HDTV Ratings: The best LCD and plasma TVs

We tested more than 60 HDTVs for our latest LCD TV Ratings and plasma TV Ratings (both online reports are available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers).  The good news: More HDTV models than ever before have very good or excellent picture quality. Such sets can do justice to the wide variety of high-def content now available to consumers.

We also just completed Ratings of high-def front projectors (also available to subscribers), which can deliver a truly theater-like experience in the home. (Check my other blog post, Ratings: The best lower-cost high-def front projectors, for a quick overview of the 14 front-projection HDTV sets we tested. And if you're a subscriber, you'll have access to our Recommended front projector HDTV models.)

In our latest review of flat-panel sets, among the top performers were models from brands such as LG Electronics, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, Sharp, and Sony. Some modestly priced sets—including TVs from several of those brands, as well as Vizio and Insignia (Best Buy's house brand)—earned Best Buy designations.

Most of the 40-inch and larger LCD TVs in our Ratings are 1080p "Full HD" models that can display all the detail in high-def images. More LCD sets have 120 Hz technology, which doubles the TV's frame rate to help reduce motion blur—a traditional LCD drawback—during fast-moving scenes.

We're also seeing some improvement in another LCD drawback: viewing angle, an attribute we're including in the Ratings for the first time. Sets with a very good or excellent viewing angle score will not experience the picture deterioration—such as washed-out or dim pictures—that has typically occurred when LCD screens are viewed from the side. A 37-inch Panasonic in this Ratings (model details available to subscribers) has one of the widest viewing angles we've seen.

If you're in the market for a smaller set, stay tuned for our next TV Ratings later this summer. In addition to the usual assortment of larger sets, our Ratings will include a number of 26-inch LCDs, which might be of interest if you are looking for a set for a smaller room.

On the plasma front, we're now seeing a good assortment of plasma TVs with 1080p resolution. They're selling at lower prices than the earlier generation of Full HD plasma models, with 50-inch sets in our Ratings starting at less than $2,500 and tested 42-inch 1080p models for $2,000 or less (you'll find some other 1080p plasmas on the market at even lower prices). New sizes are also arriving: We tested a 46-inch Panasonic set (details available to subscribers), the first plasma TV of this size we've seen.

Our Quick Recommendations in plasma TVs and Quick Recommendations in LCD TVs (both available to subscribers) now include a separate category for highly regarded older models that may be in limited availability, but which are still good choices—especially if you can find them at lower prices. We're identifying replacement models where applicable, some of which will be tested in subsequent CR Ratings.

—James K. Willcox

Comments

[everett whitney]

TO: Jeff - " WHY NO 35" HDTVs ..?"

Because it would be far too costly to MFG sets by the individual inch ! There ARE now 32" & 37" anyway.

" IF " you might be trying to "squeeze" any into a older, CRT cabinet, that WILL void the warranty, as ALL must have a minimum of 8" clear spacing horizontally plus More above the top {depends upon Brand} for ventilation !
Download the full manual of whatever Brand & read those initial 3 - 4 pages, under "installation!"

The number 1 decision in "switching" to new HDTVs is that of disposing of all older cabinets ... make it a bookcase, display old bowling trophies, donate it - BUT - the criteria for selecting a HDTV must be, of course, one's available funds plus the "eyes-to-display " distance - never an old entertainment center & work backwards !

[Jeff]

Why are there no available 35" plasma or LCD TVs?

[everett whitney]

P.S. TO: - Diane - " New TV for RV .....?"

Our Forums Moderator - Jerry - has suggested that Samsung's T200HD be considered for such situations as yours. Sorry - should have remembered that first time.

[everett whitney]

To: Diane - " Need small for RV ....no space for 32" ?'

Quite apart from what TV / P.C. unit to consider WILL be the new "problem" of not getting adequate digital signals to "see" anything each / every time you stop for the day & your RV IS much more than 30 - 35 air miles / without any obstructions from the TV Tower ! Digital is 100 % or Zero- does not allow partial pictures or audio only, can not tolerate nearby tall trees, heavy leaves, hills or deep valleys, etc...... perhaps, most of your camp sites offer cable TV / internet anyway? ...{ rather than needing any tall, outside, portable antenna }

p.s. - many of the newest P.C.s already come with a digital video card / tuner inside ... so, apart from 'no signals' - look at a new P.C. with same, in whatever display size fits your available spacing..... 20", 22" 24" all are very popular now.

[CW]

To Everett, re notion "acceptable HDTV under $599 is quite mistaken..." Would respectfully suggest that you probably want to rephrase that. As HDTV sets migrate away from the traditional "TV in a box" concept that has historically (and, now, due to FCC mandate) included a tuner, high-quality monitors without tuners are increasingly popular at and below that $599 price-point. HP makes an HD-capable 24" BrightView monitor that coud handle the output of whatever video game or HDMI source you might want to throw at it. In the coming months and years, I think you'll see more monitor-only options as tuners increasingly become boxes furnished by content providers, thereby allowing (hopefully) manufacturers to put more $$ into the core video componentry.

