Australian review: Samsung’s $9,999 65-inch SUHD curved television reviewed and rated

WHAT can you expect from a $10,000 television? Samsung promises nanocrystal technology in its SUHD models which we put to the test.

A $10,000 investment ... Samsung’s new top TV uses nanocrystals to achieve greater brightness.

SAMSUNGÂ’S newly released top model television will make you ache for native 4K content.

When fed the right material, this SUHD-branded television seems sharper than reality.

Looking at its screen feels like slipping a new pair of spectacles on to your nose, such is the clarity of the vision, and the television’s nanocrystal layer delivers whiter whites than before, and darker though not thoroughly dark blacks.

The ultra high-definition television should come with a warning, however. No amount of upscaling can make standard-definition, broadcast television look worthy of the screen. One is just a lot better than the other.News_Image_File: Grading on the curve ... Samsung’s 65-inch SUHD Series 9 television has a distinct, cinematic curve.

The Samsung SUHD JS9500 will set you back at least $9999 and for that price you get a 65-inch curved television with Quantum Dot technology, a metal bezel, and a 10-bit, octa-core processor for handling data-intensive 4K content, and Tizen-powered smart TV apps.

Two TV tuners are built into the TV for tuning in broadcasts, it comes with two remote controls including one that is motion-sensitive, and a Control Box that lets you stow cords discreetly.

Importantly, this top-of-the-range model features full array LED backlighting, giving it an advantage over the other two SUHD ranges, although adding some girth.News_Image_File: Redesigned ... the new Series 9 televisions come with a new stand and a fresh silver border.

The reason why you’d invest in this television over last year’s model is the colours its screen delivers, however.

SUHD TVs are the first Samsung screens to use Quantum Dot technology. This means a layer of nanocrystals are added to its LED backlighting, delivering greater a greater colour palette and more than twice the brightness of conventional TVs.

The addition is obvious, particularly if you change the colour setting. In dynamic mode, the colours are particularly vibrant. Blues stand out immediately, while reds and oranges take on vivid tones. Testing the colours on a 4K version of Life of Pi made the rest of life seem dull by comparison.

Those who wish to avoid an oversaturated appearance can turn the TV to standard or natural mode instead.

The nanocrystal addition also adds to the purity of the whites this TV produces, and blacks appear darker than on traditional LCD panels.

They do not reach pure black, as you might see on an OLED panel, but the difference is merely shades away.News_Image_File: Colour me impressed? ... The focus of Samsung’s SUHD TV range is colour.

The TV’s refresh rate also doesn’t quite match that promised by OLED technology, though at 240Hz it is certainly sports-friendly and higher than most of its peers.

This curved TV features a new look over last year, thanks to a silver Chamfer bezel. It’s certainly a stylish look, though one that can distract more from the screen than a black border.

The TV comes with two remote controls — one standard remote control and a Smart Control with just 14 buttons and motion sensitivity. The latter is easy to use, if not comprehensive, and convenient when selecting apps and entering search terms into its web browser.

Samsung’s own Tizen software runs the apps on this television for the first time and is generally successful. Apps include Facebook and Twitter, Skype for use with its pop-up camera, catch-up TV services such as Plus 7 and ABC iView, and Netflix that can deliver 4K content, given the right internet connection.

Navigation of the TV’s apps and menus could be simpler, and some features are hidden behind too many selections, including the voice controls once touted as a must-have addition, but there’s enough content to make it worth adding an internet connection.

This top-model TV has some minor weaknesses — it can only do so much with standard-definition TV, its silver border can stand out, and some features are tricky to find, it’s black is not pure — but its 65-inch screen makes it hard to look away.

Ultimately, the bold colours and contrast make this television stand out from its rivals, and make a compelling case for a big-screen upgrade.

Samsung SUHD JS9500 65-inch television

4.5 out of 5

Here are five movies which are perfect to re-watch on a Samsung SUHD TV:

1.     The Notebook – This 2004 romantic movie needs to be on the list. A breakout movie for Ryan Gosling, Samsung’s upscaling technology will make his eyes seem even dreamier (if that’s even possible)

2.     10 Things I Hate About You – Relive Heath Ledger in all his amazing glory. Who doesn’t love it when he sings "I love you baby" to Julia Styles?

3.     Mean Girls – Cady Heron, The Plastics, Aaron Samuels and Regina George, need we say more? This is the ultimate chick flick movie for the good and bad in everyone

4.     Princess Bride – Be transported back to your childhood with this classic movie, featuring witty one liners, vivid fantasy backdrops and an unrecognisable (yet hilarious) Billy Crystal

5.     300 – For the action movie lover, this movie is a great mix of history, battles and Gerard Butler in all his glory