Samsung KS9000 SUHD 4K (UN65KS9000, UN55KS9000) review

After the successful launch of 4K TV sales in 2015 SUHD lineup of TVs, Samsung continued development of this direction with the beginning of 2016. There was a new generation of SUHD 4K Ultra HD Smart TV with HDR technology and quantum dot matrix display. The new line of KS9000 TVs in the 4K SUHD TV segment will contain two models with screen diagonals of 55 and 65 inches (UN65KS9000, UN55KS9000)

This is the second level of SUHD TV in 2016, which continues the glorious tradition of the KS9500 TVs. The basis was taken popular in 2105 TV JS9000, the price of which was one of the highest at the time.

First of all, it should be noted that after careful study of the new KS line of 4K TVs and KS9000, in particular, it can be said that most of the features and specifications for both 2015 and 2016 models are almost identical. The manufacturer Samsung went to a cunning move - the main innovations were simply called the standards of this year.

In short, the terminology of the indicators in the SUHD model of the KS9000 TV has changed, which is based on the Samsung JS9000 SUHD TV, which we reviewed earlier.

On the one hand, this is a tricky move by Samsung (pdf user manual here), considering the new price of the TV and, as expected, new technical advantages should appear in the new model, but on the other hand, most models of 2015 SUHD TVs and JS9000 in particular, had excellent characteristics.

So in the new KS9000 TV, the quality of 4K UHD images is at an altitude. Perhaps, in 2016 from the LCD Ultra HD TV it is the KS9000 that will be the best non-OLED TV in the whole year. About LED and OLED differences we already told.

As we said earlier, the KS9000 TV appeared with some improvements in characteristics relative to last year's model of the JS9000 TV, but again, many technologies were borrowed from this 4K LCD TV. There is every reason to believe that the KS9000 in 2016 will be the best SUHD 4K TV, which means that this particular model is excellent in many respects.

Ultra HD Premium Specification

Let's look at this review of the Samsung KS9000 innovation. The first difference is the quality of black levels, contrast and color saturation. This is a necessary requirement for HDR TV standards in the current market for such models, the "Ultra HD premium" standard from the UHD Alliance is fully complied with. This applies to both models of KS9000 TVs with different screen diagonals.

Scaling

Secondly, the depth and clarity of the image when using Ultra Clear Panel technology, as well as strict LED backlighting helps to improve the contrast and sharpness of the image as a whole. The luminous flux in the brightest parts of the image is at a high level for the LCD TV in accordance with the HDR standard on the KS9000.

The image scaling technology in the KS9000 allows you to excellently use for viewing the lower resolutions, ranging from SD, 720p and Full HD content. Note that SD video can be played poorly, and the content of 720p and 1080p in Samsung TVs since 2016 works perfectly, on a professional level.

Upscaling and remastering

Another new interesting function is upscaling / remastering, which appeared in KS9000. Similar in JS9000 was not. This function allows you to adjust the contrast when using non-HDR source or "non-SUHD" content. Simply put, Samsung increases the brightness, realism and contrast level of the original content while creating the highest level of image quality.

Operating system

The next moment. TV Samsung KS9000 runs on the operating system Tizen Smart TV OS. In our opinion, this operating system is the second most convenient for 4K TVs. Leading webOS, which is used in LG TVs. The KS9000 uses a 4-core processor, the power of which is sufficient for high-quality processing of user actions.

On the other hand, the KS9000 is not an ideal 4K TV. Disadvantages are small, but they should be mentioned. For this, reviews of 4K TVs are provided. The first thing I want to say is the limited viewing angle of the TV screen.

Compared to the models of 2015goda in the SUHD segment of TVs nothing has changed. On the KS9000, this parameter is the same as for the predecessor. We hoped that this figure would increase, but we were wrong. Contrast and color saturation change with a larger viewing angle, so it is written in the operating instructions of the Samsung KS9000.

It should be noted that while black levels and image accuracy are processed by the "Supreme Dimming" technology, and the KS9000 is the leader in terms of quality in these figures among LCD TV, but the level of OLED in the KS9000 did not reach. Let's summarize - for LCD TVs of this class the score is excellent.

Secondly, Samsung should understand that various technologies that increase various effects in the image can sometimes spoil the picture in the KS9000. Do not use the settings to saturate the image or create unnatural visual effects. Always try using the menu through your settings. For some of them, the state of "from the factory" is critical, and this makes the image realistic.

The price of the TV Samsung KS9000 SUHD HDR 4K Smart TV is different depending on the size of the screen diagonal. So for the 55 inch model you have to pay $ 2,298, and the 65-diagonal version costs $ 3,498. This corresponds to the price of its predecessor JS9000 in 2105.

And in closing, we note that SUHD TVs have ceased to support the 3D image function since 2016, in particular the KS9000 TV. If you need a TV with 3D function, then this model is not for you.

Overall, the 2016 model from the SUHD TV segment looks excellent, the KS9000 TV is a direct replacement for last year's JS9000 model. We liked this model with our specifications, as well as the new "Ultra HD Premium" HDR. If you first choose a 4K TV, then you can safely recommend it to you.

Nevertheless, if you already own a TV JS9000, purchased in 2015, then the purchase of this model will be unreasonable. These two models are very similar to each other.

Samsung UN65KS9000FXZA (or UN65KS9000) - 65 inch version

Samsung UN55KS9000FXZA (or UN65KS9000) - 55 inch version

• The screen size is 54.6 and 64.5 inches respectively.

• Smart TV platform: Tizen OS, with Smart Hub resource, Smart TV applications and built-in full-fledged browser.

• HEVC specification (H.265).

• Specification VP9.

• HD scaling to UHD.

• HDCP compatibility 2.2.

• The screen refresh rate is 120 Hz in native mode, when using Supreme Motion Rate the frequency is 240 Hz.

• Illumination of the Edge-lit LED screen matrix with Supreme Dimming function.

• The screen resolution is 3840 x 2160 pixels UHD.

• Wireless connection - built-in WiFi adapter, Ethernet port RJ-45.

• Remote control Samsung Smart Button.

• External connections: four HDMI 2.0a ports, three USB ports, one RJ-45 Ethernet port, one component input, one composite input, one audio output, one digital audio output.

• Sound system: Total power 60 W (20 W x 2, subwoofer 10 W x 2), 4.1 CH system with Dolby Digital Plus extension.

• Contrast ratio of 3545: 1.

• The minimum black level is 0.032 cd / m2.

• Other characteristics of the Auto Depth Enhancer screen and Ultra Clear Panel technology.

• The weight of the TV is 63.1 lb with a stand.

• Dimensions 57.0 x 36.6 x 16.3 inches.

• 4-core processor.

In conclusion, the review of the Samsung KS9000 TV, we note that the disadvantage is a small viewing angle of the screen, more precisely, not increased viewing angle. This angle is smaller than that of OLED TVs. Weak level of black. Lack of 3D technology. In such a TV it would be necessary to use the USB 3.0 interface, at least on a pair of connectors, but no, here USB 2.0.

Positive reviews

• HDR specification.

• Excellent peak brightness values.

• With certain settings, you can achieve deep and rich black levels.

• Excellent Smart TV platform.

• Physically beautiful TV case.

• Very good color characteristics.

Negative feedback

• Small viewing angle of the screen (not extended as in OLED TVs).

• Lack of 3D technology.

• There is not enough USB 3.0 ports.

• I would like to see in the specification a backlight with a full array of LED backlight.