LCD TV: Reviews

Though reports are limited thus far, everyone who's seen the Samsung UN55B8500 set is floored by the picture quality -- called by some the best by any LCD TV ever. An LED backlight with local dimming helps produce… terrific black levels that stand up well even when compared to top quality plasma TVs. A few small defects don't detract from color quality that's excellent overall as well. Feature wise, almost nothing is missing, including a 240 Hz refresh rate and effective de-judder processing. Image quality is as solid with standard-definition programming as it is with high-def. Streaming from the Internet and from Digital Living Network Alliance-compliant PCs and other compatible devices helps complete a very compelling package -- albeit an expensive one. The TV is also available in a 46-inch screen size.

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Though notably less expensive than the Samsung LCD TV above, the LG 55LH90 has image quality that's nearly as good. A full-matrix LED backlight with local dimming produces blacks that are nearly as deep as the best plasma… TVs or the Samsung UN55B8500, and they more than hold their own with just about any other current TV. Colors are terrific as well, and this TV is absolutely packed with user adjustments that let control freaks tinker to their heart's content. For those less obsessed, the LG55LH90 is the first LCD TV to be awarded THX certification and it has a mode that provides technically accurate picture quality with a minimum of muss and fuss, though some find it less accurate that it could be. Other features include a 240 Hz refresh rate and de-judder circuitry. However, those who crave the ability to get streaming content from the Internet will be disappointed; this feature is not included. Sound is said to be better than average. A 42-inch and 47-inch screen size are also available.

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Though this LED-backlit Samsung LCD HDTV produces blacks that are a shade lighter than the Samsung UNB5800 sets, like the 46-inch Samsung UN46B5800, they are still very strong for an LCD TV -- easily meeting and usually… beating black levels on all other sets. Colors are another strong point, and the extensive array of adjustments helps owners dial things in to perfection. The rich array of features includes a 240 Hz refresh rate and technology to help keep images smooth. The Samsung UN46B8000 also offers Web connectivity and other interactive features, including some built-in content. Styling is striking, with a cabinet that's just 1.2 inches thick, and a sophisticated bezel with just a hint of grey coloring. Energy efficiency is excellent. The TV is also available in a 55-inch screen size.

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Though it uses a conventional backlight, experts say the Samsung LN46B750 more than holds its own against LED-backlit models, and it's more budget-friendly (at over a $1,000 less) than competing sets. Picture quality is… excellent, with deep black levels and great colors. Video processing is excellent with both HD and standard-def modes. The Samsung LCD TV includes the latest and highest 240 Hz refresh rate (intended to help smooth out images) that can be independently turned on or off. Interactive and Web-connected features are included as well. The Touch of Color bezel features a grey tone that's aesthetically pleasing to most. However, the screen uses a treatment that's more prone to showing reflections than most LCD TVs. The series also includes 52-inch and 40-inch models.

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Experts say that the Samsung LN40B650 is a step behind some more expensive LCD TVs, but still handily outperforms most options at or near its price. Blacks are satisfyingly deep, though not as deep as the most expensive… LCD TVs, and color performance is impressive, though perhaps not perfect. Features are plentiful, including a 120 Hz refresh rate, de-judder processing, Web and interactive functions, and tons of picture controls. The screen is more reflective than normal for an LCD TV. While that helps picture quality in a darkened room, glare might be a problem in bright rooms. Screen sizes ranging between 32 inches and 55 inches are available and all should perform similarly.

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Like all budget-priced LCD TVs, the LG 37LH30 suffers from some image defects, such as less-than-perfect blacks and uneven screen brightness. However, it's also blessed with great color performance and the most extensive… set of color controls found on an HDTV at almost any price. This LG LCD TV includes expert modes for dedicated videophiles, as well as built-in test patterns that make it easy to get a picture that approaches technical perfection. A screen that stands up well under bright lights is another plus. The TV is also available in 32-inch, 42-inch and 47-inch screen sizes.

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If price matters more than features, the 32-inch Vizio VO320E is an excellent choice. Despite this set's low price, reports say that picture quality is excellent overall. Black levels are good when compared to other LCD… TVs in this price range. Off-center viewing is surprisingly good, especially for a budget TV. Sound quality is also decent, and most owners say it's fine for a small living room or bedroom. Energy efficiency is excellent and exceeds Energy Star guidelines by more than 15 percent. Resolution is lower than that of larger TVs, but critics say most people won't notice.

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This 19-inch Vizio LCD TV has first-rate image quality, and reviewers say it would be a great choice for a bedroom, dorm room or kitchen. Though not everyone agrees, most say that the sound quality is very good -- that's… a plus for a TV that's not likely to be hooked up to an external sound system. The 720p resolution is standard for this screen size. The screen stands up well to bright lights, but we saw some complaints that the bezel is prone to giving off reflections.

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