PC Advisor

Group test: 4K Ultra HD TVs
SAMSUNG UE48JU7000
£1,200 inc VAT • samsung.com/uk
While Samsung has more exotic panels higher up its range, principally
the JS8500 and JS9000 series, the flat JU7000 (reviewed here in
48in guise, but also available in 55-, 60-, 65- and 85 inches) is its
high street hero product. Impressively equipped and capable of super
pictures, it puts forward a great case for not spending more.
Cosmetically, the set is distinguished by a bar pedestal that sits
forward of the screen itself. The thin bezel is edged with a dark grey
trim that’s sombre but classy. It’s not, however, a particularly slim set.
Interestingly, the JU7000 continues Samsung’s policy of using
an outboard interface box. While smaller than first generation One
Connect boxes, it none the less offers four HDMI inputs, all HDCP 2.2
compatible, optical digital audio output and two USB ports. The box
connects to the set via a single bus cable. On the TV is a third USB
socket, plus ethernet and minijacks for component and SCART. Wi-Fi
is dual band, and there’s also provision for Wi-Fi Direct.
The set has two satellite tuners (generic not Freesat) and twin
Freeview HD. Included with the JU7000 are two remotes, a standard
IR job and a Bluetooth alternative.
Samsung has made some big changes to its connected offering, all
for the better. The new Tizen smart platform is pleasingly minimalist,
presenting itself at the bottom of the screen. It opens to reveal
Featured apps and recent activity. Jumping around these is a breeze,
thanks to a sprightly onboard processor.
Key attractions include BBC iPlayer, All 4, Wuaki.tv, ITV Player,
Plex, YouTube and Viewster. Both Netflix and Amazon clients are
4K capable, confirming an HEVC decoder.
Build
Features
Performance
Value
Overall
Multimedia playback is strong. Using the My Content mode, you
can explore folders within a thumbnail browsing environment. File
compatibility is good, with (most) of our sample MKVs playing, along
with a good assortment of music codecs – MP3, AAC, APE, OGG
Vorbis, FLAC, AAC, WAV,WMA – but not DSD.
Picture quality is outstanding, with vibrant colour performance
courtesy of the brand’s PurColor image processing. High contrast and
good black level performance with subtle shadow detail add to its
engrossing images. There’s a quartet for picture presets (Dynamic,
Standard, Natural and Movie), but you can make in-depth tweaks,
most notably variable Dynamic Contrast (High, Medium, Low, Off)
and Auto Motion Plus, which handles blur and judder.
4K content looks fabulous – Marco Polo (Netflix), a go-to-show
for fine detail and texture, doesn’t disappoint. Traditional hi-definition
fares well, too. Interstellar (Blu-ray) looks wonderfully cinematic.
It’s all too easy to lose the celluloid feel on an LED backlit set, but
switch off Auto Motion Plus and the film plays beautifully.
The screen also sounds surprisingly full bodied – you won’t
need to upgrade to a soundbar anytime soon. The set is Active
3D compatible, although glasses are an optional extra.
VERDICT: There’s plenty to love about this 48in Samsung. Image
quality shines with both HD and 4K content, the Smart TV platform
is refreshingly functional and even that flat screen bête noire audio,
is impressive. Only rather mundane build and design temper our
enthusiasm. The JU7000 is a bit of a star.
78 www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews February 2015
TEST CENTRE