Samsung KS8000 Review (UN49KS8000, UN55KS8000, UN60KS8000, UN65KS8000)

SETTINGS

Type: LED

Resolution: 4k

Refresh Rate: 120 Hz

The 4k Samsung KS8000 Series UHD LED is a well rounded TV that delivers a great picture quality. Everything looks colorful and detailed. It handled sports well and gaming was especially responsive. The KS8000 can also get very bright and does justice to HDR content. It isn’t perfect though since its picture deteriorates at an angle.

• Movies and HDR look great.
• Very bright which is good to handle reflections.
• Low input lag which is great for playing video games.

• Picture deteriorates at an angle.

Check Price

Design

Curved: No

The look of the Samsung KS8000 is particularly good. Its design is simple yet high-end. From the chrome finish to its glossy back, this TV leaves an impression. When viewed directly from the side, its thinnest is striking. Its shiny stand also look good but its footprint is a little wide.

Stand

The stand of the Samsung KS8000 is simple and boast a chrome metallic finish. Assembly for these two stands were just a one step job, needing no screws or tools.

Footprint of the 55″ TV stand: 44.1″ x 9.1″

On the 65″ TV, an alternate middle position can be used for the stands where the two feet are about 39″ apart.

Back

Wall Mount

:
Vesa 400×400

The Samsung KS8000 has a black reflecting plastic backing, that is prone to both dust and scratches.

Borders

Borders

:
0.28" (0.7 cm)

Metal borders are thin and elegant.

Thickness

Max Thickness

:
1.5" (3.8 cm)

At an 90 degree angle, the TV looks extremely thin.

8.5

Movies & TV

Score components:

• 38%
  Dark Scene
• 6%
  Judder
• 19%
  HDR
• 12%
  Color Accuracy
• 25%
  Resolution

Learn more

Movies look excellent on the Samsung KS8000. Even in a pitch black room, dark scenes appear richly detailed. In more colorful materials like cartoon, the color pop and can get very saturated. The same can be said for HDR content which impress. The KS8000 does a good job with low quality content too like for standard cable TV and DVDs.

8.2

Dark Scene

Score components:

• 51%
  Contrast
• 20%
  Black Uniformity
• 26%
  Local Dimming
• 3%
  3D

Learn more

Dark scenes are nice on the Samsung KS8000. Blacks are really deep and contrast is very high. This makes omnipresent details in shadows. Late night movie watching is a treat. Because the TV is edge lit, local dimming isn't that good. Unfortunately, Samsung has stripped down 3D from the 8 Series this year.

9.5

Contrast

What it is:

Brightness difference between white and black. This is the main component of picture quality.

When it matters:

Always, but especially when watching dark scenes.

Score components:

• 100%
  Contrast

Learn more

Black

What it is:

How much light pure black emits.

When it matters:

Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.

Good value:

< 0.040 cd/m2

Noticeable difference:

0.010 cd/m2

Learn more

:
0.016 cd/m2

White

What it is:

White brightness of our calibration.

When it matters:

It doesn’t matter much. This is mainly to standardize our black and contrast ratio measurements.

Good value:

Close to our 100 cd/m2 target.

Noticeable difference:

20 cd/m2

Learn more

:
110.5 cd/m2

Contrast

What it is:

Ratio of the white brightness divided by the blacks.

When it matters:

Dark scenes in a dark room.

Good value:

> 3,000

Noticeable difference:

500

Learn more

:
6906 : 1

Very deep blacks and remarkable native contrast ratio results in a rich picture quality. The contrast is very similar to the Samsung KS9500.

9.8

Black Uniformity

What it is:

Evenness of blacks.

When it matters:

Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.

Score components:

• 100%
  Std. Dev.

Learn more

Std. Dev.

What it is:

Average of the squared difference of the blacks.

When it matters:

Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.

Good value:

< 2%

Noticeable difference:

1%, but keep in mind that it varies a lot by unit, even of the same model; yours likely will not end up exactly like ours.

Learn more

:
0.534 %

While displaying a completely black picture, the KS8000 doesn’t exhibit any obvious issues. Some very faint clouding spots but as a whole the screen looks uniform.

5.5

Local Dimming

What it is:

The lights behind the LCD layer adapt to the picture displayed, improving the contrast ratio.

When it matters:

Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.

