TV & Home Theater

[Jakoubek]

The only significant viewing difference between the 8000 and 8500 is the contrast ratio. Can anyone tell me whether the higher contrast ratio of 8500 is enough to warrant an additional $1000?

[collins606]

8000's are edge lit led, 8500 is local dimming led

[paulmohr]

Technically the local dimming is the better technology but for 1000 dollars if it where me I wouldn't pay it. But then again I would not opt for the 8000 series at all.

If I have time later I might link you to the differences if I can find the article again. If I remember correctly it has to do with the LED's flashing or dimming to simulate the picture a Plasma tv would give you. The problem with LCD tv is there is always light behind the screen which makes it hard to get proper deep blacks. With this technology the the backlighting dims or shuts off basically flickering  so it seems as if the tv refreshes like a normal tv would. It helps with motion blur as well.

I would say before you spend that much money on one sit down and watch the two types side by side. Then decide if there is enough difference to warrant the extra money. Don't always go by what the numbers say. Most of them don't matter, some are lies and in most cases they are not measured the same from one brand to the other anyway. Let YOUR eyes be the judge not someone esles or the numbers they quote in the spec sheets.

[Jakoubek]

Thank you. What would you go for? It's my first HDTV buying experience. I'm a techie though not in consumer electronics, so tend to look at specs when it's really, in this case, visual performance that I'm after. I'm purposely staying away from plasma, too power hungry for the visual performance.

[paulmohr · Accepted solution]

Well I went with a plasma lol. Its really hard for someone to suggest a TV for you over the internet, espcecially when I don't have first hand knowledge of all the tv available. I can tell you the tv you have is pretty darn good and finding one significantly better will be hard, especially without spending more money and keeping the same screen size.

And the newer plasma tvs suposedly use half the power the older ones did, but they are still more than a lcd, especially an LED version.

I own a 42 inch samsung 720P 450 series plasma myself. I have seen some really nice LED lcd models, but they were out of my price range. I wanted to stay under 800 when I got mine.

[JUANGONZ]

Obviously you are looking in the price range of 2500-3000, i would consider a pioneer elite or the pioneer 6020 plasmas, by far have been the best tvs in the past 10 years . They are still some available you would not be dissapointed, bestblacks, best shadow detail, best sound. i own 2 of them a 50 inch  and 60 inch. the 60 inch is hooked up with Direct tv hd dvr, Denon 4310 receiver, Mozarts Vienna speakers, Pioneer elite 23 bluray player.

[chad_cook]

I just purchased the Samsung 46' 8500 last week.  I am VERY pleased with the purchase.  My local electronics store here in Seattle had a side by side comparison of the 8000 vs the 8500.  The backlit vs edge LED's really seemed to make a difference.

Shop around though man.  I paid 900 less then what is currently advertised on bestbuy.com

[chad_cook]

Posted too soon....

The only downside I found to this television is the speakers.  Compared to the Samsung 42' DLP set I upgraded from, the sound sucks.  I used some of the money I saved and also purchased the Samsung Sound Bar. But at a minimum I would recommend external speakers/receiver.

[paulmohr]

I have not heard a decent sounding flat screen yet, so its just something you have to live with. There is not enough room to put decent speakers in them and most don't fire forward.

[Jakoubek]

Bought the 56" 8000, and a Denon sound system so the speakers don't matter. Very happy with it after a few days. I expect it to look better after 300 hours of burn in and a calibration. Had Geek Squad 's install it. Great job. The Harmony 900 universal remote is a thing of beauty.