SAMSUNG 65-inch Class Crystal UHD TU-8000 Series - 4K UHD HDR Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (UN65TU8000FXZA, 2020 Model)

I purchased the 65" version of the Samsung Crystal UHD TU-8000. Pros and Cons: * Mounting was relatively straightforward. Like other reviews, I did have to purchase specialized bolts to secure the tv to my existing flat screen mount. Fortunately I have a hardware store nearby, and it was easy to find what I needed. I agree with other reviews that the screws need to be a tad longer than what is specified in the owner's manual. I used four M8 1.25 pitch screws at 30 mm length. Depending on your mount, this may or may not be the proper length for you. * Once powered up, I found the remote control to be very simple, and surprisingly intuitive. I give the remote 4 stars for two reasons: the buttons are not back-lit or visible at all in the dark, and the remote is small and black which means I lost it three times in one night of viewing. * The quality of the graphics are very good. As noted in other reviews, the screen is very reflective which can be bothersome for daytime viewing. I would have included a picture, but the tv behaved like a mirror and I didn't want to post a selfie. ;) * The smart features were very intuitive, and highly functional. Within minutes I had set up access for YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and HBO Max. This was the main reason for me to upgrade from my 55" Samsung screen, which was nearly 10 yrs old. * I plugged in my Chromecast, and the TV recognized it and began offering Google Assistant as a voice command option (in addition to the native Alexa and Bixby options). * I still haven't figured out how to get Ambient mode working. It isn't important for me anyway, so I gave up. I may try again in the future out of morbid curiosity. * I have a separate Sony stereo receiver with bookshelf speakers. I plugged in the optical cable and HDMI, and it worked immediately. The two devices "talk" to each other, so I only need to use the remote that came with the TV. Overall, I am very happy with this purchase. The interface is now much simpler than what I had before. I'm a tech person by trade, so the added complexity I used to deal with didn't bother me, but my wife was not able to operate the tv without my help. With this new setup, she feels much more comfortable operating it on her own.

Granted, this is a significant upgrade from what I had, but this is a great TV. I bought it with the Samsung sound bar to replace the main TV in the living room. Great quality UHD picture and great sound as well. Setup was easy, it has all the apps I want, it's very light, and it has plenty of inputs. Just a few caveats though. I have an older Panasonic VCR/DVD recorder combo. It has HDMI out, but when trying to connect this there were connection problems. Perhaps all that is needed is a newer HDMI cable, but I haven't bothered. I just hooked it up composite. Another thing is I thought the Samsung sound bar would be more easily controlled with the same remote as for the TV. Once connected it does simply take over as the TV sound, with +, -, and mute controlled by the TV remote with no problem. The trouble is the sound bar power stays on when you turn off the TV. In other words, I thought you'd be able to turn everything on and off at once. Not the case, or at least I haven't figured it out. I just leave the sound bar on all the time. When you turn on the TV you first hear sound from the TV speakers for about 15 seconds while everything boots up, and then the sound bar takes over. Another thing is there are some OEM apps you can't delete. This is a bummer, because it clutters up the home screen with things I won't ever use.

Unfortunately, this television was a faulty piece of equipment and Samsung did not stand by their product. We bought this in December of 2020. In September, it stopped working - turning on and off by itself, no picture or sound. It was under warranty and Samsung technicians came and repaired. Then the same exact thing happened last month. When I called to find out about service, the fix was going to cost nearly $600. We were no longer under warranty, however, clearly this television was a lemon. The only compensation that was offered was a discount on a new Samsung television. In fact, in two different calls, the representative was trying to sell me something. Samsung should fix or replace this faulty television.