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| Home Page - LCD TV Reviews BEST LCD TV ReviewsTop-performing LCD Televisions for home entertainment
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Quick Guide to Home Theater Design Easy-to-follow e-book on how to design and build your Home Theater
by Duncan McClelland
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Big Screen LCD HDTVs: More affordable than ever...Up to not long ago, plasma ruled the flat panel big-screen TV world. For anything above 40 inches, plasma HDTVs offered superior performance at a more affordable price than LCDs. But as you can see from our LCD TV reviews, things are changing fast. The gap between these two display technologies has almost disappeared. In particular, price difference for screen sizes up to 46-inch between the two have practically vanished. Picture performance of the latest LCD HDTV sets has improved to the point that issues like high refresh rates and high contrast levels are no longer a prerogative of plasma displays. In addition, while LCD televisions may exhibit some image retention, pixel burn-in is not an issue with LCD TVs. Some argue that image burn-in is no longer worth worrying about with the latest plasmas especially if you do not push the brightness level too far. But if you want a bright screen for a brightly lit room, LCD is your best bet. Admittedly, there are areas where LCD TVs are at a disadvantage. Their inherently technical limitation to block all light from the backlight from reaching the surface makes it difficult for LCDs to handle predominantly dark images correctly while preserving the right brightness levels with good shadow detail for bright parts of the image. Plasma performance is unsurpassed here. Similarly, preserving screen uniformity and black level intensity with off-axis viewing are often problematic issues with many LCD TVs. [For a detailed discussion on the main differences between plasma and LCD, check our plasma vs. LCD TV article].
Samsung vs. Sony - The World's Top LCD TV MakersSamsung - A World Leader in the LCD HDTV MarketWay back in March 2008, Samsung came with its highly reputable Series 6 LCDs; the 52-inch model within this series turned out to be the best-selling HDTV for 2008. In their LCD TV review, CNET commented that the A650 Samsung LCD TV is capable of exceptional performance - with deep blacks, accurate colors and clean video processing.
At the time of this write-up, the best-selling model from within the B650 series is the 46-inch LN46B650 ($1,150) - thanks to its highly affordable price tag, deep blacks, and very good overall picture performance. Enhancements in this year Series 6 B650 lineup include a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio instead of the 50,000:1 found on the A650 as well as a full suite of interactivity options. These range from Internet@TV capabilities in the form of Yahoo Widgets; there is also a built-in content library and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) support to simplify multimedia sharing in the home. A detailed LCD TV review covering the full 2009 Series 6 Samsung LCD TV line is available on our site here. Samsung Series 7 - Samsung's best selling 52-inch LCD TV for 2009Samsung B750 Series 7 LCD TVs represent Samsung high-end CCFL-based LCD TVs for 2009 - with the 52-inch LN52B750 turning out to be the best seller. Consumer feedback at amazon shows that customers are extremely satisfied with this 52-inch HDTV - with the only real technical compliant being that sound quality is not so good. Unfortunately, this is typical of most of today's flat panel TVs. Main enhancement over the B650 is that addition of 240Hz technology on the B750 - apart from a higher contrast rating of 150,000:1 and a faster 2ms response time. The latter is necessary to support 240Hz refresh rate. When in June, we published our LCD TV review of the Samsung Series 7 LCDs, we had predicted that the LN52B750 would become what the LN52A650 has been for 2008 in terms of sales. Four months down the line, this has become the best-selling 52-inch LCD TV irrespective of brand. This is no surprise; at its present reduced price of just over $2,000, this 52-inch 240Hz LCD TV - with its rich cutting-edge feature set and solid picture quality, represents one of the most compelling HDTV options for home entertainment. For a detailed analysis of Samsung Series-7 LCDs, please refer to our B750 Samsung LCD TV review article here.
In our LCD TV review of the Samsung A950, we stated that these Samsung LED TVs are capable of exceptional black levels that are unsurpassed by any CCFL-based LCD. The same holds true for the new B8500 series HDTVs. Rather, as some lucky owners would tell you, B8500 Samsung LED TVs would literally disappear in the background when displaying dark content in a completely darkened room. Cnet adds that if you are able to take the best seat for your viewing position, the new Samsung LED TVs are capable of delivering the deepest blacks possible - even deeper than that of the Panasonic V10 series high-end plasma TVs. Mind you, most LED LCD TVs have got their issues as well - issues which in our opinion would relegate them to the second line with respect to the best plasmas when it comes to overall picture quality. It is true that sets such as the new B8500 Samsung HDTVs and Sony's XBR8 are just a hair apart from the top plasmas from Panasonic and Pioneer. But there again, these high-end LED TVs are very expensive; the 55-inch Samsung UN55B8500 is presently selling online at $4,000. More information on the latest Samsung LED TVs with local dimming is available in our B8500 Samsung LED LCD TV review article; this is a detailed product evaluation guide that discusses the B8500 features, specifications, and performance.
