Top 10 LCD TVs (UK)

Next to the CRT’s which are fast-approaching obsolescence, LCD’s dominate the market for monitors and television, outselling even the highly touted plasmas. As the LCD technology becomes mature, new and more interesting developments will surely make the LCD’s in the next few years really exciting. Here’s a list of the top 10 LCD TV’s that are most sought after by consumers in the UK.

Samsung LE40A656A

Part of Samsung’s Series 6 HDTV’s that came out this year, the full 1080p HD resolution LE40A656A clearly shows the company’s advanced LCD technologies: SPVA panel that allows a 178-degree viewing angle, high speed LCD crystal that offers 4ms response time, 100hz refresh rates that minimizes motion blur and the super clear panel which produces vivid colours and deep blacks. As this mid-range set is part of the Touch of colour series, the frame sports the rose black highlight that is either liked or criticized by reviewers.

Panasonic TX-32LZD85

One of Panasonic’s high-performing HDTV’s, the Viera TX-32LZD85 sports 100Hz refresh rates and the new Motion Focus system that ensure unsurpassed image processing capability. Aside from the improved picture clarity, this Panasonic is similar to its less expensive sibling, the 32LZD80. The design is a little funkier than standard Panasonic TVs, but still dry compared to other brands. The TX-32LZD85 also has three v1.3 compliant HDMI ports and other connectivity options, offers a high contrast ratio of 10,000:1, and deeper blacks than most LCD’s. Oh, did we mention this Panasonic is full 1080p HD resolution compliant?

Philips 47PFL9632D

Philips left no stone unturned to create its best LCD TV to date, and we’re glad it did. The 47PFL9632D certainly is one of the better LCD’s in the market today. Using its new Perfect Pixel Engine, 100Hz frame rates and an array of individually-controllable hot cathode fluorescent lights (HCFLs), the perennial problems of poor black levels and motion blur were addressed beautifully in this HDTV, though it necessitates some tweaking to deliver remarkably sharp and detailed pictures. Equipped with a trove of connectivity options, including three v1.3 compliant HDMI ports, the famed Ambilight backlighting that adds depth to the viewing experience, and the stylish aesthetics make this a truly premium HDTV. And yes, ’tis a full 1080p HD resolution LCD!

Samsung LE46F86BD

Samsung’s F81/F86 series (counterpart of F71 series in the US) is the company’s new line of premium LCD’s. While Samsung is known for its cheaper plasmas, its LCDs are decidedly upscale, as can be seen in the LE40F86BD and LE46F86BD models. The 46-inch full 1080p HD resolution LE46F86BD boasts of the 100 Hz Motion Plus processing that provides clean, blur-free picture even on fast action scenes, superior blacks levels, superb sounds, and multiple connectivity – including a trio of v1.3 compliant ports for all high-def sources. With a sleek, glossy black finish, this is truly a HDTV worth having, if one is inclined to splurge a bit.

Sony KDL-40W4500

Sony released an array of new products, including the W4500 series, to boost the Bravia product line. Fresh from the factories is the KDL-40W4500, with a style that pays tribute to the past. Positioned just a notch lower than Sony’s top tier X4500 series, it inherits many of the features of its high-end sibling, at more affordable prices. Powered by the latest Bravia Engine 2 image processing technology, this full 1080p HD resolution TV also uses other Sony advanced technologies such as the Motionflow 100Hz and Image Blur Reduction to give clearer pictures without motion blur and over-saturation.

Sharp LC-37X20E

A new product in Sharp’s arsenal, the Aquos LC-37X20E is part of the rather affordably-priced X20E Series that was added a few months back to the Aquos line (along with the XL2E Series which is a tad pricier). The full 1080p HD resolution LC-37X20E is a feature-packed deal: integrated digital support (with Freeview), response time of just 4ms, attractive design, and Sharp’s tru-D anti-judder processing technology. Still, while the set produces reasonably black levels, it lacks shadow details and there are noticeable motion blur. But the price may just be the clincher in this case, as this set is priced way below most Sharp HDTV’s.

Sony KDL-46X2000U

The KDL-46X2000U is rather old by today’s standard, as it’s the first ever X-series and full HD TV set to come out of the Bravia line. It still remains popular, though, mainly because it does have exceptional picture quality (in fact, arguably the best during its time). Powered by the (then) cutting-edge Bravia Engine EX processing, the HDTV delivers vivid colours and outstanding black levels. But since its has long passed its prime, the KDL-46X2000U has been surpassed by other new TVs – many from the Bravia line itself – and the fact that its price nowadays still harks back to its glory days, buyers may look elsewhere for a great LCD TV.

Philips 52PFL9632D

One of the better performing sets from Philips that is not part of its premium Aurea line, the Philips Cineos 52PFL9632D is an excellent choice for a large HDTV. Powered by the same Perfect Pixel HD Engine that creates for the Aurea superb blacks and impressive picture clarity, this full 1080p HD resolution TV certainly offers the best of both worlds- great performance and affordable price. Other add-ons, such as Ambilight (though not the kaleidoscopic 42 lights offered by the Aurea) and an array of connectivity options with three v1.3 compliant HDMI ports (no PC input though) just sweeten the deal for this HDTV, which certainly gives more screen real estate for your money.

Sony KDL-32S3000

A nice all around performer and cheap price makes the Bravia KDL-32S3000 the perfect choice for an entry level HDTV. While admittedly not top-of-the-line – it is merely 720p resolution but HD ready, sports a conservative look, and doesn’t have 100 Hz refresh rates – it does have Sony’s Live Colour Creation technology that allows great image reproduction. Above-average black level performance, excellent handling of standard-def sources, impressive picture sharpness and adequate connectivity suite make this little darling a true performer. And with its really cheap price, there is really no reason even for those with very limited budget not to go HDTV.

Panasonic TX-37LZD80

For Panasonic fans who prefer LCD over plasma (which the company makes with aplomb), this full 1080p HD resolution Panasonic is an excellent choice. Equipped with Panasonic’s V-real 3 technology, housed in a stylish chassis with an attitude, and fitted with sufficient connectivity options including a Viera link, the TX-37LZD80 basically performs well enough. There may be issues regarding resolving Freeview sources, inadequate black levels and motion blur (it lacks 100hz refresh rates), but this Panasonic handles high-def sources exceptionally well and has more than average acoustics to compensate, so it may just turn out to be a good deal.

Toshiba 42XV555 DB

The only Toshiba product to make it to our list, this one from the REGZA XV503D series really must be exceptional to achieve such a feat. This full 1080p HD resolution telly is powered by Toshiba’s Active Vision LCD picture processing technology with 10-bit processing that delivers rich details, natural colours and smooth movements. The Dynamic Contrast and the Luma Sens ambient-lighting sensing technologies provides good-enough blacks for an LCD, though its not something to brag about. With its three HDMI ports and an array of other connectors, plus a ton of other features screams that this HDTV surely means business.

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We’ll expect the above listing to change every six months or so, as new models and innovations are released. Watch out for regular updates in this site as we review developments in the exciting LCD and high-definition fields and come out with our list of top 10 LCD TV’s.