Granted, there aren't many 19" HDTV monitors that are "great," but the jump to 32" is overkill. Some of the licensed overseas "brand-knockoff" manufacturers produce a tolerable 19" panel that is, in fact, a serviceable if not perfect set in small bedroom for SD broadcasts or hookups of portable DVD players, video games, and even as computer monitor alternatives - actually an excellent choice for a kids room, particularly at a $200 price point.

Not meaning to argue, of course, just pointing out that caution is urged when using absolutes. Understand your point, but I'm not sure the lack of utiliy for 19" sets is quite that (if you'll pardon the pun) "black and white." :)

Also, as far as plasma units go, be very careful - yes, plasma production has improved tremendously as they have learned how to level out burn-in issues, but it appears quality of plasma panels is beginning to vary widely as their manufacturing cost continues to oustrip LCD panels. And I view guarantees of "100,000" hour lifetimes on plasma panels dubious at best, particularly since no one has had a plasma panel on continuously for 27 years to refute the claim. At least some HD technologies, such as DLP, can at least point to mechanical tests on which to extrapolate their longevity claims..

Regards,
-cw

[Diane]

We too need to purchase a TV, of 22" max, to use in the bedroom and in our camper. Both the bedroom and the camper are small and currently have a 13" 15yr old 4:3 tv. We mostly listen to the tv, getting news and weather, so voice quality is important. We don't need HDTV and sports viewing quality but we do hope to also use the TV as a computer monitor. Since CR has not tested this size range, can you give some suggestions as to criteria for pixels and connections that would help us?

[everett whitney]

TO: Mike G. - " TV for Bedroom larger than 19" ..?"

Here - on sale @ $595 plus a 50% off sale with special on-line coupon .. SERVICE2008 .. for that (5) years all-inclusive, IN-home Plan, including electrical surges / lightning & set replacement ... very hard to beat , even with off-name sets ! ..... http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665370677

[MikeG]

everett--since you recommend against a 19" LCD TV, what would you recommend in this size range for a small screen TV for the bedroom which is always viewed from the bed (one direction) and has a small footprint so can sit on top of a dresser?

[everett whitney]

TO: Mars - 13 Dec - " Need wee HDTV ...?"

" IF " you do buy one, you Will be forever unhappy!

Absolutely terrible sound, a picture far too small to be watched from more than arm's length away .... etc..

16:9 HDTV format makes a now 19" approx the same as trying to view an older square 4:3 picture tube set of about 14"-16" .... not going to be acceptable after the novelty wears off.

Get at least a 32" - wall mount it & all would be better .... the concept of an totally-acceptable HDTV for under $599 is quite mistaken! And, recall that the mandatory full service HD cable Will be another $65 - $70/monthly!

HDTVs are Not designed to simply replace a picture tube set on basic, standard cable.

[Mars]

I can't seem to find ratings for lcd tvs in 19" to 22" screen size. Any advise on 19" or 22" LCD TV would be welcome.

Thanks

[everett whitney]

TO: Dennis - " Plasma set only last 2 years ?"

Plasma MYTH # 12 ! Go to Panasonic web site & ask via Email rather than believe gossip!

All their 1080p plasma sets have been rated now for several years at 100,000 viewing hours Before that display even approaches 50 % of the new brightness !

At 10 hours daily / 365 days / ==== 27 + years of continuous usage !!!

[Dennis Donlon]

I am told that Plasma HDTV's wear out in about two years is this correct. (How long do they really last?)

[jmurphy7]

Looking for a small TV for the kitchen. Do you have a recommendation? Can't find anything for small, eg, 19" and 22" LCD TVs.

[everett whitney]

TO: William - 08 Oct - " Help w/ 19" HDTV.."

Read here in "Blogs" about ... terrible sound ...! No decent 19" sets are being made / sold currently .... all the emphasis has been upon Much larger HDTVs ... 42" 46" 50", etc..

These have Not been tested / reviewed by C.R. at all ... just last month, they did include a few 26" for the initial time.

Poor or limited features, some w/ (90) day warranties, no local national servicing, very often based upon computer monitors & therefore Not standard HD resolution, good for only arm's length viewing, very usually offered by the same makers as our current disposable / throwaway HDTVs.

Instead, seriously consider get a proper name brand 32" set, mounted elsewhere on a wall instead of squeezing it beneath the cabinets. Much more satisfactory.

[William R Calfee]

Looking for some advice on a 19" LCD for a kitchen . I cannot find any info " comparison" any where. HELP !!!

[everett whitney]

TO: Terry K.- 16 Aug " Very Bright, with Tall Windows..."

Just a wee bit of "info" - all current, new HDTVs are HD, regardless of which type .. LCD or Plasma ...

First & foremost, NO HDTV is intended to properly display "HD" in a bright, daytime environment ! Instead, the viewing room should definitely be decorated anew with very pretty but effective floor-to-ceiling draperies, faux wood blinds, etc..