These Samsung LED TVs come with an ultra-thin 1.2-inch slim profile even at 55-inch; truly impressive especially when viewed from the side. Main step-up over conventional CCFL based LCDs - apart from their one inch thin profile, is their mega dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 and a 40% lower power consumption - which makes them the greenest HDTVs on the market. Among the most popular Samsung edge-lit LED TVs is the 55-inch Samsung UN55B6000 LED TV ($2,560), possibly because it offers the right mix of cutting edge technology and affordability. However, following the recent sharp drop in prices of Samsung LED TVs, the 55-inch UN55B8000 ($2,900) Samsung LED TV is taking the lead. With a price that is almost $1,000 below that MSRP, the B8000 offers the latest 'hot' specs - Internet TV capabilities and 240Hz refresh rate technology - both missing on the entry-level B6000 LED LCD TV series. Despite their new low price, these LED TVs do not come cheap. Expect to spend anything between $600 and $1,000 more than corresponding conventional LCD HDTVs. The popular Samsung LN46B750 1080p LCD TV is selling at almost $1,700 against the $2,300 of the equivalent feature spec Samsung UN46B8000 LED HDTV. This price difference would shoot upwards with LED TVs using local dimming; the high-end Samsung UN46B8500 is selling at $3,200. Surely, Samsung UNB8500 series is among the best LCD TVs ever released but... Performance wise, the new Samsung edge-lit LED HDTVs are a mixed bag - for the price - with issues that relate to screen uniformity and off-angle viewing in particular. But they also support exceptional deep blacks, accurate primary colors and clean video processing - all important for solid picture performance. However, the main selling point of the new Samsung edge-lit LED TVs is not their picture performance - most LCD TV reviews published by authority sites agree that some high-end conventional LCD TVs can do better in most areas for less. Rather, it is their ultra sleek design coupled with the latest cutting edge LED technology, and exceptionally low power consumption that make the Samsung edge-lit LED TV bundle hard to beat. For more information on the full lineup of 2009 Samsung LED TVs, please check our Samsung LED LCD TV review article here. Unfortunately, with 2009 LED LCD TVs, TV makers started referring to LED LCD HDTVs simply as LED TVs - without actually differentiating between 'local dimming LED light technology' and 'edge-lit LED technology.' For the non technically-minded consumer, LED lighting represents the latest cutting edge HDTV technology. Yet few realize that there is a significant difference in picture performance between edge-lit LED TVs and LED TVs using local dimming technology. While edge-lit LED TVs support lower power consumption and ultra slim profile, their overall picture and video performance is not exactly on par with local dimming LED lighting technology. Sony: Great quality products but... often expensiveA major competitor to Samsung in the area of flat panel LCD HDTVs is Sony. Last Year XBR8 LED HDTV series - with its local dimming LED Triluminos backlight technology, did turn out to the best LCD HDTV for 2008. XBR8 sets scored well in LCD TV reviews; its only real major problem was its very expensive price tag. A year down the line, the XBR8 Sony LED TV is still one of the best LCD TVs. Sony did not announce a replacement model and it is unlikely that it will do so now. The recently released high-end KDL-XBR10 Sony LED TV series - use edge-lit technology instead. We did not review these new Sony LED HDTVs nor have seen any LCD TV reviews so far of the XBR10. However, we believe it will be hard for these new Sony LED LCD TVs with their edge-lit backlight to outmatch XBR8 sets in black level performance and overall picture quality. Sony LED TVsSony LED TV lineup for 2009 comprises three sets, the two recently released XBR10 sets, the 46 inch Sony KDL-46XBR10 and the larger 52-inch Sony KDL-52XBR10, and the 40-inch Sony Bravia KLV-40ZX1M LED TV released in December 2008. The ZX1M is actually a monitor. All three sets come in an ultra slim profile that is just about an inch thin. Like the Samsung B6000/B7000/B8000 LED TV series, these Sony LED TV uses edge LED lighting instead of LED local dimming technology. Despite the expensive price tag of the KLV-40ZX1M, this Sony LED TV did not score well in an LCD TV review published on Cnet. While this 1.1-inch thick LCD LED TV exhibits accurate colors and very good energy efficiency - apart from the numerous picture controls, yet it lacks the black level performance and screen uniformity found on significantly less expensive conventional LCD HDTVs.
