Flat panel televisions are quickly becoming quite commonplace on store shelves and in consumers' homes. Although Plasma TVs seem to be be getting a lot attention in this area, the LCD television is actually making a greater market impact. For a list of some of my LCD television favorites in the 40-Inch and larger screen size, check out the following selections. Also, be sure to check out my suggestions for LCD flat panel televisions in the 32 and 37-Inch, 26 and 27-Inch, and 23-Inch and Smaller screen sizes.
1. Sony Bravia XBR KDL55XBR8 55-inch LCD TV with LED Backlight
The Sony KDL-55XBR8 is a large 55-inch 16x9 LCD television with a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p) and an almost unlimited contrast ratio bolstered by its innovative LED backlight technology. This set also includes four HDMI 1.3a inputs, 120Hz screen refresh rate (Motion Flow), 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 compatibility, both ATSC and QAM tuners, which allow reception of over-the-air HDTV signals and Digital/HD-cable (non-premium channels), and an excellent easy-to-use onscreen user interface. This set displays exceptional detail, color consistency, and contrast for a such a large sreen size. If you are looking for the "latest and greatest" in LCD televisions and have "deep pockets", then check out the Sony Bravia XBR KDL55XBR8.
2. Sharp AQUOS LC-52LE700UN 52-inch LCD TV with LED Backlight
The Sharp AQUOS LC-52LE700UN is Sharp's largest of a new line of LCD TVs that utilize LED backlight technology. The LC-52LE700UN has a 52-inch 16x9 screen with a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), an almost unlimited contrast ratio, super slim 1.2-inch depth, and low power consumption. This set also includes four HDMI 1.3a inputs, 120Hz screen refresh rate, 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 compatibility, ATSC/QAM tuners, and USB input for viewing photos and accessing music files. This set displays excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast, and is definitely work checking out.3. Vizio VF551XVT 55-inch LCD TV with LED Backlight
Vizio is an aggressive competitor that offers good performing products at low price points. The VF551XVT LCD TV offers consumers a large 55-inch screen, full 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 240Hz smooth motion processing, and LED backlighting with local dimming at a suggested price of $2,199. I had the opportunity to see an extensive demonstration of this set at CEDIA 2009 and it looks great. The black levels and color consistency are very good, and the set also has more than enough connections, including 5 HDMI inputs. In addition, for those that are concerned about energy consumption in such a large screen set, the VF551XVT only draws an average of 154 Watts, which is excellent for an LCD TV of this size.4. Toshiba Regza 46SV670U LCD TV with LED Backlight
The Toshiba 46SV670U is one the new breed of LCD TVs that incorporate LED backlight technology. The type of LED backkight system used here is referred to as the Full Array system. This allows for Local Dimming, which enables a wider ontrast ratio, even within small areas of the sceen (such as bright stars against the darkness of space). In addition, the 46-inch 46SV670U also features both a 120Hz Screen Refresh Rate and selectable 240Hz backlight scanning system, 4 HDMI inputs, and a side mounted USB port for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives. To find out if the Toshiba 46SV670U is the right HDTV for you, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as my Photo Gallery and Video Peformance Tests.5. Samsung UN46B6000 46-inch LCD TV with LED Backlight
The Samsung UN46B6000 is part of a new line of LCD TVs that utilize LED backlight technology. The UN46B6000 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, and eco-friendly low power consumption. This set also includes four HDMI 1.3a and 2 rear access USB inputs, 120Hz screen refresh rate (Motion Flow), 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 compatibility, and ATSC/QAM tuners. This set displays excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast, and is definitely work checking out. Also available in a smaller 40-inch size as the UN40B6000 (compare prices for the 40-inch version).6. Sharp AQUOS LC-46LE700UN 46-inch with LED Backlight
The LC-46LE700UN is part of Sharp's new line of LCD TVs that utilize LED backlight technology. The LC-46LE700UN has a 46-inch 16x9 screen with a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), an almost unlimited contrast ratio, slim 3.5-inch depth, and low 90 Watt average power consumption. This set also includes four HDMI inputs, 120Hz screen refresh rate, 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 compatibility, ATSC/QAM tuners (for accessing high-definition broadcast and unscrambled high definition cable signals), and USB input for viewing photos and accessing music files stored on USB devices, such as flash drives. Definitely put this set on your shopping list for consideration.7. Sony BRAVIA KDL-46V5100 46-inch LCD TV
