Aside from increased brightness and longer display life, LCD TVs also provide greater contrast and viewing angles. They also cost much less and are easier to install. When buying one for your home or office, you need to take into consideration a lot of factors like the connections available as well as the resolution and the size of the screen. Here at IntelliReview, we make it easy for you to find the best LCD HDTV for your needs by formulating a list of only the top products available. We do this by going through numerous reviews all over the web. The amount of positive and negative reviews then determines the ranking of each product. By harnessing the power of the social web, we are able to give you a look at highly recommended LCD televisions. Whether it is refresh rate, screen resolution, color distribution or ease of use, we make it simple for you to find an LCD TV that is perfect for you personally. By shopping at IntelliReview, you can confidently know you are only dealing with quality merchandise and concentrate on features and price. Needless to say, this enables you to quickly find the perfect LCD TV for your needs.
Pros: 1080p resolution, USB media playback, Intelligent Sensor calibrates picture quality
Cons: No Internet connectivity, Speakers are a bit weak
While not exactly cutting-edge, the LG LK450 does have its share of advanced technology while selling at a lower price than later models. This is the HDTV model to get if size is a consideration alongside budget, as the midsize screen means that it's not too big as to take up acres of space but not too small as well. It is great for TV purists who are more into watching TV or videos and a little gaming, but not much else. The LK450 has two of the basic characteristics that are usually found in an HDTV: an LCD display capable of 1080p resolution and a set of HDMI ports for input and output, of which it has three. Aside from HDMI, it has a TOSLINK Optical Audio out to connect with a sound system, Composite and Component outputs, a VGA port for PC output and a single USB port to play content directly from storage media like flash drives. The USB playback, in particular, has to be commended as it handles decoding flawlessly. What it doesn't have, though, is Wi-Fi or even an Ethernet connection, so Internet access is out of the question. The screen's refresh rate is at par with ordinary TV sets at 60 Hz and the audio comes from two twenty-watt speakers. The audio output is a bit weak though, so it's recommended to use the optical audio out to its full advantage. All in all, the pared-down feature set of this model makes it more for bedrooms than for living rooms or rec rooms. The features may be on the lighter side but that does not mean that the LG LK450 LCD TV scrimps on functionality too. A responsive Intelligent Sensor automatically calibrates the display to compensate for lighting conditions, which in turn, results in a better overall picture. The picture quality may not match top-of-the-line units but it is still pretty decent and does the job as it should. The menu system on the TV is twofold; a simpler one for basic settings and a more comprehensive one. Also, this model is VESA-compatible for easy wall mounting and it saves more energy, as it meets Energy Star guidelines.
Pros: Great basic HDTV, Matte screen, Less expensive
Cons: No Internet capability, Base seems a little weak
The LG LK520 series is a superb choice if you're transitioning from ordinary CRT TVs into flat-panel sets or if you're new to the whole HD market. It delivers solid performance at a price point that is very friendly to those working on limited budgets and it also has the full set of features which have nearly become standard for TV sets with the 1080p certification. It shows stunningly clear and brilliant images with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a very high contrast at 150,000:1, and the Full 1080p HD resolution of the unit resolves at 120Hz, twice as fast as the 60Hz refresh rate of CRT set-tops, giving you a world of additional visible detail even with fast-paced scenes in sports events or movies. A 178-degree, left and right viewing angle means that no picture inversion is visible wherever you sit in relation to the TV while snappy response time rated at 2.4 ms means that you can get from setup to watching TV in no time at all. The superior HD capability is likewise perfect for watching Blu-Ray movies or playing games using next-generation gaming consoles, and the three HDMI ports built into the model make sure that there's always a port ready for use whenever needed without having to unplug any of your other devices. While it does not have any means to access the Internet as it does not have an Ethernet port nor a wireless adapter, it can easily double as a computer monitor through a VGA input. You can even play media like movies, music or pictures straight from flash drives via the lone USB port. Sound quality, apparently, is the LK520's low point as it only has ten-watt speakers for sound output. That is actually adequate enough for everyday use but if you want a better audio experience, you can connect it to an external amplifier using either an HDMI or an optical digital audio cord. When it comes to build quality, it goes with the usual formula of having a body that is mostly plastic with a metal frame inside for strength. This makes the weight of the unit, pegged at about 35 pounds, more of a desktop set rather than one for your wall. The bezel is shiny, but the screen, fortunately, is matte for less light reflection. Perhaps, the biggest issue you may find with this particular TV is, curiously enough, not in any way related with the unit's performance. Instead, it has more to do with the base of the unit which feels a little weak due to its semi-plastic construction. Being an entry-level set, the LG LK520 does not have the advanced functionality that other HDTVs offer, like being able to stream Internet content. From another standpoint, the choice to dispense with next-gen features to keep things fancy enough but not too much as to be ridiculously expensive, makes it a solid pick for a basic HDTV.