Score components:

Subjectively assigned

Learn more

Local Dimming

What it is:

Whether it has a feature that controls the LEDs behind the LCD layer, to match the picture and darkens the dark portion of it.

When it matters:

On LED TVs only. Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.

Learn more

:
Yes

Backlight

What it is:

Configuration of the lights of the backlight.

When it matters:

Effectiveness of the local dimming.

Good value:

Full-array/direct lighting is better for local dimming. As for the uniformity of the screen, it depends on the implementation. Some edge-lit TVs have more uniform blacks than some full-array TVs.

Learn more

:
Edge

The Samsung KS8000 wasn’t able to brighten the little dot in our video that much. When local dimming is activated, it produces blooming around bright highlights, on a big vertical column. Still, for regular movie watching and especially HDR content, local dimming (‘Active LED’) is worth it for the deeper blacks it produce and the very bright highlights. Blooming is more noticeable at an angle.

0

3D

What it is:

Optional 3D video capability on TV.

When it matters:

3D movies and videos.

Score components:

Subjectively assigned

Learn more

3D Type

What it is:

The 3D technology used by the TV.

When it matters:

3D movies & videos.

Good value:

Active have better resolution, but flickers. Passive is more comfortable, but loses half the vertical resolution.

Learn more

:
No

2D to 3D

What it is:

Feature that converts 2D content to 3D.

When it matters:

If you want to watch 2D content in 3D. Note that the quality is not as good as that of native 3D.

Learn more

:
No

10

Judder

Score components:

• 80%
  24p Playback
• 20%
  Motion Interpolation

Learn more

The Samsung KS8000 offers a smooth movie experience. Given the good settings, it can remove judder from movies of any sources. The TV also provide the 'soap opera effect' (SOE) for those that like the look of even smoother motion.

10

24p Playback

What it is:

Whether 24p content can play without any judder.

When it matters:

Only 24p content (mostly just movies).

Score components:

• 71%
  Judder-free 24p
• 14%
  Judder-free 24p via 60p
• 14%
  Judder-free 24p via 60i

Learn more

Judder-free 24p

What it is:

Judder-free movies over 24p signal.

When it matters:

Blu-ray and DVD movies; 24 hz PC signal.

Learn more

:
Yes

Judder-free 24p via 60p

What it is:

Judder-free movies over 60p signal.

When it matters:

Movies from streaming devices (Apple TV, Fire TV, etc.); 60 hz PC signal.

Learn more

:
Yes

Judder-free 24p via 60i

What it is:

Judder-free movies over 60i signal.

When it matters:

Movies from cable/satellite boxes.

Learn more

:
Yes

24p sources is always judder-free no matter the TV settings. To remove judder from 60p and 60i sources, set ‘Auto Motion Plus’ to ‘Custom’ and both sliders to 0. This won’t add the soap opera effect (SOE).

10

Motion Interpolation

What it is:

Also known as ‘Soap Opera Effect’. It is an optional feature that increases the frame rate of the video, smoothing movement.

When it matters:

If you like the look of smoothed video. Not everyone does.

Score components:

• 50%
  Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
• 50%
  Motion Interpolation (60 fps)

Learn more

Motion Interpolation (30 fps):

What it is:

Whether the TV can take a 30 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 60 fps.

When it matters:

30 fps or lower videos. Includes movies, TV shows, some video games.

Learn more

Yes

Motion Interpolation (60 fps):

What it is:

Whether the TV can take a 60 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 100 fps.

When it matters:

60 fps videos. Includes some video games, some sports channels.

Learn more

Yes

Since this TV is 120Hz, ‘Auto Motion Plus’ can be used on 30Hz and 60Hz signals. This will add the soap opera effect (SOE). Low custom values will work well to smooth out motion with a minimum of the soap opera effect.

7.8

HDR

Score components:

• 31%
  Color Gamut
• 31%
  Peak Brightness
• 16%
  Gradient
• 22%
  HDR Format Support

Learn more

The Samsung KS8000 is able to display a wide range of colors and very bright highlights. HDR benefits from both features and look great on this TV. Those looking for a good HDR experience will be satisfied with what the Samsung KS8000 can do.

8.2

Color Gamut

What it is:

How many colors the TV can display.

When it matters:

HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.

Score components:

• 25%
  DCI P3 xy
• 25%
  DCI P3 uv
• 25%
  Rec 2020 xy
• 25%
  Rec 2020 uv

Learn more

Wide Color Gamut

What it is:

Whether the TV has an option to enable wide color gamuts.

