LCD TV

New developments affect TV technology

Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have established a deadline of February 2009 for the end of analog broadcasting. That means that you'll need a television with an ATSC-compatible (Advanced Television Systems Committee) digital tuner in order to watch TV over the air with an antenna after that date. Note that cable (as long as you use a cable box) and satellite TV deliver their signals in a completely different way and are not affected by the change in over-the-air broadcasting.

As part of that ruling, Congress and the FCC are requiring that manufacturers include a digital tuner in all new TVs, regardless of type. TVs equipped with a digital tuner need no additional equipment aside from an antenna to receive digital signals over the air. For cable subscribers, if the digital tuner is QAM-capable, you will also be able to receive non-premium, unscrambled HDTV and other digital content. (QAM is the transmission scheme cable companies use to distribute digital TV signals.) For premium programming, you will still need an external decoder, usually a cable box.

Essentially, that means all new TVs are capable of receiving HDTV signals over the air. HDTV televisions are able to display those signals at high resolution. You'll also see televisions called "digital TVs," or EDTVs (Enhanced-Definition TVs) on the market. While these have digital tuners and can receive HDTV signals, they can only display the programming at a reduced resolution -- about the same as that of a standard DVD. Because prices for LCD HDTVs have dropped so much in recent years, most of the remaining LCD EDTVs are small-screen (20 inches and less) models. For more on HDTV resolutions, see our separate report on HDTV .

Virtually all current LCD HDTVs now have an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) input. That input is becoming more common in all types of home-theater equipment, including Blu-ray disc players, upconverting standard DVD players, high-definition cable TV and satellite boxes, and home theater receivers. With HDMI, you can connect various components in a home theater setup using single cables for digital video and multichannel sound. HDMI also supports High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). This system is intended to prevent people from making copies of high-definition movies. HDMI is usually required to see movies in the highest resolution from upconverting standard DVD or Blu-ray players.

Plasma vs. LCD TV

Both plasma and LCD flat-panel displays are capable of delivering high-definition TV within a thin case, but there are differences between the two.

LCD TVs are available in many more screen sizes than plasma. Plasma screens start as small as 32 inches, but the majority of sets have 42-inch or 50-inch screens. Some giant plasma TVs up to 150 inches have been demonstrated. In contrast, LCD TVs can be as small as a few inches, and manufacturers have demonstrated LCD TVs with screen sizes of up to 108 inches. For home theaters, LCD TVs with screen sizes from 32 inches to 52 inches are most popular.

Many bigger-screen LCD TVs are now capable of displaying HDTV in its highest broadcast resolution of 1920 x 1080i (most HD televisions shows are broadcast at this resolution). In addition, most can accept and display 1920 x 1080p (progressive) signals, such as those from a Blu-ray player or game console. By contrast, many plasma TVs support a maximum resolution of either 1366 x 768 pixels (for 50-inch and larger TVs) or 1024 x 768 or 1024 x 1024 (for 42-inch TVs). While those resolutions are still considered high-def, 1920 x 1080i signals have to be scaled down by the TV to fit the display. Full 1920 x 1080 plasma TVs are finally becoming common as well, and prices have dropped to the point where they are competitive with their LCD counterparts. (You can read more about high-definition resolution in our report on HDTV .)

Plasma TVs are known for their ability to display dark colors and deep blacks better than LCD TVs. That makes plasma TVs a good choice for movie watching, where dark scenes are common. LCD TVs appear brighter, but they don't display dark scenes as well. If your room is brightly lit, an LCD might be a better choice, since the screen won't wash out in daylight. Many LCD screens have an adjustable backlight, so you can control the brightness of the screen. Plasma TVs, on the other hand, are more prone to glare when viewed in a bright room. Some newer plasma TVs have screens that do a better job of handling reflections, while some current LCD TVs use a panel that’s more reflective than others.

Plasma screens have wider viewing angles than LCD flat screens. That means you can sit at more of an angle and still get the best picture, one reason why reviewers (such as CNet's David Katzmaier) say a plasma screen gives you "better home theater performance than LCD." With conventional TVs, the picture stays the same from virtually any angle. With LCD televisions, sitting too far to one side will result in a loss of brightness. It's the same effect you get if you try to look at a laptop screen from a sharp angle. Reports say that better LCD TVs have fewer issues with limited viewing angles.

