Here is some information I have collected from my personally odyssey into the complex world of Ultra HD (UHD)/ 4K and my extensive first hand research and analysis and experiences on differences on both the HU8550,HU9000 and other 4K/HDMI 2.0 stuff so you can see what the extra money is buying and find everything you need to make an informed decision. Personally IMHO the HU9000 is the better deal and TV.
CALIBRATION PICTURE MODES
The only question i can't get an answer on is if either TV has the Cal Day and Cal Night picture modes in the service menu. If anyone who owns either model and knows for sure, please post ASAP. These should be in the regular picture mode settings with 2 additional user modes. At the very least they should have 2 user modes that can be renamed. I hope they can fix this with a firmware update. A high end TV should have user modes.
PICTURE QUALITY IMPRESSIONS AND TESTING
I was startled when i read it was 120Hz but TV's nowdays use clear motion rate instead of Hz. Just another ridiculous term to make even the most tech savy consumer pull their hair out and run screaming. Samsung has taken this to a new art with their naming of direct or edgelit local dimming. The answer to your question is forget all that. I threw all the reference and torture test Blu-rays at it both 3D and non 3D on both the HU8550 and HU9000 with the TV in showroom mode and the HU9000 in normal home mode. Not once did i see any motion blur or haloing in either set. If i did not know beforehand that either set was edgelit and you told me afterwards that it was, i would think i was being punked. I typically walk away from such sets and go for direct lit full array local dimming sets. The picture quality on both was breath taking. I never thought that i would find a TV that would make me feel totally cool leaving my Kuro Elite 9G behind. I felt giddy and excited like when i first bought the Kuro.
I started with the HU8550 first because i have always perceived the whole curved thing to be a dumb fad. But i tend to be a tenacious consumer and decided to do my due dilegence and just take a peak so as to satisfy my OCD. I am so glad i did as the curved screen is no gimmick. It adds a lot of depth and you really notice it on 3D animated movies. Also the colors and detail was amazing. The HU9000 has more local dimming zones than the HU8550 so maybe that factors in. My only concern was the glare on the curved screen but looking at other sets even the HU8550 it was the same but it could be an issue for some in specific scenarios . When i tested the HU9000 in home mode i thought it was less bright and detailed but that could be because it was not set up correctly. I personally am going with the curved. Let me tell you if you knew me, you would truly understand how hell has frozen over for me with this experience vetting both sets. I am in the freaking twilight zone. So i have to give kudos to the engineering geniuses that were able to pull this off.
This is the very definition of making lemonade out of lemons. So now i wonder how magnificent the Panasonic AX900 with its full array direct lighting and its glorious 128 zones will peform. This is the ZT60 replacement and from what i have heard its killer as well. It releases in the fall and yes it supports 3D. They kept telling me the AX800 did not have it. Talk about poor corporate communication. Luckily for me i will get both the HU9000 and the Panasonic AX900 if i decide it is the right time. The upgradeability of the Samsung is the only reason why i am moving forward now. I always thought that Panasonic would be the one that came out with that innovation first. The very fact that i am even looking at a Samsung and that its edgelit has me shaking my head in profound disbelief. My wife and i watch a LOT of TV and have a none existant social life so for me it was worth paying for the best even if i have to wait forever. Both samsung models and the upgradeability has me deep diving in the perfectly colored and detailed samsung sea. The blacks are black and the whites white. I saw details and colors in Avatar that i did not even see in IMAX.
HDMI 2.0 SPEC
HDMI 2.0, which is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the HDMI specifications, significantly increases bandwidth up to 18Gbps and adds key enhancements to support continuing market requirements for enhancing the consumer video and audio experience. New functionality includes:4K@50/60, (2160p), which is 4 times the clarity of 1080p/60 video resolution
* Up to 32 audio channels for a multi-dimensional immersive audio experience
* Up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency for the highest audio fidelity
* Simultaneous delivery of dual video streams to multiple users on the same screen
* Simultaneous delivery of multi-stream audio to multiple users (up to 4)
* Support for the wide angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio
* Dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams
* CEC extensions provides expanded command and control of consumer electronics devices through a single control point
The spec does state that current high speed can handle the new bandwidth but i called 20 different manufacturers and all of them confirmed their max was 4K@24Hz, some said maybe 4K@30Hz but was stretching it. None said 4K/60Hz and were not willing to go on the record that it did.
HDCP 2.2 COPY PROTECTION
is only for 4K content. If the either device in the handshake detects no support it will automatically downgrade you to 1080P then like a champ your TV will probably upscale it, LOL. So there are special apps for 4K meaning a 4K version and a regular version. It is one app on all devices as long as your device is running the most current version. The app checks to see if you have HDCP 2.2 if it detects it will offer you the 4K stream. if not it will give you the 1080 or lower stream dpending on what is offered and what your TV can handle resolution wise.
