Best LED TVs

LED TV sets are best overall

While conventional LCD TVs remain available, more and more makers are shifting their attention and resources to producing LCD TVs with LED backlights. Although these TVs are increasingly being called LED TVs, aside from using LEDs in place of cold-cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) backlights, these are still LCD TVs in every way. While LED TVs -- both edge-lit and full matrix -- bring their own unique disadvantages, and some LED TVs are clearly better performers than others, most experts and users say that on balance, the very best LCD TVs use LED technology.

Samsung LED TVs: Feature packed, but will the picture satisfy?

Samsung's UND8000 series of edge-lit, LED-backlit TVs earns lots of editorial recommendations -- and almost as many caveats. These TVs earn a high score at CNET, and earn a Highly Recommended tag from Denmark's FlatpanelsHD.com and a Recommended award from The Perfect Vision, part of AVGuide.com. However, despite the otherwise high praise given these HDTVs, not everyone is impressed with the picture quality.

The UND8000 sets feature an edge-lit LED backlight with Micro Dimming Plus local dimming that Samsung claims is more accurate than the technology in last year's offerings. However, edge-lit LED TVs struggle with screen uniformity, and these TVs are no exception. CNET notes poor screen uniformity, with both brightness variations and banding observed in the UN55D8000 set it tests. HDGuru.com concurs, calling the lack of uniformity "quite disturbing in dark scenes" and a "deal breaker for readers seeking the highest quality HDTV."

On the other hand, some reviewers have a different take. For example, FlatpanelsHD.com tests for brightness variations (light bleeding and clouding) and reports that the UND8000 has close to none. The Perfect Vision does not address screen uniformity directly, but it does award picture quality a perfect score on the basis of great color performance and blacks that approach those of the best plasma sets. TelevisionInfo.com, a notoriously tough reviewer, notes imperfect screen uniformity, but nothing out of the norm for an LED TV. "This may or may not prove distracting, depending on how picky you are," says David Kender. The wide range of opinions could indicate that there is some variation in uniformity performance between individual sets. If you are bothered by less-than-perfect screen uniformity, buying from a retailer with a generous return policy is probably a good idea.

Impressions of picture quality seem to be heavily influenced by the uniformity of the sample reviewed. FlatpanelsHD.com notes a few bobbles and says users should be prepared to do a little tweaking to out-of-the-box colors, but it is impressed overall, especially with the deep levels of black that the UND8000 is capable of producing. CNET says that color and black performance is terrific in areas not affected by uniformity shortfalls, but that those uniformity issues drag things down in areas where they can be seen. As noted before, The Perfect Vision is enamored with both color performance and black levels. And while the UND8000's reflective screen helps things pop in a darkened room, it's a clear liability in a room that's well lit. Off-angle viewing isn't the best, but it is better than in 2010 versions of these TVs.

While picture quality draws differing opinions, everyone agrees that the Samsung UND8000 is loaded when it comes to features. The Samsung UND8000 "packs in every feature we've ever heard of, along with quite a few we'd never heard of," TelevisionInfo.com's Kender neatly sums up.

Of course, 3D is part of the picture, and the TV is capable of transforming 2D content to 3D on demand. The 3D feature does require active-shutter glasses that are available separately (*Est. $50 each), but these sets are often sold in a bundle with two pairs of the glasses included at no cost. CNET says 3D performance is a "night and day improvement" over last year's Samsung LED TVs, which suffered from numerous issues -- not the least of which was excessive crosstalk that showed up as a double image or ghost when viewing 3D. This year's Samsung 3D glasses use Bluetooth rather than IR (infrared) technology. Reviews say that the change helps the glasses work more reliably. However, it also makes last year's 3D glasses incompatible with this year's Samsung 3D TVs.

