We announced it to you in one of our previous news at the end of February, 8K Ultra HD TVs from Samsung (as well as the largest 4K UHD TVs of all brands) would be well on the way to stores in 2023, unlike fanciful information claiming the opposite and distilled since the end of 2022 on the net, supposedly based on a stricter evolution of the regulations on the energy consumption of screens within the European Union (EU). As already specified, it was enough to consult the relevant articles of law on the EU site to understand and verify that this would not be the case. We can therefore present them to you in detail.
Like the TV series QLED Ultra HD 8K QN800A vintage 2021 and QN800B vintage 2022, the Samsung QN800C also has three references, the Samsung TQ65QN800C (65'', 165 cm), Samsung TQ75QN800C (75'' , 191cm) and Samsung TQ85QN800C (85'', 216cm).
Main differences between Samsung QN800C and Samsung QN900C 8K Neo QLED TV
If the features in terms of audio and video quality remain close to those of the QN900C TVs, the QN800C models differ in terms of peak light, 2,000 nits against 4,000 nits on the QN900C (except the 65'' at 3,000 nits ), nature of the panel with IPS panels (compared to VA), an OTS+ audio system (compared to OTS Pro) and a slightly thicker screen border (thin black frame present around the image on the LCD panel). Not to mention a Neural Quantum HDR 8K Plus chip (versus Neural Quantum HDR 8K Pro on the QN900Cs.) Everything else is unchanged.
Samsung QN800C, focus on design
On the design side, you don't change a recipe that works. Identical to their predecessors, these televisions still sport such a splendid design, with a virtually borderless screen and no black borders around the panel, called Infinity One. It's really stunning purity and harmony. This impression is further accentuated by the presence of the One Connect box which makes it possible to deport all the source connections to the TV, leaving only a single cable visible. Splendid.
And as with the 2021 and 2022 TVs, believe us, the incredibly thin frame that surrounds the LCD panel becomes imperceptible at a viewing distance of 2/3 meters, giving the impression with a wall installation that the image literally floats in the air.
Furthermore, in addition to the absence of edges, the Samsung QN800C are also extremely thin, 17.2 mm over their entire surface, and the foot is made of a sheet of metal with a thickness of 4 millimeters. And like their predecessors, the QN800C TVs are perfectly straight. Once they are fixed to the wall, their rendering is simply incredible.
Samsung QN800C, main specs
In terms of specifications, the Samsung QN800C 8K Ultra HD QLED TVs incorporate a native 10-bit and 120 Hz LCD panel. They also benefit from the latest version of the Neural Quantum Processor 8K Plus processor, a more powerful evolution of the chip that equips the QN800B.
As with the 2021 & 2022 televisions, this one mixes Machine Learning process and Deep Learning process. But this year, not less than 64 Deep Learning modules (compared to 20 in 2022 and 16 in 2021) are at work for even better image quality (see our CES 23 news > Samsung Neo QLED TV , 64 Deep Learning modules and Real Depth Enhancer Pro for the Neo Quantum Processor 2023). As a reminder, the Deep Learning process is based on a neural model, i.e. without human intervention (unlike Machine Learning) in the learning of the processor. This decides on its own on the necessary changes to the image processing algorithms to regain optimum quality starting from a degraded display.
Another big improvement related to the Neural Quantum Processor 8K Plus 2023 chip, the AI Real Depth Enhancer Pro algorithm. The latter aims to improve the relief of the image by optimizing the contrast between the foreground of the image which concentrates the moving objects or the action and the background (see photo below). below).
New this year, the image processing takes special care of what is around the focal point (the place where the viewer's eyes land, identified by the on-board artificial intelligence) to improve its display compared to the rest, which further accentuates the 3D effect.
We can also mention the new EyeComfort Mode which, once the television is connected to the internet, subtly modifies the brightness and color temperature of the image depending on the time of day, for optimal viewing comfort. The latter, for example, reduces the blue light emitted in the evening to promote the sleep of sensitive people. Finally, the Samsung QN800C TVs are Pantone certified, a first, for the accuracy of their colorimetric rendering.
Samsung QN800C, Quantum Matrix Pro
Concerning the quality of the blacks displayed on the screen, the new Mini LED backlighting system developed by the engineers of the brand called Quantum Matrix Pro offers, compared to last year, the latter has many additional zones (on detects approximately 2,000 zones for the 85'', 1,300 for the 75'' and 896 for the 65''), each equipped with six diodes.
Samsung also announces better electrical management of each zone of the backlighting system and optimized management of light leaks. As already explained on Quantum Matrix technology, this allows fine management of the quantity of current sent to each of the LEDs (Local Power Distribution) and internal upsampling of the gray scale on 14 bits in order to obtain a gradation vastly more accurate colors and a noticeably wider displayed palette. It also allows in tone-on-tone images to reveal many additional details for richer textures and increased image readability.
