Samsung JS9000 SUHD Curved 120Hz (240Hz effective) 3D Smart LED TV
New this year is Samsung’s top-of-the-line SUHD Series LED TVs which include the JS9500, JS9000, and JS8500. These three models will be available in nine-screen sizes ranging from 48″ to 88″.
The JS9000 falls in the middle of this line-up and is the focus of this review.
Design/Features
I must say from the start that this is one gorgeous-looking display; even if you are not a fan of the curved design this TV embodied, I believe you will find it very attractive. The brushed metal bezel and tapered edges on this display give it a touch of class which adds to the appearance of its very slim profile. In addition, the handsome Y-shaped brushed dark silver “desktop” type stand that supports the display panel features a very elegant and slender design that compliments the curved screen and aids in keeping the TV’s profile stature to a minimum.
Side Angle View
Key features of the JS9000 include Nano-Crystal display technology which is Samsung’s variant of quantum dot technology. This allows for a wider color gamut providing more dynamic and vivid color reproduction.
To further enhance color performance on this display, Samsung is applying DCI P3 formatting. This quantum color technology provides a wider and more accurate color with 64 times enhanced color detail.
Another great picture-enhancing feature is HDR (High Dynamic Range) which produces a brighter more realistic picture image with greater contrast. At this year’s CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, Samsung had a demonstration of a 2014 4K UHD TV alongside a new 65″ SUHD TV…
In this comparison, the improvement in picture quality delivered by the SUHD TV looked noticeably better, with the SUHD set trouncing its predecessor in every image category. For instance, the picture looked much brighter and provided a vastly punchier, bolder reproduction of white colors. Colors appeared far more vibrant and dynamic, as well as containing much more subtlety and tonal range. Detail levels looked impressively higher, especially in dark scenes. But probably the most impressive accomplishment of HDR technology as implemented in the SUHD TV was its extreme contrast range, which was capable of delivering deep inky blacks sitting right alongside stellar peak whites.
Note: Currently there is no native HDR content available to consumers. However, Netflix plans to start streaming HDR content this year. Cross your fingers.
This TV features LED edge-lit backlighting with Precision Black (hardware-based local dimming) and UHD Micro Dimming (software-based dimming) for superb contrast and black levels
Probably the boldest move by Samsung this year is introducing its own OS called Tizen for its smart TV platform on all 2015 models. One benefit of Samsung’s Tizen smart TV software will be its ability to automatically search for and connect to nearby Samsung mobile devices, making convergence seamless and further enhancing the idea of the multi-screen experience.
The interface on this new platform is more user-friendly when compared to Samsung’s previous smart TV interface. Application tiles are placed along the bottom of the TV screen which enables you to simultaneously select an app or other smart TV function while still viewing live programming.
Users will also be able to watch TV and live broadcasts on their mobile devices while on their home network, even if their television is turned off.
Processing power on the JS9000 has been upgraded with a new X8-Octa-Core-processor for lightning-fast media processing.
All J Series models are provided with a new redesigned touchpad smart remote control. The remote’s built-in microphone is used to control the TV via voice commands, or the remote can be used as a mouse and simply point and click to operate TV functions.
I must point out that I really liked this new remote. It has a very compact design with a minimal button layout. I appreciated its fit and feel when placed in my hand, and the added finger grooves or ridges on the remote’s backside enables a better grip on the device.
All J Series models feature built-in Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and a full web browser for surfing the internet.
This set also features 3D capability and is supplied with one pair of active 3D glasses.
Connection Ports
One Connect Box
All video devices connected to this display are established via the included One Connect Box. This box provides a single output proprietary connection directly to the display which will make for minimal cable clutter going to the back of the TV. The One Connect Box contains:
- 4 HDMI 2.0 inputs (HDCP 2.2 compliant)
- 1 Component video input
- 1 Composite video input/shared with component
- 3 USB inputs
- 1 Ethernet input
- 1 RF input for antenna/cable/satellite
- 1 Optical digital audio output
- 1 Stereo minijack output
Performance
As noted above, the JS9000 incorporates some key features that improve picture quality, which notably enhanced its video performance. And one of those features is Samsung’s Nano-Crystal technology (quantum dots) which actually does improve image quality. Overall, I was very impressed with the images I viewed on this display.
Comparison
I was able to compare the JS9000 directly to a Samsung 65″ HU9000 (last year’s top model). What I noticed right away was how much better the colors appeared on the JS9000. Colors were more vibrant, saturated and dynamic when compared to the HU9000, which gave them a more life-like appearance.
Colors also appeared more accurate with very natural-looking color tones.
Detail was also better on the JS9000 with a bit more detail and clarity which was noticeable in close-up images as well as images with lots of depth.
The JS9000 also produced a brighter and more dynamic image in addition to deeper black-level reproduction. For example, when I viewed white text laid over a solid black background, the JS9000’s image was noticeably darker within the black areas while displaying much brighter and more dynamic text. The HU9000 looked a bit dull by comparison.
It became apparent at that moment that the SUHD display had a better contrast range than the UHD display, capable of delivering greater peak whites and deep inky blacks.