The other big feature here is Internet connectivity. Samsung was among the first to promote an app approach to getting Internet content to their TVs. Samsung's Internet portal, called Smart TV, gives you easy access to most of the usual suspects when it comes to streaming content providers -- Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, etc. -- though a few, such as Amazon Instant Video (rebranded from Amazon Video on Demand in late February), are missing. There's also a nice selection of apps for work and play, including game apps and Skype (though you'll need a $170 accessory camera/microphone for that), and Samsung is allowing third-party developers to create and add more. There's also a relatively useful web browser, though CNET says that the one in Google TV products is better still. The remote includes a QWERTY keyboard to make using the browser and other apps a little easier. DLNA support is on-board, so you can stream media files (video, music and photos) from your computer to the TV. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity makes getting all of that content to your TV simpler as well.

Styling is striking, with a super-thin brushed titanium edge bezel. Most like the design, though CNET calls the four-legged swivel stand goofy. The thin design requires special dongles if you want to connect certain cables -- such as component or composite audio/video cables -- but those dongles are included. The TVs are Energy Star-compliant.

The Samsung UND8000 series is available in four screen sizes: the 46-inch UN46D8000 (*Est. $2,100) , 55-inch UN55D8000 (*Est. $2,600) , 60-inch UN60D8000 (*Est. $3,300) and 65-inch UN65D8000 (*Est. $4,600) .

Samsung also offers the step-down UND7000 series of 3D-capable LCD TVs. Although it hasn't tested any sets in the series, CNET says that the big difference from the UND8000 series is the lack of local dimming. While there haven't been a ton of reviews for these TVs, they do receive coverage from ConsumerReports.org and LCDTVBuyingGuide.com where the 55-inch UN55D7000 is (*Est.$2,300) the second highest rated current LCD TV. Robert Wiley and Jack Burden say it takes a bit of adjustment on the part of the user to get the best picture quality, but the reward is an image that's on the high side of excellent. Not surprisingly given the feedback on the UND8000 sets, some uniformity issues are seen. However, Wiley and Burden say it's not much of a problem when the user sits front and center and has the proper backlight setting. User reviews at Amazon.com and elsewhere are generally solid, but uniformity issues do come up, even among owners who are otherwise very pleased. Other models include the 46-inch UN46D7000 (*Est. $1,800) and the 60-inch UN60D7000 (*Est. $3,000) .

Samsung's UND6400 series is the company's least expensive 3D offering. CNET's David Katzmaier says that while the UND6400 series has flaws, "it occupies a sweet spot for LED and Internet TV shoppers who don't want to take out a second mortgage to pay for a flagship model."

The UND6400 series TV sets lack some features found in Samsung's higher-end offerings. The refresh rate is 120 Hz rather than 240 Hz, though experts say it is tough to see any real improvement in program material in sets with the higher speed. Wi-Fi is not built-in, so you need to budget an extra $80 for Samsung's Wi-Fi radio if you want to connect wirelessly. Most of the Internet connectivity options remain, but Skype functionality and the built-in browser have been removed. Like the UND7000, the edge-lit LED backlight does not support local dimming.

CNET gives the UND64000 a strong rating, though not as high a score as it gives the UND8000. However, it compliments picture quality. Like many edge-lit sets, some uniformity shortfalls are noted, but it's less of an issue than with the UND8000-series set that the site tests. That leads David Katzmaier to say that when the entire screen is considered, the UND6400 actually provides better overall performance. While user reviews are limited, they are generally solid.

Samsung offers these TVs in a 60-inch screen size as the UN60D6400 (*Est. $2,500) , 55-inch size as the UN55D6400 (*Est. $1,650) , 46-inch size as the UN46D6400 UN46D6400 (*Est. $1,250) , and a 40- inch screen size as the UN40D6400 (*Est. $1,100). The UND6420 series, which is essentially the same, is sold exclusively at Best Buy.

If you don't care about 3D, Samsung's 2D-only but otherwise very similar UND6000 series is worth considering. Though the sets don't produce the very best picture available, what's seen on the screen is very good, says Jackie Lee at TelevisionInfo.com. The cornucopia of features includes the same Samsung Smart TV platform found in the company's step-up sets, and it helps make the 46-inch UN46D6000 (*Est. $1,100) the highest rated LCD TV at that site, and the second best of any technology.

