In May we highlighted the top of the line Samsung LED HDTV. Back then the Samsung UN55B8000 was the ultimate LED TV from Samsung. Now a new model in the Samsung 8 Series LED TVs is the top dog: The Samsung UN55B8500.
The Samsung 55-inch UN55B8500 (46-inch UN46B8500 is also available) offers a higher Dynamic contrast ratio of 7,000,000:1 compared to the 5,000,000:1 the UN55B8000 series offers.

Additional features of the Samsung UN55B8500 compared to the UN55B8000 include InfoLink and USB 2.0 Movie- Multi-Media Center Movie, JPEG support.
So clearly the difference is in the panel and not in the features.
Currently the Samsung UN55B8500 sells for $4,049.00 (MSRP $4,499.99) on Amazon.com and the Samsung UN55B8000 sells for $3,009 (MSRP: 3,899.99) on Amazon.com.

Is 2,000,000:1 more in dynamic contrast ratio worth $1,000? It is difficult to say and it would be best to have the opportunity to see both LED HDTVs next to each other.