Sony's flagship comes with an extensive feature set and includes Sony MotionFlow 240Hz refresh rate technology, Internet powered TV guide, the latest Bravia Engine 3 image processing, and video streaming from Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, apart from a Sony version of Yahoo! widgets. However, an MSRP of $5,000 for the 52-inch and $4,500 for the 46 inch will surely turn off most potential HDTV buyers. Sony XBR9 Premium Line HDTVs
The XBR9 series comprises four models ranging in size from 32-inch up to the 52-inch KDL-52XBR9 ($2,000). This is equivalent to Samsung Series 7 LCD TVs and is characterized by a multitude of features. As typical with most premium 2009 HDTVs, this expensive line of Sony LCD HDTVs offers a full suite of interactive options termed BRAVIA Internet video/widgets. These let you enjoy both premium and free on-demand online entertainment directly to your HDTV. Services supported include Amazon Video-on-Demand, YouTube™, Sports Illustrated, Sony Pictures, Sony Music, Slacker, and Epicurious.com. Additional features include Sony's MotionFlow 240Hz refresh rate, 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, DLNA support, x.v.Colorwide technology for a wider color gamut, and plenty of connectivity options - including four HDMI inputs, three of which are placed on the side instead of the rear connection panel. Interesting is the presence of a TV Guide onscreen EGP for antenna and cable TV channels as well as the possibility to receive firmware updates straight to the TV. Performance wise, XBR9 LCD HDTVs are capable of deep blacks but that still does not match those of the best LED LCDs and premium plasma HDTVs. Colors are accurate and MotionFlow 240Hz dejudder processing do add that slight improvement over 120Hz based systems - though most would not discern any difference between the two. Dejudder is clean as long as you keep it in standard mode. There is a slight issue with screen uniformity - where large dark areas on the screen appear somewhat brighter in the middle. Yet, Sony XBR9 HDTVs still provide solid overall picture performance that is complemented by a rich feature set; however, these sets real strength is in their suite of interactive internet enabled content. More on the Sony's high-end XBR series is available in our Sony XBR9 LCD TV review. Sony Z5100 Series
The few real differences between the two series relate to a slightly different design - with the Z5100 featuring a somewhat wider frame at the bottom of the screen, and a minimal reduction in the supported color gamut. However, the marginally wider color range of the more expensive series is not much of use with today's available program content. We did not review yet the Z5100 but we expect this series to deliver very similar performance to the more expensive lineup at a lower price. Mind you, the Z5100 series do not come cheap either; the 52-inch BRAVIA Z-series LCD HDTV costs around $1,750. But overall, the Sony Z-series should offer solid value and prove to be an interesting option to those in the market for a quality Sony HDTV without paying the premium associated with the more expensive series. Other Sony LCD HDTVs for 2009 include the W5100 range which represents an economic HDTV option while delivering the same interactive functionality as the Z5100 and XBR9 models. Sony V5100 brings a 120Hz refresh rate into Sony's mid-tier models; these sets feature Sony's Motion Flow dejudder processing apart from dynamic backlight, Energy Star 3.0 and 4 HDMI inputs. A detailed LCD TV review of the KDL-V5100 series appears on our site here. Finally, the Sony S5100 represents Sony's entry-level 1080p HDTVs aimed at budget-minded consumer who wants a TV from a top-tier TV maker but do not want to pay for the expense associated with the higher-spec models. ...back to article index More 2009 LCD HDTVs - Sharp and LGNew 2009 LCD HDTVs from SharpIf neither Samsung nor Sony is your brand, then most probably, your favorite top LCD TV brand is Sharp. LCD TV reviews published by authority sites constantly rate Sharp widescreen AQUOS® HDTVs as among the best LCD TVs. Sharp Aquos LCDs are relatively affordable and generally offer great value for money thanks to a winning combination of generally solid picture performance with accurate colors, numerous picture controls, elegant styling, and superb connective options that often outdo those provided by the competition.