Home Theater Magazine notes the now familiar uniformity issues, but otherwise very much likes what it sees, naming the UN46D6000 a Top Pick. LCDTVBuyingGuide.com largely concurs, saying that the UN46D6000 is "a compelling mid range LED-backed LCD with excellent HD video quality, super thin design, and lots of Internet apps." User reviews are, once again, largely solid. Other sets in the series include the 32-inch UN32D6000 (*Est. $810) , 40-inch UN40D6000 (*Est. $875) and 55-inch UN55D6000 (*Est. $1,500) .

LG LW5600 3D TVs: value, features and performance

As noted elsewhere in this report, some TV makers are turning to passive technology to make 3D imagery more accessible to more people. Such sets eschew the heavy and expensive active-shutter glasses for lightweight and cheap polarized glasses similar to those used when viewing 3D in movie theaters. Additional benefits of the technology in sets reviewed to this point include fewer issues with crosstalk and brighter images when viewing 3D content. However, there's also a major downside -- the technology cuts the apparent resolution in half when viewing 3D content. While purists say that this is a deal killer, reviewers and users reporting on the first of these sets say maybe not.

A case in point is LG's LW5600 series. As of this update, various screen sizes in the series have garnered good to great feedback from TelevisionInfo.com, HDGuru.com, The Perfect Vision, PC World, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity and PCMag.com, with the latter giving it an Editors' Choice award. Available user feedback indicates a fairly high level of satisfaction.

While passive 3D is the headline feature, 2D performance is what will make or break a TV for the foreseeable future. In that regard, the LG LW5600 delivers. As noted, edge-lit, LED backlit TVs struggle when it comes to uniformity, however even the toughest experts say that these TVs strain less than most. HDGuru.com's Gary Merson harshly evaluates the Samsung UN55D8000 for its sub-par uniformity, but happily reports that he was "immediately struck" by the better -- though not quite perfect -- performance in that regard by the 55-inch LG 55LW5600. TelevisionInfo.com says that while uniformity "isn't the greatest," issues spotted are relatively minor.

In all other aspects, picture performance is judged to be excellent. Depending on who you ask and what aspect is being measured, color performance ranges from very good to nearly perfect. LG has long been respected by videophiles for the generous suite of image adjustment tools it provides to users, and the LW5600 is no exception, so perfectionists can dial things in to their delight. Black levels are more of a mixed bag. In TelevisionInfo.com's tests, black levels don't quite measure up to what's seen on higher-end and more expensive TVs, yet they are still deep enough for PCMag.com to call them very dark. Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity gives 2D performance good praise with one caveat: The screen treatment needed to do passive 3D can lend 2D images a texture when viewed at close distances. The reviewers recommend auditioning the set in person to see if that would be overly distracting to you. CNET says that when it comes to 2D, "the LW5600 is one of the best edge-lit LED TVs we've tested."

The LW5600 also shines when it comes to Internet connectivity. LG's Smart TV platform includes apps for most of the major content providers, including Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Vudu and more. Like Samsung, LG has opened up its app platform to third-party developers and some of that content -- mostly games, reports TelevisionInfo.com -- has begun to appear. The LW5600 is DLNA compliant and supports streaming a wide variety of video formats from your PC; you can also stream photos and music, but file-format support is more limited. Smart TV also includes a web browser, but reviews indicate that it suffers from a bit of lag. Wi-Fi is not built in, but LG does include a Wi-Fi radio dongle in the box for those who want to connect wirelessly.

The LW5600 comes with two remotes. One is a fairly standard affair, spiffed up with backlighting and dedicated buttons to access popular web apps. The other remote is something completely different -- a Magic Motion controller that works much like the one in the Wii video-game system. It has only a few buttons -- power, volume, channel, etc. However, when activated, it places a cursor on the screen that tracks your hand motions. PCMag.com's John R. Delaney writes: "I couldn't put it down once I started using it and would love to see this technology make its way into all TV remotes."

