LCD TV: Reviews

Without a doubt, this big Samsung LCD TV is a technical marvel with just about every hot-button TV feature available, including the ability to display 3-D images -- at least for those willing to spring for the requisite… glasses (*Est. $150 per pair). Those concerned about the lack of 3-D content will delight to know that the UN55C8500 has the ability to display standard fare in 3-D as well, albeit with mixed results. The Samsung Apps platform adds a ton of extras, ranging from streaming content from providers like Netflix to downloadable games. Oh, and the picture quality is pretty good, too, though some critics find flaws that might turn off the some of the videophile crowd. A 46-inch version is also available, and a 65-inch screen is due later this summer.

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The Vizio VF552XVT gets lots of attention for its value, but experts say it would be one terrific TV even if it cost more. Picture quality falls short of the very best -- but only barely -- and it outperforms some sets… costing much more. You won't find 3-D support, but the TV is otherwise packed with features. Most notable is the VF552XVT's ability to stream additional content from the Internet. Experts say the lineup of providers is broad, and add that using the VF552XVT's Internet features is easy.

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If the very best LCD TV picture quality is more important than the latest whiz-bang features, the LG 47LE8500 belongs on your short list. Black levels, in particular, are better than any LCD TV to date in some reviewers'… eyes. Colors are good, and LG's ample suite of picture adjustments makes it easy suit any viewer's taste. The ability to display 3-D images isn't in the 47LE8500's portfolio of features, but you will find Internet streaming, a full-matrix LED backlight with local dimming and a whole lot more. A 55-inch version of the LCD TV is also available.

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This Vizio TV is part of the same series as the 55-inch VF552XVT profiled above. Though there are some differences -- one fewer HDMI input, for instance -- experts say performance is identical. Like its big brother, the… SV472XVT uses a full-matrix LED backlight with local dimming. The result is blacks that fall short of LG's local-dimming sets, like the 47LE8500 above, but hold their own or beat those of just about every other LCD TV. Value, again, draws raves across the board. This series also includes a 42-inch version, but that TV uses a different backlight and doesn't quite deliver the same great picture quality.

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Though the feature lineup is relatively sparse, the Samsung LN40C630 draws admiration for delivering very good image quality at a very attractive price. Despite the fact that this 40-inch LCD TV has a conventional (CCFL)… backlight rather than the LED type used by most top-rated TVs, black levels are impressive. Color performance, while not technically perfect, is pretty good as well. You won't find Internet streaming, but this DLNA-compliant TV can stream content that's stored on your computer. This is the smallest screen size in this series, which also includes 46-inch, 55-inch and 60-inch LCD TVs.

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Those looking for a basic TV for a large bedroom or small family room should take a close look at this LG TV. Picture quality is impressive for a TV in this price category, including good blacks and solid color… performance. Screen resolution is only 720p, but that's more than sufficient for an LCD TV of this screen size. Features are sparse, but the wide array of picture controls is an unusual plus for an entry-level LCD TV. Other screen sizes in the series include 19, 22 and 26 inches.

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This small Vizio TV gets its Razor moniker from its slim profile (less than 1 inch thick, minus the stand). That styling is made possible by the edge-lit LED backlight, a rarity for a TV with this screen size and price… point. Also unusual is the VM230XVT's 1080p resolution -- overkill for watching TV on a 23-inch screen but handy if the LCD TV is to double as a computer monitor. Other features include a picture-frame function that displays photos on an attached USB drive in a slide-show format. Picture quality is excellent, reports say, though there are some concerns about limited viewing angles. A 19-inch version is also available, but that TV only has 720p resolution

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