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Best LCD TVs and LED/LCD TVs 40-Inches and Larger

By , About.com Guide

11. Sony KDL-46HX750 3D/Network LED/LCD TV

The Sony KDL-46HX750 is a 46-inch 16x9 LCD television that incorporates LED Edge Lighting and a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p). This set includes some of the latest technology, such as both 2D and 3D viewing (3D glasses and 3D content required), four HDMI 1.4a inputs, 240Hz screen refresh rate, supplemented by 480Hz processing, and both ATSC and QAM tuners. The ATSC tuner allows reception of the over-the-air HDTV signals and the QAM tuner allows Digital/HD-cable (non-premium channels) reception.

In addition, the KDL-46HX750 also built-in WiFi capability and internet widgets that provide access to internet-based content, such as Netflix, YouTube, and more. However, getting down to the basics, the KDL-46HX750 delivers excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast, and LED Edge Lighting is very energy efficient.
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Also available in a larger 55-inch screen size (KDL-55HX750 - compare prices).

12. Samsung UN46D7000 46-inch 3D LED/LCD TV

3D is here and Samsung's got it. Not only does the UN46D7000 LED/LCD TV enable you to watch 3D Blu-ray Discs from a 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, but the UN46D7000 also features built-in real-time 2D-to-3D conversion. Although the effect is not as precise as it is from content specifically produced in 3D, the conversion process does add depth to 2D images. On the other hand, even if you don't partake in the 3D experience, the UN46D7000 produces excellent 1080p 2D images. Also, the UN46C7000 provides you with access to an abundant of internet content, including Blockbuster and Netflix, with its built-in network connectivity. Also, another bonus is that by connecting a compatible webcam, you can use the UN46D7000 to make Skype video phone calls. NOTE: 3D Glasses requires additional purchase. Also available in a larger 55-inch screen size (UN55D7000 - Compare Prices).
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13. Toshiba 47TL515U 47-inch Passive Glasses 3D TV

The Toshiba 47TL515U is one the new breed of TVs that incorporate 3D viewing capability using passive glasses, but also incorporates network media player capabilities, allowing access to both PC and online-based audio/video content, such as Netflix, Vudu, Pandora, as well as additional services that can be added by downloading "apps".

The 47TL515 utilizes LED edge-lighting which results in both a thinner design and eco-friendly power consumption. In addition, the 47-inch 47TL515U also features a 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, a 120Hz Screen Refresh Rate (bolstered by 240Hz processing), 4 HDMI inputs, and a two side mounted USB ports for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives. The 3D viewing experience is very good, but you will notice thin horizontal lines if you sit too close.

To find out if the Toshiba 47TL515U the right TV for you, read my Review, and also check out my Photo Profile, and Video Performance Tests.
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Also available in the 55-inch screen size: Compare Prices for the Toshiba 55TL515U, 42-inch screen size: Compare Prices for the Toshiba 42TL515U, and 32-inch screen size: Compare Prices for the Toshiba 32TL515U

14. Samsung UN46ES6100 46-inch LCD TV with LED Edge Lighting

The UN46ES6100 is part of Samsung's LCD TV lineup that utilize LED edgelight technology. The UN46ES6100 has a 46-inch 16x9 screen with a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), an almost unlimited contrast ratio, super slim 1.2-inch depth (w/o stand), and eco-friendly low power consumption. This set also includes three HDMI and 3 USB inputs, 120Hz screen refresh rate with addded Clear Motion Rate processing, and internet connectivity via Ethernet or WiFi connection with access to Samsung Apps that includes streaming from Netflix, Hulu Plus, and more. This set displays excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast, and is definitely worth checking out.
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Also available is a smaller 40-inch size (UN40ES6100 - compare prices for the 40-inch version) and larger 55-inch (UN55ES6100 - compare prices) and 60-inch (UN60ES6100 - Compare Prices) screen sizes.

15. Sony BRAVIA KDL-40EX523 40-inch LED/LCD TV

The KDL-40EX523 on of basic TVs in Sony's line-up, but that doesn't mean it is short on features or performance. First off, this set features LED Edge Lighting and a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p). Next up are a number of input options including 4 HDMI (1 side/3 rear), 1 Component, a PC monitor input, and 2 USB slots. The KDL-40EX523 also features both ATSC and QAM tuners for over-the-air and unscrambled HD cable signal sources, as well as built-in Ethernet and WiFi connectivity for streaming audio and video content from the internet. Another bonus is that can use this set as your own big screen video phone via Skype (optional camera required - compare prices).