According to reviewers the passive 3D feature is either terrible, terrific, or a bit of both -- depending on what you expect. TelevisionInfo.com delivers the harshest evaluation. Chris Thomas says the experience is not as immersive as active shutter, with less depth to the image and a noticeable loss of resolution. However, he points out that editors at the site have yet to find a TV -- active or passive -- that delivers a 3D effect they do like.

At PCMag.com, the take is quite different. Delaney says that he was "blown away by the panel's depth and clarity." Brightness and color hold their own when watching 3D, he says, but he observes some crosstalk. Delaney says that while it is noticeable, it's not bad enough to be distracting. He adds that the LW5600 is capable of 2D to 3D conversion, but the resulting image is not nearly as satisfying as native 3D.

Gary Merson at HDGuru.com more or less splits the difference. The loss of resolution is certainly noticeable, he says, but how much of a factor it is will depend on content, distance from the screen and user expectations. For 1080p content, such as on most Blu-ray Discs, he says "we are confident many buyers will find this good enough." However for 720p sources, like ESPN's 3D channel, the resolution will be less than that of a standard DVD. "Is it good enough?" Merson asks, adding "Ultimately that will be up to the buyer."

The Perfect Vision largely agrees, saying that purists will find the 3D image not up to the standards of active-shutter glasses. However, David Birch-Jones notes, "for many viewers interested in 3D in the home, the argument is moot, as the LG delivers an overall 3D effect that is quite satisfying, and the allure of relatively cheap, easy-to-clean and easily available passive polarized 3D glasses will probably seal the deal."

As far as glasses go, the reviewers all say that what LG provides might not be very fashionable, but that they are certainly more comfortable than those typically required for active-shutter 3D. The glasses are also more wallet-friendly than active-shutter glasses; LG includes four pairs in the box, and you can buy two additional pair for around $25.

The LG LW5600 series is available in two screen sizes: the 55-inch LG 55LW5600 (*Est. $1,700) and the 47-inch 47LW5600 (*Est. $1,200) .

A couple of other high-end LG TVs are worth considering as well. We've seen good reviews and user feedback for sets in the company's step-up LW6500 series of LED TVs. The most significant difference in terms of features is a higher refresh rate -- 240 Hz vs. 120 Hz in the LW5600. Many experts say that when it comes to watching real TV programming and movies (as opposed to test patterns), there's rarely any significant blur reduction with the higher refresh rate. Be that as it may, the LW6500 is a top performer. PC World, for example, places the 47-inch 47LW6500 (*Est. $1,400) second on its list of top 10 HDTVs for 2011, praising image quality and features as well as value. Key features, including passive 3D and impressive Internet streaming capabilities, are similar. Other screen sizes include the 55-inch 55LW6500 (*Est. $2,000) and the 65-inch 65LW6500 (*Est. $3,600) .

While we've seen good feedback for the sets above, LG's flagship LW9800 series TVs have enjoyed a more mixed initial reception. These TVs use a full matrix Nano LED technology that's designed to provide the benefits of a full matrix backlight with local dimming, but in a slim design that's more typical of edge-lit LED TVs. However the reviewers that have looked at these TVs have come away with very different impressions. FlatPanelsHD.com awards the TV a Highly Recommended award for great picture quality despite some issues with blooming. But PCMag.com sees the same issues with blooming and finds them less forgivable. Its conclusion is that the less expensive LW5600 set it tests is a better buy. The series is to be offered in a 47 inch and 55 inch screen size, but only the 55-inch LG 55LW9800 (*Est. $3,420) was available at the time of this review.

Vizio XVT3SV: High performance from a budget leader

Vizio has developed a reputation for delivering sets with solid value and good, but not elite-level, picture quality. Judging from reviews of its XVT3SV series of LED TVs, you can scratch that last qualifier from the list. Sets in the series have earned an Editors' Choice award at CNET, a Recommended award from AVGuide.com and Highly Recommended status from HDTVSolutions.com. They've also received strong evaluations from sites like TelevisionInfo.com and PCMag.com.

