LCD TV Review

Evaluating LCD TV reviews

Both types of flat-panel TVs -- plasma and LCD -- are thin and wall-mountable, but each has different advantages. In general, plasma TVs can achieve deeper black levels. LCD televisions are usually brighter than plasma TVs, meaning they are easier to watch in a well-lit room, and many can double as a computer monitor or a media-center display.

Although flat LCD HDTVs used to be restricted to sizes smaller than 32 inches, consumer LCD TVs up to 80 inches are now available. LCD TV reviews also indicate that black levels have improved (although most are still not quite up to the level of the very best plasma TVs). Plasma TVs continue to be slightly less expensive than the equivalent LCD TV, but they are offered by fewer makers and in fewer screen sizes, with the smallest being 42 inches at present. Since LCD TVs are available in a much wider size range, it's easier to find a television that matches your budget. See our companion report on plasma TVs for more flat-screen options. Rear-projection TVs give you an even larger screen, but they aren't as thin and are not wall-mountable, and very few models are still available.

In general, the most comprehensive source for LCD TV reviews is CNET. Its reports go into considerable depth and include lots of different models. One shortcoming is that coverage seems to be concentrated on more upscale LCD TVs. ConsumerReports.org regularly performs thorough comparative testing of LCD TV picture and sound quality, and it is one of the few sources that looks at TVs with smaller screens. But while the site tests more LCD TVs than any other reviewer and does a good job covering high-end and budget TVs, it falls short of CNET's reviews because performance is summarized in just a few short paragraphs.

For those who demand technical details, the reports at TelevisionInfo.com are unsurpassed, and the site has begun reviewing more and more LCD and LED TVs. However, some of the technical discussion could leave nonvideophiles dazed and confused. Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity and Denmark's FlatpanelsHD.com are other sources for highly technical reviews, but they cover fewer LCD TVs. HDTVSolutions.com, AVGuide.com, LCDTVBuyingGuide.com and PCMag.com also have competent reporting, but they don't cover nearly as many models as CNET, TelevisionInfo.com or ConsumerReports.org. The quality of the reviews at HomeTheaterReview.com is variable, but the site covers some low-priced LCD TVs that other reviewers mostly ignore. User reviews at Amazon.com and BestBuy.com and discussions on user forums such as AVSForum.com are valuable for discovering how happy buyers are after the purchase.