100-plus LCD and plasma TVs in our latest Ratings

A number of TV manufacturers at CES announced new LCD TVs that use LED backlighting instead of the usual fluorescent lamps. LEDs cost more but when coupled with local-dimming (the ability to darken some portions of the screen while keeping others bright) promise a number of benefits, including better contrast, deeper blacks, and lower power consumption. (To see other HDTV innovations, click the embedded player on the right and watch our video report from CES, "What's new in HDTVs.")

In our latest Ratings of LCD sets (available to subscribers), two of the 80-plus models we tested use LED backlights with local dimming: the Samsung LN55A950 and the Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR8. Both sets did extremely well—but they are also the two most expensive models in the group, at $4,200 and $5,000, respectively. Do they live up to the claims regarding LED backlighting, and are they worth the premium price?

Value is in the eye of the beholder, but there's no question both these TVs are top-notch sets, and both did have exceptionally good black levels, rivaling the best plasmas. More details on the performance, and differences between the Samsung LN55A950 and the Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR8, are available to subscribers. (See our Recommendations of LCD TVs and Recommendations in plasma TVs, both available to subscribers as well, for other top notch choices.)

Our Ratings of 30-plus plasma TVs (available to subscribers) feature several 60-inch models—the biggest plasmas we've tested to date—including a very good set that costs less than $3,000, a low price for a model of this size and quality.

Comments

[everett whitney]

TO: Marion - " Another 19" question..?"

Here - from the paid subscription "FORUMS" ---

http://discussions.consumerreports.org/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=9000.12&nav=messages&webtag=cr-0403eltelevi

[Marion Ryan]

Have you rated a 19" Samsung LCD tv? - if so could I get the information.
Thank you

[Kai Chen]

I suggest that CR evaluate the DTV tuner performance on these TV sets for people (like me) who pick up their TV signals over-the air. Thanks for your consideration.

[everett whitney]

TO: JLT - "WAKE UP ... separate Sound Systems?"

Perhaps it is YOU that needs to do that, instead .... Dolby in either 5.1 or 7.1 can Never be "accomplished" within the physical confines of any HDTV ! There Must be a physical separation between all those speakers .... And, only $1,000 does NOT acquire a Top Tier, large display HDTV, either ... more like double and higher.

[JLT]

I hope that the makers of LCD/Plasma TV will do something about the speakers or sound system. The sound of all of the TV's are terrible and it is stupid to incorperate a separate sound system to improve sound quality. I think it is ridiculious to pay over thousand dollars for a HDTV and the sound sucks. Wake up Panasonic, Samsung, Sony!