The largest within the lineup, the 52-inch Sharp Aquos LC-52BD80U is selling online at $1,800. Sharp do not give any specs for the BD player but the idea of not having to plug in a Blu Ray player and still have four HDMI inputs and two component video inputs for other HD sources is surely appealing. Other features on the BD80U series include Fine Motion 120Hz dejudder technology, Energy Star 3.0 compliance, and Sharp Advanced Super View anti-glare panel.
Sharp Aquos E77U Step-Up LineA step further up the Sharp LCD line is the Sharp Aquos E77U series. In our opinion, this is the Sharp Aquos series that offers the best overall value in terms of features, performance and price. Additional features over the E67U include Sharp's Fine Motion 120Hz processing, a 4ms response time and an additional HDMI input for a total of five. The Aquos E77U series also features larger sizes than the cheaper E67U line; these include the popular 52-inch Sharp Aquos LC-52E77UM - which at under $1,400 online is one of the most affordable LCD HDTVs from a top brand, and the massive Sharp Aquos 65-inch LC-65E77UM ($3,200). ...back to article index LG Electronics:This LCD TV review roundup would not be complete without touching upon one of the fast growing HDTV brands on the market LG Electronics. LG HDTVs have always been characterized by innovation and affordability, and the LG 2009 LCD TV line is no exception. For 2009, LG is offering a most complete lineup of LCD HDTVs - characterized by the largest collection of picture controls one can ever find on any HDTV. These range from gamma targets to color filters to a picture adjustment Picture Wizard designed for non-experts, and that come with built-in test patterns as well. The end result - once calibrated - is a highly accurate color.
LG Series such as the LH50 with its NetCast Internet TV support and LG's 240Hz LH55 HDTVs are definitely the LCD TVs to look for within the LG lineup. Equally appealing is the LG LH90 series of LED TVs with local dimming. These LED TVs come at a price that not even edge-lit LED TVs from Samsung or Sony can match. LG LED TVs such as the 47-inch LG 47LH90 and the massive 55-inch LG 55LH90 are selling at almost half the price of the latest Samsung B8500 LED TVs. Yet, these LG TVs come with THX display certification and are capable of excellent black-level performance, solid shadow detail, and highly accurate colors. For more information on LG's most compelling LCD TV options for 2009, please check our LG LCD TV review article here. ...back to article index Most of the LCD HDTVs we touched upon in this LCD TV review fall within the respective companies' premium and step-up line-ups. But not all applications call for the best LCD TV you can dream of, so... What about affordable LCD TVs that can still do a good job in delivering a great picture for your kitchen, kids bedroom, playroom, or in that case, any application you can dream of where budget is a primary consideration? LCD TV Reviews: Cheap LCD TVs for your home entertainmentDuring the last years, we have seen a drastic fall in prices of flat-panel displays; sub $1,000 40-inch 1080p LCD HDTVs have become a common reality. Up to a few years ago, a cheap LCD TV meant a risky purchase from some unknown brand. Yet things have changed and relatively cheap LCD TV sets are readily available from all major brands. We have already referred to sets such as the 40-inch Sharp LC40E77U ($830)and the 42-inch LG 42LH30 ($750) which are both selling at under $900. Despite the inexpensive price, Sharp still managed to include 120Hz refresh rate dejudder processing on the E77U. In a similar manner, the LG 42LH30 share the same extensive suite of user picture controls found on more expensive LG series. But there are many other inexpensive sets worth considering as a cheap LCD TV option; these include the 40-inch Samsung LN40B550 ($850) and the Sony KDL-40S5100 ($680). Both Samsung B550 and Sony S5100 series are intended mainly for the budget minded consumer who wants an affordable 1080p LCD HDTV option from a top brand.
Screen sizes covered under the Sony Bravia S5100 series include the 32-inch KDL-32S5100 ($540), the 40-inch KDL-40S5100 ($680), the 46-inch KDL-46S5100 ($1,000), and the 52-inch KDL-52S5100 ($1,300). While all models in this series are relatively inexpensive, yet it is the 40-inch set that represents the best deal in terms of screen estate.
