Review: Samsung Smart HU8550 UHD TV
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 8:57AM Updated October 15, 2014: added a note about HDCP v2.2 support
The Samsung Smart HU8550 UHD TV impressed me with its accurate grayscale and color quality right out-of-the-box - critical display characteristics for faithful video reproduction. The HU8550-series is also Samsung's best non-curved UHD TV with a sub-5-digit pricetag, and it features an array of advanced picture controls that will enable a skilled calibrator to improve upon the HU8550's already admirable imagery.
Blu-ray Movies for Less Than $10!
Practically perfect viewing
The HU8550 had few quirks, but a surprising overscan issue should interest cordcutters. And while I prefer the the overall image quality of a quality plasma like the Samsung F8500 or an OLED like the LG 55EC9300 (read review), the HU8550's efficient, high-resolution screen delivers a visual reward to anyone seated in its viewing sweet spot.
Best remote ever
The Smart Control Remote included with the Samsung HU8550 is the best I've used with any television. In the video below, I show how the Smart Control Remote uses a combination of infrared and Bluetooth communication to enable precise control of an on-screen cursor for speedy menu navigation.
Note: A test of the HU8550's HDMI ports revealed that port #3 was the only one to accept a UHD video source that required HDCP v2.2.
Robert's Favorite Home Theater Gear
Bottom line
Samsung perfected its video processing technology years ago and the HU8550 continues the tradition of doing everything right with a variety of common video formats like 720p and 1080i. The HU8550 also incorporates edge local dimming technology for improved picture contrast compared to LCDs that lack this zoned screen dimming feature. With letterboxed movies viewed in a dimly lit environment, the HU8550 makes the black bars inky dark further enhancing the viewing experience.
Read the full review of the Samsung Smart HU8550 UHD TV at HD Guru!
Reader Comments (6)
Can you review the Sony X850B please?
Rob,
I have a 4K KT GigaTV box and it was working fine but the audio is acting up. It seems a firmware update on my USA spec Samsung 8550 is not playing nicely with it. When the samsung tech stopped in he went into the service menu he was playing with the EDID settings but after I power down the TV the problem comes back. Is there a setting that keeps 1.3 saved?
Its the price you pay for bleeding edge...
John (In Seoul)
Hi John. Are you experiencing this issue with all HDMI inputs on the TV? HDMI port #3 is the only one that's rated for HDCP 2.2 and is likely the most 'advanced' port on the HU8550. Try your box on that port first and see if the issues disappear. Also consider resetting the TV and box to make sure that some obscure setting wasn't tweaked that may be causing the issue.
--Robert
Any opinion about this Samsung TV vs Sony's x850b 55 inch tv?
This is a good read on HMDI 2.2 which is a mixed bag...(think macrovision)...I didn't even know about 2.2 just 2.0
http://wwv.crutchfield.com/learn/what-you-need-to-know-about-hdcp-2-2.html
If you have a lot of 2014 and older gear the Samsung might be better (or you love smart tv..its upgradeable).
Do you have a long table to set it on...the legs make me nervous (as you slide them in it would be more likely to tip over) or wall mount it (if you own the house).
John (in Seoul)
Rob,
I have this exact remote and am wondering why I go through AA batteries so fast. New batteries only last about a week. I have been using the Duracell coppertop batteries. I have never blown through so many batteries in my life. I love to know if I am doing something wrong.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Jean
Hi Jean! I've been using that remote for about a year now, and I've maybe replaced the batteries once (I don't recall the last time I needed to swap them out.) You may want to try re-pairing the remote with the TV and check to see that none of the buttons are stuck (possibly the cause of the draining condition.) Let me know!
--Robert
Hi,
I have samsung smart remote and i bought new samsung tv 49" curved but the remote is not working on the tv.i tried pairing but no use please help