Motion blur was not an issue with this set. I took some time to view some video clips of a soccer game which of course had plenty of fast on-screen action. During this session, I detected no motion blur artifacts.
As with all LED-based displays, there will be some picture image dimming when viewed at wide angles, and the JS9000 was no exception to this viewing aberration. However, the dimming wasn’t severe on this display and was on par with other sets I’ve reviewed, delivering slightly above average side angle viewing performance.
There were also no screen uniformity issues with this set, as I could not detect any screen uniformity anomalies. Nor did I see any LED light bleed coming from the TV’s display panel.
JS9000 Rear Panel
Conclusion
In my opinion, Samsung’s JS9000 is poised to be one of the best-performing 4K Ultra HD TVs for 2015. With its improved 10-bit display panel, a more powerful video processor, Nano-Crystal, and HDR technologies, Samsung’s J Series will most likely set a new performance benchmark.
If you are thinking of taking the plunge and purchasing the JS9000, be aware that the price of admission for its premium technology doesn’t come cheap. But I’m sure there are many early adopters out there who desire and want the latest tech and have the money to spend, and will not hesitate with the acquisition of this fine television.
Samsung’s JS9000 offers up some of the best HD images I’ve seen to date and will inspire many consumers to spark an interest in 4K UHD TV technology if they have not done so already. Highly recommended.
My Rating & Specs
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Samsung JS9000
Wrap Up
Price: $4,999.99
Check current price at Amazon.com
Pros:
• Outstanding picture quality.
• Nano-Crystal technology for better color reproduction
• HDR technology provides a brighter image with better contrast and detail
• Excellent 4K upscaling
• 10-bit display panel
• New Tizen smart TV Platform
Cons:
• Minimal side angle viewing picture dimming
• No consumer HDR content available
• Expensive
Specs:
Screen size reviewed: 65″
Dimensions:
• With stand: (W X H X D) 57.5″ x 36″ x 14.4″
• Without stand: (W X H X D) 57.5″ x 32.9″ x 4.2″
Weight:
• With stand: 72.5 lbs
• Without stand: 65.7 lbs
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
Check out Samsung’s complete 2015 TV lineup here…
Thanks for the review. Im trying to decide between the js8500 and the ju7100. Do you have any opinion on which way you would lean after seeing both the ju and js lines. There is only a 100$ difference between the ju7100 50″ and the js8500 48″.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for checking out this review. Both of these TV’s deliver excellent picture quality. However, being there is only a $100 difference between the two, I would personally go with the JS8500 simply because of the added picture enhancing features the SUHD Series offers that are not available on the JU7100; for example, Nano-Crystal technology (quantum dots), DCIP3 formatting, a 10-bit display panel, and I also believe the JS8500 has the capability to display HDR (High Dynamic Range) content when it becomes available to consumers.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the review. Im trying to decide between the 65 inch un65JS9000, xbr65x930C and xbr65x900C . Do you have any opinion on which way you would lean after seeing both the Sony and Samsung lines. I am not worried on the price. I am more concerned on the picture quality and features. I watch lot of movies on Netflix, youtube and occasional Xbox and Skype user. And also which is better platform Anroid or Samsung(Tizen) ?
Hi Mahesh,
I would personally avoid the XBR900C due to its light bleed issues that many consumers are experiencing. The 900C also has inferior contrast and black levels due to its IPS display panel.
The JS9000 and XBR930C are both excellent TVs and either one would be a good choice; they are also great for movie watching. However, my personal choice would be the XBR930C due to its better contrast and black levels. It also has much better sound quality due to its side mounted speakers.
The JS9000 has slightly better input lag for a better gaming experience. In addition, it has better motion blur control which makes it more suitable for viewing sporting events.
As for which is the better smart TV platform? – in my opinion, its all about preference since they both do a good job. You may have to audition both to see which user experience you prefer.
Hope this helps.
I was thinking of getting a UN65KS8500 but then I found a UN65JS9000 for the same price. They seem quite a bit identical save for the 3D ability of the 2015 model, plus better audio. I haven’t been able to find anything that would make me choose the newer model, except for the fact that it is a newer model. The JS9000 was top of the line last year while the KS8500 is still below the KS9500 model.
Do you think by any chance that the 2016 model would be a better choice?
Thank you.
Hi Larry,
I would personally go with the KS8500, which in my opinion, has better overall picture quality. However, it isn’t a significant difference.
On the other hand, if aesthetics are important to you, I think the JS9000 features a better looking design.
Thank you 🙂
HDR is better on the KS8500 but the JS9000 has 3D as well. I am going to ponder for another week or so as I have seen prices move a little as well. With new models coming out soon for 2017, they may even go down considerably more but then again, they usually tend to pull back most of the 2+ year old tv’s for recycling, and the few that are available don’t go down much in price.
Thanks again..
You welcome, Larry.
Hi , nice website!! , I am looking the one connect for UN65JS9000K , do you have any idea where can I buy???
Hi Patricio,
The UN65JS9000K is a European model, so I assume you are located there. I would do a web search for this model and see what you come up with. I didn’t have any luck finding one that I knew for sure would fit the UN65JS9000K.
Hope you find one.