CR Quick Recommendations LCD TVs
On the best of the tested LCD TVs, picture quality was clear, crisp, and detailed, especially with HD content and progressive-scan DVD signals. We're seeing a growing number of 1080p sets, which have 1920x1080 resolution. They're capable of pushing the resolution limits of the HDTV format, displaying an unprecedented level of detail.
Overall, picture quality of the best LCDs is comparable to that of the top-rated plasmas though there are still some differences between the two technologies. Plasmas still have the edge for better black levels and a wider viewing angle, but LCDs are better choices for viewing in brightly lit rooms.
We recommend you choose a TV with very good or excellent picture quality for the best viewing experience with a primary TV. Lower-priced LCD sets with good picture quality could be fine if image quality isn't critical. With all our TV testing, picture-quality scores for HD, DVD, and standard-definition content aren't directly comparable, because each type of signal is capable of a different level of quality. Thus, a very good score for HD indicates a better picture than a very good score for regular TV signals.
Long-term reliability is still a question for newer TV technologies, including LCD sets, but preliminary data are encouraging. We have enough data to report that JVC, Magnavox, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony and Toshiba have had few repair issues for the first year or two. We don't have enough survey data to report on other brands yet.
The Ratings list models, within sizes, by performance. Quick Picks highlights sets you might want to consider based not only on test scores but also on factors such as features, price (which may have dropped since press time), and reliability.
Quick Picks
Top-notch 1080p sets:
JVC LT-40FN97 , $2700
Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR2 , $2500
These two 1080p TVs are among the best LCD sets we've ever tested, with clear, sharp detail and fine color and black levels. Picture quality is excellent with HD and very good with DVDs and regular content. Sound is also very good. The JVC LT-40FN97 remote is excellent. The Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR2 has a striking "floating glass" design. These sets are admittedly high-priced for the screen size; you could buy a fine 50-inch plasma TV for about the same price, but it won't have 1080p resolution. Several new 1080p models we're now testing for our next Ratings (which will be available in a few weeks) look very promising: the Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR2, $3,100, a larger sibling of the 40-incher in this group, and the Toshiba Cinema Series Regza 42LX196, a 42-inch that sells for $2,600.
Fine 40-inch LCDs for less:
JVC LT-40X787 , $2000
Samsung LN-S4092D , $2200
Sony Bravia KDL-40S2000 , $1800
Westinghouse LVM-42W2 , $1400
These TVs have fine picture quality and sound. The JVC, Samsung, and Sony sets have a fairly wide viewing angle. The Sony Bravia KDL-40S2000, an older set, is a great buy at this price, and the Westinghouse LVM-42W2 is a very good value for a 1080p set. While the Westinghouse has no TV tuner, that's not an issue if you plan to connect a cable or satellite box. New models still in testing that look very promising: the 42-inch Olevia 542i, $1,300, and the Samsung LN-S4095D, $2,000.
Top picks among 37-inch models:
Philips 37PF9631D , $1400
Sharp Aquos LC-37D90U , $1800
JVC LT-37X787 , $1600
Hewlett-Packard LC3760N , $1300
Magnavox 37MF231D/37 , $1500
The Sharp Aquos LC-37D90U 1080p set has excellent HD quality and one of the best remotes we've seen, but it's pricey. The Magnavox 37MF231D/37, Hewlett-Packard LC3760N, The JVC LT-37X87, and Philips 37PF9631D have fine picture quality and are good values. All except the HP and Philips have a wide viewing angle. A promising new model: the Toshiba Cinema Series Regza 37LX96, $2,200, which has a built-in, side-loading DVD player.
Good choices in 32-inch models:
Panasonic TC-32LX60 , $1100
Samsung LN-S3292D , $1500
Sony Bravia KDL-32S2000 , $1400
Toshiba TheaterWide HD 32HL66 , $1000
Philips 32PF7321D , $1000
Magnavox 32MF231D/37 , $900
JVC LT-32X787 , $1400
There were a number of fine performers in the 32-inch group, offering fine picture quality at a comparatively modest price. The Toshiba TheaterWide HD 32HL66 leads the group, with excellent HD picture quality; the others have very good HD picture quality. All are good or very good with DVDs and standard-def content, and have decent sound and at least one HDMI input. All but the Toshiba TheaterWide HD 32HL66 and Samsung LN-S3292D have a fairly wide viewing angle; theirs were a bit narrower, typical of many LCDs. The Samsung's siblings, Samsung LN-S3241D and Samsung LN-S3251D, offer comparable picture quality and value, with slightly different cabinet designs. Promising new models: the Samsung LN-S3296D, $1,300, and the Olevia 532H, $900.
Best of the smaller TVs:
Toshiba TheaterWide HD 26HL66 , $800
If you want a smaller set for a bedroom or office, consider the 26-inch Toshiba TheaterWide HD 26HL66. It was judged excellent for high-definition picture quality and very good for DVDs and standard-definition programming. Sound is very good; the remote is excellent, among the best we've seen.