And as is typical of Samsung HDTVs, these entry-level LCDs are capable of accurate colors that help scenes look more natural. Connectivity is quite complete and though it lacks S-video input, it still delivers four HDMI and a USB2.0 that supports JPEG files. All is complemented by Samsung usual Touch-of-Color design - which for 2009 takes a more subtle approach. Screen sizes covered under the Samsung B550 LCD series include the 32-inch LN32B550 ($690), 37-inch LN37B550 ($780), the 40-inch LN40B550 ($850), the 46-inch LN46B550 ($1050), and the largest in the series, the 52-inch LN52B550 ($1,500). However, it is the 46-inch model that in our opinion delivers the best deal in terms of screen estate for your money and therefore represents our preferred choice within this Samsung series. ...back to article index Detailed LCD TV Reviews - Featured ProductsAs more manufactures compete with more affordable feature-packed LCD HDTV sets, larger screen sizes, and improved picture quality, consumers are being faced with a never-ending list of models and brands to choose from. We therefore hope that the LCD TV Reviews and product evaluations featured under this section will be of some assistance in your selection process for a suitable LCD HDTV. Featured 2009 LCD
TV Reviews:
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Buying a new HDTV - Buy now or wait till later?
Should you wait for 2010 HDTVs or buy now to enjoy the present reduced pricing on 2009 sets? Following the CES, many end up engulfed in the dilemma of whether they should opt for a premium line LCD TV from 2009 at a heavily discounted price, or simply wait for the new models to start filling stores shelves and get the latest... at a significantly higher price. We discuss this hotly debated issue to help you make a better choice.
LCD TV reviews & product guides appearing under this section
Samsung B8500 LED TV Series Detailed Product
Evaluation
Samsung Series 6 LCD TVs: Full product guide covering B610, B630, B640, and B650 LCD HDTVs Sony Bravia KDL-V5100 120Hz 1080p HDTVs - full product review Sony Bravia KDL-XBR9 240Hz 1080p HDTVs with internet-enabled content and DLNA support - full product review LG LCD TV Reviews covering LG LH50, LH55, and LG LED TV series LH90
Samsung LED TVs vs. LCD TVs:
Which is Better?
Samsung 2009 LCD TVs: The B750
Series:
2009 Samsung LED TVs - the Complete Lineup: Product Evaluation LED LCD TVs - Sony vs. Samsung Part 1: Samsung A950 Series LED LCD TVs - Sony vs. Samsung Part 2: Sony XBR8 series LED LCD TVs - Sony vs. Samsung Part 3: Which is Better? Best HDTVs Roundup: Picking up the best plasma and LCD TVs for 2009
Recommended Technical Guides The Complete LCD TV Guide:
Plasma Television Digital TV
Guide to Digital Satellite TV
The HDMI Cable Guide TV Viewing
Distance Should You Opt for
a 1080p HDTV? Home
Theater Design:
Recommended Home Theater Reading Sound & Vision Provides good reviews on the latest home theater gear.
Practical
Check out the latest special offers on LCD HDTV sets at amazon Best Selling LED LCD TVs
Expensive but... Sony Triluminos XBR8 HDTVs are among the very best LED LCD TVs presently available on the market.
This HDTV has also be rated as the best LED LCD TV for 2008.
Best-selling LED TV; a complete product guide of the Samsung LED TV lineup is available here.
Best Selling Conventional LCD HDTVs
For a review of the Samsung B750 series, please check our review here.
Wall Mounts and Media Cabinets for your LCD HDTV
For more information on LCD TV mounts, please refer to our guide LCD Television Mounts; there, we discuss, the various flat-panel TV mounts - identifying their pros, cons and use. What about a refurbished HDTV as an inexpensive TV option? Save anything between 50% and 80% on your HDTV purchase. Visit RefurbDepot.com to see their vast range of plasmas, LCDs, and Projection factory-direct refurbished HDTVs
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Would You like to get the best out of your LCD HDTV? There is no better way to make the most out of your new LCD panel HDTV then to invest in a set-up DVD. A great calibration disc is the Avia II Home Theater Set-up DVD, an exceptional AV calibration tool for both the novice and the expert.
Another
interesting calibration disc is the
Digital Video Essentials HD For more information, please check our Guide to HT Set-Up DVDs. |
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Information on this website represents the author's opinion and does not constitute professional advice; please read our terms of use and privacy policy before using this site. Copyright © - Practical-Home-Theater-Guide.com All rights reserved. |
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but this is more suitable for advanced users.