Pages | 1 | 2 | 3 |    

The major design change from last year is the shrinking bezel, which reveals one more inch of display. Maybe that's not so earth shattering, but I'm more than happy to see a bit more of the PN51D8000's lovely PQ.

The screen is slightly reflective when the TV is turned off, but I have never noticed any glare when the TV is on.

This plasma rotates on its four legged silver base about 20 degrees, which gives you more flexibility when placing it in your room.

The connections for this Samsung are split between two panels on the back. The vertically aligned panel inset on the left edge supplies four HDMI inputs.

The manual states, "This product supports the 3D and ARC (Audio Return Channel) functions via an HDMI cable. The ARC function allows digital audio to output via the HDMI IN 2 (ARC) port. It can be enabled only when the TV is connected to an audio receiver that supports the ARC function."

Also on the panel are two USB ports (for uploading photos, videos or songs), one optical SPDIF digital Audio Out and one PC/DVI analog Audio In (stereo minijack).

On the horizontal panel that faces down, the Samsung designers have reduced the number of connectors by combining all the Component and Composite Video and Audio into into a two pronged outlet where you can plug in an adapter cable, which splits out the signals.

Also on this panel are one VGA PC input, an Ethernet connector and an Ex-Link connector which is included for Service use only.

The one RF antenna connector links to integrated ATSC/QAM tuners. Since the tuner system is Clear QAM compatible, you can attach your cable TV signal directly into the RF connector and tune in unscrambled cable stations.

The ATSC tuner and the proper antenna allows you to tune in digital signals broadcast over the air.

With the Ethernet connector you can hook the TV up to the Internet and your home network. I prefer the speed and reliability of this wired method over wireless. But I understand the appeal of wireless and the PN51D8000 does furnish an integrated wireless adapter.

I also appreciate that some of you are not that keen on the notion of setting up a home network, but if you want to take full advantage of what this Smart TV has to offer, then take the plunge.

Once hooked up, Samsung supplies links to providers like Netflix, Blockbuster, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora, Facebook and Twitter.

The remote also includes a Yahoo! HotApps button that takes you directly into the world of widgets. And there's a Social TV button, which is a feature where "you can use a social networking service such as Twitter, Facebook or Google Talk while watching TV in the same way you use it on a PC."

The main action revolves around the Smart Hub screen where you can access items like a web browser, a photo viewer and a new component called Your Video, which recommends movies and TV shows based on your ratings and previous viewing history.

In addition, Samsung is growing its apps store with categories like Videos, Games, Sports and Lifestyle. Some apps, like "Klimt Canvas," are free, many others, like "National Geographic People," cost under two dollars each. Occasionally, games like "Tetris HDTV" or "Pac-man" jump up to $4.99.

This DNLA compatible TV can also tap directly into your home network and stream files from your hard drives or media server. I find this capability so much more convenient than transferring photo, music and video files from the computer to the TV via a USB flash drive.

This TV does supply Picture-in-Picture. But like most TVs that do, you are limited in your picture combinations. The sub-picture always must be from the internal TV tuner, therefore you cannot pair two HDMI sources.

Also, if you purchase the Smart TV SKYPE camera ($170), you can make video calls to all of your other SKYPE camera-enabled friends and family.

As for displaying 3D content from sources like 3D Blu-rays, the PN51D8000 requires that you wear the Samsung branded 3D active shutter glasses.

Samsung is now offering the glasses in different styles, types and prices. The least expensive ($50) and most clunky looking are the non-rechargeable battery operated SSG-3100.

Stepping up the ladder is a svelter rechargeable battery model ($130). For grande luxe, the rechargeable SSG-3700 weighs less than an ounce but costs $150. Both these glasses can be recharged with a USB cable or a wireless charging hub ($150).

To their credit, Samsung has also introduced an ultralight rechargeable model (SSG-3500) that's less expensive ($80) but can only be charged with a USB cable.

As an enticement, at the time of this review, many retailers are offering a 3D package that includes the Samsung BD-C5900 3D Blu-ray player and a 3D starter kit when you buy the PN51D8000.

The kit includes the first three Shrek Blu-rays in 3D (with mail-in coupons for Shrek Forever After and Megamind) and two battery operated 3D glasses. (Purchased separately, the total retail value of the player and starter kit is $530.)

