The UND8000 series from Samsung features a new micro dimming LED backlight scheme and includes a touch-screen remote.
Editors' Note Jan 8, 2011: The Samsung UND8000 series was one of three nominees for CNET's Best of CES award in the TVs category.
Last year Samsung was the first TV maker to try local dimming of its LED backlight from an edge-lit configuration. The
Its successor, the UND8000 series, aims to improve upon that performance with a backlight scheme more like that of the full-array local-dimming
The UNC8000 was also a somewhat disappointing performer with 3D sources, evincing significant crosstalk (secondary ghost images). Samsung's engineers say they've improved that aspect of picture quality as well. In any case, we're looking forward to testing the new flagship with a full review.
In addition to the performance-related changes, the D8000 has one big feature boost over the step-down D7000: an included touch-screen remote control. Samsung's high-end, razor-thin
Otherwise, the D8000 is very similar to the D7000, and includes the same 0.2-inch thin bezel--albeit in a metallic finish reminiscent of the UNC8000 from 2010.
Pricing wasn't announced at CES, and availability is listed as the first half of 2011.
Samsung UND8000 series features:
Samsung UND8000 series models:
Editor's take: Samsung gave me a brief side-by-side demo of a preproduction D8000 compared with a C8000, and the new set's dimming scheme and 3D performance did look improved, for what it's worth. I've also seen the current touch-screen remote in action and it's pretty cool, but the bar is pretty high for touch-screen devices so I'm not sure if it will be worth the price increase. I'm hoping to see a less-expensive version of this TV that has micro dimming and a normal remote.