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. 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 80inch 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.
3. Samsung UN60ES8000 60-inch 3D Smart LED/LCD TV
The Samsung UN60ES8000 60-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 UN60ES8000 is 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 lighting technology to produce detailed smooth motion images.
The UN60ES8000 is also a fully functional Smart TV, suppported by Dual 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 UN60ES8000'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 smaller 55 and 46-inch screen sizes: (UN55ES8000 - Compare Prices) - (UN46ES8000 - Compare Prices)
4. 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.
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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).
5. 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)
6. Sony Bravia KDL-46HX820 3D Internet LED/LCD TV
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Sony Bravia KDL-46HX820 provides both 3D and 2D viewing options, as well the ability to access media files from USB connected devices, such as flash drives, as well as Internet streaming of movies, TV programs, and music. The Sony KDL-46HX820 is certainly designed as a centerpiece for a home theater system, and is definitely worth consideration. However, before you make a purchase decision, Review, and also check out my Photo Profile, and a sampling of Video Performance Tests.
Also available in a larger 55-inch screen size (Compare Prices for the KDL-55HX820.
7. Panasonic TC-L55ET5 55-inch 3D Network LED/LCD TV
Since Panasonic's emphasis in on Plasma TV technology, up until now their LCD TV offerings have been concentrated on screen sizes 42-inches and smaller. However, for 2012, Panasonic is jumping into the highly competitive above 42-inch screen LCD TV product category with several entries.
The Panasonic TC-L55ET5 is s new step for Panasonic in two ways: Its large 55-inch LCD screen size and the incorporation of 3D using passive 3D glasses technology (four pairs of glasses are included). In addition, this set incorporates full 2D 1080p display resoluton, 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.
If 55-inches is too large for you, also check out the 47-inch TC-L47ET5 (compare prices) and 42-inch TC-L42ET5 (compare prices).
8. LG 55LM6700 LED/LED 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. 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.10. 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) and 46-inch screen size (LC-46LE830U compare prices).
