NOTE: The product entries for LCD and LED/LCD TVs are updated periodically with new units and reviews to keep them current.
1. Sharp Elite PRO-Z5FD Series LCD TVs
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Sharp Elite has the most impressive black levels I have seen on any LCD up to this point, and easily rivals most Plasma TVs I have seen, which traditionally outpace LCD in this area.
Color rendition is also excellent. The Sharp Elite incorporates Quattron 4-color technology (although the Quattron label is not used), where it really provides extra brilliance, especially with bright objects. Add 3D, internet streaming, and stylish design, this TV is a real head-turner. For more details, check out my previous report.
However, the Sharp Elite is very expensive. The 60-inch PRO-60X5FD is priced at 5,999.99 (compare prices), while the 70-inch is priced at $8,499.99 (compare prices). The sets are available via authorized dealers. Elite Product Page
2. Sony BRAVIA XBR-65HX929 3D Network LCD TV
The Sony XBR-65HX929 offers cutting edge features and technology that bring an exciting TV viewing experience to your home. Core features of the XBR-65HX929 include: 65-inch screen, 3D capability, 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, and an almost unlimited contrast ratio bolstered by LED full array backlight technology.
This set also includes HDMI 1.4a inputs, 240Hz screen refresh rate (Motion Flow), ATSC/QAM tuners, which allow reception of over-the-air HDTV signals and Digital/HD-cable (non-premium channels), and USB port for playing audio/video/still images from digital devices or flash drives. Another bonus is the inclusion of WiFi connectivity with internet streaming from content sources, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Panodra. This set displays exceptional detail, color consistency, and contrast for a such a large screen size. The XBR-65HX929 is also video Skype-enabled with the addition of an optional compatible webcam. Check out the Sony Bravia XBR-65HX929.
Is 65-inches too big for you? If so, this set is also available in 55 and 46-inch screen sizes (Compare Prices for the Sony Bravia XBR-55HX929) and (Compare Prices for the Sony Bravia XBR-46HX929).
3. Samsung UN55D8000 55-inch 3D LED/LCD TV
The Samsung UN55D8000 55-inch 3D LED/LCD TV enables you to watch 3D Blu-ray Discs from a 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, as well as built-in real-time 2D-to-3D conversion,. Although not as precise as content specifically produced in 3D, the conversion process does add depth to 2D images. Of course, you also need to purchase 3D glasses to enjoy the show. On the other hand, even if you aren't enthusiastic about 3D, the UN55D8000 a top-notch LCD TV with excellent 1080p 2D images supported by Samsung's Clear Motion Rate 960 which combines screen refresh rate (240Hz), image processing, and LED technology to produce detailed smooth motion images. Also, the UN55D8000 provides you with access to lots of internet content via Samsung Apps, including Blockbuster and Netflix, via Ethernet connection. Also available in a smalle 46-inch screen size: (UN46D8000 - Compare Prices)4. Vizio XVT553SV 55-inch Net-Enabled LED/LCD TV
Vizio is getting quite a reputation with its Net-enabled LCD TVs and its XVT553SV continues with that tradition. The XVT553SV features a large 55-inch screen, 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 240Hz smooth motion processing, LED backlighting with local dimming, network/internet connectivity, via Ethernet port or WiFi, and Vizio's Internet Apps. The set also includes 5 HDMI inputs and PC monitor input (it is important to note that the provided USB ports are activated via firmware update). In addition to lots of features, the core video performance of the VXT553SV doesn't disappoint either. The black levels and color consistency are very good. Also, for those that are concerned about energy efficiency in such a large screen set, the XVT553SV is energy efficient with an average power consumption of about 125 watts.5. 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)6. Sharp Quattron LC-52LE830U 52-inch LCD TV with LED Edge Lighting
The 52-inch LC-52LE830U features Sharp's Quattron technology. As Sharp sees it, the color gamut of LCD TVs can be improved by adding a Yellow element to the current Red, Green, Blue pixel standard, instead of three primary colors for every pixel, Sharp Quattrons add a fourth color for each pixel.
In addition, the LC-52LE830U also features 1080p native resolution, 120Hz screen refresh rate, and LED Edge Lighting, as well as network connectivity via Ethernet or WiFi connection. Internet streaming from providers, such as CinemaNow, Netflix, and Vudu is provided, as well as access to media content stored on flash drives (access by USB port) or your PC via DLNA functionality.NOTE: The Sharp LE830 Series is not 3D compatible.
Sharp's Quattron TVs look good, with a boost in the yellow spectrum, but since standards for video are based on 3 primary colors (RGB), I am not sure adding to the primary color pallet on the TV end results in a significantly better image. However, the important thing is how you it looks to you. Sharp's Quattron sets are definitely worth checking out.
Also available in a 60-inch screen size (LC-60LE830U compare prices), 46-inch screen size (LC-46LE830U compare prices), and 40-inch screen size (LC-40LE830U compare prices)
7. LG 55LW5600 3D LED/LCD TV with Passive Glasses
The LG 55LW5600 is one of a new line of 3D LED/LCD TVs that utilize LG Cinema 3D technology. LG Cinema 3D takes the emphasis away from 3D TVs that require Active Shutter Glasses to 3D TVs that use Passive Polarized Glasses.
Some of the the benefits of passive glasses, include better 3D viewing comfort, increased brightness of 3D images, no need for battery charging or replacement, and the lower prices charged for passive 3D glasses (about $10 each). However, one consideration is that using passive glasses with a 1080p 3D TV, unlike 3D TVs utilizing active shutter glasses, the 3D resolution drops to 540p for 3D images.
However, that being said, the LG 55LW5600 is worth consideration and also offers a host of other great features, including a large 55-inch screen size, real time 3D conversion for 2D sources, 3D to 2D conversion (if desired), 120Hz screen refresh rate, network connectivity via ethernet or WiFi connection, and internet streaming. Also available in a smaller 47-inch screen size (LG 47LW5600 - Compare Prices).
8. Sony KDL46EX720 46-inch 3D LED/LCD TV
The Sony KDL46EX720 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, 120Hz screen refresh rate, supplemented by 240Hz 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 KDL46EX720 also includes WiFi capability (accessory adapter required) and internet widgets that provide access to internet-based content, such as Netflix, YouTube, and more. However, getting down to the basics, the KDL46EX720 delivers excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast, and LED Edge Lighting is very energy efficient. Also available in a larger 55-inch screen size (KDL55EX720 - compare prices) and 60-inch screen size (KDL-60EX720 - compare prices), as well as a smaller 40-inch screen size (KDL40EX720 - compare prices).
9. 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).10. 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.
Compare Prices
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