HEVC H2.65
is a Highly Efficient Video Coder/c for 4k content
UPGRADE KITS
Samsung UHD Video Pack 1 (CY-SUC10SH/ZA $299) Pack 2 ETR Summer 2014
2014 One Connect Box Model #: [B]SEK-2500V model# has now changed to SEK-2500U/ZA[/B]: $399.99 (june release)
2014 Evolution Kit Model #: SEK-2000/ZA: $249.99
This change in model#'s explain why the Best Buy listings were removed.
Samsung UHD Video Pack Redemption Form (Free Offer Valid 4/27 thru 6/30 for HU9000 series TV only). 10 to 12 weeks for delivery
- Only the ARC and MHL ports support HDMI 2.0/HDCP2.2/4K@24/30/60Hz/FPS. The rest are regular (website is a typo). I have verified this 6 times with tech support. So if you are using this with an AVR/Pre-Pro your golden but if you need more than 2 HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 ports you will need to buy the 2014 OneConnect box. I wonder if the other HDMI ports will be updated via a firmware update.
- Recommended Seating distance 9ft this is not an exaggerated claim, you will need the distance for 3D especially., see more below)
-Clear motion rate 1200
-Quad Core Processor
-Smart hub older version
-Smart remote older version
-Sound effect DTS Studio Sound
-No Camera (optional)
-No motion control (ready for it)
-UHD Upscaling: Quadmatic Picture engine
-Less local dimming zones then HU9000
-No Auto Dept Enhancer
-No PurColor (color accuracy)
-Works with Universl RF (Bluetooth) Panasonic 3D Glasses
-Samsung's 3D Active glasses are being replaced by model# SSG-5150GB (difference apparently a smaller battery) from SSG-5100GB (4 pairs)
-Samsung UHD Video Pack 1- $299 (CY-SUC10SH/ZA). Pack 2 this summer
HU9000
- Recommended Seating distance 10.5 ft. this is not an exaggerated claim, you will need the distance for 3D especially. 10.5ft is the bare minimum for the right spot for 3D. the measurment i took on 2 HU9000 confirmed this. to be comfortable i would say 11-13 but that will be subjective but you need the 10.5ft
-All HDMI ports support HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2/4K@24/30/60Hz/FPS
-Clear motion Rate 1440
-Quad Core Plus
-Smart Hub latest version
-Smart remote lastest version
-Sound effect DNSe+
-Built in Camera
-Motion control buit in
-UHD Upscaling: Quadmatic Picture engine
-More local dimming zones then HU8550
- Auto Dept Enhancer
-PurColor (color accuracy)
-Comes with free Samsung UHD Video Pack 1- FREE from April 27- June 30 2014 (CY-SUC10SH/ZA). Pack 2 this summer
- Works with Universl RF (Bluetooth) Panasonic 3D Glasses
- Samsung's 3D Active glasses are being replaced by model# SSG-5150GB (difference apparently a smaller battery) from SSG-5100GB (4 pairs)
-There is a mount adapter available that works with all universal mounts
-Oneconnect balances nicely on the mount or you can secure with cables or zip ties.
Samsung HU8500 and HU900 use hardware local dimming
The 2013 F9000 has both software and hardware based local dimming (direct lit= Micro Dimming Ultimate).
The 2013 F9000 has both software and hardware based local dimming. the HU8550 and HU900 has only hardware local dimming.
The curve on the 9000 is 2" out on either side from the flat screen and really adds a lot of depth. This is no gimmick. Screen reflection looked like an issue but then comparing others it is the same. Both TV's look fantastic when in Showroom mode but i got to see the HU9000 in home mode and it seemed a little less bright and sharp but i think it was not set up right.
I was going to buy the HU8550 and totally dismissed the curved version thinking it was a wast of time and gimmick. But doing my due diligence i thought i'd just check it out. OMG! It makes one hell of a difference and if you can't see it you must be blind. It is more noticeable on animated 3D BD. I decided i am hands down switching to the HU9000.
REMOTES
Both TV's come with:
Smart Touch remote control (BN59-01184A)
IR universal remote control (BN59-011798)
SMART VIEW 2.0
is a cross-platform multi-screen app that enables you to load the TV screen on an NFC
compatible device (cell phone, tablet, etc), share multimedia content between two devices, and control the TV remotely
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
65" Without Stand
HU9000: 57.1" x 33.4" x 4.4"
HU8550 57.1" x 32.8" x 1.4"
65" With Stand
HU9000: 57.1" x 35.1" x 12.9"
HU8550 57.1" x 34.4" x 11.6"
65" Product Weight (with/without stand)
HU9000 68.3 lb. (with), 59.1 lb.(without)
HU8550 62.6 lb. (with), 54.2 lb. (without)
HDMI 2.0 AVR (RECEIVERS) and Other External 4k Devices
Also in case you need a new receiver. Onkyo has 2 coming out with HDMI 2.0 spec, the $499-suggested 5.2-channel TX-NR535 and $699 7.2-channel TX-NR636, which features HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. They become available in March and April and also Pioneer, Denon and Marantz have one releasing in the summer (june time frame).