IF that is Not an alternative, consider a different room for the TV.

If still "NO" - then a Plasma will be Not the way to go. These can not be operated at the extreme brightness, contrast levels of the large display, major brand LCDs ...

For that overly-bright viewing room, Any HDTV will need to be improperly set up the same as are the mass store displays ..... set on "vivid", @ max on brightness / contrast, etc., - in short, just the opposite of what a properly calibrated, home HDTV should be.

All - plasma or LCD - need a subdued environment to properly function.

[Terry Keskula]

Please advise what HDTV would be best for a very bright room. WE have a 2 story family room with floor to ceiling windows. I am interested in anything from 42" to 50". I'm not sure whether to go HD or Plazma. My price range is up to $2,600.00. Thank you for your assistance.

[everett whitney]

P.S. - to "DOUG" - { nine - 46" Sonys ? } -

Obviously, only (1) opinion - but - look at / watch / consider the
KDL-46S4100 - (2) rear HDMIs + (1) at side, 24 frames/minute + full HD - 1920 X 1080 - for BLU RAY HD, P.C. port, o.k. for Wall(vesa) mount, Picture-in-Picture, Sleep Timer & Energy Star if you are into that .. $1,565 - no tax except NY - free, guar del'y right onto your TV stand w/ (2) from Amazon(only, NO third parties)
-(30) days prepaid returns if any defects appear.
everett

[everett whitney]

TO: Doug - 24 July - " Which of (9) Sony's 46" .."

Not the easiest task in this digital day - but - as you "study" the specs, either at the Sony web site by using their " compare" feature, or read through those literally 1000s of posts / replies @ the TV " FORUMS " , one can soon establish what has been omitted from the very least-priced version Vs what may well be very superfluous on the upper two or three .. i.e. - insufficient HDMIs on the least or only .. color trim panels plus a ' floating plastic edge ' , etc.. on the highest priced.

These many different " FORUMS " will more than save one the annual cost of subscription necessary for access. Usually, several hundred dollars on (1) HDTV, in fact.

Try a membership - it can be cancelled for a refund of the unused months.

[Richard Sherman]

There are three HD tech available on the market today. DLP technology is much more inexpensive yet CR treats it almost like it does not exist. Why?

When I walk into a Best Buy or other store and want to buy a HDTV I see Plasma, LCD and DLP and as such I want to see reviews and "head to head" comparisons.

It seems that CR has decided the we should not buy DLP sets and as such seems to try and "force" people into the choices that "they" want.... namely Plasma or LCD.

Now I'm not saying that DLP is the best but it clearly provides the largest picture for the least amount of money and this is something that I had thought CR took into account.

I also looked at all the reviews and I cannot seem to find the faults with Plasma or LCD and it's like both techs were perfect in CR's eyes. IN this was the case then we would only have one tech out there. In fact, all three HD techs have pluses and minuses but you will not learn about it in CR... well aside from DLP which CR seems to want to write off and not existing.

I also notice that in almost every account Plasma and LCD's all seem to have top ratings in PQ for both HD and SD????? Every Plasma and LCD on the market today has outstanding PQ?

In closing I'm not saying that a $1000 50" DLP should be as good as a $2000 50" LCD but does not that $1000 saving mean anything?

Since when did CR turn into a magazine that only cases about the "best of the best" and stopped caring about value?

Every other review in regard to HDTV tech does head to head reviews for "all" current techs and lists each formats strengths and weaknesses. CR's review is near worthless and nothing more than a "ra-ra" cheer leading section for two types of tech.

BTW... having people click on a video review of HD tech on your main page and taking them to a review from 2006 makes your credibility look even worse.

CR used to be "the bible" in regard to fair and unbiased reviews. If I have to start questioning their reviews and what good are they?

-RS, Chicago

[Dennis Ray]

Any ratings for small LCD TV's? 19" or so

[Shawn DeARmond]

I absolutely don't want the speakers. In my opinion, NO built-in speakers on ANY TV are worth the paper used in their cones. I only use NHT speakers.

There's a good thread regarding 32" 1080p HDTV sets here:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?p=1032145536

So far, I'm interested in the Panasonic and the Samsung.

[Doug]

Regarding LCD HDTVs, Sony for one has 9 (!) 46 inch sets ranging from $3300 to $1900!!! Same for most other manufacturers. I realize you can't buy everything, but how can we judge which of those 9 sets is best when only one gets tested? Is there any way you can address this issue for us poor consumers? Even in retail stores, they don't have all the sets lined up so you can do a side by side comparison ....

Help!!

[Dave]

I am interested in the new Panasonic 58" plasma, which is part of Panasonic's 850 series. Supposedly, it passed the THX test for colors, one of the few sets to do so. It is due in the stores in August or Septmeber. When do you plan to review it?

[everett whitney]

Apologies - Shawn , NOT .. Sue .. just had replied to one of hers & can NOT 'edit" yours!

Very sorry ! everett