With the PN51D8000, Samsung is including a new remote control that is a two-sided device. On the front is a traditional looking backlit remote with dedicated buttons that take you directly to locations like the 3D menu or the on-screen E-manual.

But it's the flip side that earns this QWERTY remote its title. Not only is there a full QWERTY keyboard, the remote also sports a one line, eight character display, which allows you to keep your eyes on the keypad rather than peering up to the TV to see if your typing is correct.

You can also shift into Pointer mode and use the Arrow keys when you want to navigate around the web browser. I applaud the effort, but I still prefer the responsiveness of a mouse and the spaciousness of a full-sized keyboard.

To learn about all the features on this Smart TV will require some time and study. Luckily Samsung does a commendable job of providing well written and well designed documentation. A majority of it can be accessed on-screen as you are exploring the TV.

The EPA is now publishing a list of ENERGY STAR qualified TVs. (You can find it here.) The Samsung PN51D8000 is on the list.

The EPA states that this Samsung's On Mode Power is 142W and Standby Power Consumption is .16W. Based on the formula that the TV is on five hours a day and in Standby for the other 19, the Estimated Annual Energy Use is 260.26 kWh/year.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) now requires those yellow-and-black labels that show the product's estimated annual energy cost to be attached to all TVs.

You can find that label on the Samsung website. You can see that the PN51D8000 fares quite well against its similarly sized competition.

Let me don my ol' codger cap and say, "You young'uns these days have it easy." Back in the time when I was starting out, it would take hours of back breaking, eye straining toil to calibrate a TV. Even then, it never consistently looked right.

Nowadays, the Samsung technicians and the little gnomes they employ in their TVs have made the setup process plum easy.

Here's the drill. Turn on the PN51D8000 and tune into one of your favorite shows or DVDs. Click the Menu button on the remote. Navigate into the Picture menu and click on Picture Mode and select the Movie option. Hit Exit on the remote and you're done.

When I was just a whippersnapper, to achieve a picture that good, I had to walk five miles in the snow and wear funny colored glasses.

Now, if the picture doesn't quite fit your eye, keep watching for a few minutes to let your brain adjust. If you are still not satisfied, you might want to go into the Picture Options sub-menu and fiddle with the Color Tone choice.

Of course, if you are a control freak, have at it. Samsung supplies a full set of tools for tweaking the PN51D8000.

Before I leave this topic, I usually trust the Samsung engineers and their presets, but I have run into one feature that I find annoying and I am not pleased with its results.

When you pair this TV with a Samsung Blu-ray player, you can activate an option called BD Wise. The manual states that the "Display mode is optimized for BD Wise capable DVD, Blu-ray and home theater products."

Basically, when the TV senses that a BD Wise device is sending it a signal, those little gnomes inside the PN51D8000 turn into gremlins and change the Picture mode to BD Wise. I just don't like the outcome. For example, often the Sharpness is turned up too high.

And then the annoying part is when you turn on the TV, your BD Wise Blu-ray player powers up. If I just want to watch network TV, I don't need my Blu-ray player on.

Anyway, I suggest that if you have any BD Wise devices hooked up, go into the System menu, and in the General sub-menu, turn off the BD Wise option.

With picture setup out of the way, most of your time will be spent connecting to the Internet and customizing your apps and widgets.

I found the process of hooking up to the Internet painless. I went with the wired solution and the first time I turned on the TV, it had already located my network and attached to it. I had to give it permission to tap into my Windows computer, but that was a one step process.

I don't want to sound cavalier about setting up a network. I know that it can send people into a dizzying stupor. If you are unfamiliar with the process, find someone who is. You'll be glad you did the first time you stream a movie from a content provider like Netflix or Vudu.

About setting up for viewing 3D content, in the normal configuration, you have a 3D enabled Blu-ray player connected with a High Speed HDMI cable to your PN51D8000.

When you insert a 3D Blu-ray, the player should sense it and the connection to your 3D TV and you should automatically see a message telling you that you are in 3D mode.

It should be that straightforward, and it usually is. Occasionally, I have seen a message that states that my TV is not 3D capable. Usually, the problem is solved by turning off both the player and TV and then turning on the TV first and then the player.