LCD TVs can sometimes have problems with moving images. Those problems show up in two ways. The first is ghost or "comet" trails following fast moving objects in a scene. Reviews say that ghost trails are almost non-existent in better performing LCD TVs.

The other problem is image blur -- pictures look softer or appear to smear -- with fast action. The newest LCD TVs are using faster 120 Hz refresh rates -- the rate at which individual images are placed on the screen -- instead of the more traditional 60 Hz in an attempt to overcome that. However, the signal processing involved is fairly complex because the source material has its own frame rate (the number of individual images per second), typically 24 or 60 depending on whether it is film or video, and reports say that some LCD TVs do a better job in this regard than others. Robert Silva at About.com has a great primer explaining refresh rates and frame rates; you can find the link in our Best Research section below.

Although larger LCDs are now available, if you want a screen over 47 inches (measured diagonally), and can accept the lower resolution, plasma is generally a little less expensive (and even that gap is closing fast), and 1080p plasma TVs are becoming price competitive with LCD TVs of similar sizes and quality. LCD is the clear choice if you want a smaller screen size. Because LCDs are available in a wider range of sizes, you can choose a size to fit your room and budget. If you want to put your TV in a brightly lit room, LCD is the way to go, but plasma will generally look better in light-controlled environments.

Sony and Samsung LCD TVs lead reviews

The current generation of Sony BRAVIA XBR LCD TVs is wowing critics. For example, the 46-inch Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR4 (*est. $2,500) shares the distinction of being the highest-rated LCD TV at CNet.

The Sony KDL-46XBR4 is a1080p LCD TV. The black level is one of the most deep and realistic, but it falls just short of that offered by the very best plasma TVs. Color performance is excellent, and the set is also better than most LCD TVs in the areas of off-angle viewing and screen uniformity.

The Sony KDL-46XBR4 is one of the current sets offering a 120 Hz frame rate -- up from 60 Hz in earlier generations of LCD TVs. Critics say that this change can be effective in helping motion blur, but that the effectiveness greatly depends on how the TV handles the original source material. Thomas J. Norton, in his review for UltimateAVmag.com, says the Sony KDL-46XBR4 does it very well, adding that while he was a skeptic at first, Sony's implementation "really works." In fact, Norton notes that it compares favorably with an outboard image processor costing nearly $30,000.

Norton mentions that not all will be fans of 120 Hz processing for all types of sources. In particular, he says that some feel that it makes 24fps film sources look more like 60fps video, damaging the "look and feel" of film. You can clearly place CNet's David Katzmaier in that camp, as he says, "Hollywood films mostly suffer to our eye from Sony's smooth treatment." He also writes that he saw only a few instances where 120 Hz processing cleaned up blur noticeably compared to a good performing 60 Hz LCD TV.

The Sony KDL-46XBR4 also has good, but not outstanding connectivity, with three HDMI inputs, two component video inputs and a PC input that can handle 1920 x 1080 signals. It's also a nice looking television, with a bezel that can be swapped out for colored bezels (at extra cost). The high price is the biggest drawback.

The Sony XBR4 series of LCD TVs is also available with a 40-inch screen size as the KDL-40XBR4 (*est. $1,940) and a 52-inch screen size as the KDL-52XBR4 (*est. $3,300) . PC World is among the reviewers that give the KDL-52XBR4 kudos for its high-definition performance, but says other options might be better values for those who don't demand the very best picture quality. Scott Wilkinson, in his review for UltimateAVmag.com, criticizes black level performance, but adds that "there are few LCD TVs -- at least, among those with conventional fluorescent backlights -- that can do as well." PC Magazine's Robert Heron notes some "quirks," but adds that the KDL-52XBR4 "is capable of delivering some of the best image quality I've seen from an LCD HDTV," which earns the set one of the magazine's Editors’ Choice awards.