The Sony KDL-46V5100 is a 46-inch 16x9 LCD television with a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p) and a dynamic contrast ratio of 50,000:1. This set includes some of the latest technology, such as four HDMI 1.3a inputs, 120Hz screen refresh rate (Motion Flow), 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 compatibility, 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. This set delivers excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast. If you are looking for an LCD television with good performance at an affordable price, the KDL-46V5100 is a great choice, especially if you also have a Blu-ray Disc player.8. Samsung LN46A550 46-inch LCD TV
The Samsung LN-46A550 has impressive specs, including a large 46-inch screen, 1080p input and processing, 30,000 dynamic contrast ratio, and a fast 5ms response time. However, it is real world performance that counts; this television delivers a great image with good color and contrast. The LN-46A550 also includes NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, which allows reception of analog, HDTV, and unscrambled digital and HD cable signals. Another practical feature is the placement of the 3 HDMI input connections, 2 are on the rear panel and one is side panel mounted. If you don't have a home theater audio system, the LN-46A550 offers SRS TruSurround XT audio processing. The Samsung LN-46A550 has a great combination of features and performance for the price.9. Sony Eco-Series Bravia KDL-40VE5 40-inch LCD TV
Energy efficiency is becoming more of a concern these days, so having a television that provides good performance and lowers your electric bill is a good thing. The Sony KDL40VE5 40-inch LCD television meets this challenge. This 40-inch set features a modest 90 watt average (140 watt peak) power draw (which beats current Energy Star specificiations), full-off mode that removes typical standby power consumption, an automatic room light sensor, and a motion sensor that turns the TV off if you leave the room. However, despite its energy-saving functions, the KDL40VE5 still delivers an excellent picture with its full (1920x1080) 1080p native pixel resolution as well as 120hz screen refresh rate. This set is definitely worth consideration.10. Toshiba Regza 40RV525U 40-inch LCD TV
Coming in at less than $1,000, the 40RV525U is great value in a 40-Inch LCD television. Featuring 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution via 3 HDMI inputs and an improved video processor, this set can get the most out of Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD source material. In addition, 40RV525U also includes built-in analog, ATSC, and QAM tuners, which enable the reception of analog, digital, and HDTV broadcast and unscrambled cable channels. Also, the 40RV525U's contrast and brightness levels work well in brightly lit rooms. For audio, this set includes Toshiba's Soundstrip speaker system, which is imbedded inconspicuously in the bezel of the set.11. Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR7 40-inch LCD TV
The Sony KDL-40XBR7 is a 40-inch LCD TV with a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p/60 and 1080p/24), Dynamic contrast ratio of 50,000:1, and 120Hz frame rate processing. This set also includes 4 HDMI inputs, one of which is side mounted for easy connection of game consoles or other temporary items. NTSC, ATSC (HDTV), and QAM tuners are also included. The ATSC tuner allows reception of the over-the-air HDTV signals and the QAM tuner allows Digital/HD-cable (non-premium channels) reception. The SRS S-Force audio system provides the effect of surround sound with only two speakers. The detail, color consistency, and contrast, on this LCD television definitely lives up to the XBR reputation.12. Vizio SV421XVT 42-inch LCD TV
Vizio is one the most aggressively priced, and sucessful, TV brands in the U.S.. Their strategy is to sell through warehouse stores, such as Costco and Sams Clubs, but you may find their products at other outlets. Although their sets are very inexpensive, in comparison with the competition, they do offer a quality product. The SV421XVT 42-inch LCD TV features 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, an excellent contrast ratio, and 240z processing (120Hz screen refresh rate combined with scanning backlight). This set also has 4 HDMI inputs, 1 of which is side mounted for added convenience. Definitely include a look at this set on your consideration list when shopping for a LCD TV. For more details, also check out the Quick Start Guide.