The Vizio XVT3SV series earns raves from CNET's David Katzmaier. He notes that the feature lineup lacks 3D, but just about every other goodie you could wish for is in there. That includes one of the best implementations of Internet features he's seen and a remote control with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard to make the whole thing more useable and useful. But that's not what wins the XVT3SV its accolades. Instead, it's the picture quality, which includes great color fidelity, good performance even in brightly lit rooms, and black levels that are good enough to compete with the best.

The Vizio XVT3SV achieves its good blacks through a full-array backlight with local dimming. That minimizes screen uniformity problems that are frequently seen in edge-lit LED TV designs, but it leaves the TV subject to another artifact called blooming, in which bright areas surrounded by very dark ones will show halo effects on occasion. Most full-array, local-dimming, LED TVs show this effect to some level, but even its greatest fans say that the XVT3SV is more halo prone than some.

The full LED array also makes the XVT3SV thicker than those super-svelte, edge-lit, LED designs. That leads CNET to call the design generic, while TelevisionInfo.com, in its typical manner, says that it's "not the absolute ugliest TV we've seen."

While different reviewers find different things to pick at, in the end all agree that picture quality is at or close to the top in the category. All except TelevisionInfo.com put black levels among the best for LCD TVs, including LED TVs with local dimming. All say color fidelity is excellent, though PCMag.com says that reds are slightly saturated. The Perfect Vision says that it might take a little tinkering, but with the right user settings, "You'll be rewarded with a picture that explodes with vibrant color, but is as accurate as a pro monitor at rendering realistic flesh tones."

As noted, experts are thrilled with the Internet connectivity built into the XVT3SV sets. The lineup of providers is among the most diverse of any maker and includes both mainstays and niche content. One extra is access to the Rhapsody streaming music service. You'll also find Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Vudu, Pandora and more. One gap is that YouTube is missing, but Hulu Plus, Blockbuster on Demand and CinemaNow are all said to be on their way. Apps are on board for Yahoo! Widgets, Facebook, Twitter and more. You currently can't stream content from your personal computer, but CNET reports that Vizio plans to add that feature before the end of the year. Wi-Fi connectivity is built in.

What makes all of the Internet features more usable is a dual IR/Bluetooth remote control with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. CNET calls the keyboard "Vizio's secret weapon," adding that it's not found on any other remote they've seen (though the review predates the release of the Sony NSX-GT1 series of Google-enabled TVs that include a behemoth remote with its own full keyboard). CNET generally gives the remote a thumbs-up, saying it is reassuring in the hand and easy to navigate, though not so much so by feel. AVGuide.com, on the other hand, also loves the keyboard, but calls the main clicker "a textbook exercise in ergonomic design mediocrity."

Value completes the XVT3SV's triumvirate of high points. AVGuide.com notes that it sells for hundreds less than some competing TVs with similar features and picture quality. Though three screen sizes were originally available, two remain somewhat available: The 55-inch Vizio XVT553SV (*Est. $1,600) and the 47-inch Vizio XVT473SV (*Est. $1,400) .

The Vizio XVT3SV series was introduced in 2010 and is due to be replaced shortly with a bevy of XVT3D sets in screen sizes ranging from 22 inches to 65 inches. All will include passive 3D capabilities and Internet access through Vizio's fairly robust Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) platform. Vizio's top of the line offering will be the forthcoming XVT3D6SV series, which will include the 55-inch XVT3D556SV and 47-inch XVT3D476SV. These TVs will feature 480 Hz refresh rates, full-matrix LED backlights with local dimming and Google TV. If Google TV is not a must, the step-down XVT3D5SP series is similar save for that feature. Sets will include the 42-inch XVT3D425SP, 47-inch XVT3D475SP and 55-inch XVT3D555SP. Other XVT3D sets will be less feature-rich, use edge-lit LED backlights and/or have slower refresh rates, but will cost less. Prices and release dates were yet to be announced at the time of this update.