When it matters:

HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.

Learn more

:
Yes

DCI P3 xy

What it is:

Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.

When it matters:

DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.

Good value:

> 90%

Noticeable difference:

5%

Learn more

:
91.31 %

DCI P3 uv

What it is:

Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1976 u’ v’.

When it matters:

DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.

Good value:

> 90%

Noticeable difference:

5%

Learn more

:
95.87 %

Rec 2020 xy

What it is:

Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.

When it matters:

Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.

Good value:

> 90%

Noticeable difference:

5%

Learn more

:
66.60 %

Rec 2020 uv

What it is:

Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1976 u’ v’.

When it matters:

Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.

Good value:

> 90%

Noticeable difference:

5%

Learn more

:
74.32 %

Good color coverage as a whole. Colors can get very rich under HDR materials.

8.6

Peak Brightness

What it is:

How bright the screen can get. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).

When it matters:

Bright living rooms; bright objects; HDR content.

Score components:

• 20%
  2% Window
• 20%
  10% Window
• 20%
  25% Window
• 20%
  50% Window
• 20%
  100% Window

Learn more

2% Window

What it is:

The maximum luminosity of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).

When it matters:

Bright objects; especially for HDR content.

Good value:

> 400 cd/m2

Noticeable difference:

100 cd/m2

Learn more

:
1355 cd/m2

10% Window

What it is:

The maximum luminosity of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).

When it matters:

Bright objects; especially for HDR content.

Good value:

> 400 cd/m2

Noticeable difference:

100 cd/m2

Learn more

:
1260 cd/m2

25% Window

What it is:

The maximum luminosity of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).

When it matters:

Bright rooms; bright objects in HDR video.

Good value:

> 300 cd/m2

Noticeable difference:

100 cd/m2

Learn more

:
895 cd/m2

50% Window

What it is:

The maximum luminosity of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).

When it matters:

Bright rooms.

Good value:

> 250 cd/m2

Noticeable difference:

100 cd/m2

Learn more

:
472 cd/m2

100% Window

What it is:

The maximum luminosity of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).

When it matters:

Bright rooms.

Good value:

> 250 cd/m2

Noticeable difference:

100 cd/m2

Learn more

:
473 cd/m2

Like for other TVs, we use the local dimming setting (‘Active LED’) that brighten the 2% window the most, in that case ‘High’. The peak brightness of small highlights is very high at 1355 cdm2. As a whole, it doesn’t get as bright as the KS9500 though where that one achieved higher values on the 10%, 25% and 50% windows. For the best HDR experience, leave ‘Active LED’ to ‘High’.

9.5

Gradient

What it is:

How finely levels of color can be displayed.

When it matters:

Details in shadows, sky and skin tones. Matters more for HDR content.

Score components:

Subjectively assigned

Learn more

Color Depth

What it is:

Number of bits per pixel to represent a specific color. Note: we consider 8-bit with dithering to be equivalent to 10-bit, as long as the 10-bit gradient looks smooth.

When it matters:

HDR content like UHD Blu-ray players. Won’t matter for cable TV, regular Blu-ray movies, video game consoles or content displayed from a Windows PC. Those are limited to 8-bit color.

Good value:

10-bit.

Noticeable difference:

1 bit.

Learn more

:
10 bit Bit

Very smooth color gradations. Very minor inconsistencies in reds prevent the Samsung KS8000 from getting a perfect score. In regular content though, this won’t be noticeable.

5.0

HDR Format Support

HDR10

What it is:

Standard HDR format.

When it matters:

Most common format. All UHD Blu-ray discs are required to have it.

:
Yes

Dolby Vision

What it is:

Better format, due to its dynamic nature.

When it matters:

Currently, only available via streaming.

:
No

9.3

Color Accuracy

Score components:

• 80%
  Pre Calibration
• 20%
  Post Calibration

Learn more

The color were surprisingly good and balanced out of the box and our calibration gave even better results. The KS8000 is able to reproduce a large color spectrum which appear rich and natural.

You can see our Rec.709 calibration settings here.

9.1

Pre Calibration

What it is:

TV’s color accuracy before a full calibration. Only the picture mode and backlight level were changed.

When it matters:

All video on an uncalibrated TV. This represents most people’s use cases.

Score components:

• 50%
  White Balance dE
• 50%
  Color dE

Learn more

White Balance dE

What it is:

Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.