Despite an IPS panel, the end result offers very solid rendering of blacks and very bright whites, on very small surfaces, for tenfold shine effects. Regarding light leaks, their perfect management results in the elimination of the Blooming phenomenon. These are more than interesting elements for an unprecedented HDR experience, knowing that the QN800C screens manage HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive and HDR HLG. Also note the AI HDR Remastering mode to convert an SDR signal to HDR (see photo below).
Of course, the LCD panel with QLC (Quantum Light Control) coating, featuring an extremely low reflectance index (reflections are almost non-existent) and a wide viewing angle via Ultra Viewing Angle technology Technology, inaugurated in 2019, is still in place in 2023, and that's a very good thing, its efficiency amazed us.
Samsung QN800C, Adaptive Sound Pro, AVA, OTS+ and Dolby Atmos
The sound section is also featured on the Samsung QN800C TVs with the embedded OTS+ process. This has a total of eight speakers placed at the back of the screen (4.2.2 system) for a total power delivered of 70 W via a configuration adapted to the reproduction of Dolby Atmos. The sound is diffused according to a dispersion grid which runs all around the screen (cf. photo below). The purpose of the OTS+ system is to "glue" the sound of objects to their movement in the image for better realism (see second photo below).
The SpaceFit Sound function is still on the menu. Associated with a Samsung Q-Series soundbar, the TV processor is used to calibrate the latter according to the listening room. A succession of sound messages is delivered and their frequency response, echo and return speed are analyzed to proceed with the optimum acoustic treatment.
For the rest, we find the Q-Symphony 3.0 function. The latter always consists, in the presence of a connected Samsung Q-Series 2020/2021/2022/2023 soundbar, in taking advantage of the speakers of the television in addition to those of the soundbar to magnify the sound reproduction, its magnitude and its spatialization. Indeed, until now, when a sound bar was connected to a TV, the speakers of the latter were then disconnected. With the Q-Symphony system signed Samsung, they remain active and largely contribute to the perceived audio improvement with a configuration up to 11.1.4 depending on the sound bar connected. And the demonstration we have witnessed truly demonstrates the effectiveness of the process and its relevance. Namely, if the soundbar is connected wirelessly to the television (via Wi-Fi), the management of Dolby Atmos soundtracks is of course also provided wirelessly.
The Adaptive Sound Pro function (see photo below), an evolution of Adaptive Sound, still capable of adapting the audio settings of the TV in real time according to the image displayed, now takes into account the listening room. The AVA (Active Voice Amplifier) function is also still relevant, intended to cover new noise in the TV environment automatically. For example that of a kettle or a vacuum cleaner which will be covered by an increase in volume managed directly by the TV. Don't panic, the TV lowers the sound, automatically always, when the noise stops.
Samsung QN800C, Multiview function
Another improvement, the Samsung QN800C 8K Ultra HD QLED TVs offer the simultaneous display of up to four contents with the MultiView function through as many windows on the screen: the first with the signal of a TV channel or one source connected to the TV, the second with the user's smartphone screen, the third from a game console and the last with the internet (see photo below). There are 14 display possibilities, from the classic PIP to having four adjacent windows.
Good point, the HDMI 2.1 standard with VRR, Freesync Premium Pro, ALLM, 8K/60 and HFR 4K/120 and eARC compatibility is required on the four HDMI inputs, and to activate Mirroring mode between a Samsung smartphone Galaxy and a Samsung QN800C TV, all you have to do, thanks to the Tap View function, is to touch the second with the first and you're done. Precision, even if it is not officially mentioned, G-Sync compatibility should also be available in 2023, as on the 2022 range.
Samsung QN800C, One Connect Box
In 2023, we find last year's One Connect case, very thin (only 33.2 mm thick), for perfect discretion (it looks like an ultra-thin Blu-Ray player).
And as in 2022, if the One Connect can be remote from the screen for better ergonomics of the audio-video installation (the sources can thus be placed/stored in a place other than the television for greater freedom layout with, for example, a wall mounting of the screen), it can also, on the brand's 8K TVs, be clipped to the back of the TV stand, in a suitable housing, to disappear completely (see .picture below). Beautiful work.
Samsung QN800C, Amazon Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant and Tizen 7
In 2023, the Tizen 7.0 interface remains very close to that of last year. It always gives pride of place to content, and now all Internet service providers have an IP TV application allowing you to enjoy it directly from a Samsung Smart TV, thus eliminating the need for a TV decoder. (see our Samsung Smart TV 2018 to 2022 news, focus on dematerialized TV boxes).
