Our video review of the Samsung UE46ES8000 TV shows off this fantasically specified TV in all its glory. If you are interested in a high quality HD TV, watch our Samsung UE46ES8000 video review. For full details, read our full Samsung UE46ES8000 review. See also: 3DTVs group test: what's the best 3D TV? Samsung's 46-inch ES-8000 is arguably the most audaciously specified TV in the world. Not only does it come loaded with all the usual toys, it also breaks new ground with motion and voice control. Original review by Steve May. Filmed and edited by Dominik Tomaszewski.
To attract the set's attention, you need to wave in exaggerated fashion at the webcam that bulges from the set's bezel. Unfortunately, if it isn't as bright as day in your room, or it doesn't like your wallpaper, it'll steadfastly ignore you no matter how frantically you gesticulate
In complete contrast, the voice control system works well. It's activated by the command, “Hi TV!” and provided you don't mumble, will offer up a string of vocal prompts The Samsung has three HDMI inputs, plus SCART and component sockets, PC VGA, three USBs, a CI Slot, Ethernet and an optical digital audio output. Wi-Fi is built-in, too. HD imagery is razor sharp. Details twinkle and colours pop out; contrast and black levels are profound.
Motion resolution is also extremely good, although don't overdo the set's MotionPlus processor; ramping it up too high has rather ugly consequences. Standard Freeview content generally looks quite acceptable. Sound quality is decent, thanks to some effective processing and good stereo separation. The Samsung's 3D performance is bright and immersive. It's easy to lose yourself in the depth of its images. Two pairs of Active Shutter 3D glasses are included.
Samsung's online portal offers a wide variety of streaming video as well as more than a thousand downloadable apps. Content services include Netflix, Dailymotion and Vimeo, although BBC iPlayer and LoveFilm were conspicuous by their absence during our audition. Samsung says they're on the way. One area of significant improvement over last year's models is file support. Both from local USB and across a network from a NAS, the TV plays all popular formats. The Samsung is a bold stab at redefining the high-end TV market, one that almost pays off. Even without its voice and motion control party tricks, this would be considered a highly desirable 3D TV, with a strong online proposition and characteristic Samsung design. We award four stars.
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