LCD TVs: Expert and User Reviews

Our AssessmentTelevisionInfo.com has done a better job than most other sites in staying on top of the 2011 TV scene. The site also provides some of the most exhaustive reviews we've seen, and some of what's provided might leave nonvideophiles overwhelmed. That said, each review includes a clear conclusion that features explicit buying advice and alternatives. The editors are tough critics, and no TVs -- even top rated ones -- escape without at least some flaws exposed. An overall rating for each set is calculated from an extensive set of sub-ratings. A ranking of the top HDTVs is provided, but it would be more useful if older HDTVs were not included.

Our AssessmentThough Home Theater magazine doesn't review as many LCD TVs as other sites do, it does conduct in-depth testing and produces reports that are among the most detailed we've seen. Best LCD TVs are honored with a Top Pick designation. Picture quality wins the Sony XBR-55HX929 that honor despite some issues with 3D performance. The less expensive Samsung UN46D6000 also qualifies on the strength of its performance and as an exceptional value.

Our AssessmentPCMag.com looks at LCD TVs in single-product reviews and occasional articles that compare previously reviewed TVs. Reviewed LCD TVs are rated, but most of the TVs on this list have not received a full report. The very best LCD TVs are singled out as Editors' Choice selections. Thus far, the Sony KDL-46EX720 and LG 47LW5600 make the grade for their good picture quality, rich feature set (including 3D) and relatively affordable prices. The Sharp LC-70LE735U carries a price tag that's almost as big as its 70-inch screen, but it also performs up to Editors' Choice standards.

Our AssessmentThis site covers LCD TVs in single-product reports and occasional multi-set roundups. Testing is competently executed and explained in reasonable depth, but fewer TVs are discussed than at other sites. Ratings are provided for factors such as performance and value, and overall grades are assigned. Standout TVs are honored with a Highly Recommended label, but no current-year TVs qualify as of yet. The Sony XBR-46H929 draws the highest rating, with superior picture quality and a full line up of features.

Our AssessmentAmazon.com invites owners to share their experiences with potential buyers. Many of the TVs offered get enough user ratings to help visitors get a handle on which ones are considered best. The site is among the easiest to use for evaluating owner-written reviews. Both the ratings and number of reviews each LCD TV has received are visible on the main navigation pages. Many LCD TV sets rate similarly, so it's easy to spot if one set gets above or below average reviews from users. While last year's still-available models get much more feedback, many current LCD TVs have a considerable number of reviews. Many TVs with lots of reviews score similarly -- between 4 and 4. 5 stars.

Our AssessmentPC World summarizes its picks for the best 2011 HDTV in this round-up article based on recent reviews. Both plasma and LCD TVs are included, and links lead to longer, testing-based reviews. The LCD TVs -- the Samsung UN46D8000, LG 47LW6500 and Sony 46HX820 -- drift to the top on the basis of their good picture quality, though none are totally free of flaws.

Our AssessmentHomeTheaterReview.com reviews a number of LCD TVs -- including some budget sets that rarely get an airing at other sites. Unfortunately, those discussions are interspersed with reviews based solely on features and expected performance rather than testing, though to the site's credit, it at least clearly identifies when that's the case. Ratings are provided, though can't be given tons of weight since both tested and untested sets are treated alike. Among current sets that have undergone testing, the 3D-capable Vizio E3D470VX gets a mostly positive review. The LG 42LK450 is a good choice for those that value performance over features, while the Sharp LC-70LE732U is worth considering by those who want a really big screen at less than a budget breaking price. Offerings from Sanyo, Philips and Westinghouse draw reserved recommendations for value-oriented buyers with realistic expectations, but the Dynex (Best Buy) DX-46L260A12 should be avoided at any price.

Our AssessmentThough few of the top-performing LCD TVs can be found here, Walmart.com is a good source for user reviews of budget-friendly options. The overall rating is shown on the main navigation page, but you'll need to click through to the individual product pages to see how many reviews a particular LCD TV has received. Reviewers are asked to leave ratings on picture quality, sound quality, value and more, and also provide a little information about themselves and how long they've used the TV. Some reviewers include discussion, while others only leave ratings. Many of the LCD TVs have lots of feedback -- more than 100 reviews and ratings in some cases -- but many more just get a handful of reviews.

Our AssessmentThis site for the video and audio obsessed takes a look at a couple of recent LED TVs. Conclusions are clearly stated, but much of the discussion -- especially the results of bench testing -- will likely go over the heads of nonvideophiles. No ratings are provided, but positives and negatives are discussed. Flaws are found, but the Toshiba 55SL417U offers enough value to earn a recommendation. The LG 55LW5600 is praised for its 2D and 3D performance, but the reviewers recommend auditioning the set in person to make sure that the reduced resolution of passive 3D -- or the screen texture that's part of that technology -- won't be turn offs.

Our AssessmentEpinions.com offers owner-written commentaries like those found at Amazon.com and similar sites. However, current models don't get nearly as many reviews, making this a far less useful resource. Still, it can be worth a quick visit, as the reviews that are posted tend to be more in-depth than those at retailer sites.