The Bixby voice assistant is still available, as are Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. And it is possible to easily switch from one to the other via the menu. Likewise, the Samsung QN800C series is compatible with the AV1 codec. On the connectivity menu, we must mention the Wi-Fi 6th function (8K requires), Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 compatibility plus many communication features (Google Meet For example for video calls) or the possibility of working on these documents Microsoft via the Cloud on the TV screen.
Also present, the Game Bar 3.0 and its 16/9, 21/9 or even 32/9 display modes (Super Ultra Wide Game View and Mini Map Zoom function, see our news Samsung Smart TVs 2022 dematerialize PCs and consoles) for video game enthusiasts with the connection of a PC and the Game Motion Plus mode. As a reminder, the latter (adapted to video games as its name suggests) is very interesting since it allows you to activate the motion compensation process of the TV with games while maintaining a fairly low Input Lag (about 6 ms with a 4K/120 signal).
We can also mention the new Expert Calibration feature (see our CES 22 news > Neo QLED Samsung 2022 TV, Intelligent Calibration via Samsung Galaxy or iPhone) and a remote control that is still solar-powered but much more compact and capable, still in 2023 , to be recharged by RF (radio frequency). Thus, the zappette takes advantage of your box's Wi-Fi to recharge constantly.
Of course, the SmartThings feature is still there. The group's IoT (Internet of Things or Internet of Things) platform is compatible with Android/iOS and with several hundred devices from other brands (Arlo-type surveillance cameras, Amazon Echo or Google Home-type smart speakers, Philips Hue-type connected lights, connected lock…).
Samsung Smart TVs are thus able to fit into the most up-to-date interactive ecosystems with a major advantage, directly linked to their DNA, the possibility of displaying a great deal of information on their screen: the person's face that just rang at the front door, the contents of the Samsung Family Hub refrigerator, notifications from the robot vacuum cleaner or even from the washing machine when the cleaning or washing cycle is finished. The television thus becomes the preferred interface for accessing the functionalities offered by Smart Home equipment.
Available immediately. Indicative prices: €3,999 for the Samsung TQ65QN800C, €5,499 for the Samsung TQ75QN800C, and €7,999 for the Samsung TQ85QN800C.
Reminder of the key characteristics of Samsung QN800C TVs:
• 10-bit panel
• LCD panel
• Ultra HD/8K panel
• 120 Hz panel
• Processor: Neural Quantum Processor 8K Plus
• Wide Color Gamut function
• UPnP (DLNA) multimedia gateway function
• eARC function
• Ultra Viewing Angle Technology function
• QLC (Quantum Light Control) panel function
• Game Motion Plus function
• VRR function
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) function
• 4K HFR 120/8K 60 function
• AVA (Active Voice Amplifier) function
• Adaptive Picture function
• Tap View function
• OTS Pro function
• Ultimate 8K Dimming Pro function
• Adaptive Sound+ function
• Quantum HDR 3000 function
• Quantum Matrix Technology Pro function
• Super Ultra Wide Game View function
• Expert Calibration function
• Q- function Symphony 3.0
• Game Bar 3.0 function
• SpaceFit Sound Pro function
• Adaptive Sound Pro function
• HDR10 and HDR HLG compatibility
• Chromecast, Google Home compatibility, Google Assistant
• Dolby Digital Plus compatibility
• HDR10+ compatibility
• NTFS compatibility (via USB)
• Miracast compatibility
• HEVC compatibility
• Fransat compatibility
• Wi-Fi Direct compatibility
• AV1 compatibility
• G-Sync compatibility
• HDCP 2.3 compatibility
• FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility
• HDR10+ compatibility Adaptive
• Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility
• Wi-Fi 6e compatibility
• Filmmaker Mode certification
• Inputs: 4 HDMI 2.1 including one with eARC function, three compatible USB Host ports Fat32 and NTFS, an Ethernet port plus a CI+ port and Canal Ready certification
• SmartThings multimedia
• iTunes multimedia
• AirPlay 2 multimedia
• Amazon Alexa multimedia
• Multimedia Google Assistant
• Multimedia Bixby 2
• Multimedia Digital Butler
• Multimedia Multiview 4 screens
• Multimedia Google Meet
• Multimedia Smart TV Tizen 7.0
• One Connect housing• Mini LED Local Diming backlight system
• Input Lag: 5.8 ms (4K/120)
• Bright peak: 2,000 nits
• Mini LED technology: yes
• Dual DVB-T2 tuner
• Dual DVB-S2 tuner
• Dual DVB-C2 tuner
• Sound section: 4.2.2
• Power: 70 W
• Other: Ambient Mode, One Connect One Cable box (only one cable between box and TV with power supply support)
• Energy label: G ( SDR & HDR)