HDTV: Reviews

This Samsung LCD TV is feature-rich and a great performer. Pluses include an LED backlight that is energy-efficient and produces blacks that are deeper and richer than most competitors. Colors are terrific, and there are… plenty of controls for those who like to tweak things to their liking. A 240 Hz refresh rate and technology to smooth out images when watching movies are other pluses. The TV can also stream some content from the web or from compatible computers and other devices. The 1.2-inch thick cabinet creates a striking statement even when the TV is off.

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Among plasma TVs, the Panasonic Viera TC-P50V10 is widely hailed for delivering great picture quality and a ton of features. Blacks are deep and inky -- among the best of any current HDTV. Tons of picture controls are… provided for those who love to tinker, and for those who don't, a THX mode delivers excellent picture quality for movies right out of the box. Internet connectivity is provided by Panasonic's VieraCast feature, which includes access to content such as YouTube videos, Amazon Video on Demand and more. The design -- especially the "one sheet of glass" look -- is widely praised.

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The Optoma HD20 delivers 1080p resolution and picture quality that's good enough to please all but the most demanding of viewers, but it's the value that has critics most impressed. The HD20 is the best of a small handful… of $1,000 1080p projectors -- a price point that was a pipe dream just a few years ago. More expensive projectors have somewhat better blacks, but that's made up for by excellent color performance. The HD20 is also bright enough to stand up to the light levels in a family room or other locations where absolute darkness isn't possible. Because this is a DLP projector, installation could be a challenge in some rooms, and those few who see DLP's rainbow effect would likely be happier with another choice.

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