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 of attention in this area, the LCD television is actually making a bigger impact with consumers. For a list of some of my LCD television favorites in the 26 and 27-inch screen sizes, check out the following selections. Also, check out my suggestions for LCD flat panel televisions in the 40-Inch and Larger, 32 and 37-Inch, and 23-Inch and Smaller screen sizes.
1. Sony KDL-26L5000 26-inch LCD Television
The Sony KDL-26L5000 has a modest-size 26-inch screen, but boasts a native 1366x768 native pixel resolution and 3,000:1 native contrast ratio. In addition, this set features a decent sound system with four processing modes: Clear Voice, Dynamic, and Standard, backed up by a 8 wpc amplifier. Also, don't worry about inputs, the KDL-26L5000 has 3 HDMI inputs for high-def sources, and Component, Composite, and S-video connections for older sources. Another bonus is that you can use the set as a PC monitor and a TV at the same time with its PC-PIP function. The KDL-26L5000 is also Energy Star 3.0 rated, with 59.6 watts of power consumption when in operation. Download the user manual for operational specifics.
2. Panasonic Viera TC-L26X1 26-inch LCD HDTV
Panasonic makes great Plasma TVs, but also offers a full line of LCD TVs in the 32-inch and below screen size. The TC-L26X1 is a great performing set in the 26-inch screen size. Some of the features include a 1366x768 native pixel resolution, 12,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio (native contrast ratio is lower), 2 HDMI inputs, and built-in ATSC tuner for access of over-the-air HDTV signals. The TC-L26X1 also comes with both an SD card slot for viewing still images as well as a universal iPod dock for accessing stored videos and music. If you are looking for a compact LCD television that still delivers a great high definition picture and offers some interesting features, check out the Panasonic TC-L26X1. Check out the full operating instructions.3. Sharp AQUOS LC-26D43U 26-inch LCD TV
Get in on the flat panel craze with this unit from Sharp. The LC-26D43U features a 26-inch 16x9 screen,, 1366x768 pixel resolution, HD-compatiblity via 2 HDMI and 2 HD-component inputs, 6,000:1 contrast ratio, progressive scan, internal stereo amplifier with front mounted speakers, and NTSC and ATSC/QAM (HDTV) Tuners, and a fast 6ms response time. You owe it to yourself to check out the space saving, stylish, and high performance that this LCD TV can deliver.For a closer look, check out the User Manual.
4. Toshiba 26AV502U 26-inch LCD TV
The Toshiba 26AV502U is a great LCD TV consider for small spaces. With a 26-inch screen size, 1366x768 (720p/768p) native resolution, and wide viewing angle, this set provides a good, viewable image. In addition, its 2 HDMI inputs, PC VGA input, and ATSC/QAM tuner allow access to high definition 720p/1080i from a variety of sources, including HDTV broadcasts (Note: 1080i input signals are scaled down to 1366x768 for screen display). It is important to note that this set does not accept 1080p input signals, up to 1080i only. This set also includes Lip-sync adjustment and "thin line" speaker system that provides decent sound in comparision to the built-in speakers of some other sets. For more details, check out the User Manual.5. Sony Bravia KDL-26M4000 26-Inch LCD TV
Just because you can't accommodate or desire a large screen television, doesn't mean you can't get a small TV with good performance. The KDL-26M4000 has a modest-size 26-inch screen, but boasts a native 1366x768 native pixel resolution and 2,500:1 contrast ratio. In addition, this set features a decent sound system with four processing modes: Clear Voice, Dynamic, Custom, Game, and Standard, backed up by a 10wpc x 2 amplifier. Also, don't worry about inputs, the KDL-26M4000 has 2 HDMI inputs for high-def sources, and Component, Composite, and S-video connections for older sources. Another bonus is that you can use the set as a PC monitor and a TV at the same time with its PC-PIP function.6. Samsung LN-26A450 26-inch LCD TV
The Samsung LN-26A450 is a great performing smaller screen LCD television. Featuring a1366x768 (720p/768p) native pixel resolution and 5000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, this set delivers great color and detail. Also, with built-in SRS TruSurround XT the LN-26A450 delivers better sound that you would expect. In addition, with 3 HDMI inputs, and ATSC/QAM tuners, you can enjoy high definition via Blu-ray Disc or Upscaling DVD player, over-the-air via antenna, or unscrambled HD cable. If you are looking for a television to replace a 25 or 27 inch tube set, and you want to upgrade to full HDTV, check out the Samsung LN26A450. For a detailed look at this sets features and operation, the Quick Start Guide and User Manual is available for download.7. Panasonic Viera TC-26LX85 26-inch LCD TV
Although Panasonic is more well-known for its Plasma TVs, they also have a full line of LCD TVs in the 32-inch and below screen size. The TC-26LX85 is a great performing set in the 26-inch screen size. Some of the features include a 1366x768 native pixel resolution, 10,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio, 3 HDMI inputs, and built-in ATSC tuner for access of over-the-air HDTV signals. The TC-26LX85 even comes with an SD card slot for display of digital photos. This set also incorporates IPS (In Plane Switching) which is a technology that improves the side-to-side viewing angle. If you are looking for a compact LCD television that still delivers a great high definition picture and offers some practical features, check out the Panasonic TC-26LX85.8. VIZIO VA26L 26-Inch 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 VA26L 26-Inch LCD Television, features 1366x768 (768p) native pixel resolution, a 2,400:1 contast ratio, and an 8ms response time. This set also has supplies 2 HDMI inputs, a PC monitor output, and a Headphone output jack. If you are looking for a compact sized LCD television, definitely include this set on your consideration list when shopping.9. Toshiba 26AV500U 26-inch LCD TV
The Toshiba 26AV500U is a great LCD TV to consider for an apartment or bedroom. With a 26-inch screen size, 1024x768 native resolution, and wide viewing angle, this set provides a good, viewable image. In addition, its 2 HDMI inputs, PC VGA input, and ATSC/QAM tuner allow access to high definition signals from a variety of sources, including 1080i sources, such as HDTV broadcasts(Note: 1080i input signals are scaled down to 1024x768 for screen display). This set also includes a "soundstrip" thin profile speaker system that provides decent sound in comparision to the built-in speakers of some other sets. It is important to note that this set does not accept 1080p input signals. For more details, the User Manual is available for download.10. ViewSonic N2635w 26-inch LCD Television
When you think of Viewsonic, you probably think of video projectors or PC monitors. However, they also make a decent line of LCD televisions. The ViewSonic N2635w is a great LCD TV to consider for a small apartment or bedroom. With a 26-inch screen size, 16x9 screen aspect ratio, 1366x768 pixel resolution, and wide viewing angle, this set provides a good, viewable image. In addition, its 2 HDMI inputs, 2 Component video inputs, PC VGA input, and ATSC/QAM tuner allow access to high definition input signals up to 1080i (1920x1080) resolution. 1080i source signals are downscaled to 1366x768 for screen display. Note: This set does not accept 1080p input signals.11. Samsung LN-T2653H 26-inch LCD TV
The Samsung LN-T2653H is a great performing LCD television that also features great styling. Featuring a 16x9 screen, 1366x768 native pixel resolution, 5000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and 8ms response time, the set delivers a very pleasing image. Also, with built-in SRS TruSurround XT and well well-placed bottom speaker, the LN-T2653H delivers better sound that you would expect. In addition, with 2 HDMI inputs and ATSC tuner, you can enjoy true high definition from a variety of sources. If you are looking for a new television, want HDTV, but don't have space for a large screen set, check out the compact Samsung LN-T2653H 26-inch LCD HDTV as a possible choice.