Pros: Great design, Improved features, Internet-ready, Energy efficient
Cons: Contrast degradation issues, No Ethernet connection, Needs wireless adapter to connect to the Internet
The Samsung D6000 series is one of this year's entry-level HDTVs from Samsung. It has most of the standard high-end features present in nearly all of the other offerings from the product line and as an added bonus, corrects a few flaws found in previous releases. To start with, it has a screen bounded by a half-inch thin elegant and high-gloss bezel in piano black. The eye-catching design is enhanced by a clear acrylic border tinged with a slight reddish hue for greater style. This design effectively gives the illusion that this TV has a bigger screen size than it actually does. The profile is paper-thin at 1.2 inches without the base, and the screen refreshes at 120Hz, with an improved Auto Motion Plus and Clear Motion rate features that eliminate motion blur and increase clarity for more lifelike action - perfect for live events like sports, news or concerts. The Auto Motion Plus feature, in particular, has been tweaked for better rendering than the version found in other models. This HDTV is energy efficient too. A sensor adjusts the amount of backlighting the LED screen gives off, depending on the ambient light of the room which equates to lesser power consumption. It also has full HD capability with 1080p resolution and four HDMI inputs at the side of the unit. Color reproduction, in general, is accurate and vibrant thanks to the Wide Color Enhancer. On the other hand, it does have some apparent contrast degradation issues. Darker tones begin to appear grayish blue to viewers sitting farther away from the center and reaches its peak at around a 30-degree angle from the middle. The Ultra Clear Panel screen that cuts down on the glare does its part, but the best solution, of course, is to sit as close to the middle as possible. This model belongs to the Smart TV line as well, and thus, is Internet-ready. The Samsung Apps platform of web-based applications is fully represented here and is easily accessible with the touch of a menu button. However, it can only access the Internet through a wireless interface rather than a wireless and wired combination. When getting the TV, be sure to grab the separate wireless adapter as well. With regards to controls, the Samsung D6000 LED TV comes supplied with a nicely backlit remote and has a simplified menu system redesigned from the one in earlier models, which was quite confusing aside from being a little hard to read.
