Samsung UN46B8000

Discontinued
Reviewed
November 2009
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Samsung UN46B8000

Pros
  • Thin profile
  • LED backlighting
  • 240 Hz refresh rate
  • Great picture quality
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Speakers aren't great
  • Poor viewing angles
  • Misleading marketing
 
 
 
 

Reviewers report that Samsung's B8000 series of LCD TVs, including the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8000 deliver terrific picture quality and rich array of features. An edge-lit LED backlight helps produce blacks that are deep and rich, though they are just edged out by the blacks in some other TVs, such as the step up Samsung UNB8500 series, which includes the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8500 (Discontinued) and 46-inch Samsung UN46B8500.

The Samsung UN46B8000 also provides great colors, and there's an abundance of picture controls. Internet connectivity is offered, but reviewers and owners are mixed on how useful these features really are. Other perks include an enhanced refresh rate (240 Hz) and anti-judder processing to smooth out images and reduce blur, particularly during fast action or sports scenes. Those features can be turned on and off independently. Energy efficiency is great, though all LCD TVs are more efficient that similar-sized plasma TVs in general.

Reviewers do note a couple of concerns with the Samsung B8000 series of LCD TVs. For one, off-angle viewing isn't the best, so viewers sitting far to the side won't get the best picture. The screen treatment helps improve image quality, but it is more prone to throwing off reflections than more traditional matte LCD screens. Uniformity falls short of perfect and some parts of the screen seem brighter than others.

The Samsung B8000 series of LCD TVs is also available in a 55-inch screen size as the Samsung UN55B8000, and it should perform similarly to the 46-inch Samsung UN46B800 If your budget is smaller, the Samsung LN46B750 (Discontinued) uses a conventional backlight, but still produces a picture that's blessed with rich color and great black levels.

We found several reviews of the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8000 LED-backlit LCD TVs. HDGuru.com has the most through report, though the depth of the information might overwhelm some readers. CNET's report is also very good, and perhaps a touch more accessible for those not as technically adept. ConsumerReports.org tests completely but provides insufficient discussion. A handful of user reviews is beginning to accumulate at Amazon.com.

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Samsung UN55B8500 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LED HDTV
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
Where To Buy
 
 
Samsung UN46B8000 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LED HDTV

 (77 reviews)
Buy new: $2,399.99   2 Used from $1,048.00

 
 
 
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
eBayeBay rated 3.89 (1219 reviews)1,219 store reviewsIn Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Conditions apply.$2,346.59
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. HDGuru.com

While the authors leave no doubt about where they stand regarding the Samsung UN46B8000, readers might find the depth of the technical discussions to be informational overkill. Too much time is also spent disputing Samsung's decision to market the UN46B8000 and other LED-backlit TVs in its lineup as LED TVs.

Review: Samsung UN46B8000 240Hz LCD LED TV -- Exclusive First Review, Gary Merson and Michael Fremer, May 2009

2. CNET

Though CNET finds some picture issues -- such as a shallow viewing angle and a screen that's more reflective than normal -- with the Samsung UN46B8000, David Katzmaier adds that picture quality is still "pretty dang good." Styling, energy efficiency and features are also pluses.

Review: Samsung UN46B8000, David Katzmaier, Sept. 25, 2009

3. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org includes the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8000 in its current listing. While ConsumerReports.org performs thorough, balanced testing of LCD TVs, summaries of performance are too short to provide much insight.

Review: LCD TVs, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

4. Amazon.com

While there aren't a ton of user reviews here, the number seems to be steadily growing. Thus far, the 46-inch Samsung UN46B7000 attracts a solid 4.5-star rating. A couple of users express some reservations, but most give it top grades.

Review: Samsung UN55B8000, Contributors to Amazon.com

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