Worth the upgrade
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I finally took the plunge to upgrade to a 4K TV after getting an Xbox Series X. I previously had a 1080p HD Samsung TV and was pleasantly surprised to learn Samsung is the official partner for Xbox Series S/X Systems. It would be nice if this was better advertised.
The TV is great! I love the ARC and game specific compatibility. While I have the XSX on the game input (HDMI 4), I also have a Switch on HDMI 1 and the TV recognizes it as a game system.
The sound features to recognize room ambience and adjust isn't available yet, hopefully that will come in a future update. Same with the OTS feature, it doesn't appear to work right now. I also wish there was a way to save TV settings per input including separate settings for the smart TV apps when no input is running. I got the Q80A because it has full screen backlighting instead of a single layer at the bottom, but the backlighting still appears uneven and washed out around the edges, especially the bottom edge.
reply from Samsung Brand Ambassador
Hi dcooleo,
I’m glad to hear that you are happy with the picture quality and user interface of your new 2021 Samsung Q80A TV. Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ enhances motion clarity for the fast-moving action of live sports or Next-Gen gaming. To optimize your picture quality, please be sure your firmware is up to date with version 1560.5 which includes picture quality updates. You can check this by going to: Settings > Support > Software Update.
Paring this TV with one of our Q-Series Soundbars will give you the added feature of Q-Symphony where sound from your soundbar and your TV's speakers are synchronized to play at the same time providing a deep surround experience.
Intelligent Mode also enables the TV to recognize and analyze the surroundings, noise, content, and your usage patterns to provide the best viewing experience. You can enable Intelligent Mode by going to Home > Settings > General > Intelligent Mode Settings. If the Intelligent Mode settings are greyed out in your TV's menu, please keep in mind the following:
- These functions may not be supported by some modes or apps (e.g., Ambient Mode, Art Mode, and Game Mode).
- Active Voice Amplifier (AVA), Adaptive Sound+, and Adaptive Volume are available only when the sound output is set to TV Speaker, or the Samsung Soundbar interlinked with Adaptive Picture function is connected.
- Adaptive Volume function may not be supported by some apps or external devices.
- Adaptive Volume operation affects Auto Volume function, but it does not work the other way around.
I hope these tips help. Should you ever have questions or need help, please call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for TVs), available 8AM -12AM EST M-F (9AM – 6PM EST Sat). Or text HELP to 62913.
For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) More ‘Contact Us’ options – LiveChat, Facebook, Twitter, Samsung Community, Samsung Members app
2) Manuals & Software
3) Warranty Info
4) Product Registration: For access to easy warranty support, convenient opt-in to special promos and offers, faster troubleshooting and service, and quick notification of system updates.
We hope to hear from you.
~ Samsung Specialist