Introduction to HDTV Reviews

The television has become a major appliance right along with the stove and refrigerator. When it comes time to upgrade, the choices can be daunting. Technology moves at warp speed and no one wants their new purchase to become obsolete overnight. We’re covering all the latest features like Ultra HD resolution, wide color gamuts like Rec.2020, HDR and smart TV. Many panels have built in software that streams content from the Internet (Smart TV) eliminating the need for cable service or even a Blu-ray player.

We run a battery of tests on each display that directly relate to visible differences in image quality. Our benchmarks include tests for contrast, color accuracy and video processing, with every result explained in terms you can see on-screen.

With the demise of plasma, our focus is on LCD and OLED displays. HDR and Ultra HD are technologies on the rise and we’re covering every new innovation with each review. Copy protection is another hot topic. Terms like HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 are now part of the language every new TV-buyer must learn. Our HD and Ultra HD TV reviews will help you make a purchase decision. Once you get that new panel home, we can help you set it up for maximum return on investment.

HDTV

NuVision NVU65FX5 65″ LCD Flat-Panel HDTV

PRICE DROP AS OF 1-18-10. When shopping for an LCD panel, NuVision is not one of the first manufacturers that come to mind. Sold only through a network of CEDIA-member dealers, NuVision is firmly in the category of boutique brands. Their line of televisions are "built by connoisseurs for connoisseurs" to quote their website. Here, we review the NuVision 65" NVU65FX5, which is their 65" LCD Flat-panel HDTV. At an MSRP of $10,499 ($9,999 for black bezel version), it is a pricey HDTV. Read our review to see if it cuts the mustard at the checkout counter.

VIZIO VF551XVT 55″ LCD LED HDTV

VIZIO has introduced a 55" (diagonal) LCD HDTV (1080p) that uses 960 LEDs in 80 control blocks as the backlighting. The control blocks change their brightness according to the brightness of the part of the scene that they responsible for illuminating. The result is absolute black, where there is supposed to be black. We measured a contrast ratio of nearly 300,000:1. It also has 240 Hz refresh rate (120 Hz plus backlight scanning) which allows for interpolated frames in between actual frames, and this delivers smooth motion during panning or objects moving across the screen. Best of all, it is available (street price) at $1,899 which is not an increase over last year's technology at the same screen size.

Panasonic 65PY700 65″ 1080p Plasma HDTV

A typical display will go quite easily into my house. When I call up the local importer, they are usually quite inclined to lend me their displays. The 65PY700 was no exception, but it did require quite a bit of work to verify that it would fit into my test lab area. The hallway and staircase leading up to the second floor are quite tight, and I've never actually tried a display larger than 55" in height . . .

Toshiba Regza 46RV53OU 46″ 1080p LCD HDTV

If an HDTV like this had been available three years ago, it would have been spectacular. However, this is mid-2008, and there are lots of excellent 1080p units out there. In short, although the contrast ratio on the Toshiba 46RV53OU was exceptional, the overall performance was disappointing.

Sony Bravia KDL-46X3500 46″ 1920x1080p LCD HDTV

When the local Sony dealer asked me which model I wanted to check out, I wasn't sure if I should get the smaller 40" or the larger 46" model. On the one hand, statistics say that the 40" model will be a lot more popular, but they also suggest that the 44-50" segment, particularly in the US, is growing at an amazing rate.

Panasonic TH-50PZ77U 50 1080p Plasma HDTV”

Christmas shopping is over, and this could be just the right time to walk into a store and say, "I want to buy a flat panel TV." Here is one that could end up on your shopping list. Plasma, 50", 1080p. Nice, very nice.

VIZIO VP50 50″ Plasma HDTV

To say that VIZIO owns the flat panel display market right now would be an understatement. And, the reason is simple: the price.  Only a couple of years ago, to get a 50" plasma HDTV, you would have had to shell out about $5,000, even at Costco.

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