Samsung was the first to cash in on the craze surrounding 3D technology and appropriately launched the 3D Blu-ray player, home cinema system and 3D TV that would be the first of its kind in the world capable of screening 3D movies.

A total of eight 3D TVs complete Samsung’s 3D TV line up, which includes six LED and two plasma TVs. The top end model from Samsung is their 46-inch TV from Series 8 and this is one that remains high above their other eight models which support 3D.

Named the UE46C8000, this 46 inch model is a stunner by looks, keeping up the reputation of Samsung’s keen eye for design. It comes with silver brushed metal bezel finish and the Quad Stand. The Samsung logo has been illuminated and the sleekness of the model, that has a depth of just 23.9 mm holds the attention and breath of every viewer. And when they let go of the breath, it is excitement that is pronounced as the after effect.

Four HDMI v1.4 input ports with full support to 3D signals is mounted at the rear of the set albeit in a sideways manner. This unique setting of the ports has been necessary due to the sheer slimness of the set. One of the port even has an Audio Return Channel which can be connected to an AV receiver compatible device. Samsung has also provided for component, DVI/PC input, optical Digital audio output socket and also a common interface slot. All in all Samsung has not compromised on sockets and ports even though the design for placing the same on its slim sleek form required some intelligent design concepts.

Not only externally, internally also Samsung has packed in many a feature. Along with the 3D feature which of course is the most important one there is the capability of this model to handle a wide variety of format, whether it is side-by-side, top & bottom, line-by-line, vertical stripe or checker board. The model also supports frame sequential format and this is the format used by 3D Blu-ray. The set has a transmitter inbuilt which transmits the 3D signal and is to be read or viewed by special 3D glasses. The glasses though are not part of the model package but will have to be purchased separately at $99 (rechargeable).

The set can also work the wonder of displaying a 2D picture in 3D thereby providing the viewer with the opportunity of previewing what the 3D version of the picture would look like. The downside of this feature is that 3D images if seen in 2D would also show up and that is the view of the left eye only.

Present day popular formats like the DivX HD, XviD, WMV9, MPEG1/2/4, MKV, AVI, MP4, ASF, 3GPP, VRO and VOB, as well as MP3 and JPEG files is also supported and can be viewed by connecting the source through the USB ports, two of which have been provided. The set also has capability of connecting an external HDD which adds PVR functionality to the set.

As if that was not all, Samsung has also added an Ethernet port to the set. This when connected to the internet router or PC gives world wide connectivity through the set. Applications like Internet@TV and Skype has a tie up with Samsung for providing their facilities. With its DLNA feature the set is able to play music, video and what have you on your hard computer. However, there is one feature missing and that is Wi-Fi connectivity, which however can be established by using an additional USB dongle.

The buck yet does not stop here as the set also has Freeview HD tuner that is Samsung’s 3D HyperReal Engine. It also has a 200 MHz processor installed which is powerful enough and for providing smooth motion and has the scanning backlight feature.  There is also the Smart LED mode which helps in optimization of the edge LED backlight. The combination of selections on picture modes depends on what sort of image tweaking is required.

Picture quality is of the highest standards, especially when the source is the Samsung BD-C6900 deck which is a Blu-ray device. The color and depth of picture would hold the viewer mesmerized. However the 3D effects have their minor problematic issues like ghost picture and blurring on occasions. This even though the set incorporates special circuitry installed to reduce these effects.

2D blu ray and Freeview HD produce breathtaking rendering on the set. The color depth and sharpness of the pictures are worth a million views.

Sound feature also has been worthy, however not up to the mark in the bass and surround expansion features. This is essential to give greater effect while watching movies. The set otherwise has three SRS sound modes that is Theater Sound, TruSurround and TruDialog. Also, it is all but natural to think that familiarization with such a huge panorama of features would need quite some effort time and work. However the menu design and the remote have been so crafty that it leaves the user with a feel of ease even while navigating through the plethora of features.

Finally the UE46C8000 can be termed a collector’s piece as of now in the market as there is no other set which has features or performance comparative to this set. Anything that’s unique commands a high price and the same goes for the Samsung UE46C8000 as there isn’t anything that can come close to it at present.

Sovan Mandal  (446 Posts)

Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com and 3D Specialist. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email