Pros: Outstanding image quality, Ultra-slim and classy design, Built-in WiFi, Includes 2 pairs of 3D active glasses
Cons: Remote is difficult to use, Too expensive, Glossy finish
Designed with an exceptionally-thin brushed titanium bezel and a matching swivel stand, the Samsung D8000 series fuses beauty with function. Its price may be a little over the top, but its probably due to the fact that it is poles apart from earlier and competing models. Aside from packing a solid feature set, it attracts attention with its almost frameless design that takes realism to new heights and at the same time, adds to the unit's already stunning aesthetics. This model renders amazing 3D visuals and offers Full HD 1080p content viewing. The Ultra Clear Panel not only reduces reflection from other light sources but also provides improved contrast and rich color. In comparison with most TV models, it has a web browser and more built-in apps. It also gives you wireless access to a large collection of movies, music, TV shows and other online content and even supports video calling through Skype. All the TV sizes in the D8000 series (46", 55", 60" and 65") are capable of converting 2D content to their best possible 3D quality and integrated with Micro Dimming Plus for optimized picture quality and Clear Motion Rate 960 technology which enables pristine rendering of fast-action scenes and dramatically improves response rates. Using its swivel stand, you can rotate the screen up to 10 degrees and experience maximum viewing comfort. Also included with the purchase are two pairs of 3D Active Glasses. Connectivity isn't a problem as the unit comes with four HDMI inputs, three USB 2.0 ports, a PC input, 2 Composite inputs, a Component input and an Ethernet port, if you want a wired connection. You can even hook up compatible devices like cameras and camcorders and view digital content in the big screen, courtesy of AllShare and ConnectShare Movie. In terms of audio, there are two built-in 10-watt bottom speakers with SRS TheaterSound technology which deliver sound with power and clarity. A PC audio input (mini-jack), a DVI audio input and an audio output (mini-jack) are also present as well as some extra features like a built-in HDTV Tuner, V-Chip which gives parents peace of mind and Anynet+ for controlling all compatible devices without the clutter of too many controllers. While the backlit QWERTY Remote is a nice upgrade to the standard clickers, it is one of the few things in this TV that needs to be improved upon. It has a nice design but it is not easy to use, so purchasing a universal remote control is probably better. For the price, it is also quite disappointing that Samsung didn't skip the glossy finish, which is nice to look at, but in turn, makes the screen reflective. Nonetheless, Samsung has another strong contender in its lineup. The D8000 combines state-of-the-art technology with simple operation and it delivers outstanding image quality which can be considered superior across the board.
Pros: Excellent design combined with state of the art features, 3D capable, Advanced connection options
Cons: Minor edge backlight bleeding, Keypad is a little hard to use
Aside from the high definition LED screen, 3D capability and next-generation connectivity to both the Internet and to other devices, probably the greatest thing about the Samsung D7000 LED TV is how nice it looks. This unit has apparently the thinnest bezel we have seen in a flat-panel screen, topping out at .2 inches. Being less than half an inch all around, it contributes to the illusion that the already-large screen is bigger than it actually is. The ultra-slim profile at 1.2" without the stand makes mounting this unit onto a wall a nice option and the metallic color gives a sleek and modern design element. It goes without saying, of course, that this HDTV is more than just plain good looks. A maximum resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels combined with the Auto Motion Plus technology that displays images at 240Hz makes every image, whether static or dynamic, leap off the screen without any noticeable blurring, even with high-speed images like sports or action scenes. The Ultra Clear Panel making up the entirety of the screen also improves the overall image quality by absorbing ambient light instead of reflecting it. Using separate 3D glasses, a 3D-capable Blu-ray player or other 3D media brings you to a whole new dimension of visuals that must be experienced to be fully enjoyed. Connecting devices to this unit is seamless, with 4 HDMI ports, one composite and one component video input and one VGA port for connecting a PC being joined by three USB ports. You can also hook up a speaker system with its Digital Audio interface and get improved audio quality beyond what the onboard speakers can deliver. When it comes to networking, the D7000 boasts both an onboard wireless 802.11N interface as well as an RJ-45 port for Ethernet. The Samsung Apps Suite makes full use of these connections, delivering additional content both free and paid (depending on the publisher) straight from the World Wide Web. The remote control supplied with the TV has an integrated QWERTY keypad for input use. Networking the D7000 to other devices like PCs, Network-attached storage devices or game consoles is also virtually effortless. With all its advantages, there are a few things consumers might want to consider before getting the Samsung D7000 LED TV. First, it tends to be a little oversaturated in terms of colors, especially when freshly unpacked. There is noticeable backlight bleeding when the image being displayed is a visually dark one, but thankfully, this goes away quickly as the unit warms up. The price, too, is a concern, especially if you are working within a budget. Lastly, the QWERTY keypad can be a little difficult to use if you are not used to typing on small devices like mobile phones. Nonetheless, this is an excellent choice for a flat-panel TV and the features it carries will be definitely worth your money.