The 40-inch Sony KDL-40XBR4 LCD TV also has its fans. For example, Lawrence E. Ullman, writing for The Perfect Vision (which was incorporated into Playback magazine earlier this year), says that it is a "remarkable TV in every important respect." He notes that less expensive LCD TVs are available, but adds that "if you demand the best possible picture, the extra dollars will be money well spent."

Sony also offers an XBR5 series of BRAVIA LCD TVs. However, reviewers say that except for a styling difference (an unchangeable piano-black high-gloss bezel instead of the XBR4's interchangeable colored bezels) and a slightly higher price, the 40-inch BRAVIA KDL-40XBR5 (*est. $2,200) , 46-inch BRAVIA KDL-46XBR5 (*est. $2,600) and 52-inch BRAVIA KDL-52XBR5 (*est. $3,500) are identical to the same-size XBR4 models.

Samsung LCD TVs also do well in reviews, though none score higher than the company's Series 6 TVs, which include the 52-inch LN52A650 (*est. $2,500) , 46-inch LN46A650 (*est. $1,750) and the 40-inch LN40A650 (*est. $1,375) . These sets build upon their also well-regarded predecessors by offering an improved dynamic range specification, better connectivity and more. The TV also features a new sleek Touch of Color (ToC) bezel design that adds a little bit of color to the traditional piano-black finish. While the screen is a little more reflective than traditional matte-screen LCD TVs, it features a new anti-glare treatment. Extra goodies include an InfoLink feature that gathers news, weather and sports information from the Internet for display on demand on the TV.

Reports on these TVs are glowing. CNet awards the 52-inch Samsung LN52A650 an Editors' Choice designation. High points include great blacks and very accurate color reproduction. Reviewer David Katzmaier goes so far to say that the LN52A650 "produces arguably the best picture of any LCD TV we've tested so far." The biggest negative is the reflective screen. Though CNet doesn't test other Series 6 screen sizes, site editors add that they expect the 40-inch and 46-inch versions to perform similarly. Popular Mechanics pitted the 40-inch Samsung LN40A650 against a budget 42-inch set from Vizio -- a maker that's highly regarded for producing TVs with great bang for the buck. It's not surprising that the Samsung prevailed, but the difference in picture quality was so striking that the magazine's editors say, "While the Vizio is a steal at less than half the price of the Samsung, buying a pricier set could be the smart choice."

Lots of owner feedback has amassed for these LCD TVs, and it’s impressive, to say the least. One reported issue with this series -- random shut-downs -- has been fixed in an update to the TV's software. The series also includes several smaller-screen LCD televisions that have lower resolution and fewer features, but with the ToC bezel.

Samsung also offers a step-up 7 Series, which adds a few additional features -- such as an integrated subwoofer and 1 GB of memory that comes pre-loaded with content such as recipes and artwork -- but is otherwise identical. Professional and user reviews are similarly positive. For example, PC Magazine names the 52-inch Samsung LN52A750 (*est. $2,620) an Editors' Choice and says that as long as you don't place it in a brightly lit room, it provides "an impressive viewing experience.” David Katzmaier at CNet is similarly impressed with the picture quality of the A750 series of LCD TVs, saying that it is every bit as good as that of the A650 series. However, he says that the added features aren't worth the extra cost, and gives the overall nod to the less expensive Samsungs for that reason. Other models in the series include the 46-inch Samsung LN46A750 (*est. $1,880) and 40-inch Samsung LN40A750 (*est. $1,570) .

Moving down the line, though the Series 5 Samsung TVs lack some of the goodies found in the company's more expensive offerings, reports are very positive. In PC World's latest comparison review of nine 46- and 47-inch LCD HDTVs, the 46-inch Samsung LN46A550 (*est. $1,500) lands on top of the stack. Editor Lincoln Spector writes that the LN46A550 is "a well-rounded high-def television that does close to everything you'd want it to." User reviews we saw of this and other TVs in the series are overwhelmingly glowing. The one sore spot, however, is that sound quality isn't the best.

One key difference between this and the Series 6/7 sets above is that these TVs don't support a 120 Hz refresh rate, just the traditional 60 Hz. The series also lacks the reflective screen, which might make it a better choice for a well-lit space. The bezel, while attractive, lacks the Touch of Color styling of Samsung's more upscale televisions. In addition to the 46-inch LN46A550, screen sizes include the 52-inch LN52A550 (*est. $1,720) , 40-inch LN40A550 (*est. $1,070) , 37-inch LN37A550 (*est. $990) and 32-inch LN32A550 (*est. $895) .

