If you’re looking for a 55-inch LED-based HDTV, the Samsung UN55B7000 and UN55B8000 are two of the top offerings from Samsung. Both deliver breathtaking images at much less the energy consumed by other models. The UN55B8000 is more expensive, though, which makes one wonder if the UN55B7000 is just as good.

While both models are seemingly alike, they have some key differences, which can help you decide which one to get. For starters, the frame of the UN55B7000 has a distinct red border in accordance with Samsung’s Touch of Color, while the UN55B8000 has a less noticeable dark grey border. Other than that, and the fact that the UN55B7000 is a few inches taller, the design of the two are the same, with the same thinness - 1.2 inches deep at most, matching semi-transparent swivelling stands and a black glossy frame tapered with a transparent edge.

The difference is even more apparent in the clickers that accompany them. That of the UN55B8000 has a rotating scroll wheel like some previous Samsung models, which is unfortunately, not too responsive, while the remote of the UN55B7000, which has been modified to be more stable on flat surfaces, has more user-friendly buttons of different shapes and sizes, most of which are backlit. Both have the same secondary pebble-like remote, though, that can control power, volume and channel.

When it comes to picture quality, both offer relatively deep blacks due to their LED lighting, although those of the UN55B8000 are slightly deeper since it sports a dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1 whereas the UN55B7000 has 3,000,000;1. The UN55B8000 also comes with a Wide Color Enhancer Pro that maximizes each pixel for more vibrant colors, although the colors displayed by the UN55B7000 are no less vivid and the images no less crisp.

Finally, the UN55B8000 has a higher refresh rate of 240Hz while the UN55B7000 only has 120Hz. This difference, though, is difficult to discern, except to a trained eye, both being able to effectively prevent images from blurring even during fast-action sequences.

These are the major differences of the Samsung UN55B7000 and the Samsung UN55B8000. Other than these, the rest is pretty much the same. Both get a score for interactivity with basic Yahoo widgets that keep you posted on the latest news, weather and stock market updates so you don’t have to turn off your computer, and both allow you to access media files from networked computers without leaving the room. Like other Samsung models, both also have an extensive built-in content library which you can access anytime.

Both models are highly energy efficient, mainly because they are edge-lit LED-based LCD televisions, which means they consume nearly half less than conventional LCDs and even less than other types of HDTVs. In addition to that, you get three power-saving modes that cut down energy consumption even further. As for connectivity, there aren’t too many analog connections but there are four HDMI inputs provided - enough for your digital devices - as well as a VGA input for your computer and two USB ports that make it easier to share files directly from your thumb drive, MP3 player or digital camera.

Indeed, the Samsung UN55B7000 and the Samsung UN55B8000 are both excellent choices, which means you should be happy, no matter which one you get. The UN55B8000 clearly offers better images, though, which you can enjoy for a few more hundred bucks.

Edward McKellen is an HDTV expert who writes HDTV reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To read more about the Samsung UN55B7000 Review or check out the latest Samsung HDTV reviews visit HDTVreviewlab.com

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