In-depth review of the Samsung KS 8000

Got the 65" KS8000 last week. Love it!

How is everyone determining whether they're having dead pixels? Everything looks great through my newbie eyeballs. Is there a pattern I can download? Bell offers a black TV channel, but all I see is wonderful black so I can't tell if there's any problems.

Also, if I'm changing the settings for HDMI 1 input (say no auto motion plus, movie, warm2 etc..), and I want these settings to be different in HDMI 2... in my old JS8500, they were saved automatically. On my first attempt they didn't save when I switched inputs. Is there a save button or something?
 
Elios83 said:
I use these settings:

On the PS4 side I have full range RGB, deep color and HDR all turned on.
On the TV I have game mode turned on, HDMI UHD Color on.
Backlight 13
Brightness 45
Contrast 90
Sharpness 40
Color 50
Smart Led High
Dynamic Contrast Medium
HDMI Black Level Normal
Color Temperature Standard
Gamma 0
Color Space Native

I think it looks really great with these settings, although it's really subjective of course.
Click to expand...

What do you mean you have HDR "on"? The TV automatically changes when it detects an HDR signal.

hookurs said:
Got the 65" KS8000 last week. Love it!

How is everyone determining whether they're having dead pixels? Everything looks great through my newbie eyeballs. Is there a pattern I can download? Bell offers a black TV channel, but all I see is wonderful black so I can't tell if there's any problems.

Also, if I'm changing the settings for HDMI 1 input (say no auto motion plus, movie, warm2 etc..), and I want these settings to be different in HDMI 2... in my old JS8500, they were saved automatically. On my first attempt they didn't save when I switched inputs. Is there a save button or something?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't try to force yourself to see dead pixels.
 
hookurs said:
Got the 65" KS8000 last week. Love it!

How is everyone determining whether they're having dead pixels? Everything looks great through my newbie eyeballs. Is there a pattern I can download? Bell offers a black TV channel, but all I see is wonderful black so I can't tell if there's any problems.

Also, if I'm changing the settings for HDMI 1 input (say no auto motion plus, movie, warm2 etc..), and I want these settings to be different in HDMI 2... in my old JS8500, they were saved automatically. On my first attempt they didn't save when I switched inputs. Is there a save button or something?
Click to expand...


Youtube

"Red Test Screen"
"Blue Test Screen:

etc.
 
How bad is the color shift on the Samsung VA panels these days? I've sworn by IPS for years because of this. If my TV is centered with the couch, but I'm sitting on the left end of it, will I see the viewing angle color/gamma shift issue?

How bad is the glossy screen for reflections?

Finally, do I really need a new AV receiver, or can you use ARC on the TV to send the audio signal to it and just hook stuff up to the TVs own HDMI ports?
 
Elios those settings are good.

One thing I'm struggling with on this tv.

The colors are awesome but it's throwing me off. I was probably used to washed out blacks for the last 6 years so when things are dark they almost look too dark to me. I'm sure I'll adjust but the blacks are really inky.
 
Dezzy said:
How bad is the color shift on the Samsung VA panels these days? I've sworn by IPS for years because of this. If my TV is centered with the couch, but I'm sitting on the left end of it, will I see the viewing angle color/gamma shift issue?

How bad is the glossy screen for reflections?

Finally, do I really need a new AV receiver, or can you use ARC on the TV to send the audio signal to it and just hook stuff up to the TVs own HDMI ports?
Click to expand...
you can hook up your components to the tv and use arc to your receiver. The Samsung has a snart remote and might be able to control all of your devices which is a huge bonus of that setup
 
Could have a unexpected £5000 coming my way in January and this TV is firmly in my sights, need to go to John Lewis and have a look at it in the flesh
 
hookurs said:
Also, if I'm changing the settings for HDMI 1 input (say no auto motion plus, movie, warm2 etc..), and I want these settings to be different in HDMI 2... in my old JS8500, they were saved automatically. On my first attempt they didn't save when I switched inputs. Is there a save button or something?
Click to expand...

I think there's an "Apply Settings To All Sources" sort of option somewhere.
 
