Samsung C8000

Good

Good 3D performance

Deep black levels

Sharp HD pictures

Great range of internet features

Gorgeous design



Bad

2D-to-3D conversion doesn't work very well

No 3D glasses included

Backlighting is not



Samsung has garnered a reputation for creating some of the most eye-catching sets around, and the UE46C8000 doesn't tarnish its good name. It uses LED backlighting, and Samsung has managed to make the telly super slim. In fact, it's a mere 24mm deep, which is pretty incredible for a TV of this screen size. It's not just the sheer slimness of the chassis that's impressive, it's also the classy design. The screen is edged by a brushed-aluminium bezel that's finished with a glass surround. The stand also looks gorgeous thanks to its distinctive X-shaped design and chrome finish. What's more, Samsung has graced the set with one of the best-looking remote controls we've come across. It has the same brushed-aluminium feature as the TV bezel, which sits above a membrane of buttons to give it a very industrial look. The remote is also backlit, so it's easy to see the buttons even when you've got the lights off.



The TV's range of picture-processing features is highly impressive, too. It includes Samsung's 3D Hyper Engine, which includes 200Hz picture-processing and a scanning backlight for smooth motion. There's also Smart LED backlighting, which dynamically adjusts the edge LEDs to deliver richer contrast and deeper black levels, while Samsung's Wide Colour Enhancer Plus technology helps to produce richer, more lifelike colours.



It's perhaps not surprising, then, that the TV puts in such an accomplished performance with both standard and high-definition material. Colours are rendered in a beautifully realistic way and motion is handled superbly -- although you do have to be careful with the smooth motion controls not to overly flatten the picture, especially on films.



Perhaps the set's key selling point is its 3D capabilities. The TV uses active 3D glasses, which are quite pricey. Glasses aren't included with the set as standard, and with each pair costing around £80, you're looking at shelling out a total of £320 on eyewear for an average family of four! Cost aside, the 3D performance is very good. The glasses are comfortable to wear, even over normal spectacles.



Conclusion



Nevertheless, the Samsung UE46C8000 is an easy TV to recommend. It looks absolutely gorgeous and is packed with great features. Its 2D performance is first-rate -- it delivers deep black levels and impressively vivid colours, and it also puts in the best 3D performance we've seen yet from an LED set.