Runner-Up LCD TVs

Other top-rated LCD TVs

While LCD TVs with LED backlights come out on top in most professional reviews, LCD TVs with conventional cold-cathode fluorescent backlights still earn their fare share of reviewer respect. These are excellent alternatives for those looking for great performance -- sometimes even better than certain LED backlit TVs -- at a more modest price.

As is the case with the company's LED-backlit LCD TVs, Samsung's conventional LCD TVs score well in reviews. CNET says the picture quality on the conventionally lit Samsung LNB750 series of LCD TVs is actually a bit better than its UNB7000 and UNB6000 series of LED-backlit TVs, though more upscale Samsung LED TVs are better still. Other professional reviews are equally complimentary, and user reviews are exceptionally solid.

The Samsung LNB750 series of LCD TVs is available in numerous screen sizes, including the 52-inch Samsung LN52B750 (*Est. $2,020), 46-inch Samsung LN46B750 (*Est. $1,670) and 40-inch Samsung LN40B750 (*Est. $1,460). Black levels are deep and satisfying -- on a par with Sony's XBR8 series of LED-lit LCD TVs but a small step behind better plasma TVs. Colors are also accurate and uniformity is good. There are extensive picture controls for those who want to get things closer to technically perfect. Image-processing features include a 240 Hz refresh rate and independent de-judder circuitry. Performance with standard-def sources is solid. Interactivity and Internet connectivity is identical to the more expensive Samsung UNB7000 LCD TVs and includes Yahoo! Widgets. Energy efficiency is excellent.

Styling is attractive. Samsung's signature Touch of Color bezel is back, this time with a grey tint that's more subtle than the red used in other models. While the more reflective screen treatment improves picture quality and holds black levels fairly well in well-lit rooms, it is also more reflection-prone than many other LCD TVs.

The step-down LNB650 series of Samsung LCD HDTVs also gets its share of accolades -- though some reviewers are more smitten than others. For example, CNET puts the TV on its list of top LCDs and says that it will outperform most other LCD TVs, but adds that picture quality is a step behind Samsung's LNB750 and LED backlit TVs. TelevisionInfo.com -- one of the toughest and most thorough evaluators of TVs around -- looks at the 40-inch Samsung LN40B650 (*Est. $1,190) and calls it "impressive," with great blacks and solid -- though not perfect -- color performance. Other screen sizes include the 55-inch Samsung LN55B650 (*Est. $2,310), 46-inch Samsung LN46B650 (*Est. $1,450), 37-inch Samsung LN37B650 (*Est. $1,025) and 32-inch LN32B650 (*Est. $890).

In terms of features, the big difference between the LCD TVs, spec-wise, is the use of a 120 Hz rather than a 240 Hz refresh rate. But, as reviewers point out, the advantages of 240 Hz versus 120 Hz -- or even 120 Hz versus 60 Hz -- are difficult or impossible to see in normal program material. Everything else -- including the presence of interactive and Web-centric options and commendable energy efficiency -- is the same. The Touch of Color bezel sports red in the LNB650 -- something some experts like and others don't. The reflective screen treatment in the LNB750 LCD TV is here as well, and the same issues apply. User reviews are, again, very strong.

LG's LH55 series of LCD TVs draws kudos for their very accurate colors and great number of user-accessible picture controls. Features include a 240 Hz refresh rate and anti-judder circuitry. In its test of the 42-inch LG 42LH55 (*Est. $990), CNET points out that you can't engage one without the other, limiting both flexibility and usefulness. Additionally, while test patterns show that a 240 Hz refresh rate does reduce motion blur, it's hard to spot improvement while watching normal programming. There are no Web or interactive features.

According to CNET, what keeps the LH55 series of LCD TVs from moving up against the competition are weak black levels that rob images of some punch. LCDTVBuyingGuide.com also notes that blacks in the 47-inch LG 47LH55 (*Est. $1,300) are "not the richest and deepest we've experienced," but adds that they are adequate. The screen treatment does a good job of controlling reflections without harming image quality. Energy efficiency is excellent, and value is good, with LCDTVBuyingGuide.com saying that it is reviewer Robert Wiley's favorite LCD TV in its price range. Other sizes include the 37-inch LG 37LH55 (*Est. $875) and 55-inch LG 55LH55 (*Est. $1,700).

Unlike the company's XBR8 series, Sony XBR9 LCD TVs feature conventional backlights. Despite that, picture quality is generally excellent, and the TV has a rich roster of features, including 240 Hz processing, de-judder circuitry and Internet streaming capabilities. But most reviewers offset those pluses with some noteworthy minuses, including a high price for what you get. Sets in the series include the 52-inch Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR0 (*Est. $2,020), 46-inch Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR9 (*Est. $1,600), and 40-inch Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR9 (*Est. $1,400). All should perform similarly.

In CNET's review of the 52-inch Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR9, David Katzmaier says that although picture performance is good, it can't really match the performance of most LED-backlit TVs, let alone better plasma sets. Lighter, though still respectable black levels are why. Color performance is also good, but not quite perfect. Digital streaming is the most compelling extra, and there's Yahoo! Widgets support, as well as videos from partners such as Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube and CBS. Netflix support is supposed to be on its way. Even so, CNET finds the video content less than compelling. Energy efficiency is excellent and styling is attractive.

A 32-inch XBR9 LCD TV, the Sony Bravia KDL-32XBR9 (*Est. $800) is also offered. Experts have not weighed in on the smallest XBR9 LCD TV, but CNET notes it has both a lower contrast ratio and lower refresh speed than other sets in the series. User reviews are generally good.

If a Sony LCD TV with robust video streaming is a must, experts suggest looking at the W5100 series as well. It includes the 65-inch Sony Bravia KDL-65W5100 (*Est. $4,500), 52-inch Sony Bravia KDL-52W5100 (*Est. $1,700), 46-inch Sony Bravia KDL-46W5100 (*Est. $1,500) and 40-inch Sony Bravia KDL-40W5100 (*Est. $1,000). Compared to the XBR9 series, features are very similar, except for a lower 120 Hz refresh rate. Picture performance is also roughly equal, and very good overall. Again, the big extra is the extensive Internet streaming capabilities. As before, CNET treats that with a critical shrug, although some other reviewers are more impressed, with TelevisionInfo.com saying it "offers significant value" in its review of the KDL-40W5100.