Launched in 2012, Samsung UN55ES8000 55″ TV borrows some of it designs from its predecessor Samsung D8000 which hit the market in 2001. The improvements are enormous as the ES8000 has defined a whole new level for televisions. Many will term Samsung UN55ES8000 55″ TV as the TV of the future due to its powerful features that one can expect of a smart TV. The TV’s design is modern, sleek and delicate with lots of new features.
Connectivity
Connectivity of any device to the Samsung UN55ES8000 55″ TV is seamless. It comes with well-arrayed ports that mimic letter L at the bottom left of the TV. The ports are composed of two sets of composite three USB 2.0; 3 HDMI ports, a VGA component, optical digital DVI plus PC audio and RF inputs. To complete the connectivity, the UN55ES8000 55″ TV comes with an Ethernet port and integrated Wi-Fi.
Hardware
Samsung installed some amazing hardware on the newly released ES8000. They include a 10W speaker, webcam at the top in between two microphones for use with applications such as Skype. The microphones are hypersensitive since one can communicate clearly while seated across the room with minimal to low noise experienced.
Packaged with the Samsung UN55ES8000 are two remote controls and a joystick-nub on the right edge. The remote controls have cutting edge features like backlight for nighttime use and attached DVD/Blu-ray/DVR boxes connected via HDMI. The extra remote is an amazing smart touch remote control comprising of the basic features such as power, home, timer, volume, channel scrolls, and source keys. The smart touch remote control also supports voice commands.
To add to the beauty the ES8000 can be controlled using smartphone or tablet using the Android smart view application then connecting the devices through either Wi-Fi or cable. The list of connectivity options doesn’t stop there; the ES8000 comes with a wireless keyboard connected to the TV via Bluetooth connection.
Display
The 55” thin screen that measures 1.2” in thickness displays full HD with 1920 x 1080 resolutions and comes with new look detachable stand of 30” tall and 48.4” wide. Samsung UN55ES8000 55″ TV’s design is based on silver finish with thin strips running through the encasing hence achieving the sleek look that can be termed as beautiful. The Samsung UN55ES8000 55″ TV color display comprises of several hues and tones which can be adjusted for best results. The specification from the manufacturer is that it possesses a dynamic contrast ratio not less than 30,000,000:1 without blurred fast-moving scenes. 3D support being the trend, Samsung has enhanced the 3D features in the ES8000 using the active-shutter technology that is perfectly synchronized to achieve best results unlike the previous versions that strained the viewer’s vision due to the unbalanced synchrony. Samsung bundles four pairs of active shutter 3D glasses, which can be replaced for a lower price of $19.99 down from $50.
New Features
To keep up with internet technological advancement, the ES8000 supports several applications such as VuLu, Skype, MLB.TV,HuluPlus, Netflix, Pandora, CinemaNow, Ustream, MTV Music Meter, YouTube and others. Some of these features require a subscription before you can access them. You also get a web browser, Facebook and a fitness application.
Summary
Strengths: The ES8000 is a truly 21st century entertainment device stuffed with numerous mind-boggling features that are made so easy to access.
Weaknesses: The TV depends heavily on Internet connection and without it, the usability of the product may drop.
Conclusion: In comparison with the predecessor, the ES8000 is the ultimate entertainment electronic that one can ever wish to possess packed with great features that are incomparable with its selling price of $2,497.99 one can hope for a better deal.