Pros: Ultra-thin bezel, Remarkable picture quality, Full HD 1080p, Wi-Fi ready
Cons: Sound could be better, Wi-Fi adapter is not included
Enjoy Full HD 1080p resolution with Sony's BRAVIA EX720 series of 3D LED TVs. Being 3D-ready, you can purchase optional 3D Active Glasses and take advantage of high quality conversion through the built-in 3D sync transmitter. The X-Reality engine combined with Sonys Edge LED Backlight technology ensures sharp delineation along with superior contrast. It is also integrated with Sonys Motionflow XR 240 technology that delivers high quality, fast-moving images and a built-in Light Sensor that allows the unit to adjust to various lighting conditions. With its Quick Start & Viewing feature, start-up time is noticeably faster even when compared to other Sony HDTVs. This LED TV is capable of streaming web content. It provides full access to sites like Netflix, Qriocity, Hulu Plus, YouTube and Pandora and even gives you the option to purchase Sony's UWA-BR100 Wi-Fi adapter for hassle-free connection. It doesn't come preloaded with Internet widgets but this can be easily fixed and solved by a software update which automatically installs the widgets to your TV. The menu permits easier navigation while the free media remote app allows you to use your smartphones like iPhone as a remote control for a comfortable and more convenient operation. It is also BRAVIA Sync Compatible which means that you can use the same clicker to control all your other devices. The HDMI cable minimizes cable clutter and the USB input lets you connect your thumb drive and USB-enabled devices. The only gripe is that it doesn't support all formats. Sound is also not the best but you can always pair it with a good set of speakers. The Sony EX720 looks sleek from edge-to-edge. It can be wall mounted or place on the desk using the solid, thin stand that matches the irresistibly beautiful, ultra-thin bezel. What separates it from other models in the same class are its built-in motion sensor which lets you save energy and money and its ability to take you to an entirely new level of home entertainment, regardless if its 2D or 3D.
Pros: Budget LCD Televisions, 1080p, Game Mode
Cons: Sound is average, No Internet access available, Bezel reflects light
The 2011 lineup of Samsung LCD HDTVs offer a wide range of features for all kinds of budget considerations. While the new lineup retains the top-of-the-line models equipped with plasma displays and advanced functionality, these are expensive and not for buyers working with a set budget. On the other hand, the Korean manufacturer's budget models are certainly nothing to scoff at; Consider, for example, the Samsung D550 LCD TV series. Made up of four screen sizes, the D550s deliver the same performance that is excellent for movies and gaming, aside from general watching standard and high-definition TV broadcasts at competitive costs. With a 1080p resolution screen lit by a CCFL or fluorescent backlit panel, the Samsung D550 series offers a more uniform screen lighting as opposed to other models using edge backlighting technology. The series did not include the 120Hz AutoMotion refresh rate feature, but the 60Hz refresh rate on these TVs do just as well even with viewing live events. Image processing and up-scaling of the D550s works well with standard-definition media like DVDs. On the other hand, audio performance is reasonable, if not a bit flat, considering the 10-watt speakers in the cabinet. A little help is done by the Dolby Digital Plus and MTS support, but for better sound, it's recommended to connect the D550s to an external sound processor. The Samsung D550s have a few video processing options that enhance overall image quality. This is fine for movies and television, but may cause significant input lag when playing games, especially fast-paced ones. A unique setting called Game Mode solves this by limiting the TV's image processing and using video input from the console, resulting in increased performance and speed. Internet access is not available with the Samsung D550 models, but it does support DLNA streaming through wired or wireless means. Of course, separate accessories must be purchased to access this function. It supports HDMI 1.4 through four HDMI ports, and direct-playing of media stored on USB drives via two ports. A PC input allows the TV to become a secondary monitor. Finally, the Samsung D550 LCD HDTV series uses a slim cabinet bordered with the "Touch of Color" design scheme. The screen itself is a covered in a light matte coating that manages to eliminate reflections, but the bezel, being colored piano black, does tend to catch and reflect back ambient light.