Sony LED TVs are worth considering

For fans of Sony's flagship XBR TVs, the 2011 XBR-HX929 series has reached dealers' shelves. Professional reviews are starting to come in and are largely positive, though not entirely without reservation. For example, based on its review of the 55-inch Sony XBR-55HX929 (*Est. $2,900) , CNET places these Sony TVs at the top of its list of best LCD TVs on the strength of their excellent black levels and accurate colors, but it finds lots of issues -- not the least of which is their high price. Home Theater Magazine reaches similar conclusions but still is impressed enough to award the XBR-55HX929 a Top Pick award.

Those who are more interested in 2D performance than 3D will be the happiest. Blacks are deep and rich -- challenging even top-end plasma TVs in that measure of picture performance. Colors are accurate, and signal processing is excellent. Styling is fashionably thin, and the Corning Gorilla Glass adds a measure of protection, though not much when it comes to battling room reflections.

These sets use a full-matrix LED backlight rather than an edge-lit one, which leads to far better uniformity compared to edge-lit sets like the ones reviewed above. It also leads to its own artifact -- blooming, in which very bright areas of the screen are prone to lightening very dark ones nearby. CNET says that the artifact is even more noticeable in this set than other, similar ones, but that's probably because the blacks start out so deep and dark to begin with. Still, when watching normal content, it isn't that much of a problem. Some owners have reported a uniformity issue that appears as a line or crease near one edge of the screen. CNET updates its report to say that it did see the artifact in its test sample after readers called their attention to it, but that it doesn't really impact picture quality in most cases.

Naturally, the XBR-HX929 has 3D, but performance in that regard has earned few fans among critics. CNET experiences significant flicker when viewing 3D content with the set's dejudder processing -- called MotionFlow by Sony -- turned off. Dejudder processing compensates for the different frame rates between film and video, resulting in smoother motion when content shot originally to film -- rather than direct to video -- is viewed on a TV. Many appreciate the processing, but others loath it as it makes everything look as if it were shot on video. CNET also complains that tilting your head even slightly causes the 3D effect to fall apart. That last finding is echoed by Home Theater Magazine, which also complains of some ghosting artifacts, but not the flicker noted by CNET. On the plus side, Home Theater Magazine finds the 3D picture to be significantly brighter than most other TVs -- a plus for anyone that wants to enjoy 3D in something other than a very dimly lit setting. Finally, despite the high cost of these sets, anyone who wants to watch 3D will have to spring separately for the glasses because none are included.

Streaming is on board and the lineup of providers is broad, though there are some shortcomings -- no support for Vudu, for example -- compared with some competitors. There's also no third-party app store. The built-in web browser is called slow and annoying by CNET. The site also doesn't particularly care for the interface to access streaming but says that those that own other Sony gear at least have less of a learning curve since it's the same as what's used on Sony Blu-ray players. Wi-Fi is built in. As these sets are DLNA compliant, you can also stream media from your personal computer.

Other screen sizes in the series include the 46-inch XBR-46HX929 (*Est. $2,500) and the 65-inch XBR-65HX929 (*Est. $6,000) .

While CNET puts the XBR-HX929 sets at the top of the pile in terms of ratings, it singles out another Sony TV, the KDL-NX720, for its Editors' Choice award despite a laundry list of negatives, including blooming, poor shadow detail and the same lackluster 3D performance as the XBR-HX929. That's offset by blacks that are deeper than any other edge-lit LED TV and edged out in that regard only by Sony's flagship, full-matrix XBR LED TVs. Other pluses include accurate colors and screen uniformity that's exemplary for an edge-lit design. Styling is also striking with a super-thin profile and an edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass top glass. The feature set includes all of the streaming features of the XBR series, including built-in Wi-Fi. However, as good as all of this sounds, no other professional reviewers that we spotted have rendered opinions. User feedback looks good so far but is too limited to be a decision-making factor. Screen sizes include the 46-inch KDL-46NX720 (*Est. $1,600) , 55-inch KDL-55NX720 (*Est. $2,000) and 60-inch KDL-60NX720 (*Est. $3,000) .