When it matters:

Overall color temperature of all video.

Good value:

< 3

Noticeable difference:

1

Learn more

:
1.46

Color dE

What it is:

Average inaccuracy of colors.

When it matters:

All colors.

Good value:

< 3

Noticeable difference:

1

Learn more

:
1.6381

Gamma

What it is:

Brightness of shades of gray.

When it matters:

Shadows.

Good value:

Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)

Noticeable difference:

0.1

Learn more

:
2.15

Very low dE for out of the box which is excellent. Some TVs can’t even get at that level after calibration.

9.9

Post Calibration

What it is:

TV’s color accuracy after a full calibration with a spectrophotometer.

When it matters:

All video on a TV that has been professionally calibrated. This isn’t that useful, because most TVs can achieve a pretty good calibration if you spend enough time on them.

Score components:

• 50%
  White Balance dE
• 50%
  Color dE

Learn more

White Balance dE

What it is:

Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.

When it matters:

Overall color temperature of all videos.

Good value:

< 3

Noticeable difference:

1

Learn more

:
0.3

Color dE

What it is:

Average inaccuracy of colors.

When it matters:

All colors.

Good value:

< 3

Noticeable difference:

1

Learn more

:
0.2146

Gamma

What it is:

Brightness of shades of gray.

When it matters:

Shadows.

Good value:

Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)

Noticeable difference:

0.1

Learn more

:
2.2

Near perfect post calibration results. As with other Samsung TVs, calibration was easy to achieve. Both white balance and color has very low dE. Gamma sit correctly at 2.2.

8.7

Resolution

Score components:

• 18%
  480p
• 29%
  720p
• 36%
  1080p
• 18%
  4k

The Samsung KS8000 does great with every resolutions it supports, even the low ones like for cable TV and DVDs. HD is even better while 4k is just superb. In all situations, details are plentiful.

8.0

480p

What it is:

Quality of a 480p input.

When it matters:

Standard definition TV, DVDs.

Score components:

Subjectively assigned

8.0

720p

What it is:

Quality of a 720p input.

When it matters:

HD channels, some streaming videos.

Score components:

Subjectively assigned

9.0

1080p

What it is:

Quality of a 1080p input.

When it matters:

Blu-rays, streaming video, video files, video games.

Score components:

Subjectively assigned

10

4k

What it is:

Quality of a 4k UHD input.

When it matters:

Streaming video, UHD Blu-rays, some PCs.

Score components:

Subjectively assigned

7.7

Sports

Score components:

• 56%
  Motion Blur
• 44%
  Gray Uniformity

Learn more

Sports look good on the Samsung KS8000. Motion doesn't have much blur so running players or fast traveling objects like balls retains a good amount of details when in motion. The screen is also free from any obvious uniformity issues which is especially good compared to most TVs. As a result, long camera pans over playing fields aren't problematic.

7.9

Motion Blur

What it is:

Amount of blur on fast movement.

When it matters:

Sports, video games.

Score components:

• 80%
  Response Time
• 20%
  Overshoot

Learn more

Response Time

What it is:

How quickly pixels can change color.

When it matters:

Fast movement.

Good value:

< 20ms

Noticeable difference:

10ms

Learn more

:
18.0 ms

Overshoot

What it is:

When TV’s pixels adjust too far; how quickly they come back.

When it matters:

Fast movement.

Good value:

< 10ms

Noticeable difference:

10ms

Learn more

:
0.2 ms

Backlight

What it is:

Flickering pattern at different luminosities.

When it matters:

For people sensible to flickering.

Learn more

:
picture

This isn’t the fastest response time we’ve seen but it won’t be a problem in most cases. The trail behind our logo has an average length but is faint enough not to be an issue in regular content.

7.4

Gray Uniformity

What it is:

Evenness of colors onscreen (not just gray).

When it matters:

Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.

Score components:

• 50%
  Std. Dev.
• 50%
  DSE

Learn more

Std. Dev.

What it is:

Average squared difference of pixels when displaying a mid 50% gray.

When it matters:

Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.

Good value:

< 2.5%

Noticeable difference:

1%

Learn more

:
3.536 %

DSE

What it is:

High-frequency variance of uniformity. Dark spots on the screen.

When it matters:

Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.