Other top-rated LCD TVs

Most reports on Toshiba's high-end REGZA XF550 Series are positive. For example, Sound & Vision awards the 52-inch REGZA 52XF550 (*est. $3,000) a Certified and Recommended tag. Al Griffin lists strong points as very great blacks and shadow detail, crisp picture quality, good screen uniformity and viewing angle and effective 120 Hz processing. Adrienne Maxwell at Audio Video Revolution is similarly impressed with the Toshiba LCD TV. However, while both reviewers say that the TV deserves serious consideration, both offer the same important caveat: disappointing out-of-the-box color. Color points, color temperature and grey scale tracking are all identified as issues. A "patient user" can fix most of the problems using the set's controls, but professional calibration might be needed for the TV to deliver all that it is capable of -- which, in most experts' opinion is quite a lot.

We've seen mixed results on the latest generation of LCD HDTVs from LG. Most agree, however, that the flagship LG60 series is good, but just how good is a matter of dispute among experts. For example, CNet gives the 47-inch LG 47LG60 (*est. $2,300) a so-so review. David Katzmaier compliments the outstanding array of picture controls, including "best-in-class" calibration controls, and notes that the colors can be adjusted to be very accurate. Styling is also striking. This TV is part of LG's Scarlett series, which features a black bezel with red trim. The rear of the TV's case is also red, and you can find a red accent on the chrome-topped stand. Katzmaier says the TV "makes quite an impression when turned off."

His biggest issue with the LG 47LG60 is black levels, which Katzmaier says falls short of competing HDTVs. However, Robert Heron at PC Magazine has quite a different take. He, too, notes that other televisions produce deeper blacks but still feels that the 47LG60 "is the best LCD set we've seen," and names the TV an Editors' Choice. Positives include excellent color quality and great HD display. Except when viewed in the darkest of rooms, overall picture contrast is good. Standard-definition programming is also very good, though some artifacts (jagged edges) are spotted in a benchmark test. Sound & Vision also admires the 47LG60, tagging it with its Recommended and Certified award.

Best budget LCD TVs

If you don't care about the highest 1080p resolution, Samsung's value-priced Series 4 LCD HDTVs are a great option. Black levels fall short of the best LCD TVs, but are relatively dark compared to sets in its class. Colors are described as accurate and well saturated by David Katzmaier in his CNet review of the 32-inch LN32A450 (*est. $720) . He adds that the LCD TV is a little more expensive than some budget 32-inch TVs, but that picture quality and features put the TV ahead of "the rest of the 32-inch LCD pack." He notes that the resolution is only 720p, but adds that the benefits of 1080p "are wasted" on a TV with this screen size. If you have a little more room and a little bigger budget, the 37-inch Samsung LN37A450 (*est. $830) has also scored well in professional reviews, and both sets seem to be hits with owners. The series also includes 19- to 40-inch screen sizes ranging in street prices from $385 to $1,000.

Not long ago, Westinghouse Digital's LCD TV offerings were largely written off as the lowest of low end. Those days are gone. While not every set they produce hits the mark, a few are drawing rave reviews. One such model is the 52-inch Westinghouse TX-52F480S (*est. $1,700) . PC Magazine is so taken with the set that it names it an Editors' Choice. The set is blessed with excellent contrast and an adjustable backlight that can be dialed down in a darkened room to create excellent black levels. But Robert Heron is most taken by the TV's outstanding value. Scott Wilkinson at UltimateAV also finds the value compelling and strongly recommends the TV for those on tighter budgets, but does note several picture defects, including softening in scenes with lots of fast motion.