The KDL-40EX523 also features a 10 watts x 2 amplifier with custom sound modes to get the most out your TV's speakers. I can say that this set definitely lives up to Sony's standards, and it is very energy efficient to boot as it only consumes an average of 103 watts when in operation. Also available in a larger 46-inch size (compare prices for the KDL-46EX523).

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16. JVC Black Crystal JLC47BC3000 47-inch LCD TV

JVC isn't the first name you probably think of when shopping for a new TV, but they are available, and they make a good product. JVC's "Black Crystal" TV line offers a great combination of features, performance, and modest pricing. The 47-inch JLC47BC3000 features a standard CCFL blacklit screen, combined with 1080p native resolution and 120Hz screen refresh rate that provides a detailed image, smooth motion, and even contrast. This set also have an abundance of input connections that include 4 HDMI, 1 component, 1 composite, and one VGA (PC monitor), as well as a USB port for access digital media content stored on Flash Drives or other compatible USB devices.

However, the big bonus on the JLC47BC3000 is the emphasis on audio reproduction. Granted, the built-in audio system isn't a substitute for a full on home theater system, but for smaller room settings and for those that just don't want the hassle of more "stuff", the JLC47BC3000 incorporates new speaker system design "XinemaSound" and SRS StudioSound HD that produce a decent listening experience from the TV. The JLC47BC3000 even has a setting that turns off the LCD backlight if all you want to do is listen to music.

If you are looking for a TV that doesn't have a lot of frills (no 3D, no internet connection, no LED backlight or edge light), but delivers solid video and audio performance for the price, check out the JVC JLC47BC3000 (compare prices). Also, if a 47-inch screen is too big for you, this set is also available with a smaller 42-inch screen size (compare prices on the JLC42BC3000).

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17. Toshiba 46WX800U Cinema Series 3D LCD NetTV with LED Edge Lighting

The Toshiba 46WX800U is one the new breed of TVs that incorporates 3D viewing and network media player capabilities, allowing access to both PC and online-based audio/video content. The 46WX800U also utilizes LED edge-lighting resulting in a thinner design and eco-friendly power consumption. In addition, the 46-inch 46WX800U also features a 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 240hz Clearscan processing, 4 HDMI inputs, and two side mounted USB ports for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives. To find out if the Toshiba 46WX800U is the right 3D/Network HDTV for you, check out my Review, Photo Gallery and Video Performance Tests. Also available in 55-inch screen size: (compare prices)

18. Toshiba 46SL417U 46-inch LCD TV with LED Edge Lighting

The Toshiba 46SL417U is an affordable large screen LCD TV that not only offers a great viewing experience from your Blu-ray Discs, DVD, or cable/satellite programs but also brings both PC and online-based audio/video content to your home theater, such as Netflix, Vudu, Pandora, and podcasts from CNET, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. The 46SL417U also utilizes LED edge-lighting which results in both a thinner design and eco-friendly power consumption. In addition, the 46-inch 46SL417U features 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, combined with a 120Hz Screen Refresh Rate, that delivers a detailed image with smooth motion response. However, there is some uneveness in black level due to the LED edge-lit system.

Input options include 4 HDMI, and two side mounted USB ports for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives. compare prices. If 42-inches is just a little to large, this set is also available in a smaller 42-inch screen size (compare prices for the Toshiba 42SL417U). On the hand, if you want a much larger screen, check out the 55SL417U 55-inch version (compare prices).

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19. Vizio SV472XVT 47-inch LCD TV with LED Backlight

Here is a 47-inch LCD TV that offers a lot for the money. The SV472XVT 47-inch LCD TV features 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, excellent contrast ratio, and 240z processing (120Hz screen refresh rate combined with scanning LED backlight). Additional bonuses include built-in WiFi and Internet Streaming (Internet Apps). This set also has 4 HDMI inputs, 1 of which is side mounted for added convenience. On the audio side of things, the SV472XVT incorporates SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurroundHD for a better listening experience if you are not using an external audio system. Definitely put this set on your TV shopping list. For more details, also check out the User Manual.
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20. Vizio XVT423SV 42-inch LED/LCD TV

Vizio is one the most aggressively priced, and successful, TV brands in the U.S. The XVT423SV 42-inch LCD TV features LED backlighting with "smart dimming", 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, an excellent contrast ratio, and 240z processing (120Hz screen refresh rate combined with scanning backlight). This set also has 5 HDMI inputs, 1 of which is side mounted for added convenience. An added bonus, the XVT423SV also offers internet audio/video streaming via Vizio's Internet Apps. Definitely include a look at this set on your consideration list when shopping for a LCD TV. For more details, also check out the User Manual and Quick Start Guide.
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