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September 17, 2009

New HDTV Ratings: LCDs with LED backlights, 240Hz; thinner plasma sets

Sony Bravia VPL-VW85 front projector
Side view of an ultra-thin Samsung 860-series plasma, now in our Ratings. (Click to enlarge.)
[PHOTO: Courtesy of Samsung]

We’ve just posted the latest TV Ratings (available to subscribers of ConsumerReports.org), and once again we find that an overwhelming majority of the sets can display excellent or very good picture quality when showing good-quality HD content. But sound is getting worse in some LCD and plasma TVs, perhaps as a result of their ever-slimming profiles. Along with some ultra-thin LCD sets, we tested several Samsung plasma TVs that are just 1.5 inches deep.

Some newer LCD TV technologies, such as LED backlights and 240Hz refresh rates, are spreading to more sets. There are different approaches to each of these technologies, and our tests show that the effectiveness varies both by technique and brand.

In addition, more sets of both types now offer extra features, including access to online news and entertainment content. Some sets provide either built-in or optional wireless connections to home networks, a real convenience for those who don’t have an Ethernet jack near their TV. Also, some sets now have integrated iPod docks, USB ports or SD card slots for playing digital music, photos and videos directly on the TV.

The most feature-laden sets typically command a premium, but the Ratings also include some modestly priced models that should appeal to budget-conscious shoppers, including a recommended 42-inch LCD TV for just $650 and 42-inch plasma model for $700.

Even though our newest TV Ratings have just been posted, we’ve already started testing 16 new models. Among the highlights: a super-slim 1-inch plasma from Panasonic; a Mitsubishi LCD set with a new version of its “sound-projector” surround-sound audio system; and Sharp’s first mainstream model with a full-array LED backlight. We expect to have the results for those sets available in about four weeks. —James K. Willcox

Tags: Audio & Video | HDTV | LCD TVs | Plasma TVs | Ratings | Television | All Cars Blog Categories

Post a Comment
Comments:
13
wood dresser
September 18, 2009 3:07 AM

Televisions are getting thinner and thinner and techie-er. I like the features of this one but I hope it is not the same with the rest that does not sound good.

Dale Fitzsimmons
September 22, 2009 11:15 AM

I'm sure many of your readers would like to have reviews of the BOSE products. I've kept many of the Consumer Reports but don't recall any BOSE reviews. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Sincerely,
Dale Fitzsimmons

Crosley
September 26, 2009 11:31 AM

James, will you also be testing the new Samsung 8500? Backlit LED with local dimming. Supposed to the the plasma killer everyone has been waiting for. I'm very curious in the Panasonic plasma V10 results. Any preliminary information you can share?

Thanks.

mary
September 29, 2009 8:11 PM

I am interested in the test results of the Samsung LCD LED 55" 240hz TV. The 8000-9000 series. Does the local dimming help very much?
Has the sound improved? I am hoping the sound will improve on the 9000.
Can you load movies directly through your internet and how long does it take to load a movie from Netflick?
Thanks,
marybethelkins@yahoo.com

Laurie
October 4, 2009 9:06 AM

we have an HDTV and having problem with the light. Does anyone else have to keep replacing the light bulbs? That cost 500 each time you fix it

Chandrabose
October 4, 2009 9:17 AM

Those who reside in coastal cities should beware before purchasing Sony product. Sony does not design their products for withstanding moisture levels prevalent in coastal places in India.

I purchased Bravia Model No. KLV-32S200A in October 2006 for Rs.80,000. It went bust in July 2009. The authorized service center informed me that the inside panels are corroded. When I took up the matter with the customer care, I was informed that due to moisture in the air, the panels were corroded.

The authorites, if they are serious to improve product quality, ought to have investigaged whether the anti-corrosive treatment process is wrong or the application of anti-corrosive treatment was faulty. They did not show any interest to go deeper into the failure of the product. This shows their utter disregard and indifference to improve product quality.

I stay 800 Meters from the coast in Visakhapatnam. Considering the distance, the moisture levels are normal. My earlier TVs Thomson, BPL and Konark served me more than 10years each.

This clearly shows that Sony products are not good in coastal places. So people should beware.

everett whitney
October 5, 2009 10:09 AM

TO: "marybethelkins@yahoo.com" ... { Is Sound ...? }

Although certainly NOT what one prefers to "hear" - but - NO set / brand / model / price range of new HDTV is technically-capable of receiving / authentically reproducing the "... this HD program is also brought to you in 5.1 Dolby ...."

That will Always mandate that one strictly turns ' off ' any HDTV internal Audio System and, instead, have a separate Sound System, however inexpensive that external system might be!

Not-at-all necessary that one must buy a prohibitively-costly nor elaborate/complex System !

The tested HTIBs herein by C.R. are very acceptable - the first choice Onkyo HT-S5200 @ under $500, no tax / free shipping - OR - the decidedly second choice Sony HT-SS360 is also an alternative for somewhat less.

Those HDTV cabinets are simply far too small to permit the necessary space separation of the various Speakers as well as their mandatory Amplifier!

everett

everett whitney
October 5, 2009 5:58 PM

Laurie - "Light Replacement = ~ $500..?"

Yes - all such lamp replacements on (rear) Projection HDTVs are in that neighborhood if installed by a Tech / Repair Shop person.

That - - plus all the rest of the faults associated w/ {rear} projection sets - - IS why there IS only a single makers of these currently! ALL others have given up / abandoned this technology.

"IF" one uses the web to locate / buy a proper replacement AND learns how to do this him / her self w/ lint-free gloves after Unplugging the TV, it will be approximately 50% of that cost.

everett

Lit4caster
October 5, 2009 11:26 PM

Will you be testing any of the Vizio LCD LED models soon? Also, can we look for updated test results from these models before the end of the year?

Thanks.

Matt
October 7, 2009 12:45 PM

When can we expect to see LCD LED T.V.'s in the 26" range?

Thanks, Matt

David Phillips
October 12, 2009 2:33 PM

When you test tvs, do you perform any sort of picture calibration, or do you use the factory default picture settings?

mary
October 20, 2009 12:49 PM

I am interested in the test results of the Samsung LCD LED 55" 240hz TV. The 8000-9000 series. Does the local dimming on the 9000 help very much?
Is the 9000 worth the extra money?
Thanks,
Mary

chirand420
October 31, 2009 5:06 PM

plz somebody let me know that samsung 8500 series can work on pal system or not........