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Max light output HDR (high dynamic range) while displaying a live scene and white square taking up 10% of the screen (measured in Nits)
Watch movies in stunning image detail, as intended by the directors. Even in the darkest and brightest environments, Samsung HDR TV technology reveals all the finest details. Finally, see what lurks in the shadows of a horror film or appreciate the true beauty of a sunny setting. The BU8500 ships in the Standard mode, which as usual is too bright, has colours that are oversaturated and introduces an excess of blue into the grayscale. Thankfully, switching to the Filmmaker mode immediately produces greater accuracy, with a greyscale that measures an average Delta E (error) of 1.6, which is well below the visible threshold of three.Percentage luminance drop at 20 degree vertical angle from the centre of the screen with 50% white output There’s a trio of HDMI inputs, one of which (HDMI 2) supports eARC, and all of which are capable of handling 4K/60Hz, HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and ALLM. Since this is a Samsung TV there’s no Dolby Vision, but the 50Hz panel means the BU8500 can’t handle 4K/120Hz and VRR either. There are also two USB 2.0 inputs, a terrestrial tuner, a CI slot, an optical digital output and an Ethernet port for a wired connection. For wireless connections, there’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The Samsung BU8500 is on sale now, though at the time of writing this particular model is available in Europe and some other countries, but hasn't been announced for North America or Australia (though it is available in New Zealand). The Samsung BU8500 might be an impressive TV when handling SDR, but its limitations become apparent when moving on to HDR. This is especially true in terms of peak brightness, which only hits 330cd/m² on both a 10% window and full-field pattern in Dynamic mode, and drops to around 285cd/m² on both a 10% and a full-field pattern with the more accurate Filmmaker mode. Designed with your family in mind, this Samsung TV comes with three HDMI and two USB ports so you can link up a soundbar or games console to make the most of the crystal display. Plus, you can stream from your PC to enjoy even more content on the big screen. The motion performance is generally good for an LCD TV, with the use of a 50Hz refresh rate making sense in the UK. Importantly, the BU8500 handles films in 24p or games in 60Hz without introducing judder or other issues. Picture Clarity offers frame interpolation options, and while good for fast-paced sports such as football, should be avoided when watching films and TV dramas.Elevate your experience to epic 4K with the captivating Samsung UE65BU86500KXXU. This breathtaking 65” screen delivers rich, lifelike colours and detail like you’ve never seen before. Powered by the Samsung Crystal Processor 4K, this TV delivers powerful 4K upscaling and deep learning algorithms that help adjust the screen settings to the optimal options. So everything you watch is in the best possible quality. The Samsung Crystal Processor 4K also adapts the sound, so you can enjoy a more immersive audio experience that brings you closer to your favourite series, films, and sports. There’s a degree of low-end extension, but none of the really deep bass that gives movie audio greater impact, and the mid-range sometimes feels a little flat. However, dialogue is presented in a clear and focused fashion, and the overall delivery is reasonably balanced. Unfortunately, the treble can feel harsh and sibilant, and the 20W of amplification struggles at higher volumes. Subtitle and audio description information spoken on the electronic programme guide more info panel The BU8500 supports HDR10, HLG and HDR10+, but not Dolby Vision. However, the absence of the latter has nothing to do with the TV’s mid-range status because none of Samsung’s models support the format. The HDR10+ performance was good in testing, and while not as prevalent as Dolby Vision, the format is used by Prime Video, some 4K Blu-rays, and now Apple TV+.
Samsung Crystal Processor 4K delivers Dynamic Crystal Colour in over 1 billion shades – that’s 64 times more than a conventional 4K TV. More shades means more lifelike colour, and all in crystal clear 4K Ultra HD detail. The Samsung BU8500 is impressively slim, but this does limit what its speakers can do. (Image credit: Future) Samsung BU8500 review: Sound quality It’s quite distinct through the mid-range and, again, quite decent levels of detail. Voices project forwards well, and they're actually quite nicely balanced – until they start to nudge into the upper frequency range. Once it reaches the higher frequencies, the BU8500 becomes quite hard and edgy, bringing sibilance and even a hint of coarseness to treble sounds. It’s a trait that’s only exacerbated by volume.Experience Dynamic Crystal Colour with this stunningly minimalist AirSlim TV from Samsung. There is 4K upscaling from any source, and HDR powered by HDR10+ which allows the picture to adapt to the brightness of your room. There is Adaptive Sound too, and Q-Symphony with selected Samsung soundbars (sold separately) which allows the TV and soundbar to work in harmony for a truly immersive experience. This Smart TV is powered by Tizen so you can discover a huge collection of 4K films, TV shows, and all your catch-up TV apps. Your Samsung TV and soundbar may work together to create superb surround sound, just like a symphony orchestra. A simple solution that can work in perfect harmony by synchronising TV speakers and soundbars to play sound from both devices at the same time. Take your audiovisual experience to a whole new level of immersion — with no complicated set-up required. Samsung is the only one who has it. Featuring Dynamic Crystal Colour, all your favourite content will be displayed in crystal clear, lifelike colours. With over one billion shades, which is 64 times more than conventional UHD TVs, you’ll get rich, vibrant pictures for your complete viewing pleasure. Subscriptions required. Some apps may not be available at launch. 3rd party content providers may remove apps from the Smart TV platform or stop updating them at any time. "
Add innovation to your home with Samsung’s 4K Crystal UHD Smart TV. With a range of technology and a 65” screen, there is something to please the whole family. Samsung Display There’s a choice of a standard Samsung controller or a SolarCell remote that recharges using solar energy, and offers a stripped-down set of keys including basic navigation controls, volume and channel up/down, plus direct access buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and TV Plus. Samsung BU8500 review: Smart TV platform To test the Samsung BU8500 we used Portrait Displays Calman colour calibration software. Samsung BU8500 review: Sound quality During setup, the adjustment to color balance is on a bit of a hair-trigger – it’ll tip from ‘just slightly understated’ to ‘rather too lively’ in no time. But play around a bit to find the optimum balance and the color palette is naturalistic, convincing and wide-ranging. Skin-tones, in particular, are detailed and varied.
Slim chassis, great spec and very agreeable picture performance is all well and good – but when it comes to audio performance, the Samsung BU8500 sounds like an affordable flatscreen TV of the old school. And that’s not necessarily a good thing. Of course, we don’t all live on a diet of brand-new cutting-edge content - and when it comes to upscaling, the Samsung (mostly) continues its good work. Certainly an HD broadcast of some elite-level tennis suffers hardly at all – colors are confidently described, on-screen movement is stable in almost all circumstances, and detail levels stay high. There’s a little coarsening of skin-tones and a hint of jaggedness to the more difficult edges, but by and large the BU8500 remains eminently watchable.
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