Pros: Great picture quality, Easy to set-up, Modest price
Cons: Only two HDMI inputs, Poor sound quality
As opposed to the four HDMI inputs on most TVs, the Sony BRAVIA BX420 series has fewer ports (only two) which can present a problem to those who own and are wishing to connect a lot of devices. The sound that the two 8-watt speakers produce is also a little lacking, even with four Surround Effects (Cinema, Game, Music and Sports) and four Sound modes (Dynamic, Standard, Clear Voice and Custom), so the cost of additional speakers may need to be factored in. But for those who are just looking for an entry-level LCD TV with great picture quality, the BX420 series is a promising choice. Both its picture and construction are uniform in quality with other Sony models. Aesthetically-speaking, there's nothing special about its exterior, just the usual plain black bezel, but its matte screen lets you get away from distracting reflections. This particular model also comes with all the basics like full HD 1080p resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 5 HD inputs, Bravia Sync capability and other energy-saving features such as Auto shut-off, Backlight Off Mode and Dynamic Backlight Control. The 5 HD inputs include two HDMI inputs, two HD component inputs and a PC input which allows your TV to double as a monitor. As an added convenience, it has one USB input for connecting your USB devices like digital cameras, flash drives and mp3 players. It supports files in JPEG, MPEG 1/2 and MP3 formats. With Intelligent Picture Plus and Digital Noise Reduction, you can view your photos and videos more clearly, even when accessed from your TV's USB port. The BX420 employs the high definition BRAVIA Engine 3 processor which enhances the sharpness of the images and produces excellent black levels and natural-looking colors. Picture quality is great out of the box so you won't have to waste a lot of time making adjustments as it may only require a little tweaking. You can also choose from different scene modes including Photo, Music, Cinema, Game, Graphics, Sports and General. The integrated LightSensor Technology adjusts the backlight level accordingly, resulting in bright and clear images even in dim lighting. For its rock bottom price, Sony's BX420 is yet another budget-friendly LCD TV that will satisfy casual viewers. Set-up is fast and easy and it is available in 32", 40" and 46-inch. It also ships with a remote control and a tabletop stand which may come in handy if you plan on placing it in the usual desktop arrangement.
Pros: Easy to set-up, Incredible contrast, Reasonable price, Energy-saving features, Better sound quality
Cons: Low volume, Basic features
The LG 32LK330 doesn't incorporate all the newly developed technologies found on the latest HDTVs but it comes with all the basic features as well as a reasonable price tag. Sharpness and color levels are excellent and it is also easy to set-up. You won't need to devote all your time fiddling with the settings. The Picture Wizard II has on-screen reference points that prove to be very helpful and the Intelligent Sensor automatically adjusts the screen's brightness and contrast in order to adapt to virtually all lighting conditions. There are 3 AV modes which include Cinema, Game and Sport and 3 Color Temperature modes consist of Warm, Medium and Cool. This 32" LCD TV is not perfect for those who are fond of watching fast-paced action movies as it only has a 60Hz refresh rate. It is also not ideal for those who are looking to upgrade to 1080p but it will be adequate for budget-conscious individuals who are contented with 720p and are in search for a no-frills HDTV. Sound quality is considerably better than other models. It is armed with two 10W speakers and it doesn't sound tinny, even on the highest volume. There are also 5 Sound modes consist of Standard, Music, Cinema, Games and Sports. The only caveat is that the volume is still really low so you might need additional speakers for more enjoyable viewing. The LG 32LK330 packs Smart Energy Saving Features which could mean more savings and less effect on the environment. It has a Sleep Timer and an Auto Off. Power consumption is rated at 0.1W in standby mode and an average of 106W and maximum of 129W when in operation. Connectivity wise, it covers pretty much the basics. It has a Composite video input, a Headphone output, a PC Audio Input, 3 HDMI Ports and a USB 2.0 port.