(Dec 19, 2008)
David Katzmaier
Senior Editor
Svelte and sexy LCD (liquid crystal display) flat-panels have been replacing bulky PC monitor tubes for the past several years. It was only a matter of time before those monitors grew up into bigger flat-panel TVs. Today's LCD TVs range from 15 to more than 52 inches. They can be small enough to replace your old tube or big enough to compete against plasma TVs. Here are our favorites.
Sony KDL-55XBR8
Although not quite the best HDTV we've tested so far, the wallet-busting, LED-powered Sony KDL-55XBR8 comes mighty close.
Price: $6,499.00 - $6,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 16, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung LN46A950
Samsung's LED-backlit LN46A950 represents the peak of flat-panel LCD TV performance and picture quality, with a price to match.
Price: $2,528.18 - $3,499.00 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 10, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung LN52A650
If you don't mind its red frame, the Samsung LN52A650 LCD TV will reward you with a massive feature set and excellent picture quality.
Price: $1,857.00 - $2,799.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 29, 2008
Excellent
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Sony KDL-52XBR7
The 240Hz Sony KDL-52XBR7 breaks new refresh rate ground, but for most buyers the extra Hz won't be worth the high price.
Price: $3,999.00 - $4,199.99 (check prices)
Review date: Dec 9, 2008
Excellent
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Sony KDL-52XBR6
The 52-inch Sony KDL-52XBR6 LCD is a bit too expensive for the level of picture quality it delivers, but its styling and best-in-class black levels help its case.
Price: $2,299.88 - $3,499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 8, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung LN46A550
The midlevel Samsung LN46A550 LCD TV strikes an excellent balance between price and performance.
Price: $1,212.00 - $1,799.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 8, 2008
Very good
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Samsung LN46A750
The excellent picture quality and unique interactive features of the Samsung LN46A750 flat-panel LCD TV aren't quite worth the higher price tag.
Price: $1,587.00 - $2,299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 26, 2008
Very good
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Samsung LN32A450
Solid picture quality propels the Samsung LN32A450 LCD TV to the front of small-screen class.
Price: $577.53 - $849.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 22, 2008
Very good
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Sony KDL-46Z4100
Sony's well-featured, smartly styled KDL-46Z4100 performs well enough, but its picture doesn't match that of the best LCD TVs.
Price: $1,697.97 - $2,299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 8, 2008
Very good
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Hitachi UT37X902
A high price and a quirky, optional AV Center lessen the appeal, but the stunning design of the ultrathin Hitachi UT37X902 will draw buyers who want the ultimate in flat-panel chic.
Price: $1,499.98 - $2,549.00 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 14, 2008
Very good
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Vizio SV470XVT
The Vizio SV470XVT represents a viable alternative for LCD TV bargain hunters who want 120Hz processing.
Price: $1,399.00 - $1,399.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 21, 2008
Very good
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Panasonic TC-32LX85
The 32-inch Panasonic TC-32LX85 delivers surprisingly impressive picture quality for a small-screen LCD TV.
Price: $592.00 - $699.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 4, 2008
Very good
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Sony KDL-46W4100
Sony's midlevel KDL-46W4100 gets you solid dejudder video processing but otherwise its picture quality falls short of the top tier.
Price: $1,459.99 - $1,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 4, 2008
Very good
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LG 47LG60
A unique design and best-in-class calibration controls cannot quite make up for the lighter black levels of the LG 47LG60 47-inch flat-panel LCD TV.
Price: $1,899.00 - $1,999.95 (check prices)
Review date: May 7, 2008
Very good
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Vizio VOJ370F
Accurate color performance helps the Vizio VOJ370F stand out from the midsize LCD pack.
Price: $1,250.00 (check prices)
Review date: Dec 19, 2008
Very good
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Vizio VO32L
The Vizio VO32L's mostly solid image quality and fully packed connectivity package make it a top choice among small-screen LCDs.
Price: $922.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 29, 2008
Very good
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Westinghouse VK-40F580D
Perfectly acceptable image quality and a well-integrated DVD player make the Westinghouse VK-40F580D a solid choice for people going the combo route.
Price: $999.99 - $1,069.20 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 7, 2008
Very good
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Sony KDL-32M4000
While it's blessed with attractive looks and a solid picture, the higher price of Sony's KDL-32M4000 will turn off many 32-inch LCD comparison shoppers.
Price: $611.96 - $849.99 (check prices)
Review date: May 14, 2008
Very good
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Sharp LC-52D65U
Excellent energy savings and decent picture quality make the Sharp LC-52D65U a solid value among bigger-screen LCDs.
Price: $1,495.00 - $2,099.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 24, 2008
Good
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