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 media-center display.

Although flat LCD HDTVs used to be restricted to sizes smaller than 32 inches, LCD TVs up to 65 inches are now common. LCD TV reviews also indicate that black levels have improved (although most are still not quite up to the level of very best plasma TVs). In the past, plasma TVs had been less expensive than LCD TVs, but that gap has now largely disappeared. Since LCD TVs are available in such a wide 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 being made.

In general, the most comprehensive source for LCD TV reviews is CNET. Its reports go into considerable depth and include lots of different models at different price points and sizes. ConsumerReports.org regularly performs thorough, comparative testing of the picture and sound quality of LCD TVs. While the site tests more TVs than any other reviewer, 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. However, the site tests fewer LCD TVs than either CNET or ConsumerReports.org, and the most technical material could leave some users dazed and confused. Sound & Vision, HDTVSolutions.com, Playback magazine and PCMag.com have competent reporting, but they don't cover nearly as many models as CNET or ConsumerReports.org. 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.

LCD TVs span the gamut from high-end models that are packed with features and technology to basic sets that lack some functionality but still perform strongly at a more affordable price. While lemons can still be found, of course, we are struck by how well many inexpensive screens are being received by owners and professional reviewers. Even once-maligned brands, such as Best Buy's Insignia house line, are finding new respect.

The 42-inch Insignia NS-L42X-10A (*Est. $850) is a case in point. We saw one professional review that singles it out as a consideration for value shoppers. There are some flaws in picture quality to be sure, but it is judged to be solid overall. The fact that it comes with a two-year warranty -- twice as long as the industry average -- is certainly a plus. Owners are also very pleased with the NS-L42X-10A. At BestBuy.com, around 40 users had reported in at last look, and every one says that they would recommend the set to a friend. While this TV just misses the cut as a Best Reviewed selection, it certainly bears consideration for those looking for reasonable quality at a rock-bottom price.