Among Sony's other 2011 LED TVs, we've seen the most feedback for the company's entry-level 3D-capable LED TV, the KDL-EX720 series. Reviews are generally complimentary, though none more so than PCMag.com, where the 46-inch Sony KDL-46EX720 (*Est. $1,250) garners an Editors' Choice award. Will Greenwald applauds both 3D and 2D picture performance, the extensive lineup of features and the price.

Others also praise the TV, though most are a little more reserved. TelevisionInfo.com calls the KDL-EX720 a great TV with strong core performance, though not one without some serious flaws. The site continues to struggle with recommending the 3D performance of any set, and this one is no exception. In addition, like many if not most TVs that use an edge-lit LED backlight, screen uniformity fails to please. FlatPanelsHD.com also finds flaws but adds that it's a good choice to consider if you are searching for a midrange TV. CNET's opinion seems to follow suit. The tech site says that while there are picture-quality flaws, other aspects, including a robust feature lineup, will win the TV its share of fans. LCDTVBuyingGuide.com, however, is not nearly so forgiving. Though Robert Wiley says the set will look good enough in a dark room, overall he was "underwhelmed by the HD picture."

As noted, like many edge-lit LED sets, uniformity remains a bugaboo. As we saw with some of the Samsung sets profiled earlier, how bad a bugaboo seems to depend on the tested sample, and perhaps on the reviewer. PCMag.com does not mention any uniformity issues at all. FlatpanelsHD.com says clouding issues are improved over Sony's equivalent sets of last year and that while a touch of corner brightness is seen, "it was not a critical issue on our sample." However, CNET says uniformity falls "toward the bottom of the pack," and TelevisionInfo.com says it isn't pleased with that aspect of the KDL-EX720's performance.

Most other aspects of picture performance fare much better. CNET complains a little about black levels, but just about everyone else says the KDL-EX720 is capable of producing blacks that are deep and satisfying. Color accuracy is excellent according to most reports, though FlatpanelsHD.com says that calibration was needed to get things perfect.

Features are comparable to the company's high-end XBR sets and include 3D and online streaming. If you need to connect wirelessly for the latter, you'll need to budget around $80 for an optional Wi-Fi radio. Glasses for 3D are, again, extra. Most say 3D performance is pretty good, and certainly improved compared to last year's Sony 3D TVs. However, TelevisionInfo.com says "we are not convinced," adding that "watching 3D TV is still far from enjoyable." We suspect that many people that buy this set won't find out one way or another since the required glasses to use the feature are not included and cost around $75 per pair.

The KDL-EX720 is offered in a host of screen sizes, including the 32-inch KDL-32EX720 (*Est. $810) , 40-inch KDL-40EX720 (*Est. $1,000) , 46-inch KDL-46EX720 (*Est. $1,250) , 55-inch KDL-55EX720 (*Est. $1,600) and 60 inch KDL-60EX720 (*Est. $2,600) .

Other new Sony LED TVs have seen far less coverage, at least thus far. The Perfect Vision takes the 46-inch KDL-46HX729 (*Est. $1,500) out for a spin and is impressed enough to grant it a Recommended award. The KDL-HX729 series is one notch up from the KDL-EX720 sets profiled above. Key step-up features include enhanced video smoothing technology (MotionFlow XR 480 vs. MotionFlow XR 240 in the KDL-EX720), an enhanced video processing engine and built-in Wi-Fi. Picture quality is judged to be excellent, though The Perfect Vision recommends doing some tweaking to get it there. Though this is an edge-lit set, the site doesn't comment on uniformity. Internet connectivity features and 3D are on board, though you'll again have to spring separately for Sony's active-shutter 3D glasses. Other screen sizes include the 55-inch KDL-55HX729 (*Est. $1,900) and the 65-inch KDL-65HX729 (*Est. $4,050) .

Last year's NSX-GT1 series of Sony edge-lit LED TVs with Google TV remain available. Most/ say TV performance is only so-so. As is no surprise in an edge-lit LED TV, uniformity is not great. However, while that defect is usually hidden by typical TV content in all but the worst performers, it is very apparent in many Google TV sources, says CNET. Black levels and color performance are also nothing to write home about, though PCMag.com says that the 32-inch NSX-32GT1 (*Est. $500) "delivers relatively dark blacks...and mostly accurate colors." CNET concurs regarding color performance in its review of the 46-inch NSX-46GT1 (*Est. $1,000) , but it complains that the blacks are pretty poor. The reflective screen can be challenged by brightly lit rooms.

