Also, if 3D is an important option for you, even though there are some 3D TVs on this listing, I have additional 3D TV suggestions in my 3D LCD and Plasma TV list.
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, while the 70-inch is priced at $8,499.99. The sets are available via authorized dealers. Elite Product Page
2. Sharp LC-90LE745U 90-inch LED/LCD TV
If you are looking for a really large flat panel TV that can be mounted on a stand or a wall (if you have the wall space) - then you have to check out the Sharp LC-90LE745U.
With a 90-inch screen, the LC-90LE745U is the largest LCD TV available for consumers. However, the large screen isn't the only thing it has to offer. Core features include full array LED backlighting, 1080p native resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, augmented with 240 Hz backlight scanning, and excellent contrast ratio. Also, both 2D and 3D viewing options are provided, as well as fully integrated network connectivity (wired or wifi) that includes access to internet streaming content, a full web browser, and even direct online tech support. You can even use the TV to make Skype video phone calls (camera required).
However, even though this set is large, it consumes an average of about 150 watts (maximum 380 watts). Also, even with its 90-inch screen size, the set is only 5-inches deep and weighs about 140 lbs.
For more details, including images, read the Official Sharp Announcement, and also check out the Official LC-90LE745U Product Page.
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3. Sharp LC-80LE844U 80-inch 3D LED/LCD TV
If you are looking for a really big LCD TV, you have to check out the Sharp LC-80LE844U. This sets boasts an 80-inch screen size that has double the surface area of a 55-inch TV.Besides having a huge screen, the LC-80LE844U packs in a lot of features including: 3D viewing capability supported by 1080p native resolution, 240Hz screen refresh rate, Full Array LED Backlighting and Quattron four color technology.
The LC-80LE844U also features network connectivity via Ethernet or WiFi connection. This provides access to internet content from providers, such as CinemaNow, Netflix, and Vudu. The LC-80LE632U can also access media content stored on flash drives (accessible by USB port) or your PC via DLNA functionality.
However, even though the LC-80LE844U features full-array LED backlighting, it does not incorporate local dimming.
The suggested price for the LC-80LE844U is about $5,999.
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If you like the idea of an 80-inch LCD TV, but can't quite fork out as much as you need for the LC-80LE844U, Sharp also offers the 80-inch LC-80LE632U, which has a suggested price of $4,999, but eliminates 3D viewing, Quattron technology, and has a 120Hz screen refresh rate.
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Even if you have no intentions of buy either of these TVs, if you have a chance to see them in action, it is definitely worth your time.
4. Samsung UN55F8000 55-inch 3D Network LED/LCD TV
The Samsung UN55F8000 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. Four pairs of active shutter 3D glasses are included with the TV.
On the other hand, even if you aren't enthusiastic about 3D, the UN55F8000 is a top-notch LCD TV with excellent 1080p 2D images supported by Samsung's Clear Motion Rate 1200 which combines screen refresh rate (240Hz), image processing, and LED lighting technology to produce detailed smooth motion images.
The UN55F8000 is also a fully functional Smart TV which includes a full web browser, supported by Quad Core Processing (just like a PC) and built-in WiFi, that provides you with access with an abundance internet and home network-based content via Samsung's Smart Hub and Apps features, which you can log into via the UN55F8000's built-in facial recognition camera. In addition, the built-in camera allows you to make Skype video phone calls. Samsung even provides a Smart Touch Remote with allows the TV to be controlled by voice and physical gestures. This TV is definitely worth checking out.
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Also available in a larger 60-inch and smaller 46-inch screen sizes: (UN60F8000 - Compare Prices) - (UN46F8000 - Compare Prices).
5. Sony BRAVIA XBR-55HX950 3D Network LCD TV
The Sony XBR-55HX950 offers cutting edge features and technology that bring an exciting 2D or 3D TV viewing experience to your home. Core features of the XBR-55HX950 include: 55-inch class screen (actually 54.5-inches - Corning Gorilla Glass), 3D capability (active shutter system), 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, and an almost unlimited contrast ratio bolstered by LED full array backlight with local dimming technology.
This set also includes HDMI 1.4a inputs, 240Hz screen refresh rate combined with backlight scanning (Motion Flow XR960), 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. The XBR-55HX950 is also video Skype-enabled with the addition of an optional compatible webcam. Check out the Sony Bravia XBR-55HX950.
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Want something a little bigger? If so, this set is also available in a 65-inch class screen size - Compare Prices for the Sony Bravia XBR-65HX950
6. 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).
7. Panasonic TC-L42ET5 42-inch 3D Network LED/LCD TV
Photo © Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Panasonic TC-L42ET5 is s new step for Panasonic: The incorporation of 3D using passive 3D glasses technology (four pairs of glasses are included). In addition, this set incorporates full 2D 1080p display resolution, wide viewing angle IPS LCD panel, backlight scanning in addition to the screen refresh rate, and Wifi connectivity for convenient access to a host streaming and social media content from the internet or network-connected PCs. Panasonic even offers a free remote control app for Android devices, or you can just the remote with backlit buttons provided with the TV. For more details, read my Review, and also check out my Photo Profile and Video Performance Tests.
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If 42-inches is too small for you, also check out the 47-inch TC-L47ET5 (compare prices) and 55-inch TC-L55ET5 (compare prices).
8. LG 55LM6700 55-inch LED/LCD 3D Network TV
The LG 55LM6700 is one of its 2012/13 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 - but the TV comes with six pairs). However, one consideration is that using passive glasses with a 1080p 3D TV, unlike 3D TVs utilizing active shutter glasses, the 3D resolution drops somewhat for 3D images.
However, that being said, the 55LM6700 is definitely worth consideration and the passive glasses makes 3D viewing very comfortable. In addition, the 55LM6700 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.
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Also available in a smaller 47-inch screen size Compare Prices for the LG 47LM6700).
9. 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.
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Also available in a 60-inch screen size (LC-60LE830U Compare Prices) and 46-inch screen size (LC-46LE830U Compare Prices).
10. SunBrite SB-4660HD 46-inch Outdoor LCD TV
The SunBrite SB-4660HD is a specially designed 46-inch LCD TV that is optmized for outdoor use. The SB-4660HD incorporates a fortified anti-glare screen, sealed wiring compartment, and both a built-in cooling and heating system, enabling it to handle temperatures from minus 24 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This set is also designed to resist rain, dust, insects, and salt air.
The SB-4660HD has a 1080p display resolution, supported by a 60Hz refresh rate, and 4,000:1 contrast ratio. Inputs include two HDMI, Composite, S-Video, and PC monitor inputs. In addition a built-in ATSC/QAM tuner is provided for reception of over-the-air digital and HD broadcasts signals, as well as unscrambled HD cable signals.
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