Samsung's top of the line HDTV

Samsung's most advanced HDTV for 2009, the UN55B8500 couples a big, beautiful high-definition screen with an attractive cabinet design and online entertainment choices that go beyond standard television viewing. And at the edges of its cabinet, you'll find reflective acrylic highlights that accentuate the TV's modern look.

An LED backlight with local dimming for improved picture contrast

While conventional LCD HDTVs use a fluorescent backlight, the UN55B8500 uses an LED backlighting system. An array of bright white LEDs behind the LCD panel illuminates the image. The UN55B8500 also features "local dimming," which means that the brightness level of different sections of the LED array can be controlled independently. This allows the UN55B8500 to display both light and dark portions of the same image with remarkable accuracy, for new levels of depth and realism with everything you watch. An LED backlight is also more energy-efficient. In fact, Samsung's 2009 LED HDTVs consume up to 40% less power than last year's conventional LCD sets.

240Hz refresh rate for super-clean motion

A 60Hz screen refresh rate is still the norm for LCD TVs, but the UN55B8500 ups it to 240Hz. Samsung's Auto Motion Plus technology inserts three entirely new frames in between each original one, creating the clearest picture with the smoothest motion possible on an LCD set. Images look incredibly clean and lifelike, no matter how hectic the on-screen action gets. You'll definitely want to give this TV a look if you're a fan of sports, action movies, or video games.

Do much more than watch TV

The UN55B8500 also provides a wealth of multimedia entertainment options. A rear Ethernet port lets you use your broadband Internet connection to access Yahoo! Widgets, for services such as Yahoo! News, Flickr, and USA Today. With the touch of a button, these web Widgets appear in a "dock" at the bottom of the screen, so your TV viewing can continue without interruption. Or, plug a thumb drive into the USB port on the side of the TV and watch your favorite video clips. If you connect the optional wireless USB adapter, you can enjoy this set's networking capabilities without running Ethernet cable.

A variety of viewing options

With four HDMI inputs and a component video input, the UN55B8500 makes it easy to connect your high-definition gear. The HDMI inputs offer "CEC" control, which lets you operate compatible HDMI-equipped Samsung components using only the TV's remote. You can, for example, control components hidden away in a cabinet without using a remote repeater system. The component video input doubles as a composite input, so you can connect your old VCR or camcorder, too.

Learn about the ins and outs of HDMI connections at the Crutchfield Learning Center.
Shop our selection of HDMI cables.

Tip: For a list of over-the-air digital TV stations you can receive, as well as antenna recommendations for your location, enter your zip code in AntennaWeb's mapping tool.