Just picked up this TV last week. Doesn't seem like there's much to calibrate, especially in Game mode where Native color space is recommended.

Since I'm still using an older Sony HT-CT550W sound bar, I should probably connect all of my devices (at least those with 4K/HDR output) directly to the TV, rather than the sound bar's receiver, since it probably doesn't support that type of signal.

How can you tell when the TV is in HDR mode? From what I understand, the backlight should automatically change to max but I haven't experienced that even when playing HDR content from Netflix.

I'm definitely enjoying it so far. I'll post my settings once I refine them. Definitely way more excited for that PS4 Pro now.

Do all of this TV's inputs support 4K/HDR with the same amount of input lag, or is one better than the rest? I noticed one supports PC mode. Other than that, are they all the same?
 
nikos said:
Just picked up this TV last week. Doesn't seem like there's much to calibrate, especially in Game mode where Native color space is recommended.

Since I'm still using an older Sony HT-CT550W sound bar, I should probably connect all of my devices (at least those with 4K/HDR output) directly to the TV, rather than the sound bar's receiver, then TV out to the sound bar since it probably doesn't support that type of signal.

How can you tell when the TV is in HDR mode? From what I understand, the backlight should automatically change to max but I haven't experienced that even when playing HDR content from Netflix.

I'm definitely enjoying it so far. I'll post my settings once I refine them. Definitely way more excited for that PS4 Pro now.
Click to expand...

No the backlight doesn't change to maximum, a specific backlight setting is not required to play HDR videos, also this TV is really bright and if you're watching HDR videos unless you have a good level of room illumination, having the backlight at 20 (maximum setting) is not going to be comfortable for your eyes imo.
When you're reproducing HDR contents through a HDMI source a message is displayed from the TV at the beginning. With video files over USB there's a HDR logo within the info box of the video.
BTw you should update your firmware as a first step.
 
nikos said:
Just picked up this TV last week. Doesn't seem like there's much to calibrate, especially in Game mode where Native color space is recommended.

Since I'm still using an older Sony HT-CT550W sound bar, I should probably connect all of my devices (at least those with 4K/HDR output) directly to the TV, rather than the sound bar's receiver, since it probably doesn't support that type of signal.

How can you tell when the TV is in HDR mode? From what I understand, the backlight should automatically change to max but I haven't experienced that even when playing HDR content from Netflix.

I'm definitely enjoying it so far. I'll post my settings once I refine them. Definitely way more excited for that PS4 Pro now.

Do all of this TV's inputs support 4K/HDR with the same amount of input lag, or is one better than the rest? I noticed one supports PC mode. Other than that, are they all the same?
Click to expand...

I have the CT660 and it doesn't pass a 4k signal. I just use optical out from the TV to the soundbar.

Also where did you hear you should use Native color space? That way over saturates the colors in games imo.
 
Rbk_3 said:
I have the CT660 and it doesn't pass a 4k signal. I just use optical out from the TV to the soundbar.

Also where did you hear you should use Native color space? That way over saturates the colors in games imo.
Click to expand...

Rtings calibration guide recomends it
 
SeanR1221 said:
Rtings calibration guide recomends it
Click to expand...

Hmm, where exactly did you see this? All I see is

KS800 review
"'Color Space' is the wide color gamut option. Set it to 'Native' for over saturated colors. Cartoons might look better with it on but regular content might look off."

KS9000 review
"'Color Space' is the wide color gamut feature. It is better to leave the setting to 'Auto' and the TV will match the content being played. If you want to force more saturated color, for cartoons for example, set this to 'Native'. This won't look good for other content not made to benefit from the setting though. "
 
Rbk_3 said:
Hmm, where exactly did you see this? All I see is

KS800 review
"'Color Space' is the wide color gamut option. Set it to 'Native' for over saturated colors. Cartoons might look better with it on but regular content might look off."

KS9000 review
"'Color Space' is the wide color gamut feature. It is better to leave the setting to 'Auto' and the TV will match the content being played. If you want to force more saturated color, for cartoons for example, set this to 'Native'. This won't look good for other content not made to benefit from the setting though. "
Click to expand...

