Toshiba REGZA 55ZV650U

The 55-inch Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U is a great value choice among big-screen LCD TVs, though the picture quality doesn't quite measure up to the best, such as the considerably more costly 55-inch Samsung UN55B8000 (*Est. $3,010). The biggest shortfall is in the black levels, which are poorer than competing sets. The TV also has a screen that's more prone to reflections than some others. On the other hand, colors are accurate, and except for the lack of Internet access or network features, the feature set is reasonably rich. Toshiba uses a little technical slight-of-hand to transform the set's 120 Hz refresh rate into a simulated 240 Hz, but reviews say it's just as effective as true 240 Hz. However, most also add that the jump from 120 Hz to 240 Hz provides little benefit.

PCMag.com doesn't test a lot of LCD TVs, but its detailed and fairly technical report on the 55-inch Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U is among the best available. CNET also provides a comprehensive review, though its evaluation is based on hands-on testing of a smaller TV in the ZV650U series. ConsumerReports.org also weighs in on the TV, though you'll need to be a subscriber to read it. Owner reviews are hard to come by, but there's a small handful at Amazon.com.