Best LCD TVs

Samsung LED-backlit LCD TV sets take the lead

While conventional LCD TVs continue to get positive reviews for their performance and value, in terms of the very best picture quality, reviewers say that LCD TVs with LED backlights are standouts. Although some makers have taken to calling such sets LED TVs, aside from using LEDs in place of cold-cathode fluorescent backlights, these are still LCD TVs in every way.

We see lots of recommendations for Samsung LCD HDTVs. The UNB8500 series is the company's latest, and initial reactions are overwhelmingly positive. At CNET, David Katzmaier says that the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8500 (*Est. $4,050) provides the best quality of any LCD TV the site has ever tested. There are some negatives -- mainly the very high price -- but those are offset by great blacks, terrific colors and excellent signal processing. The TV is also available in a 46-inch size as the Samsung UN46B8500 (*Est. $3,240).

Blacks are among the best ever seen in an LCD TV -- or any flat-panel TV for that matter. In a side-by-side comparison, the blacks produced by the Samsung UNB8500 beat out those of Sony's XBR8 TVs and even Panasonic's V10 plasma TVs. Only Pioneer's Kuro plasma TVs do blacks better, CNET says, and those discontinued TVs are disappearing fast from the marketplace.

The secret behind the Samsung UN55B8500's great black levels is the design of its back light. It uses a full array of individual LEDs that can be turned on and off as needed, a technique that's called local dimming. Many other LED sets -- including all of Samsung's other efforts -- use an edge-lit design that allows for a slightly thinner profile (1.2 inches versus the UN55B8500's 1.6 inches), but not for effective local dimming.

CNET notes that the TV's grayscale tilts a little to the blue side in spots, resulting in skin tones that are slightly cool and pale. However, colors are otherwise nearly perfect and are well saturated. Signal processing is solid with both HD and standard definition picture sources.

As Samsung's flagship LCD TV, the UNB8500 series is loaded with all of the latest must-have goodies, including a 240 Hz frame rate and de-judder processing (used to smooth out motion when viewing movies). Both are said to work well, and CNET reviewers appreciate that you can use one feature without the other (not all sets let you do that). A custom setting is available that lets users adjust both blur- and judder-reduction to their personal preference. There's also an LED Motion Plus setting that uses sequential backlight scanning to reduce motion blur even more, although CNET notes that it comes at the cost of some screen brightness. Energy efficiency for these LCD TVs is excellent.

Limited Internet interactivity is available via Yahoo! Widgets, which draws in news, weather, stock and other tidbits, along with Flickr photos. The TVs also meet Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) industry standards and can stream videos, photos, music and more from other DLNA devices, such as compatible PCs and video game consoles. Limited content -- recipes, workout guides, music, art and more -- is also built it. Although most critics are underwhelmed by it, Samsung does let you download additional content from the web to the LCD TV. Styling is attractive and features Samsung's Touch of Color bezel in a subdued grey color.

There are some warts, aside from price. One is that the viewing angle is very shallow, meaning that only those sitting directly in front of the Samsung UN55B8500 will see the best picture quality. Blooming -- light seeping over to dark areas -- is present, though the effect is less noticeable than on some competitors' sets. Samsung uses a somewhat more reflective screen treatment than other LCD-TV makers. That is said to improve the perception of picture quality somewhat, but can be a problem if you want to use the UN55B8500 LCD TV in a well-lit room.

While the UNB8500 series of LCD TVs is the clear flagship of Samsung's LCD TV fleet, some of its other offerings are formidable in their own right. First and foremost is the UNB8000 series, which includes the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8000 (*Est. $3,010) and the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8000 (*Est. $2,290).

The Samsung UN46B8000 LCD TV gets a nice recommendation from CNET, where it ranks second only to the UNB8500 series sets. At HDGuru.com, Gary Merson and Michael Fremer take issue with some of Samsung's marketing (referring to the TVs as being LED sets), but still says that the UN46B8000 is the best of any they have tested.

While the Samsung UNB8000 LCD TV sets are LED backlit, they use an edge-lit design. While that allows for lower cost and a thinner profile than a full-matrix backlight, it prevents the use of local dimming and also generates some uniformity issues, such as different parts of the screen having different brightness levels. Reviewers say, however, that this mainly shows up in very dark scenes. In particular, CNET says that the left side of the screen appears brighter than the right. HDTVGuru.com says the imperfect uniformity also shows up as a slightly dirty screen edge when content with white or light colors appears on the periphery.

Black levels on the Samsung UN46B8000 LCD TV are excellent, though not quite up to the very best plasma TVs or Samsung's UNB8500 series. Color performance is essentially identical to the UNB8500 -- terrific, if not technically perfect in all regards -- but the colors displayed by the UN46B8000 are not quite as saturated. Signal processing is again very solid. Features and styling are essentially identical to the UNB8500 series, though the cabinet is 0.4 inches thinner. Energy efficiency is excellent.