Vizio continues to produce TVs that earn kudos for their combination of great value and good performance. For example, Dick De Jong at HDTV Solutions has some nice things to say about Vizio's VO47L FHDTV (*est. $1,350) 1080p HDTV. He finds the price "compelling," and lauds the LCD TV for its ease of use. He also gives the picture quality a thumbs-up despite black levels that could be deeper, but adds, "If you are a tenacious videophile intent on finding the flawless HDTV for your home theater, then turn your merciless gaze elsewhere." CNet.com isn't as complimentary, but largely concurs. David Katzmaier cites some "picture quality quibbles," but adds that the TV "stays true to the company's good-value reputation." The VO47L FHDTV is mainly available at warehouse retailers such as Costco, BJ's and Sam's Club.

AOC is better known as a maker of computer monitors than LCD TVs, but we saw nice comments about the AOC Envision L32W761 (*est. $560) at Playback magazine, where it earns a recommended tag. David Birch-Jones says that the TV is "a winner, with solid performance that belies the quite affordable $550 price tag." Color fidelity and overall picture quality are great considering the TV's price. The biggest negative mentioned is that out-of-the box picture quality isn't very good. Helpfully, the review provides recommended settings that turn the set "from an ugly duckling into a magnificent swan." User reviews are also largely positive.

Best small LCD TV

Widescreen LCD TVs that measure less than 25 inches are significantly cheaper than larger LCD panels. While LCD televisions this size will look awfully small mounted on a wall, their smaller size makes them great for a second set for the bedroom or office. Some -- but not all -- also have a PC input that allows them to be used with a personal computer.

Small-screen TVs don't get much in the way of attention from professional reviewers -- in fact, CNet states point blank that it does not review TVs smaller than 32 inches -- but user review destinations such as AVSForum.com, CircuitCity.com. BestBuy.com, Buzzillions.com and Amazon.com can provide great guidance. Small-screen versions of LCD TVs that score very highly can also be good bets. Though specifications can vary, the same general quality found in larger-screen members of a highly rated series will typically ripple through all screen sizes, even the smallest.

In light of that, the 19-inch Samsung LN19A450 seems to be a solid choice. It's a member of Samsung's A450 series, which includes the well-regarded 32-inch LN32A450, the ConsumerSearch Fast Answer in that screen size.

While there are not many reviews at any one user review site, collective feedback at Amazon.com, Best Buy.com, Buzzillions.com and elsewhere paint an attractive picture. For example, the Samsung LN19A450 (*est. $385) rates highly at Buzzillions and, impressively, everyone who has weighed in says they would recommend the TV to a friend. This is a widescreen HDTV with 720p resolution. Its compact size, made even smaller by the use of hidden, bottom-firing speakers, makes it a good fit for smaller spaces such as an office, small bedroom or kitchen counter. In addition to the standard and ubiquitous black bezel, the TV is available in white as the Samsung LN19A451 (*est. $385) , and that seems to be a popular option. Connectivity is skimpy, with just one HDMI input, but that's not as critical a shortcoming as it would be in a big-screen set that's more likely to be part of a home theater setup. The only consistent negative we could spot is that some users consider the sound quality to be weak.

Of course, almost any LCD computer monitor could be used as a television through your computer. But since monitors don't include a tuner, you'll need to install a TV tuner card in your computer to receive over-the-air or analog cable TV (tuners for digital cable TV are both rare and expensive), and you'll have to boot up your computer to watch television. Many monitors now include an HDMI input in addition to the more typical VGA and DVI connections. For more on computer monitors , see the separate ConsumerSearch report.

Important Features: LCD TVs

You should consider the following factors when shopping for an LCD TV:

• Decide whether you want plasma or LCD. LCD TVs are available in a wider variety of sizes and prices. Plasma displays are found only in sizes of 32 inches or larger. Although plasma TVs are a little less expensive than large-sized LCD TVs, many LCD TVs have higher resolution. The best LCD TVs, such as those in the Sony BRAVIA XBR and Samsung A650 lines, are able to approach the black levels achieved by plasma. Reviews say LCDs are brighter but have more viewing angle issues than plasmas, making them an iffy choice for big family rooms where several people may be watching at an angle.

• Picture-in-picture allows you to view two video sources at once, with one appearing as an inset in a small window on the screen. Single-tuner PIP lets you watch TV in one window and another source (such as a DVD) in the second window. A set with two tuners enables you to watch two television sources at once. Be aware that some cable boxes will negate a dual-tuner PIP feature and may only allow you to watch one digital source at a time. Many manufacturers are eliminating PIP, especially from lower-priced TVs.

