounced as what I observed with the Sony Bravia KDL-55HX800 and LG 47LX9500.
At $3,000, the Samsung PN58C8000 may cost more than other like-sized plasma HDTVs, but you do get 3D support, which at this point, you’ll still pay a premium for. It is well-designed, rich in features and an out- standing performer, making it a shoo-in for our Editors’ Choice award.
Price $2,999.99 list
PROS Excellent 2D- and 3D-image quality. Very deep blacks. Unique, sleek design. A wide variety of Web apps.
CONS Not very energy efficient when compared with LCD-based HDTVs. Uncomfortable 3D glasses.
Samsung’s PN58C8000 is one of three plasma HDTV models representing the company’s top-tier, 3D-ready 8000 series. With its ultra-thin profile and brushed-metal finish, this 58-inch TV is beautiful. And its top-notch performance and broad fea- ture set justify its price tag.
With its 1.4-inch-deep cabinet, the 8000 is the thinnest plasma set we’ve seen. The two down-firing, 10-watt speakers under the bottom bezel are loud and provide good mid- and high-range output, but could use a bit more bass response. The PN58C8000’s most frequently used connections are eas- ily accessible on the left side of the cabinet, and include four HDMI ports, two USB ports, two audio outputs, and a PC audio input. Additional ports are located in the rear.
The Samsung Apps suite is extensive; its streaming video lineup includes Netflix, Vudu, You Tube, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, Explore 3D, and DailyMotion.
Performancewise, the 8000 series uses Samsung’s proprietary Real Black Filter technology, an advanced anti-glare fea- ture that truly delivered some of the darkest blacks we’ve seen in a plasma. Shadow detail on our 2012 Blu-ray test disc was excellent, as was the overall HD-detail qual- ity. On top of all that, the PN58C8000 does a very good job of displaying 3D content. It does produce a degree of crosstalk (a double-image effect) but it was not as pro- nounced as what I observed with the Sony Bravia KDL-55HX800 and LG 47LX9500.
At $3,000, the Samsung PN58C8000 may cost more than other like-sized plasma HDTVs, but you do get 3D support, which at this point, you’ll still pay a premium for. It is well-designed, rich in features and an out- standing performer, making it a shoo-in for our Editors’ Choice award.
Price $2,999.99 list
PROS Excellent 2D- and 3D-image quality. Very deep blacks. Unique, sleek design. A wide variety of Web apps.
CONS Not very energy efficient when compared with LCD-based HDTVs. Uncomfortable 3D glasses.
