Samsung UN55B7000 just as good as the Samsung UN55B8000?
The Samsung UN55B7000 LED HDTV and the Samsung UN55B8000 55-Inch LED HDTV are two of Samsung’s best LED-based LCD HDTVs. As such, both deliver breathtaking images and cutting-edge interactive features without pumping up your electric bill. So which one should you buy?
While both models are seemingly alike, they have some key differences, which can help you decide which one to get. For starters, the frame of the UN55B7000 has a distinct red border in accordance with Samsung’s Touch of Color, while the UN55B8000 has a less noticeable dark grey border. Other than that, and the fact that the UN55B7000 is a few inches taller, the design of the two are the same, with the same thinness - 1.2 inches deep at most, matching semi-transparent swivelling stands and a black glossy frame tapered with a transparent edge.
The remote control of the UN55B8000 is also more advanced, with an RF capability that allows it to work on the TV even from another room, although the clicker that comes with the UN55B7000 is more user-friendly, with the non-responsive scroll wheel replaced with backlit buttons that are easy to locate and differentiate from each other. It is also more stable on flat surfaces because of a slight modification in its design, though the secondary remote that comes with each is exactly alike.
In terms of picture quality, both models deliver, with only slight differences that are difficult to discern, namely the higher contrast ratio of the UN55B8000 - 5,000,000:1 compared to the UN55B7000’s 3,000,000:1, which results in deeper blacks and brighter whites, and its more advanced Wide Color Enhancer, which maximizes each pixel for colors that truly pop out of the screen.
The last major difference is that of the refresh rate. In particular, the UN55B8000 prides itself on its high refresh rate - 240Hz - which is two times better than the UN55B7000. Still, both effectively prevent blurring even with the dejudder processing turned off - a mechanism scarce on Sony HDTVs.
These are the major differences of the Samsung UN55B7000 and the Samsung UN55B8000. Other than these, the rest is pretty much the same. Both get a score for interactivity with basic Yahoo widgets that keep you posted on the latest news, weather and stock market updates so you don’t have to turn off your computer, and both allow you to access media files from networked computers without leaving the room. Like other Samsung models, both also have an extensive built-in content library which you can access anytime.
Both models are highly energy efficient, mainly because they are edge-lit LED-based LCD televisions, which means they consume nearly half less than conventional LCDs and even less than other types of HDTVs. In addition to that, you get three power-saving modes that cut down energy consumption even further. As for connectivity, there aren’t too many analog connections but there are four HDMI inputs provided - enough for your digital devices - as well as a VGA input for your computer and two USB ports that make it easier to share files directly from your thumb drive, MP3 player or digital camera.
So, should you buy the Samsung UN55B7000 or the Samsung UN55B8000? If you want truly outstanding picture quality, you should go with the latter, that is, if you are willing to pay more. On the other hand, the images on the former are not half bad, and are still sure to keep you happy.
About the author - Edward McKellen is an HDTV expert who writes HDTV reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To read more about the Samsung UN55B7000 or check out the latest HDTV reviews visit HDTVreviewlab.com