As you may have read in my previous review of the Samsung UN46B6000 TV, I have been very impressed with Samsung’s implementation of the new LED standard in TV technology. If you didn’t get a chance to read the latest review, LED is likely to become the de facto standard in TV manufacturing for years to come. The reason is that plasma and LCD televisions consume staggering amounts of electricity to light their screens. This has obvious effects in increasing your electricity bill, not to mention the additional damage done to the environment as more people around the world buy these types of TVs.
LED technology reduces consumption by around 40%, which represents great savings. The other advantage is that the LED gives a much more realistic image with true blacks and pristine white colors on the screen.
Advantages of the Samsung UN46B8000 over the UN46B6000
Looking at both screens doesn’t reveal much of a difference between the two models, other than price. So what do you get for the extra $ investment? – connectivity! The 8000 lets you access the Internet on your TV, bringing with you the delights of YouTube and experiencing your photos on Flickr in a new way through the fantastic screen. As our daily lives become more connected to the Internet, be it socially or through work or study, the need to experience the Internet through different mediums increases.
The Samsung UN46B8000 lets you experience the Internet in a new way from the center of your living room. The 8000 also has a slight edge over the 6000 in terms of its contrast ratio, which jumps to 5,000,000:1 on the 8000 model, giving an incredible range of brightness and producing images that look incredibly lifelike. Like its sibling, the UN46B6000, the screen is incredibly slim – just 1.2 inches, compare it to regular LCD and plasma screens and you’ll definitely notice how this makes the 8000 look much sleeker compared to its contemporaries. .
Should you buy the Samsung UN46B6000 or UN46B8000?
The choice to go for the UN46B6000 or the UN46B8000 mostly depends on whether you are a heavy internet user or not. If, like most people, much of your time is spent online, then I think it seems unwise not to spend a few extra bucks on the 8000, which can then become a more integrated part of your digital lifestyle. However, if you want the TV to be an escape from the online world and to be used for the primary purpose of watching movies and sports, then the UN46B6000 should suffice. I think the higher contrast ratio on the 8000 will only be of interest to those interested in using the TV for gaming and perhaps fast-paced sports.