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Guest blog by Daryl.
Have you purchased a brand new all singing, all dancing 4K TV?
Unsure whether you need to update your existing non 4K Blu-ray? Join our reviewer as they (reluctantly, initially) test out the Samsung UBDK8500.
Why on earth would I buy a 4K Blu-ray player? I am not one for spending money, so this would take a lot of persuading to get me on board. Still, I’m always up for checking out a new product and, since this was the first 4k Blu-ray player we received in store, it meant that I could get to know the product well. Previously we’d had the Samsung BDJ7500 which, as 4K upscaling Blu-ray players go, was easily one of the best, so you can imagine my surprise when Samsung announced a player that they claimed had surpassed this.
Onto first impressions… I’ve certainly seen smaller Blu-ray players, but size isn’t everything, or so I’m told. This player is curved; sneaking in a nice design touch which is barely noticeable when looking at it front-on. It’s a black box as all these things typically are, and apart from that curve and some angularity to the front, there’s little else to comment on. A few basic touch controls on the right side, a USB port in the centre and the disc tray to the left. Time to get it switched on.
Instantly looking at the first menu I felt comfortable using it. It’s simple so you don’t feel worried about getting it all wrong. The home screen has three large panels – Play Disc, Multimedia and Samsung Apps, which is where you go to download any apps you want from Samsung’s smart TV platform, such as Netflix 4K or Amazon Video, It even includes YouTube. Another good thing is that this Blu-ray still supports Full HD Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, DVD and CD so no matter what you want to watch or listen to you will be able to and all in brilliant quality. The remote is small and idiot proof as they just stuck to the basics and have not gone button crazy.
The Samsung UBDK8500 delivers 4 times higher resolution than full HD meaning that you will be able to enjoy all your films in superb 4K quality. HDR images will always look crisp and clear and the colours will always be vivid, this also delivers sharp contrasts and brightness with deeper blacks and brighter whites.
Design may be a big thing to people these days and clearly Samsung have put some work into this. The slightly curved front means that if you have gone for one of Samsung’s curved TVs this unit will sit nicely underneath, depending on space of course. Or will sit with their curved soundbars and not look out of place, giving your overall TV set up a modern finish. One last exciting thing with the Samsung UBDK8500 is the fact it actually comes with a 4K Blu-ray, being the 2015 hit The Martian, a film which is visually stunning and has an incredible soundtrack. The perfect film to display 4K in all its glory.
When it comes to connections it has two HDMI ports, one for connection and the other for audio if you already have an existing soundbar or AV receiver. Optical is also still there as an option. An Ethernet connection as well as built-in Wi-Fi to get you set up for all those Apps. Wiring your Blu-ray up via Ethernet is recommended for that stronger connection when streaming. And finally the front USB port which is easily accessible for content you may have downloaded or picture from a computer or phone.
My verdict is as far as Blu-ray players go this one is the cat’s pyjamas and I was very pleasantly surprised. For those seeking that next-gen visual experience, the Samsung UBDK8500 is a solid choice. Offering dazzling 4K pictures and loads of features for a lower price than you might expect.
Buy online today or Click & Collect from your favourite branch.
[This competition has now ended and is no longer open for entries. To find out about our latest competitions, please visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.]
