CES 2011: TVs at CES 2011 Samsung D8000 series

If looks were everything then the D8000 has already run off with first prize. Its new slim-line, narrow bezel design, shared by the D7000 series, is simply stunning. But the changes aren’t just skin deep.

A new touch control remote, full web browsing capability, expanded app store and built in wireless capability are all key changes to 2010’s C8000. Our test lab already rated the Samsung app store highly, but hopefully the touch-screen remote will show some significant improvements over last years painfully difficult to use version.

See for yourself our first impressions of the D8000 in our video review

Samsung LED TV enhancements

Picture quality improvements are promised on the D8000. Tweaks to the picture noise reduction software, addition of micro dimming LED edge lighting and promise to eliminate crosstalk (overlap of left/right images) from 3D pictures will all be put to the test in our lab. But on first impressions it does indeed appear to have reduced the cross-talk on 3D.

Samsung launched its new D8000 series of super-slim LED TVs at CES 2011

Samsung 3D glasses

Samsung has also given its active shutter glasses a revamp for 2011 – producing a series of remarkably light, and dare we say it, even stylish 3D specs. They’re charged via a USB connection to the TV and link to the 3D transmitter in the TV via Bluetooth (last years models did it via infrared so the new glasses are not compatible).

They’re comfortable to wear, but there’s no word on price yet, and we couldn’t help but notice the amount of light reflected onto the inside of the specs (though remember we were taking a first look in a brightly lit convention centre!)

Improved 3D experience

Samsung has also made a couple of tweaks to make life easier when watching 3D. The 8000 series can automatically detect a 3D picture signal and switch to the right format accordingly. Previously the correct 3D picture mode had to be selected from a menu system.

Smart media hub

Samsung has also given its internet TV system a complete overhaul. Its added an expanded app store, full web browsing, a movie recommendation service and meta-search engine. What's more Samsung has integrated the the internet TV apps and web functionality into one complete interface that includes all media in your home network. The so called 'smart hub' interface is slick and easy to navigate.

The search function covers both internet and apps and can be accessed from the remote via a dedicated button. Entering search-text via the virtual on-screen key-pad is a bit of a pain, but the 8000 comes with a fancy touch screen remote to make life easier.

It works ok for entering text, but felt too complicated to use as a regular everyday remote.

Related content:

• 3DTV reviews
• LCD and plasma TV reviews
• Internet TV reviews