We also saw a lot of consideration for Samsung's step-down UNB7000 series, which is available in three screen sizes: the 55-inch Samsung UN55B7000 (*Est. $2,740), the 46-inch Samsung UN46B7000 (*Est. $2,020) and the 40-inch Samsung UN40B7000 (*Est. $1,670). (Note that the Samsung UNB7100 series is functionally identical, but this series, which is a Best Buy exclusive, has slightly different styling.)

Though CNET rates some other LCD TVs higher, it calls this line a technological and design tour de force that produces great blacks and accurate colors. Playback magazine honors the 46-inch Samsung UN46B7000 with its Recommended award. David Birch-Jones notes some occasional picture shifts during scene changes or fades to black, but adds that the artifact "is about the only nit I can pick with the 7000, which in all other respects is a champion performer." Home Theater magazine names the 55-inch Samsung UN55B7000 a Top Pick, but reviewers complain that off-angle viewing is worse than typical with an LCD TV. However, that's more than offset by great blacks, accurate colors and "exceptional" video processing.

Blacks are good, but not as deep as on the UNB8000 series of LCD TVs in some reports. The fluctuating backlight issue reported by Playback and others has been addressed by a firmware update, though the effectiveness of that update in the UNB7000 series hasn't been addressed yet in a review.

In terms of features, the Samsung UNB7000 LCD TV sets are relatively loaded, though there are a couple of differences compared to Samsung's more upscale series. One is that the refresh rate is dropped to 120 Hz (vs. 240 Hz). Another difference is that the distinctive Touch of Color bezel has a hint of red color (grey in the UNB7100 series) that might not be everyone's cup of tea.

The Samsung UNB6000 series is a small step down from the UNB7000 series. In its review of the 46-inch Samsung UN46B6000 (*Est. $1,840), CNET notes that the only real difference between that set and the Samsung UN46B7000 is that the latter does not include Yahoo! Widgets or DLNA compliance. A more basic InfoLink feature does bring in limited news, weather and stock information from the Web. Other screen sizes in the series include the 55-inch Samsung UN55B6000 (*Est. $3,010), the 40-inch Samsung UN40B6000 (*Est. $1,490) and the 32-inch Samsung UN32B6000 (*Est. $1,250).

Sony LED TVs are also competitive

Not to be outdone, Sony is scoring points with its XBR8 series of LED-backlit LCD TVs. However, while lots of reviewers gush about these TVs, most reports were written before Samsung's LED-backlit TVs hit store shelves. Regardless of their spot in the LCD TV pecking order, there's no doubt that the Sony XBR8 series is a compelling choice for those who want -- and can afford -- the very best.

The only thing that most critics find wrong with Sony's XBR8 LCD TVs is the price. In reviewing the 55-inch Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8 (*Est. $4,500), David Katzmaier at CNET says it comes close to being the very best HDTV set the site had ever tested -- but it's "mind-bogglingly expensive" and a terrible value.

If you disregard the high price, most reviewers say Sony LED-backlit LCD TVs offer a stunning picture. Black levels are deep and rich -- though just bested by Samsung's UNB8500 LCD TVs -- and colors are outstanding. In naming the 46-inch Sony KDL-46XBR8 (*Est. $2,500) an Editors' Choice, PCMag.com's Robert Herron says that the "awe-inspiring picture quality is about as close to perfect as I've seen." Sound & Vision and Playback magazines are equally complimentary, and each recommends the Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8.

The Sony XBR8 sets are feature rich. The LED backlight uses a full matrix, which allows for local dimming, adjusting individual LED lights to pump up black levels. There's also 120 Hz refresh rate and anti-judder circuitry. Of the latter, reviews say that some modes are effective, but others add too much smoothing and introduce their own artifacts on occasion. Video processing is otherwise solid, with lots of enhancement options for HD and standard-def images. A game mode bypasses advanced signal-processing options for minimal delays during action gaming. Those who like to spend time tuning their HDTVs to perfection will enjoy the ample array of picture controls. These LCD TVs are DLNA-compliant, but you'll need to spring for a Sony Bravia Link module (*Est. $200) to do any streaming from the Internet.

Beyond price, there are a few other shortcomings. Some say the off-angle viewing isn't very good, and others gripe about the Sony LCD TV's styling, especially the speakers that stick out from the sides of the main chassis. However, critics admit that the sound produced is better than what's typically heard from TV speakers. Energy efficiency is good, but some LCD TVs, such as those in the Samsung UNB7000 series, are better in that regard.

Though still current and widely available, the Sony XBR8 series of LCD TVs has grown a little long in the tooth. Sony has just begun rolling out its XBR10 series of LED-backlit LCD TVs. Unlike the XBR8 and Samsung UNB8500 series, Sony has taken to an edge-lit LED backlight for these sets. The other significant feature in these TVs is that all connection are made to a separate media box that can be placed anywhere in the viewing room, with all signals -- including HD video with full resolution -- beamed wirelessly to the set.

