New HDTV Ratings include plasma 3D TVs from Panasonic, Samsung

Jul 16, 2010 12:35 PM

Panasonic D2-series LCD TV LED backlight HDTV

Panasonic's 42-inch D2-series LCD TVs are its
first with LED backlights.
Photo: Panasonic

We've just posted our latest LCD and plasma TV Ratings (available to Consumer Reports Online subscribers) of 16 new models, which include two new 3D plasma TVs—the 54-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P54VT25 and the 50-inch Samsung PN50C8000. Both are 1080p sets with access to streaming online content via each company's Internet service, including access to streaming movies. Our testing of 3D TVs continues to reinforce our impression that plasma may be a better technology for presenting 3D images, though there were performance differences between the two models.

Also in the plasma mix are two lower-priced Insignia-brand sets, in 42- and 50-inch screen sizes (the Insignia NS-42P650A11 and the Insignia NS-50P650A11, respectively); an ultra-thin 50-inch LG 50PK540, and a step-up 46-inch Viera TC-P54G25 model from Panasonic that has some extra features. There's also a more basic 58-inch Samsung PN58C550 that's well priced for its size.

Among the new LCD models is a Wi-Fi-ready 60-inch Sony Bravia KDL-60EX700 with an edge LED backlight and a 55-inch Samsung LN55C650. Mid-sized sets in the latest Ratings include a 42-inch Panasonic Viera TC-L42D2 (the largest LCD screen size in the company's D2-series and its first with an LED backlight) with a built-in iPod dock, a 40-inch Samsung LN40C530, and a Toshiba 37E200U, a 37-inch TV in its entry level 1080p line of sets.

There are also two "combi" TVs with integrated disc players. The pricier of the two is the Sony Bravia KDL-32EX40B, a 32-inch Wi-Fi-ready model that features a built-in Blu-ray player and access to streaming movies. At less than half the price is a 32-inch Magnavox 32MD350B/F7 combo LCD TV/Blu-ray unit.

Among smaller screen sizes are the Magnavox 26MF330B/F7 (a 26-inch 720p set) and a 23-inch set from Viewsonic (the ViewSonic VT2300LED) that features an LED backlight.

We already have several new HDTVs in our labs undergoing testing, including the first Sony 3D TV we've reviewed. Stay tuned for more info on what we find.

—James K. Willcox