The big feature, of course, is Google TV. That platform includes Google's Chrome browser, which gives viewers access to just about any website, along with Google's search capability to find videos or anything else virtually anywhere online. It also integrates content from partners like Netflix and YouTube, as well as from cable and satellite TV providers. Finally, it searches the hard drives of Dish Network DVRs (and only Dish Network DVRs for now -- a disappointment in the view of many critics) and integrates that video as well. Picture-in-picture functionality lets you drop your TV picture in a window while you search the web (or anywhere else) for something different.

However, Google TV is not without some significant holes. As we blogged [http://www.consumersearch.com/blog/picture-dims-for-google-tv] about previously, network TV providers -- specifically Hulu and CBS -- have blocked access to the programs their sites host, and that means that viewing current TV programs via online streaming is a challenge. Workarounds are available -- you can find them on the web -- but that's a hoop many typical TV watchers might not want to jump through. As is befitting an Internet TV, Wi-Fi is built in. The edge-lit LED backlight is energy efficient and allows for a thin design. But, surprisingly, the refresh rate is only 60 Hz, not the 120 Hz or faster seen now in even some budget LED and LCD TVs. The TV is also available in a 40-inch screen size, the Sony NSX-40GT1 (*Est. $800) , and a 24-inch screen size, the NSX-24GT1 (*Est. $300) , though the latter uses a conventional CCFL backlight rather than an LED, so performance is apt to be somewhat different.

Sharp makes it big

Not long ago, Sharp was among the top choices when it came to LCD TVs. However, time and technology caught up to the company, which found itself struggling for attention from reviewers who couldn't wait to look at the latest offerings from Sony, Samsung and, lately, LG. Last year, Sharp tried to change the conversation with the introduction of its Quattron series of LED TVs, whose major technological innovation was to introduce a fourth color subpixel, yellow, to the usual triumvirate of red, green and blue. Some critics point out that the fourth pixel should not help a properly designed TV create a better image or show a wider range of colors, and could actually contribute to one that was not technically accurate. Others, however, say the picture looks very, very good, and lots of owners agree.

This year, Sharp is again drawing attention to itself, this time with some giant-sized TVs at relatively affordable prices. For those who want the biggest screen they can practically own without the hassles of front projection technology or the bulk of a rear projection set, Sharp offers the 80-inch LC-80LE632U (*Est. $5,000) . While it's yet to be reviewed, experts have turned their attention to the next smallest screen size that Sharp offers in the 70-inch LC-70LE732U (*Est. $2,700) LED TV.

According to reports, picture quality is not quite perfect, but it is on the high side of very good. Blacks in particular are not as deep as the best sets but should look perfectly fine in a normally lit room. Regardless of experts' feelings about the merit of the yellow subpixel, most say that colors look good on the screen. Features are on the thin side. There's no support for 3D, and while you can stream content from the Internet, the line up of content providers is not especially impressive.

Among Sharp's other offerings, the 60-inch LC-60LE835U (*Est. $2,200) might also be worth a look. PC World includes it in its list of top 10 HDTVs, but at the bottom of that list. FlatpanelsHD.com awards TVs in that series -- and in the identical but sans 3D LE830U series -- its Highly Recommended award. User reviews at Amazon.com are, for the most part, strikingly positive. Blacks are impressive, says Rasmus Larsen at FlatpanelsHD.com, and colors are accurate, though some banding (nearly identical adjacent colors that are not distinguishable from one another) is evident at times. In addition, though it's not terrible, uniformity could be better, and some mild clouding can be seen. For those interested in it, 3D performance is very good, Larsen says, and he places the line above the Samsung UND8000 series TVs, which he also likes very well, in that regard. Everyone agrees that Internet streaming features could use a boost, with content and usability coming in for criticism.