Samsung F8000 Smart LED TV review

SAMSUNG F8000 VOICE AND MOTION CONTROL

To make the most of all these features, the F8000 comes with a redesigned remote control that replaces the traditional directional controls with a touchpad. This makes it much easier to swipe between screens and apps, and move the mouse when using the web browser. It also has an integrated microphone that lets you make the most of the improved voice recognition features.

The redesigned remote control is simple enough to use, but you can still use the traditional one if you prefer

Last year’s TVs were only capable of understanding basic commands, but the F8000 now recognises more natural language. If you want to see all films available to stream starring Matt Damon, for example, you only have to hold down the voice button and talk into the microphone. It’s much quicker and surprisingly accurate, even when spoken by someone with a regional accent, but the TV must be connected to the internet in order for it to work.

It also has motion control, with improved detection that can pick up both hands simultaneously. This means you can rotate or zoom digital photos using gestures, but it still feels like a novelty rather than something we’d use on a regular basis.

With high-definition icons, sharp text and a superbly responsive interface, we’re in little doubt that this is the best version of Samsung Smart TV we’ve ever seen. We’ll have to wait until other manufacturers launch their 2013 sets to know which is best, but this is sure to be one of the main contenders.

SAMSUNG F8000 CONNECTIVITY

The F8000 is equally pretty when switched off. The set has an incredibly slim stand that’s finished in silver. The stand’s curved design arcs backwards, which gives you the impression the screen is floating above it.

The F8000 has all the connections you’d want, including four HDMI inputs, component and composite video via adaptors, twin satellite and Freeview HD inputs, digital optical and 3.5mm audio outputs, three USB ports, an Ethernet port, integrated Wi-Fi and a Common Interface slot. There’s also an IR blaster output and a hole for the Samsung Evolution Kit upgrade, which will let you upgrade your TV in years to come, so you can keep up with the latest features.

All the ports are contained in one corner, which should help tame unruly cables

If you have an external hard disk, you can turn the TV into a simple PVR. We used a USB3 2.5in portable drive, which could draw power directly from the USB port without requiring an external power supply. Once formatted, you’ll be able to pause live TV, schedule recordings and rewind live TV, which is handy if you need to take a call in the middle of your favourite TV programme.