As two of Samsung’s best HDTVs, the Samsung UN55B7000 HDTV and the Samsung UN55B8000 55-Inch LED HDTV share many similarities. They are both edge-lit LED-based, energy-efficient and capable of delivering breathtaking images. So which one of them should you get?
To answer this question, let us take a look at each model, which, though seemingly alike, are different in several ways. For example, in terms of design, both models are stunning, slim pieces measuring 1.2 inches deep at most with a sleek black frame that finishes off in a transparent edge and a swivelling semi-transparent stand. The UN55B7000, though, has a red border, which can either be a pro or a con, depending on the buyer’s preference. It is also roughly six inches taller (with stand).
The difference is even more apparent in the clickers that accompany them. That of the UN55B8000 has a rotating scroll wheel like some previous Samsung models, which is unfortunately, not too responsive, while the remote of the UN55B7000, which has been modified to be more stable on flat surfaces, has more user-friendly buttons of different shapes and sizes, most of which are backlit. Both have the same secondary pebble-like remote, though, that can control power, volume and channel.
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 also score well in energy efficiency. In fact, it would not be wrong to say they are the most energy efficient HDTVs around. After all, they are LCD televisions, which consume less energy than other HDTV types, and they are LED-lit at that. In addition, they employ Samsung’s edge-lit technology, which uses less LEDs that cuts down energy consumption even more. For good connectivity, four HDMI inputs, a PC input and two USB slots top the list of inputs and outputs provided.
Clearly, the Samsung UN55B7000 is not as good as the more expensive UN55B8000, especially in terms of the images produced, but it certainly comes pretty close and with a few hundred bucks less, is definitely worth considering over the UN55B8000. No matter which you get, though, you’re sure to get an excellent viewing experience you won’t regret.
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