Good value:

< 0.165%

Noticeable difference:

0.025%

Learn more

:
0.165 %

The left and right edges of the screen are darker and the top and bottom edges are slightly brighter. That said, there is no obvious banding problems which result in a minimum of the ‘dirty screen effect’ (DSE). Compared to most TVs, this is good.

8.4

Video Games

Score components:

• 35%
  Input Lag
• 6%
  PC Monitor
• 59%
  Motion Blur

Learn more

Very good video game experience on the Samsung KS8000. Lag from controller inputs is nearly imperceptible and motion blur isn't much of a problem. Those who want to use the TV as a PC monitor will also like the multiple inputs it supports and the fact that the screen can get very sharp with the good settings.

Included scores:

7.9

Motion Blur

9.4

Input Lag

What it is:

Delay between input and onscreen reaction.

When it matters:

Video games; when TV is used as PC monitor.

Score components:

• 100%
  Input Lag

Learn more

Input Lag

What it is:

Lowest input lag possible on TV.

When it matters:

Video games; when TV is used as PC monitor.

Good value:

< 50ms

Noticeable difference:

15ms

Learn more

:
20.9 ms

With Interpolation

What it is:

Lowest input lag when the motion interpolation feature is turned on.

When it matters:

When you want to play video games with the Soap Opera Effect enabled.

Good value:

< 50ms

Noticeable difference:

15ms

Learn more

:
118.9 ms

Outside Game Mode

What it is:

Input lag in picture modes other than the specific game mode.

When it matters:

For playing video games while retaining access to all features of the TV.

Good value:

< 50ms

Noticeable difference:

15ms

Learn more

:
113.5 ms

Great, even for competitive gaming. Not to say that this TV will make anyone’s skills improve but those who like to have every little advantages on their side will enjoy that low of an input lag. The overall experience feels very responsive even for the games that requires very fast reflexes. To get that low input lag, ‘Game’ mode has to be enabled.

8.0

PC Monitor

What it is:

Different resolutions supported by TV.

When it matters:

PC monitor usage.

Score components:

• 20%
  1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
• 20%
  1080p @ 120Hz
• 20%
  4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
• 20%
  4k @ 60Hz
• 20%
  4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4

1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4

What it is:

Crisp text on 1060p @ 60 hz signal.

When it matters:

PC productivity and 60 fps gaming.

:
Yes

1080p @ 120Hz

What it is:

120 fps 1080p signal supported.

When it matters:

PC gaming.

:
No

4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4

What it is:

Crisp text on 4k @ 30 hz signal.

When it matters:

PC productivity and gaming.

:
Yes

4k @ 60Hz

What it is:

60 fps 4k signal supported.

When it matters:

PC productivity and gaming.

:
Yes

4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4

What it is:

Crisp text on 4k @ 60 hz signal.

When it matters:

Productivity and 60 fps gaming in 4k.

:
Yes

Most of the tested inputs works except for 120Hz. To ge 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4, ‘HDMI UHD Color’ has to be enabled from the picture menu. For other resolution, labeling the HDMI input to ‘PC’ will do the trick. Input lag in PC mode is 37.8 ms.

8.3

Living Room

Score components:

• 33%
  Reflections
• 33%
  Viewing Angle
• 33%
  Peak Brightness

Learn more

The KS8000 will fit nicely in any room no matter how bright it is. Reflections appear very faint on the screen and won't reveal to be such a problem. Unfortunately, when viewed from the side, the KS8000 loses some of its picture quality.

Included scores:

8.6

Peak Brightness

9.5

Reflections

What it is:

How much light is reflected by the TV.

When it matters:

Bright rooms.

Score components:

Subjectively assigned

Learn more

Reflection

What it is:

Ratio of ambient light reflected by the TV.

When it matters:

Ambient light in the room.

Good value:

< 1%

Noticeable difference:

0.5%

Learn more

:
0.5 %

Screen Finish

What it is:

Type of coating on the screen.

When it matters:

Bright objects in the direct reflection path (for example, opposite the TV).

Good value:

Glossy is good for ambient light, but not for direct reflections.

Learn more

:
Glossy

Very faint reflections. The picture can still be seen through reflections which is great. The TV can get bright enough to fit in any room, even the brightest.

6.7

Viewing Angle

What it is:

Color accuracy when viewed from the side.

When it matters:

Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.

Score components:

• 100%
  Viewing Angle

Learn more

LCD Type

What it is:

Type of LCD technology used by the TV.

When it matters:

Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

Good value:

IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle.

