Samsung UN46B8000

Reviewers report that Samsung's B8000 series of LCD TVs, including the 46-inch Samsung UN46B8000 deliver terrific picture quality and rich array of features. An edge-lit LED backlight helps produce blacks that are deep and rich, though they are just edged out by the blacks in some other TVs, such as the step up Samsung UNB8500 series, which includes the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8500 (*Est. $4,050) and 46-inch Samsung UN46B8500 (*Est. $3,240).

The Samsung UN46B8000 also provides great colors, and there's an abundance of picture controls. Internet connectivity is offered, but reviewers and owners are mixed on how useful these features really are. Other perks include an enhanced refresh rate (240 Hz) and anti-judder processing to smooth out images and reduce blur, particularly during fast action or sports scenes. Those features can be turned on and off independently. Energy efficiency is great, though all LCD TVs are more efficient that similar-sized plasma TVs in general.

Reviewers do note a couple of concerns with the Samsung B8000 series of LCD TVs. For one, off-angle viewing isn't the best, so viewers sitting far to the side won't get the best picture. The screen treatment helps improve image quality, but it is more prone to throwing off reflections than more traditional matte LCD screens. Uniformity falls short of perfect and some parts of the screen seem brighter than others.