Samsung PN58C8000 Review

In this review of the PN58C8000 3D TV, we will take a look at a number of new features introduced with the PNC8000 series from Samsung. The PN58C8000 is part of Samsung’s flagship PNC8000 series of Plasma 3D TVs. After having beaten other 3D TV manufacturers to the punch by being the first to release 3D ready LED TVs to the market in 2010, Samsung is hoping to capture a larger share of the plasma TV market with its latest Plasma 3D TV offerings. With an ultra slim brushed metal bezel and Samsung’s Touch of Color^TM color schemes, this gorgeous 58 inch plasma TV features new innovations like the Real Black Filter technology for cutting glare from ambient light as well as Motion Judder Canceller technology for smooth video play back. The Samsung PN58C8000 is the smallest of the 3D capable Plasma HDTVs announced by Samsung so far.

PN58C8000 Features and Specifications

• 3D Ready HDTV
• 58” Screen
• 600Hz Subfield Motion for smooth motion and great performance even for fast action sports/movies.
• 1080p Full HD resolution
• Clear Image Panel: Reflection reduction technology
• FilterBright Antiglare technology to minimize reflections and glare from ambient light
• Elegant aesthetics with an ultra slim design and Samsung’s Touch of Color design
• Wireless DLNA support for streaming video content from DLNA devices
• Internet@TV to connect seamlessly with several online services like Pandora, Netflix, Youtube, etc.

PN58C8000 Screen Size and Appearance

The PN58C8000 Plasma 3D TV represents the best design innovations and performance found in Samsung’s 2010 lineup of Plasma televisions. The 58 inch PN58C8000 features an elegantly styled brushed metal gray cabinet that is just 1.5 inches deep. It is also lighter than Samsung’s previous generation of Plasma HDTVs and is also more energy efficient than their previous line of plasma televisions.

While the PN58C8000 is certainly a very attractive display, it lacks the Oomph! factor that some of the LED edge-lit TVs have in the looks department thanks to their ultra-slim and sleek dimensions. On the plus side, it does bring to the table the advantages that Plasma panel displays have over LED/LCD displays when it comes to 3D TVs as well as a cheaper price tag than comparatively sized LED-LCD 3D TVs. If looks are very important to you, you might be better served by considering Samsung’s LED TVs instead.

Display Technology

As mentioned earlier in this review, the PN58C8000 is a plasma panel display. Thus, it brings along all the advantages inherent to Plasma displays for displaying 3D content. The ultra fast response times of plasma displays means that the PN58C8000 exhibits extremely low cross-talk and motion-blurring and other motion artifacts that commonly plague LCD based displays.

Picture Quality of the PN58C8000 3D TV

We will hold off on a final verdict on the image quality of PN58C8000 display till we get a chance to have a closer look at it. However, we should mention that one of the strong points of Plasma HDTVs like the PN58C8000 is its excellent viewing angle specifications along with excellent color fidelity and exceptional black levels (thanks to the absence of an active backlight in plasma displays). This plasma 3D TV also features Samsung’s new Real Black Filter technology which minimizes glare and reflections from external light sources, thus allowing for improved image quality and better black levels in viewing environments that have ambient light.

Flatpanel resolution

The PN58C8000 has a native resolution of 1080p, i.e. 1920 x 1080. This is pretty much the standard for all 3D TVs being released in 2010. The only exception to this rule is the Toshiba Cell TVs which have a native 2K display. However, given that there aren’t any sources of HD content with a resolution higher than 1080p, this resolution should be plenty for the next 5-6 years.

Refresh Rate and Processing

The Samsung PN58C8000 plasma display features Samsung’s 600Hz Subfield Motion technology. If you’re wondering just what the heck that means, be sure to check out our guide regarding subfield drive in Plasma TVs. Essentially, this number is meant to compete with the ever growing refresh rate numbers being quoted by LCD TV manufacturers. The take home message for you, the consumer, is that these Plasma 3D TVs have exceptionally fast response times which allows for very smooth display of fast paced 3D content without any cross-talk and ghosting artifacts.

Samsung’s Motion Judder Canceller (MJC) technology also helps remove stuttering effects due to the pulldown effect, and provides a smoother display of video content on the PN58C8000. Additionally, their CinemaSmooth technology also helps with the smooth display of 24fps content from 1080p BluRay discs.

Viewing Angle

While we don’t have any official numbers yet, Plasma TVs are acclaimed for their exceptional viewing angles that are close to a 180 degrees. We expect nothing less from Samsung with the PN58C8000 3D TV.

3D Technology

Samsung, like most other manufacturers in 2010, has adopted Active shutter based 3D technology for the PNC8000 series. Given that the advantages of Active Shutter technology when it comes to LCD and Plasma panels, this seems to be the right choice for now. The 1080p display will allow viewers to enjoy full HD 3D content in 1080p. Samsung has already released Active Shutter 3D Glasses for their lineup of 3D TVs in 2010.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The PN58C8000 features an upgraded Internet@TV from Samsung that includes new apps allowing consumers to easily navigate a wide selection of content and applications from services such as AccuWeather.com, The Associated Press, Blockbuster, Fashion TV , Netflix, Picasa, Pandora, Twitter, USA TODAY, Vudu and a number of other online content/service providers. These applications can be downloaded and viewed while watching TV. In addition to the free apps that have already been released with the PN58C8000, there will be a number of premium, paid apps released later in the year.

The PN58C8000 also also has DLNA networking capabilities for streaming content from other DLNA devices. It comes with a slew of A/V ports including 4 HDMI 1.4 ports, 2 sets of component inputs, a VGA port and 2 high speed USB ports.

PN58C8000 Review Conclusion

The PN58C8000 is a great 58 inch Plasma 3D TV from Samsung and brings a number of new technological innovations to the table. With enhanced image quality and black levels along with all the advantages of a plasma panel display for 3D, this is certainly a great 3D TV to consider for your home. Additionally, these plasma panels will be cheaper than similarly sized LED LCD televisions, so it is definitely a great buy for the budget conscious consumer.