Learn more

:
VA

Viewing Angle

What it is:

Angle where the contrast drops to 50% of the contrast directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV.

When it matters:

Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.

Good value:

> 30°

Noticeable difference:

10°

Learn more

:
20 °

Viewing angle is a notable downside of this TV but we have seen worse. Still, from an angle, the blacks aren’t as deep and the colors change.

6.6

Sound

Score components:

• 67%
  Frequency Response
• 33%
  Total Harmonic Distortion

Learn more

The sound on the Samsung KS8000 is not too bad but most basic sound bars or home theater setups will complement the TV much better. In some minimal setups though, like for in a bedroom, it gets the job done without any additional wire clutters.

7.1

Frequency Response

What it is:

Sound level at different frequencies.

When it matters:

For balanced sound.

Score components:

• 8%
  Std. Dev. @ 75
• 15%
  Std. Dev. @ 85
• 23%
  Std. Dev. @ Max
• 15%
  Max
• 38%
  Low-end Cutoff

Learn more

Std. Dev. @ 75

What it is:

Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.

When it matters:

75 dB.

Good value:

< 4 dB

Noticeable difference:

2 dB

Learn more

:
3.72 dB SPL

Std. Dev. @ 85

What it is:

Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.

When it matters:

85 dB.

Good value:

< 4 dB

Noticeable difference:

2 dB

Learn more

:
4.33 dB SPL

Std. Dev. @ Max

What it is:

Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.

When it matters:

Max volume.

Good value:

< 4 dB

Noticeable difference:

2 dB

Learn more

:
6.49 dB SPL

Max

What it is:

Max volume on the TV at a distance of 1 meter.

When it matters:

For listening to loud audio.

Good value:

> 90 dB

Noticeable difference:

2 dB

Learn more

:
92.2 dB SPL

Low-end Cutoff

What it is:

How low of a frequency at which the bass starts.

When it matters:

Movies; gaming.

Good value:

< 50Hz

Noticeable difference:

10Hz

Learn more

:
84.76 Hz

Decent frequency response, especially for a TV. The low-end cutoff of 85Hz and maximum loudness of 92dB are good. However, there will be noticeable pumping and compression under heavy load.

5.6

Total Harmonic Distortion

What it is:

Pureness of a single frequency.

Score components:

• 20%
  Distortion @ 75
• 40%
  Distortion @ 85
• 40%
  Distortion @ Max

Learn more

Distortion @ 75

What it is:

Amount of distortion.

When it matters:

75 dB.

Good value:

< 0.100

Noticeable difference:

0.100

Learn more

:
0.024

Distortion @ 85

What it is:

Amount of distortion.

When it matters:

85 dB.

Good value:

< 0.100

Noticeable difference:

0.100

Learn more

:
0.073

Distortion @ Max

What it is:

Amount of distortion.

When it matters:

85 dB.

Good value:

< 0.100

Noticeable difference:

0.100

Learn more

:
0.165

Subpar results. The overall amount of harmonic distortion is rather high, but at the same time, there is not a big jump at higher SPLs and distortion remains relatively constant.

Software and Inputs

Smart OS: Tizen (2016)

The Samsung KS8000 smart platform isn't the best but offers a good experience. Navigating through the different menus and launching apps feels responsive. Most popular apps are available.

Apps

Most popular apps (YouTube, Amazon, Netflix,…) are available and the whole selection is good.

TV Controls

A button located underneath the bottom right of the TV can be used for basic operations like changing volume, inputs and turning the TV on and off. This button can be operated in a setup where the TV is wall-mounted.

Remote

Remote

:
Smart

The remote is simple and comfortable, making it easy to navigate through the Tizen interface. It can be used with voice command but not as a pointer which could have been handy for text input.

In The Box

– Remote
– Batteries
– Wall mount spacers/adapters
– Mini One Connect box with cable
– Manuals

Side Inputs

Rear Inputs

Inputs are located on the required One Connect box.

Total Inputs

HDMI

:
4

USB

:
3

Digital Optical Audio Out

:
1

Analog Audio Out 3.5mm

:
0

Analog Audio Out RCA

:
0

Component In

:
0

Composite In

:
0

Tuner (Cable/Ant)

:
1

Ethernet

:
1

DisplayPort

:
0

IR In

:
0

SD/SDHC

:
0

Inputs Specifications

5.1 Passthrough ARC Dolby Digital

What it is:

TV can receive and pass Dolby Digital 5.1 signal to receiver via HDMI ARC.