Onkyo's AccuEQ replaces Audyssey's MultEQ room correction which has me really worried that the next Integra models will do the same. Looks like only the TX-NR636 is using the QDEO processor (WTF at this price point) like the Integra not sure if this same chip model (might be a lower or cheaper version or Integra is getting to drop a coll higher end processor in the upcoming integra and this just a hand me down to their cousin. 4K/60Hz inputs, 4K/60Hz pasthrough output. No info if it supports HEVC H.265. 4k Upscaling and pass through, so a new receiver just for 4K/60Hz input and pass through. Right now only gamer's benefit and if broadcast and blu-ray decide to use 4k/60Hz otherwise useless. You don't need an HDMI 2.0 spec AVR/Pre-Pro now as there are no external sources for 4K yet. unless you have a gaming console, PC, 4K media player or the Nuvola NP-1 streaming player for $299 with the NVIDA Tegra 4 and Google Play support (you can play android games and PC ones).
HDMI CABLES
Another thing worth mentioning is that if your external 4k device source uses 4K at 30Hz/fps or higher (or the cable connecting the ARC on both the TV/AVR) you will need to get new HDMI cables that support 18Gbps at minimum or higher (10.2 Gbps cables max out at 4K@24Hz some may claim 4K@30Hz as well but no way is it handling 4k/60Hz). Don't overpay, these cables are slowly showing up. Monoprice just added some redmere ones. If you are running the HDMI cable through a conduit try these cables: Monster HD1000 (connector size is around 0.75"), Monoprice Redmere in wall rated cable not 18gbps (18 coming soon, connector size around 0.82") and Cablesson Maestro 15gbps rated but they claim full hdmi 2.0 spec so i am assuming a typo n the rating but you will need to import this from the UK. The connector shells come off and can be put back on after running through conduit. Stay away from Rapidrun, great concept but it uses s-video like connectors and i can see those pins getting bent easily and it is pricey.
HDMI EXTENDERS AND RUNNING CAT CABLE
As of now there no HDMI extenders not even HDBaseT that that can do anything above 4K@24Hz. There are only 2 that support ARC, Audio Control BVHD-20, $450 (not HDbaseT and uses 2 Cat 6) and Transformative Engineering HD-1($799) which is true HDBaseT with a Valens chip. Atlona also does not go above 4k@24Hz and does not support ARC. Transformative Engineering's HD-1 has 3 port Ethernet switch on both ends, has ARC, IR and RS232 as well as an optical audio port that rides on HDMI ARC for legacy equipment. However, it is very finicky with Samsung TV's as apparently Samsung does not confrom to standard HDMI protocols. Atlona, TE and Audio Control all have HDMI 2.0 Spec products in the works. As for Cat i suggest run 2 cat 6 or better. I'd go Cat 7 for future proofing. Make sure you research what connectors you buy as i bought cat 6 shielded cable and got two different types of Cat 6 connectors and boots and they don't fit the cable as it is too thick (24AWG) but the sites i bought them from said the connectors and boots would support cables sizes 23-28 AWG. You'd think that cat 6 shielded connectors and boots would fit cat 6 shielded cables right? If you are looking for an in wall rated optical cable Amazon sells a CL3 rated Blue Rigger one that seems to have gotten very positive reviews.
MOUNTING
Vesa Mount gate: 400mm x 400m for 55-65" HU8550 and 9000. 4x M8(4mm x 14mm) screws . The 2014 mounts are not out yet but the Samsung kit is called ultraslim Wall Mount. You can monitor their mount page to see when they make them available. I did see this TV mounted with a standard Vesa mount though and the Oneconnect box rest nicely on top of the mount or can be secured to it via zip/cable ties should need that.
4K BLU-RAY
Don't bother buying a 4K upscaling BD player as the TV will do that better for you. 4K blu-ray specs have not yet been finalized so it will be a while before we see true 4K movie players. Some studios are considering 4k@60Hz. Most likely the first "4K" players we will see will have HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 ports and the smart apps will support 4k@60hz/HEVC H.265. Will probably have 4k/60Hz passthrough and 4K upscaling.
4K CABLE/SAT
There have been no announcements from Sat/Cable box makers on 4K devices but Tivo said they will be offering something down the road. I can see Sat TV moving quickly but not cable. Some channels and studios are also considering 4k@60Hz content. Xfinity will be bringing 4K content to the X1 platform but by then it might be the X2.
GENERAL CURRENT 4K CONTENT SOURCES
Samsung UHD Video Pack, Media players from Sony or universal ones, Youtube, Also Samsung and Xfinity have a deal to broadcast 4K content via the Xfinity Smart Hub app and the X1 platform will also be first to get 4K content. Samsung also has a collaboration with 20Th century Fox for content via the smart hub. So you see the trend the 4K content is going to be provided by in built TV apps and there will be some exclusive content partnerships like xfinity and samsung. Netflix, Amazon, M-Go, Comcast is going to leverage there position as owners of NBC Universal. Still trying to get information on VUDU but i would be surprised if they don't have something cooking.
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