Samsung UN55B8000 – The Pros and Cons of an Edge-Lit HDTV
The high-performing Samsung UN55B8000 LED TV is one of Samsung’s most talked about LCD HDTV models, not just because of its price – 00 to 00 – but also because it is at the top of the line of Samsung’s edge-lit LED televisions. But what exactly is an edge-lit HDTV?
An edge-lit HDTV is a type of LED 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.
Edge-lit HDTVs have a few advantages, one of which is that they can be made thinner and lighter – something Samsung is definitely taking advantage of. Indeed, Samsung’s latest LCD HDTVs are very slim, and therefore, more stylish, especially when mounted on the wall. In fact, the UN55B8000 is just 1.2 inches deep at most.
More importantly, edge-lit HDTVs consume the least amount of electricity among current HDTVs. Just think, LCD HDTVs are already considered energy savers compared to other types like Plasma, and LED-based ones consume far less. Edge-lit HDTVs consume even less, since they use less LEDs.
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.
Indeed, the Samsung UN55B8000 is an extraordinary HDTV, and its edge-lit LED-based technology is just the tip of the iceberg. Aside from this, the UN55B8000 delivers accurate colors and is equipped with a 240Hz processor to keep images clear even during fast-moving scenes – something LCD televisions usually have a problem doing. A library of built-in content like recipes and children’s activities, basic Yahoo widgets and DLNA capability give it good marks on interactivity while four HDMI inputs, a PC input and two USB slots are conveniently provided.
Overall, the Samsung UN55B8000 is a great buy, that is, if you can afford it. After all, it is not only an edge-lit LED-based LCD HDTV. With an eye-catching design, a bunch of great features and breathtaking images, it might as well be Samsung’s best LED TV yet.