When it matters:

5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.

:
Yes

5.1 Passthrough ARC DTS

What it is:

TV can receive and pass DTS 5.1 signal to receiver via HDMI ARC.

When it matters:

5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.

:
Yes

5.1 Passthrough Optical Dolby Digital

What it is:

TV can receive and pass Dolby Digital signal to receiver via digital optical.

When it matters:

5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.

:
Yes

5.1 Passthrough Optical DTS

What it is:

TV can receive and pass DTS signal to receiver via digital optical.

When it matters:

5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.

:
Yes

HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwith

:
Yes

ARC

:
Yes (HDMI 4)

USB 3

:
No

HDCP 2.2

:
Yes

CEC

:
Yes

MHL

:
No

Variable Analog Audio Out

:
No

Misc

Pixels

Other

60i:

Yes

Power Consumption

:
52 W

Power Consumption (Max)

:
139 W

Firmware

:
1008

Differences between Sizes and Variants

We tested the 55" (UN55KS8000) version FA01. For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the other sizes.

We've received a report that the 60" (UN60KS8000) has version EA01, with a narrower viewing angle. The 60" also has a different bezel that is thicker.

If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Samsung KS8000 doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.

Size	Model	US	Canada	UK	Warehouse	Wharehouse long
49"	UN49KS8000	UN49KS8000FXZA	UN49KS8000FXZC	UE49KS7000	UN49KS800D	UN49KS800DFXZA
55"	UN55KS8000	UN55KS8000FXZA	UN55KS8000FXZC	UE55KS7000	UN55KS800D	UN55KS800DFXZA
60"	UN60KS8000	UN60KS8000FXZA	UN60KS8000FXZC	UE60KS7000	UN60KS800D	UN60KS800DFXZA
65"	UN65KS8000	UN65KS8000FXZA	UN65KS8000FXZC	N/A	UN65KS800D	UN65KS800DFXZA

Compared to other TVs

Top row, from left: Vizio P Series 2016 (P65-C1), Samsung KS8000 (UN55KS8000), Samsung KS9000 (UN55KS9000). Bottom: LG UH8500 (55UH8500), Sony X850D (XBR55X850D), Samsung KS8500 (UN55KS8500). Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

The Samsung KS8000 is the best buy for a TV in this price range if you want to use it for multiple usage. Not a lot of other TVs can compete with its high picture quality, number of features and asking price.

8.1

Samsung JS8500

48" 55" 65"

CHECK PRICE

The now discontinued Samsung JS8500 only advantage is the slightly less motion blur. In other aspects, the KS8000 outdoes the JS8500 picture quality, especially for movies. The KS8000 is also a better fit in the living room because it can get brighter and has less reflections.

8.2

Vizio P Series 2016

50" 55" 65" 75"

CHECK PRICE

The Vizio P is a little bit better for watching movies in a dark room and playing video games. In a living room with ambient lighting however, the Vizio P has more reflection and not an as good picture. Lower quality content like TV channels are also better on the Samsung. As a whole, the KS8000 is a more versatile TV, so only get the Vizio P if you exclusively play video games or watch movies in a dark room.

8.3

Samsung KS9000

55" 65" 75"

CHECK PRICE

Not much difference between the two TVs. The Samsung KS9000 can get slightly brighter but the increase in price is not worth it. The Samsung KS8000 is the better buy with a near identical picture quality.

7.9

Sony X930D

55" 65"

CHECK PRICE

As a whole, the Sony X930D picture quality isn’t superior but its price is. Only get it if you absolutely want 3D which is not available on the Samsung KS8000. The Samsung KS8000 offers a better picture quality both in a very bright or very dark room.

Conclusion

CHECK PRICE

Since it is so well balanced, there is not much bad things to say about the Samsung UHD KS8000 Series LED TV. Its only real notable downside is its limited viewing angle, otherwise everything else is great. Movies, even HDR, offer a brilliant experience, sports maintain a good level of clarity and gaming is really responsive. With the fact that the KS8000 doesn’t produce a lot of reflections, it is really easy to recommend to anyone looking for a great TV.

SCORES

8.2
Overall

8.5
Movies & TV

7.7
Sports

8.4
Video Games

8.3
Living Room

6.6
Sound

Source: www.rtings.com