Review of Samsung PN63C8000 - 63" 3D Plasma TV - 1080p (price, reviews)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The latest model of Samsung 3D TV in this size, the PN63C8000 carries a list price of $3799.99 but retails closer to $3000 and can frequently be purchased as part of a package deal with a 3D starter kit.
Picture quality is excellent, as one might expect from a plasma in this price range. 2D picture is crisp and vibrant with good color depth and does not suffer from any of the blurring frequently encountered in plasma televisions during high-motion scenes (thanks to a built-in "motion judder correction" system unique to Samsung). While 3D content is still somewhat limited, the sources we've tested have had impressive picture quality and depth. Many reviews we read prior to purchasing this television complained of a "buzzing noise" noticeable at low program volumes, however we have not noticed such a problem ourselves.
This television also gives you the option to convert standard 2D sources into 3D, which greatly increases your viewing options. I have used this on multiple sources (television, Blu-ray, even a few PC games) and results were mixed but pleasing- generally the 3D effect is far more slight than a true 3D source, but still noticeable and generally seamless. It does seem to have difficulty rendering the correct perspective, however, when the object on screen gets too close to the camera.
Samsung has included several built in applications (with many more available for download) accessible by menu, including Netflix support. While menu navigation can be a little clunky and counter-intuitive at first glance, the apps I have tried all work well and you have the option to rearrange them for easy access based on your needs.
Regarding the physical characteristics of the set itself, this model is slimmer and lighter than many similar TVs currently on the market. It is only 1.5" deep and weighs around 73 pounds (an additional 25 pounds with the stand attached) which made it very easy to wall mount. My husband and I were able to lift and mount it ourselves relatively easily, and the results are very handsome due to its low profile.
Unfortunately the remote accompanying the TV is unattractive and not particularly easy to use- its uniform rectangular shape and flat buttons make it virtually impossible to find the button you need "by feel" and you can pretty much forget trying to use it in the dark. Also, it only works with Samsung components- making it relatively useless in a home theater setup. The poor design of the remote is the biggest drawback with this TV, and most users will likely want to replace it with a more universal device immediately, as we did.
On the whole I am very satisfied with our purchase of this product, and look forward to watching more television channels and movies in 3D as they become available.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