For HDR gaming, once that game is enabled, increase the backlight to max, set the 'Color Space' to 'Native' and set 'Smart LED' to high.
Click to expand...

http://ca.rtings.com/tv/reviews/samsung/ks8000/settings

Although I agree auto color space looks better. Colors look more natural and less cartoony
 
SeanR1221 said:
http://ca.rtings.com/tv/reviews/samsung/ks8000/settings

Although I agree auto color space looks better. Colors look more natural and less cartoony
Click to expand...

Yeah, that is for HDR. HDR in the other modes such as Movie and Standard automatically kicks into a separate picture mode for HDR that has backlight at 20, Color Space as Native by default. In game mode, their is no separate HDR picture mode so you have to manually adjust backlight, color space etc.
 
michaelius said:
Yes - but when it switches into HDR mode you will have to make settings again since TV has separate settings when seeing HDR and non HDR content.
Click to expand...

So I'll need to set the picture when I start up Netflix, then start up a 4K show and set it again and then I should be good??
Seems confusing.
 
Grr I've been flip flopping between this and the Vizio P65. Vizio is perfect for me since i never watch anything in light but the lag is horrible.

KS is beautiful, low lag, better design....but those edge lights.

Going crazy here.
 
Killing_Joke said:
Grr I've been flip flopping between this and the Vizio P65. Vizio is perfect for me since i never watch anything in light but the lag is horrible.

KS is beautiful, low lag, better design....but those edge lights.

Going crazy here.
Click to expand...

As someone who returned the P65 for a KS800 trust me, go with the KS8000. I always just dismissed it because I thought the blacks would suck without FALD but they really don't and I am so happy I gave it a go. The 2 Ps I had had horrible grey uniformity and DSE and the KS8000 has hardly any issue in those regards.
 
SeanR1221 said:
Elios those settings are good.

One thing I'm struggling with on this tv.

The colors are awesome but it's throwing me off. I was probably used to washed out blacks for the last 6 years so when things are dark they almost look too dark to me. I'm sure I'll adjust but the blacks are really inky.
Click to expand...

it's not just about being inky, it's about having the proper black levels. No point in having inky blacks, if you are crushing blacks and losing detail.
 
WordsintheWater said:
Hoping for a Black Friday type sale on the 65 inch version of this TV, at 1900 right now I can't buy one.
Click to expand...

I wish it was $1900. I paid more than that for the 55". In Canada the 65" is 3700 and with tax comes to over 4000. Keep in mind our dollar was at par with yours 3 years ago...
 
NeoBob688 said:
Can someone summarize the relative differences/disadvantages of the different sized TVs? (input lag, panel quality, etc.)
Click to expand...

Input lag should be the same.

49, 55 & 65" KS8000 (US) can either come with an FA01 (Samsung) or AA02 (AOU) panel.
I have the AOU panel and couldn't be happier with it.

The 60" comes with a Sharp panel.


The KS8500 (US) all come with FA01 Samsung Panels.
 
SeanR1221 said:
I looked up crushing black and I'm definitely getting that.

How do I prevent it?
Click to expand...

What's your brightness set at? It should be on or about 45. That is what controls your black level. Also what source are you seeing black crush on? One in particular or all of them? If you have an xbox one, you can go into video settings and they have a little calibration tool to help you set brightness and contrast.
 
Random question, if anybody has any thoughts that would be greatly appreciated.

I bought two HDR movies last night, Lego movie and the shallows, and in both of them during certain scenes the screen will slightly dim then slightly brighten real quick. At certain points it will do it 3 to 4 times in a row. Not a huge deal but once you notice it it becomes very hard to ignore, and it's just odd to see the color is looking great and then literally one second later looking muted.

I have the KS 8000, all eco-settings are off as I heard that could cause an issue. And it does not do that with regular blue rays or non-HDR content. Actually, we tried it with HDR Ghostbusters and we did not notice that issue in that movie either. So thus far it's just with the shallows and lego movie.
 
SeanR1221 said:
I looked up crushing black and I'm definitely getting that.

How do I prevent it?
Click to expand...

