LG 47LG60

Black levels that are lighter than the very best performers leave some reviewers lukewarm, but others heap nothing but praise on the distinctively styled LG 47LG60 HDTV. Nicknamed Scarlet by the maker, the bright red cabinet and piano-black bezel make a statement even when this 47-inch TV is turned off. In terms of picture, colors are accurate and the grayscale is nearly perfect, either out of the box or after some tweaking. Speaking of tweaking, tons of video controls will keep fiddlers obsessed for hours. Outstanding signal processing for HD and SD material is another strong plus. Among other LCD TVs in the same class, the Samsung LN46A650 (*Est. $1,515) has better black levels, but a more reflective screen could be a problem in well-lit rooms. The Sony KDL-46XBR6 (*Est. $2,120) delivers strong picture quality with great black levels and a more matte screen, but some question whether the performance is worth its price premium.

Though user reviews remain scarce, lots of experts have weighed in on the 47-inch LG 47LG60. CNET is one of the most prolific reviewers of LCD TVs, and one of the more critical when it comes to this TV. Sound & Vision and PCMag.com, on the other hand, bestow Scarlet with praise and awards. The most in-depth review can be found at Ultimate AV, though non-technophiles might find themselves overwhelmed with information.