• Look for lots of HDMI inputs. This connection keeps the signal all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as the signal passes through other components (such as a cable box). HDMI carries high-definition audio as well as video. Some satellite receivers and DVD players connect through this port, and it is a must for viewing the output of a high-definition Blu-ray player. HDMI also supports HDCP, a copy-protection standard that prevents people from making copies of high-definition movies. Many high-def discs can't play in full resolution except through HDMI, and most upconverting standard-definition DVD players will only pass upconverted movies via this connection.

• Match TV size to the size of your room. Because HD LCD screens have higher resolutions than older TVs, you can sit closer than what used to be the norm. That means you can get away with a bigger screen. Even so, 52-inch screens that look great in a showroom may overwhelm a small room.

• Shop around for price. In our research, we found big price differences from retailer to retailer, so it pays to look around.

• Verify that the TV comes with a stand or mounting hardware. Most LCD TVs come with a basic table stand, but wall-mounting hardware, if not included, could cost an additional $100 to $200.

• Check the manufacturer's policy before buying online. Some manufacturers have strict policies regarding authorized dealers. For example, if you buy a Sharp LCD TV from an unauthorized dealer, you've probably voided your manufacturer's warranty. However, the retailer may offer a substitute warranty. We found a substantial price differential between Sharp's authorized dealers and discounters. Be sure to calculate your threshold for risk on such a large purchase and to ask the dealer about warranty coverage.

If you aren't completely attached to the idea of a flat panel, you get more big-screen for your money in a rear-projection TV. These models, which are based on LCD, DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology, are much thinner and lighter than older CRT-based rear-projection TVs. Please see our separate report for more information on projection TV . It's possible to find a 1080p 50-inch rear-projection TV for less than the price of a 42-inch LCD TV with the same resolution.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR4 (*est. $2,500)	details
2	Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR4 (*est. $3,300)	details
2	Samsung LN52A650 (*est. $2,500)	details
2	Samsung LN52A750 (*est. $2,620)	details
2	Samsung LN46A550 (*est. $1,500)	details
2	Samsung LN32A450 (*est. $720)	details
2	LG 47LG60 (*est. $2,300)	details
2	Vizio VO47L (*est. $1,350)	details
2	Toshiba 52XF550 (*est. $3,000)	details
2	Westinghouse Digital TX-42F430S (*est. $1,120)	details
2	Westinghouse Digital TX-52F480S (*est. $1,700)	details
2	AOC Envision L32W761 (*est. $560)	details
1 each	Insignia (Best Buy): NS-LCD32-09 LG: 52LG50 , 42LG50 , 37LG50 Olevia: 242T Panasonic: TC-37LZ85 Samsung: LN46A750 , LN37A450 , LN40A550 , LN52A550 Sceptre: x42BV-FullHD Sharp: LC-52D64U , LC-42D64U Sony: KDL-46W4100 , KDL-40V4100 , KDL-37N4000 Toshiba: 32CV510U Vizio: VO42L , VW32L, VX32L , VU42L

Sony BRAVIA XBR4/XBR5 series LCD TVs, such as the 46-inch KDS-46XBR4, are wowing critics with their great color, uniformity and black levels which are said to approach those of plasma TV. The Samsung Series 6 TVs have a more reflective screen than the XBR5/XBR5, but strong black levels and especially accurate color reproduction have made those sets competitive with the best. Samsung's Series 5 LCD TVs lack some of the bells and whistles of its more expensive sibling, and black levels aren't as deep, but the TVs still deliver great picture quality and are attractively priced. Samsung's Series 4 LCD TVs, including the 19-inch LN19A450 and 32-inch LN32A450, are getting great feedback as top performers among smaller-screen LCD TVs. Among budget options, Vizio brand LCD TVs deliver performance that falls just short of the top options, but at a far lower price, and we saw some nice recommendations for the 32-inch AOC Envision L32W761 from professional reviewers as well as users. Sharp LCD TVs continue to offer great black levels, but reports say that other picture issues put them behind the top options, particularly among 1080p sets.

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