Date Published: 12/20/2006
When you look at today's broad selection of high-definition LCD televisions, you might forget that these sets were prohibitively expensive just a few years ago. Picture quality has improved dramatically as prices have dropped, so in terms of value and performance, LCD HDTVs now give plasma sets a run for their money. In addition, a number of new LCD televisions are capable of displaying content at 1,080p, the highest resolution format currently available to consumers and something only very few (and very expensive) plasma sets can match. Read on to learn about some of our favorite LCD HDTVs.
Panasonic TC-32LX600
The TC-32LX600 builds upon Panasonic's more basic TC-32LX60, producing a sharp high-definition picture at a relatively low price. This attractive 32-inch set measures less than five inches in depth and weighs only 43 pounds, so it is a good candidate for mounting on the wall. The TC-32LX600 sports a pair of digital-to-digital HDMI inputs, which provide the best-possible connection with your other digital home theater components.
While it can't match the ultra-high resolution of the new 1,080p LCD sets, the TC-32LX600 gives you a quality HD picture for a reasonable price. If you are looking for a competent and affordable HDTV (with an MSRP around $1,400) with advanced HDMI connectivity, check out the Panasonic TC-32LX600.
Hewlett-Packard MediaSmart SLC3760N
For a high-definition television that does a lot more than just display your favorite shows and movies, the HP SLC3760N may be the one for you. This 37-inch MediaSmart model combines an LCD TV with a network media player, creating a media center that can present HD programming and stream digital video, photos and even music from your home network. All of these functions are integrated into an innovative and intuitive menu system, so everything is simple to use.
 Hewlett-Packard MediaSmart SLC3760N LCD HDTV |
JVC LT-40FN97
With the LT-40FN97, JVC offers a high-performance LCD television at a competitive price, with an MSRP at around $2,500. A member of the new breed of 1,080p HDTVs, the LT-40FN97 utilizes JVC's Digital Image Scaling Technology (DIST) to display all incoming signals with exceptional clarity. This set is also packed with useful features, including a PC input for surfing the internet and playing games on the big screen, as well as a QAM tuner and CableCARD slot for digital cable compatibility.
In addition to the PC input, the LT-40FN97 has a number of advanced inputs and outputs, including two HDMI outputs and two FireWire (IEEE 1394) connections. If you are ready to step up to high-definition television, you can't go wrong with the 1,080p picture of the JVC LT-40FN97.
Sony KDL-40XBR2 BRAVIA
For a top-notch HD picture with a host of bells and whistles, take a look at the 40-inch KDL-40XBR2. This high-end XBR member of Sony's BRAVIA LCD series gives you a stunning 1,080p picture punctuated by deep blacks, something with which many other big-screen LCD TVs struggle. The KDL-40XBR2 (which has an MSRP around $2,800) also boasts three HDMI inputs that are compatible with 1,080p sources, so this set would be a great companion for a Blu-ray high-definition disc player.
The attractive KDL-40XBR2 has a transparent surrounding bezel that gives the screen a floating appearance, and a variety of colored bezels are available from the Sony website. This allows you to customize the television to your viewing room, which is sure to please the interior decorator in the family. With its extraordinary picture and stylish design, the Sony KDL-40XBR2 looks great on or off.
Toshiba 42HL196 REGZA
The Toshiba 42HL196 gives you a high-definition 42-inch LCD picture for less than many 40-inch sets. But don't think the 42HL196 is a stripped-down model. This member of the new REGZA line presents a finely detailed 1,080p picture, thanks in large part to multiple image processing functions and Toshiba's CineSpeed XHD LCD panel. Whether you are viewing TV, surfing the internet via the PC input or watching a Blu-ray or HD DVD movie, the 42HL196 won't disappoint.
The 42HL196 has all the useful features of more expensive LCD TVs, including multiple picture-in-picture formats, digital cable readiness and even an Ethernet port for linking with your home network. For high-end features and performance without the high-end cost (an MSRP around $2,300), consider the Toshiba 42HL196.
