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Top 12 LCD Flat Panel Televisions 40-Inches and Larger

By Robert Silva, About.com

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. Sharp AQUOS LC-65D64U 65-inch LCD TV

The Sharp LC-65SD64U, whith its 65-inch 16x9 screen LCD screen, produces a great picture, via 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 2,000:1 native contrast ratio, and 4ms response time. The LC-65SD64U can access video from just about any source, and also features three HDMI 1.3a inputs for convenient connection of an Upscaling DVD player and/or Blur-ray Disc player. This set can also receive standard and HDTV broadcasts via NTSC and ATSC tuners, as well as unscrambled HD-cable signals via its QAM tuner. The LC-65SD64U is big and definitely more expensive than a Rear-Projection set and most Plasma sets of this size, but its thin profile takes up less space. For complete details, check out the User Manual.
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2. 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.
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3. Sharp AQUOS LC-65SE94U 65-Inch LCD TV

With a 65-inch 16x9 screen LCD screen, the LC-65SE94U set is not only big, but produces great images via 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 3,000:1 native contrast ratio, 4ms response time, and 120MHz refresh rate. One innovative feature is Aquos Net. This allows direct connectivity to Sharp tech support via high speed internet connection. In addition, this feature also provides access to downloadable content from weather reports and stock reports to high definition still image galleries. The 65SE94U is big and definitely more expensive than a Rear-Projection set and most Plasma sets of this size. For complete details, check out the User Manual. Is this set too big? Check out a smaller 46-inch version: LC-46SE94U - Compare Prices.
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4. 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).
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5. 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.
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6. Toshiba Regza 46XV545U Cinema Series 46-inch LCD TV

The Toshiba Regza 46XV545U Cinema Series is a 46-inch 16x9 LCD television with a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p) and 120Hz screen refresh rate. This set includes some of the latest technology, such as four HDMI 1.3a inputs, SRT video scaling, 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. For audio, the 46XV545U incorporates Toshiba's Soundstrip speaker system imbedded within the TV's bezel. If you are looking for a high definition TV to complement your home theater system, check out the Toshiba Regza 46XV545U.
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7. 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.
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8. 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.
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9. 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.
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10. VIZIO SV420XVT 42-Inch 1080p LCD Television

Vizio is probably 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 as well. Although their sets are very inexpensive, in comparison with the competition, they do offer a quality product. The SV420XVT 42-inch LCD Television, features 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, a 6,500:1 contast ratio, and 120Hz screen refresh rate. This set also has supplies 4 HDMI inputs, 2 of which are side mounted for added convenience. Definitely include a look at this set on your consideration list when shopping for a LCD television. For more details, also check out the User Manual.

11. Sharp AQUOS LC-46SB54U 46-Inch LCD TV

The Sharp LC-46SB54U is a moderately-priced 46-inch LCD Television that produces a great picture, via 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 1,500:1 native contrast ratio, and 6ms response time. The LC-46SB54U also features two HDMI 1.3a inputs for connection of an Upscaling DVD player and/or Blur-ray Disc player. For added convenience, this set also has a PC monitor input, which is great for gamers. The LC-46SB54U is also ready for the DTV Transition with the ability to receive HDTV broadcasts via its ATSC tuner, as well as unscrambled HD-cable signals via its QAM tuner. Sharp has been in the LCD game for the beginning, and this set is a great example of its new, affordable, approach to the LCD television market.
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12. Westinghouse Digital TX-42F430S - 42-Inch LCD Television

The Westinghouse Digital TX-42F430S 42-Inch LCD flat panel television offers (1920x1080) 1080p capability at a very affordable price. In addition to 1080p processing and input capability, this set features 4 HDMI, 2 sets of high definition capable Component Video inputs, a hi-res VGA PC monitor input, and both Analog and HDTV tuners. The TX-42F430S delivers great image quality, however, with a 1000:1 contrast ratio, black levels are not as deep as on many higher-priced LCD sets. On the other hand, if you are looking an affordable large screen LCD set, the TX-42F430S is definitely worth consideration, especially if you subscribe to HD-Cable, or own a Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD player.
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