The shiniest of Samsung’s new TV fleet, the 65-inch UN65D8000, browses the net, runs apps and offers local dimming – plus the usual active 3D. It’s also thin as hell, with a new redesigned bezel that looks straight up gorgeous.
The flagship LCD set (also available in 55-inch and 46-inch versions) is essentially last year’s 8000 line – same 240Hz refresh rate for a smoother picture and bright LED backlighting. But the most striking part of the refresh is the new, tiny bezel – shrunk down to 0.2 inches around. It makes older sets look a bit chubby (and means less distraction from what you’re watching). Other boosts include some webby perks: an added full web browser and “media search” – perhaps a stab into Google TV territory – and built-in Wi-Fi, precluding pesky dongles. And speaking of peskiness (or rather its absence), the D8000s – along with the rest of the new sets – will support Samsung’s snappy, lightweight Bluetooth 3D glasses. This Bluetooth support means no annoying issues with interference or living room line of sight that can make IR glasses a drag.
The new flagship plasma is another skinny D8000 series – 1.5 inches deep, full web browser and active 3D.
The rest of the lineup plays it fairly straight – 3D, mostly the same, and with some weight shed (plus support for those Bluetooth shades):
• LED D7000 line shares the 8000’s 0.2 inch bezel, in 46-inch, 55-inch and 60-inch models.
• LED D6400 Series – 120Hz refresh, active 3D, sizes in 32, 40, 46, 55 and 60 inches.
• Plasma D6500 Series – identical to the D8000 (sans browser), with 51-inch and 59-inch sizes. No Bluetooth glasses support for this one, alas.