Samsung UN55ES8000 55 inch LED HDTV
Jan 6th, 2013 | By SimonThe UN55ES8000 is delivered in a large typical Samsung cardboard box. A color poster is laminated to one face which details most of the features we’ll see on the next page. Some of the highlights include a picture of the set up, a note indicating the 4 3D glasses that are included, the new Smart features (Interaction, Content and Evolution) and some of the specifications (Dual Core processor, Clear Motion Rate 960, HDMI connectivity, Full HD 3D support, Energy Star certified).
The packaging for the UN55ES8000 seems to have taken one step backwards in time. In the past the cardboard box comes in two pieces in which you remove the top shell of the box to get at the base and TV. This prevented you from having to lift the screen out of the tall box, only out of the Styrofoam support. With the UN55ES8000, you must open the box at the top, pull out the base and then lift the TV panel out. It is more cumbersome and if not done carefully you could accidentally drop or damage the unit. I hope Samsung goes back and changes the box design.
With the box open you can pull out the base and all the accessories required to assembly the TV. The base has a more stylish look than the old cross pattern. It supports the TV at three different locations instead of just one. It is more reliable than the past but this design does not allow you to swivel the screen at the base. You have to rotate the entire assembly. For most, this won’t be an issue as you can tend to fix the TV in one spot, however if you want to swivel the screen to face different areas of the house you will need to move the whole TV.
The accessories include a manual, cleaning cloth, input/output cables, two remotes, four 3D glasses and an IR blaster.
The first remote is your typical TV remote with a keypad, toggle switches, etc. It’s been used with all Samsung TVs for a few years now.
The second remote control is the Smart Touch Control. It has a MIC to provide voice commands and your usual set of volume and channel direction keys. There is an area dedicated for the touch pad which you would then use to select on screen the numbers for a numpad.
The IR blaster is a unique device to control connected external devices using the Smart Touch Control. It is a means to control your cable box, DVD player, or Blu-Ray player using the Smart Touch Control instead of a regular remote control. It would be similar to a universal remote control and in my opinion probably has limited use at home.
The last accessories are the four 3D glasses included. Some assembly is required but nothing of any difficulty. The glasses are comfortable but still annoying for anyone who regularly wears glasses.
Before I wrap this section up, I’ve assembled the UN55ES8000 and it was a fairly easy task. Samsung recommends placing the TV on a table with the screen side down, clipping the base onto the body of the screen and then screwing it down with the included six screws. I don’t like the idea of placing the TV screen side down onto my table with or without a soft cloth so I prefer picking up the entire screen and dropping it into the clips. With the screen in place I screw in the six screws. I always have at least one hand on the panel to prevent it from tipping over. If you have someone to assist you, it would be a great idea to get them involved!