You would need to use a calibration disk, or settings on your console. For example, people used to set RGB to full on the ps3/ps4 when the tv didnt support it, the end result was crushed blacks. A lot of people get confused with inky blacks and good black detail. Just because the tv can get black, doesnt mean you're getting proper blacks.
 
razzel said:
Random question, if anybody has any thoughts that would be greatly appreciated.

I bought two HDR movies last night, Lego movie and the shallows, and in both of them during certain scenes the screen will slightly dim then slightly brighten real quick. At certain points it will do it 3 to 4 times in a row. Not a huge deal but once you notice it it becomes very hard to ignore, and it's just odd to see the color is looking great and then literally one second later looking muted.

I have the KS 8000, all eco-settings are off as I heard that could cause an issue. And it does not do that with regular blue rays or non-HDR content. Actually, we tried it with HDR Ghostbusters and we did not notice that issue in that movie either. So thus far it's just with the shallows and lego movie.
Click to expand...

The entire screen, or just sections of the screen?
 
DreadfulOmen said:
The entire screen, or just sections of the screen?
Click to expand...

Entire screen. Playing movies on Xbox One S, so not sure if it's TV or console. Has to be related to the discs though because the dimming/brightening always happens at the same exact spots in the movies.

The issue is not present in the regular bluray versions of the same movies, only the 4K hdr discs.
 
We got this Wednesday to replace our old Sammy and today I sat down and had a good mess with it and I have to say, I'm not really impressed.
The picture is fine, it's generally a match for my Sony in my bedroom but viewing 4k and I'm not seeing it.
The picture quality is as detailed as a good blu-ray and at double the resolution that can't be right, it says 4k but I don't know what I'm supposed to be looking at.
Also I tried that HDR+ and it seems to double the refresh rate too which makes things look off.
Any ideas or was I expecting too much
 
razzel said:
Entire screen. Playing movies on Xbox One S, so not sure if it's TV or console. Has to be related to the discs though because the dimming/brightening always happens at the same exact spots in the movies.

The issue is not present in the regular bluray versions of the same movies, only the 4K hdr discs.
Click to expand...
Do you have the Eco Sensor on? I think that's what it's called. Also the energy saving options. I turn them all off.
This is for a much older TV but is relevant. http://support-us.samsung.com/cyber/popup/iframe/pop_troubleshooting_fr.jsp?modelname=LN40C530F1F&idx=150020&modelcode=&
http://www.nextstepaudioenhancement.com/fixing-a-samsung-tv-dimming-problem/
I've noticed this in all the last 3 Samsung tv's I've owned. Can't see it being an issue with the discs. And if I remember correctly when in HDR the settings are different to using Standard display.
That said it's been a while since I looked at the settings on my TV.
 
TGO said:
We got this Wednesday to replace our old Sammy and today I sat down and had a good mess with it and I have to say, I'm not really impressed.
The picture is fine, it's generally a match for my Sony in my bedroom but viewing 4k and I'm not seeing it.
The picture quality is as detailed as a good blu-ray and at double the resolution that can't be right, it says 4k but I don't know what I'm supposed to be looking at.
Also I tried that HDR+ and it seems to double the refresh rate too which makes things look off.
Any ideas or was I expecting too much
Click to expand...

What kind of content are you viewing on it?
 
Slackbladder said:
Do you have the Eco Sensor on? I think that's what it's called. Also the energy saving options. I turn them all off.
This is for a much older TV but is relevant. http://support-us.samsung.com/cyber/popup/iframe/pop_troubleshooting_fr.jsp?modelname=LN40C530F1F&idx=150020&modelcode=&
http://www.nextstepaudioenhancement.com/fixing-a-samsung-tv-dimming-problem/
I've noticed this in all the last 3 Samsung tv's I've owned. Can't see it being an issue with the discs. And if I remember correctly when in HDR the settings are different to using Standard display.
That said it's been a while since I looked at the settings on my TV.
Click to expand...

Yep, all eco settings off, same issue. It's such a weird problem.
 
I have a 55KS8000, and it won't connect to my router. Any suggestions? Every other device I have works no problem, including my OLED65EP.
 
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