Remember that frustrating time trying to choose a new TV? The sheer number of options felt overwhelming. This time, let’s make it easier. This in-depth review of the Samsung AU8000 Smart TV will provide everything you need to know before making your purchase decision. You’ll learn about its features, performance, and whether it’s the right fit for your home entertainment needs.
Picture Quality of the Samsung AU8000
The Samsung AU8000 boasts impressive picture quality for its price point. This section details the key aspects that contribute to its overall visual performance.
Crystal Display Technology
The AU8000 utilizes Samsung’s Crystal Display technology, offering vibrant colors and enhanced contrast. This technology enhances color representation, leading to a more lifelike viewing experience. A significant improvement over previous generations.
- Wide Color Gamut: The wider color gamut ensures that more colors are accurately reproduced on the screen, resulting in richer and more vibrant images. This is particularly noticeable in scenes with colorful landscapes or vibrant objects.
- Enhanced Contrast Ratio: Improved contrast enhances the perception of depth and detail in images, making dark areas appear darker and bright areas appear brighter. This leads to more impactful visuals.
- HDR Support: High Dynamic Range (HDR) support enhances the dynamic range of colors, allowing the TV to display a wider range of brightnesses and contrasts, resulting in more lifelike imagery.
Upscaling Capabilities
The Samsung AU8000 effectively upscales lower-resolution content to near-4K quality, ensuring a consistently sharp and clear picture, regardless of the source material.
- AI-Powered Upscaling: Utilizing artificial intelligence, the AU8000 analyzes the input signal to intelligently enhance the details and sharpness of lower-resolution content. The result is a smoother, clearer image, even with older movies or TV shows.
- Improved Detail Enhancement: The upscaling process enhances details and fine textures that would otherwise be lost in standard-definition content. This translates into a more refined and realistic visual experience.
Smart Features and Functionality of the Samsung AU8000
This section explores the smart features offered by the Samsung AU8000, including its operating system, app compatibility, and voice control capabilities.
Tizen Operating System
The AU8000 runs on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, a user-friendly interface known for its speed, responsiveness, and extensive app support. This platform provides a smooth and intuitive user experience.
- Intuitive Navigation: Tizen’s intuitive menu system makes it easy to navigate through various apps and settings, allowing you to quickly find what you’re looking for.
- Extensive App Selection: Access a wide array of popular streaming services, games, and other entertainment apps, providing diverse content options tailored to individual preferences.
- Regular Updates: Samsung regularly releases updates to improve performance, security, and add new features, maintaining a modern and feature-rich experience.
Voice Control and Bixby
The Samsung AU8000 integrates Bixby voice control, making it easy to control the TV using voice commands, and simplifying certain actions.
- Hands-Free Control: Change channels, adjust volume, search for content, and control smart home devices using voice commands, providing a convenient and hands-free experience.
- Smart Home Integration: Integrate the AU8000 with your smart home ecosystem for seamless control of other devices such as lights and speakers through voice commands.
Sound Quality and Audio Features
While the picture quality is a major selling point, the audio performance of the Samsung AU8000 also contributes to the overall viewing experience.
Built-in Speakers
The AU8000 features built-in speakers offering decent sound quality for casual viewing. While not exceptional, they are adequate for most users. However, for a more immersive audio experience, an external sound system is recommended.
- Dolby Digital Plus: This audio format enhances clarity and improves the surround sound effect, creating more depth and richness in the audio output, improving the overall viewing experience.
- Adaptive Sound: This feature automatically adjusts the audio output based on the content being played, ensuring optimized sound for various scenes, providing a better listening experience.
External Audio Connectivity
Connecting external audio equipment enhances the sound quality significantly. This allows for a more immersive and detailed auditory experience.
- HDMI ARC/eARC: HDMI ARC/eARC allows connection to soundbars and other audio systems, transmitting audio signals from the TV to the external device. This simplifies setup and provides high-quality audio output.
- Optical Audio Output: This provides an alternative option for connecting older audio systems, offering flexibility in audio connectivity options.
Design and Build Quality of the Samsung AU8000
The Samsung AU8000’s design and build quality complement its performance. This section evaluates these aspects in detail.
Slim and Modern Design
The AU8000 features a sleek and minimalist design, with thin bezels around the screen, enhancing the visual appeal of the television. It fits well in modern homes and complements various interior styles.
- Thin Bezels: The slim bezels maximize screen real estate, making the viewing experience more immersive by minimizing distractions.
- Sleek Profile: The slim profile of the TV makes it easy to mount on the wall or place on a stand without taking up too much space.
Build Quality and Durability
Samsung is renowned for its reliable and durable electronics, and the AU8000 is no exception. It is built to withstand regular use and maintain its performance over time.
- Robust Construction: The use of high-quality materials ensures the TV’s longevity and resistance to damage from normal use.
- Stable Stand: The stand is designed to provide stable support for the TV, preventing accidental tipping or movement.
Common Myths About the Samsung AU8000
Myth 1: The AU8000’s Smart Features Are Limited
This is incorrect. The AU8000 has a wide range of smart features, including access to a large app library and voice control via Bixby. While not the most premium Smart TV features, it is fully functional.
Myth 2: The AU8000’s Built-in Speakers Are Poor Quality
While not top-tier, the built-in speakers offer acceptable sound for casual viewing. For an enhanced experience, however, an external soundbar or home theater system is advised.
Myth 3: The AU8000 is Difficult to Set Up
The setup process is straightforward and user-friendly. The on-screen instructions guide users through each step, minimizing any difficulties. Most users will find it easy to configure.
FAQ
What screen sizes are available for the Samsung AU8000?
The Samsung AU8000 is available in a range of sizes, typically from 43 inches to 75 inches, depending on regional availability.
Does the Samsung AU8000 support HDR10+?
Yes, the Samsung AU8000 supports HDR10+, enhancing the dynamic range of colors for more vivid and realistic images.
What are the connectivity options available on the Samsung AU8000?
The Samsung AU8000 offers a variety of connectivity options including multiple HDMI ports, USB ports, an Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi.
Can I control the Samsung AU8000 with my smartphone?
Yes, you can control the Samsung AU8000 using the Samsung SmartThings app on your smartphone, providing additional control and convenience.
Is the Samsung AU8000 a good choice for gaming?
While not specifically designed for gaming, the Samsung AU8000 offers acceptable input lag for casual gaming. For competitive gaming, a dedicated gaming monitor is generally recommended.
How much does the Samsung AU8000 cost?
The price of the Samsung AU8000 varies depending on the screen size and retailer, but generally falls within the mid-range price bracket for 4K TVs.
What is the warranty for the Samsung AU8000?
The warranty period for the Samsung AU8000 usually includes one year for parts and labor. Check with your retailer for specific details.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung AU8000 Smart TV provides a compelling combination of picture quality, smart features, and affordability. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of Samsung’s flagship models, it offers excellent value for money. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich 4K TV without breaking the bank, the AU8000 is definitely worth considering. Its ease of use and strong performance make it a great choice for any home entertainment setup. Start your search for your ideal screen size today!