Top 10 LCD TVs (USA)

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology has been growing by leaps and bounds, resulting in better TVs, clearer and sharper images, greater availability and cheaper prices. Manufacturers continue to innovate and introduce exciting developments that keep consumers and competitors on their toes. From the cutting-edge LCD flat panels available in the market today, here are the top 10 LCD TVs in our list.

Samsung LN46A950

The newly released 950 series of Samsung consists of the 46-inch LN46A950 and the 55-inch LN55A950. These LCD HDTV’s feature Samsung’s cutting-edge SmartLighting LED technology, 120hz frame rates, superbly stunning dynamic contrast ratio and solid video processing. The LN46A950 brings deep black rendering in LCD’s much closer to those in plasma TVs, almost eclipsing the plasmas in some tests. The LN46A950 also boasts in one of the best all-around color reproduction in the market, giving rich and extremely well-saturated colors. Other features of this high-end HDTV are an integrated NTSC/ATSC/ClearQAM tuner, InfoLink and WiseLink networking technologies and connectivity ports.

Samsung LN52A650

This amazing new Samsung Touch of Color HDTV Offers the best rendering of deep blacks in LCD’s - not as dark as those in plasma TV but definitely darker than other LCD’s. Accurate color rendering and easy-to-use picture controls, 120hz frame rate for blur-free fast action viewing, multi-connectivity including an Ethernet port and unique design makes this the prime choice for LCD enthusiasts.

 

Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR6

This Bravia HDTV definitely leads the pack in the non-LED LCD class. The KDL-52XBR6 gives precise color temperature; has great dejudder video processing and equipped with plenty of picture controls; wide-array of inputs including four HDMI and one PC, and smartly styled design. It’s no wonder that pre-order buzz on this piece is quite remarkable, and Sony certainly didn’t disappoint its loyal fan base when the XBR6 series came out.

Samsung LN46A550

Coming from the powerhouse Samsung line-up of LCDs, the LN46A550 thus have impeccable provenance and it clearly shows. With relatively deep black levels (paling in comparison only to its higher-end brothers), numerous adjustment capabilities, enough connectivity, minimalist looks and ease of use - features that are already standard in Samsung HDTVs - this set certainly lives up to expectations. With its comparatively cheaper price, one can easily overlook its shortcomings: unevenness across the screen, average video standard-def processing and some motion blur.

Sharp Aquos LC42D64U

For those who can’t afford the HDTV’s in the higher end of the spectrum, the Sharp Aquos LC42D64U is an excellent ‘entry-level’ HDTV product, with features that are definitely better than conventional TVs: good black depths; acceptable de-interlacing of 1080i materials; enough connectivity options with 3 HDMI inputs; and its thin frame and slim chassis make a nice, classy styling. The downsides of the Aquos include uneven uniformity which shows as bands on-screen and it lacks picture-in-picture capability. Still, this is good one for those wanting to experience HDTV’s at the least cost.

Samsung LN32A450

One of the top-selling smaller-screen LCDs, the Samsung LN32A450 certainly packs a power punch for its size. It has an impressive showing in most tests: black levels, color accuracy and saturation, screen uniformity, standard-def and high-def processing - the works. Given its size, the provided connectivity options are adequate, while the tweaking possibilities are quite endless. There are some resolution loss in de-interlacing 1080i sources but these are minor and not deal-breaking. However, its relatively pricey tag may just be the deal-breaker.

Sony KDL-46Z4100

Just a few months after their release, Sony’s new flagship TVs - successors to the superb XBR series - are slowly making inroads in the HDTV market. The Bravia sets like the KDL-46Z4100 have full HD 1080p resolution, improved color rendering with its 10-bit processing capability, the Bravia Engine 2 for advanced image enhancement and a slew of other improvements that are intended to produce crisp, lifelike images and deep blacks (which still not at par with the top-rated ones in this class). Hugging the higher tiers in terms of price, Sony and Bravia fans would certainly love these gadgets, though those looking for performance are better off shelling out some more cash for the LCDS in the top of the heap.

Panasonic TC-32LX85

Another great HDTV entry-level set, the 32-inch Viera TC-32LX85 from Panasonic is rather surprising, coming as it does from a company better known for its plasma TVs. But the surprises are two-fold: performance-wise this TV is awesome as it renders impressive black levels and accurate colors; however, one doesn’t expect such quirks like not having support for 1080p via HDMI and not having PC connectivity. Still, with its attractive design, great picture clarity and reasonable price, this is a great product to start one’s HDTV experience.

Sony KDL-46W4100

One of the sets released by Sony for 2008, the Bravia KDL-46W4100 is part of the W4100 series that succeeds last year’s well-received W3000 series. With increased picture details from the new Bravia Engine 2, automatic backlight adjustment from the Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) circuit, 120Hz refresh rate, and innovative design, this middle-ranged Bravia sports some of the features that just last year were exclusive to the high-end sets of Sony. However, even with these improvements, one experiences fluctuating black levels and off-tangent color decoding in the KDL-46W4100. If you can set aside these minor gripes, then you might consider this TV set, as you need not max out your credit limit to get it.

LG 47LG60

Quite pricey set from LG’s Scarlet line (name arising out of the crimson red trim in the base and the rear of the unit), this 47-inch HDTV surely may not match the deep black levels of its competitors but it sure has great features that match, if not exceed, other brands. High-speed LCD technology and TruMotion 120kh frame rate minimize motion blur in fast action scenes, full 1080p resolution, Super-IPS screen technology that allow viewing on extreme angles, and superb standard-def processing all make this HDTV at par with others in the market. The 47LG60 has a wide gamut of connectivity options and excellent picture quality, and could be the perfect LCD TV, if only its black level is improved.

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Expect more dynamism in the LCD market in the next few years, as makers continue to outdo each other in giving consumers the best TV watching experience for their cash. Watch out as we update this top 10 LCD TV’s list regularly, giving you the low-down on the best LCD’s on the market today.