Samsung Series 8 1080p LCD HDTV models have identical features apart from a different Touch of Color bezel (rose on A850 models and deep blue on the A860s), a second USB 2.0 connection and a longer 18 months warranty (vs 12 months) on the A860 models. The amazingly thinness of 1.9 inches makes the Series 8 LCDs the easiest to wall mount yet and definitely the most attractive with the choice of rose or deep blue Touch of Color infused surrounding bezels. With the help of their Ultra Clear Panel, Samsung have pushed the dynamic contrast ratio up to a very impressive 50,000:1.

Those intending to use a Series 8 for gaming will appreciate the quick 4ms response time of the Samsung display. A fast response time significantly reduces the chances of motion blur. The viewing angle provided by Samsung’s Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (SPVA) panel is also excellent at the 178 degrees.

Other Notable Features of the Samsung Series 8 LCD HDTVs Include:

• Ultra Clear Panel for improved contrast ratio and deeper black levels
• Wide Color Enhancer 2 for more intense colors
• Fast 4ms response time
• Native Full HD (1080p, 1920 x 1080 (HxV)) resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate with dejudder processing
• InfoLink RSS content feeds including news, weather, and stock quotes
• Digital media playback – via USB and DLNA network sources (MP3 audio, JPEG photos, XviD and MPEG4 videos)
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Energy Star compliance
• Built-in digital tuner (ATSC/Clear QAM)
• Picture in Picture (PIP) – single tuner so TV channel in one window only
• V-Chip system – for blocking content rated as objectionable

Video Processing

Video processing is handled by Samsung’s Digital Natural Image Engine (DNIe) and is augmented by both Auto Motion plus 120Hz to reduce motion blur as well as the subtle judder effect when playing video sourced from 24 frames per second film. Auto Motion Plus 120Hz interpolates and inserts an extra (mid) frame between frames to create smoother transitions of objects across the screen. Video with fast moving on-screen action, like sports broadcasts, looks much smoother.

Connecting Users with Digital Content

Samsung have focused attention on ensuring the Series 8 LCD HDTVs offer a range of connection options for customers to enjoy their growing library of digital content.

InfoLink

The InfoLink RSS service is delivers content from USA Today including news, weather, and stock information onscreen via adjustable overlays. The service requires an Internet connection.

Pre-loaded Content Library

Samsung provide with each Series 8 LCD HDTV pre-loaded high definition content, such as cooking recipes, fitness exercises, educational games for children and a photo gallery.

WiseLink

The variety of media storage formats which can be accessed from your HDTV increases with the Samsung Series 8 LCDs with the inclusion of USB (WiseLink 2.0). WiseLink 2.0 (USB) supports MP3 (audio), JPEG (image) and XviD and MPEG4 (video) file formats. There is a simple user interface to scroll through and view play lists and pictures. You can zoom, rotate or play photo slide shows and even add music. Images can be sorted based on usual parameters like time and unusual ones like color and composition.

EnergyStar Rated

Samsung’s Series 8 LCDs feature an Energy Saving Mode making the HDTV compliant with the latest EPA EnergyStar rating system. By selecting a low, medium, high, or auto setting, the HDTV’s backlight brightness is adjusted and power consumption is substantially decreased compared to similar 2007 models.

DLNA Certification

The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), a collaboration of the world’s leading consumer electronics, PC and mobile companies, created design guidelines for a new generation of DLNA Certified products that can work together. Certified devices will connect, discover and communicate with each other over a home network.

Audio

SRS Lab’s TruSurround XT technology simulates the surround sound field of a home theatre using only the two down firing 10W speakers.

Connections

• 4 HDMI (HDMI-CEC) version 1.3 (3 rear/1 side)
• 2 Component video inputs (rear)
• 1 S-video input (rear)
• 2 Composite inputs (side + rear)
• 1 PC input
• 1 USB 2.0 (WiseLink Pro)
• 1 RF antenna inputs
• 1 Headphone output

Other Samsung LCD HDTV Series

The next step up and the premium Samsung LCD HDTV Series is the Series 9 (A950) LED Backlit LCD HDTVs. Additional features are;

• LED Backlighting
• 18 months warranty

If you read our review of the Series 9 LED Backlit LCD HDTVs you will appreciate just how much of a performance improvement LED backlighting makes.

Resources

A850 Specification
A850 User Manual (pdf)

Tweak MY TV Data Base of User Menu settings for Samsung HDTVs. Recommended settings, based on field data collected by technicians performing professional calibrations, are designed to improve a HDTV’s manufacturer-factory preset settings for enhanced picture performance.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Compare prices at the following online retailers and peruse their customer reviews.

Samsung LN52A850 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with RED Touch of Color

Samsung LN46A850 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with RED Touch of Color

Samsung LN46A860 – 46″ LCD TV – 120Hz – widescreen – 1080p (FullHD) – HDTV – piano black with deep blue trim

Samsung LN52A860 Ultra-thin 52″ 1080p LCD HDTV with 120Hz refresh rate

Samsung’s Extended Service Plan

Samsung LN52A850 – 52 1080P LCD HDTV – 50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio – 120Hz – 4ms Response Time – Super Slim 1.9 Thick!

Samsung LN46A850 – 46 1080P LCD HDTV – 50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio – 120Hz – 4ms Response Time – Super Slim 1.9 Thick!

LN52A860 52 LCD TV (Widescreen, 1920×1080, HDTV)

Samsung LN46A860 46 LCD TV (Widescreen, 1920×1080, 50000:1, HDTV)