There are no testing-based reviews as of yet, but everyone who has seen the TVs raves about the technology and complains about the price. Two screen sizes are available: The 46-inch Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR10 (*Est. $4,500) and the 52-inch Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR10 (*Est. $5,000).

LG is the LED dark horse

In the past, LG's LCD TVs have struggled to gain respect relative to offerings from Sony and Samsung, but the company's LH90 series of LCD TVs seems to have put an end to that. CNET is among those that say that although there are some flaws, LG is "a worthy member of the flat-panel elite." LG's LH90 LCD TVs are available in three screen sizes: the 55-inch LG 55LH90 (*Est. $2,500), 47-inch LG 47LH90 (*Est. $1,800) and the 42-inch LG 42LH90 (*Est. $1,400).

These LH90 LCD TVs use a full-matrix LED backlight and local dimming to achieve black levels that CNET calls "superb." In CNET's tests, blacks matched those of Samsung's UNB7000 series, though they are still a hair lighter than top plasma TVs or the Sony XBR8 LCD TVs. Color accuracy is first-rate.

The LG LH90 LCD TVs are also feature-rich. In addition to LED backlighting, there is a 240 Hz refresh rate and anti-judder processing, though CNET reviewers are disappointed that they must be either on or off simultaneously (unlike Samsung's high-end LCD TVs). The lack of Internet connectivity and interactive features are omissions, but many users don't care about these features anyway. Styling is attractive, with a blue-tinged bezel that David Elrich at DigitalTrends.com says is "reminiscent of Samsung's Touch of Color design, but a bit more subtle." Energy efficiency is good, certainly better than most plasma TVs, but some LCD TVs are a little better in that regard.

The LH90 series are the first LCD TVs to achieve THX certification and include a THX mode. The latter is a boon for those who want a technically accurate picture without the bother or expense of a more formal calibration, but CNET found the THX mode to be inaccurate. For those who like to do their own tweaking, LG furnishes more user-accessible picture controls than average.

While many LCD TVs -- and some TV reviewers -- treat sound as an afterthought when it comes to big-screen TVs, Elrich notes that the LG 55LH90 uses an invisible speaker system designed by Mark Levinson, a highly regarded audio engineer. Elrich says that a better sound system should accompany a picture that's as good as the one produced by the LG 55LH90, but that the sound was "more than acceptable." Another review we saw rates sound quality as better than most LCD TVs.

User reviews are starting to accumulate, and what we've seen looks pretty good. That said, we've seen a smattering of comments of lip-sync issues over HDMI with certain cable TV boxes.

Toshiba's bargain LED TV

Toshiba's SV670U series of LED-backlit LCD TVs have also garnered some respect as an excellent low-priced alternative for those who want LED technology at an easier-to-swallow price. Two screen sizes are available: the 55-inch Toshiba 55SV670U (*Est. $2,270) and 46-inch Toshiba 46SV670U (*Est. $1,650).

These LCD TVs use a full-matrix LED backlight with local dimming to achieve deep, rich blacks -- though just how rich and deep is the subject of some disagreement among reviewers. CNET says the Toshiba 46SV670U it tests produced blacks that are on a par with the LG LH90, though not as deep as some better LCD TVs with local-diming LED backlights. Home Theater magazine is even more impressed, with Thomas J. Norton writing, "The Toshiba provides black levels and shadow detail that are to die for." He adds that the black levels of the 46SV670U hold their own with any other LCD TV, and even against top plasma TVs.

Color performance, while good, isn't strength. CNET and Home Theater magazine both note that greens are oversaturated to the point of being a bit "artificial and cartoonish," Home Theater's Norton says, though he adds that it is only an occasional distraction. Otherwise color is always "satisfying and sometimes even jaw dropping," though a professional calibration is recommended for things to look their best. For those who like to tinker on their own, Toshiba does offer a vast array of picture adjustments.

The Toshiba SV670U series of LCD TVs has a motion-blur reduction system called ClearScan 240 that uses some techno trickery to achieve the same effect as a 240 Hz refresh rate. However, Home Theater magazine finds Toshiba's approach to be less effective than true 240 Hz refresh rate TVs in reducing blur, and adds that it doesn't even do as well as some 120 Hz refresh rate TV in that regard. Some improvement in regards to smoothness can be seen, but that's mainly in specially selected test material rather than in typical TV programming. CNET largely agrees, adding that when watching TV and movies (in a normal setting rather than a lab), it's hard to notice any difference. "Some viewers are more sensitive to motion blur than we are, but for us, the 240 Hz's anti-blur properties don't seem worth it," writes David Katzmaier. Anti-judder circuitry is also available, and can be turned on or off independently.

The styling of the silver-edged case breaks from the crowd and features a transparent top panel that creates the illusion of the TV being made from one sheet of glass. The screen is more reflective than typical for an LCD. Energy efficiency is good. For those who care, Internet interactivity is not available.