Samsung PN63C8000 3D TV

This shot from the HD Blu Ray version of Alexander shows crisp edges and detail and accurate yet not over saturated color.

3D TV Buying Guide Feature Overview

Samsung's new line up of plasmas was on display at CES 2010 and the C8000 series is the top of the line. The 1080p panel uses Samsung's Real Black Filter for a rich image. The C8000 series is 3D ready and features a slim design with a brushed titanium Touch of Color for a stylish, modern look.

Samsung's proprietary 3D enabled system allows compatibility with multiple 3D formats to provide access to 3D content from many sources. As we note often, the TV will obviously perform regular two dimensional duties, but is enabled for 3D should you introduce some 3D content.

The C8000 series comes with 4 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports and a built in ethernet port for access to Samsung's Internet@TV service. Wireless DLNA capability rounds out the connectivity features of this plasma tv. We were very impressed with 2009 Samsung plasmas.

Samsung is expanding their Internet@TV service to add streaming content from Blockbuster, Netflix USA Today and VUDU video on demand as well as access to services such as Twitter, Picasa, AccuWeather, Pandora and more through the built-in ethernet connection or optional WiFi.

-Phil Conner

Review Highlights

3D TV Viewing: The C8000 and accompanying 3D glasses did a good job of pulling me further into the on screen images. It makes you feel more involved. I thought the picture presentation from the C8000 in 3D was very vibrant and accurate. I did not note out of focus areas near the edges of the screen as I did with the Panasonic VT25. There was some flashing effects from the 3D shutter glasses in situations where lamp light or window light interfered with the glasses receiver (often when turning your head).

3D TV Glasses: We liked the optional Samsung 3D glasses for two reasons. First, they look natural like a large pair of sunglasses with their burgundy frames and they are rechargeable.

This and the top of page shot from the 3D Blu Ray of Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs show deep color and contrast from the animated 3D movie. The shots were taken through only one lense of the 3D glasses and so do not show the full 3D effect.

Design and Appearance: The Samsung is a beautiful TV with less than a 2" framing bezel and with many design elements including a clear neck on the chrome swiveling table top stand, a matte dark charcoal metallic finish on the bezel frame, sleek 1.4" depth, and a dark black/purple screen.

The rechargeable Samsung 3D shutter glasses are charged through the USB out on the TV or a computer.

Audio Output Quality: Audio output was impressive from the 10W X 10W speakers. There was plenty of volume to fill a large room at the 50% level. Use the Clear Voice feature as much as possible for added voice definition. We are a big fan of voice/dialog enhancement features. Music was not great but we felt the sound quality was well balanced. The audio category on this TV could be improved, but is not a weakness either.

At around $2600 this TV is a super deal. Hopefully you can get the Blu Ray 3D and 3D glasses in some sort of package with it. I would buy this TV even if I was not planning on using the 3D compatibility.

Key Features

• 63" Screen Size
• 1080p Resolution
• Real Black Filter
• 3D Ready
• 24p Film Playback
• 4 HDMI Inputs
• Ethernet Port
• 2 USB Ports
• USB 2.0 Movie
• All Share (Wireless DLNA)
• 1" Deep, slim design
• Wide Color Enhancer Pro
• Motion Judder Canceller
• Cinema Smooth
• Brushed Titanium Touch of Color
• FilterBright Plus anti glare screen
• Internet@TV
  • Samsung Apps
  • Blockbuster
  • Netflix
  • AccuWeather
  • Pandora
  • Picasa
  • Twitter
  • USA Today
  • And More