(Aug 29, 2008)
David Katzmaier
Senior Editor
Welcome to the big time. HDTVs from 44 to 54 inches include big-screen plasmas and LCDs, as well as a few rear-projection models. These are the kinds of televisions that demand high-def to look their best and reward great source material with outstanding pictures.
Panasonic TH-50PZ800U
With the accuracy of its THX mode and great black-level performance, the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U is one of the best-performing HDTVs available.
Price: $1,877.00 - $2,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: May 23, 2008
Excellent
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Pioneer PDP-5020FD
Best-in-class black levels and excellent all-around performance places the Pioneer PDP-5020FD near the top of the picture quality heap, but it will cost you.
Price: $2,807.00 - $4,000.00 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 18, 2008
Excellent
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Panasonic TH-50PZ850U
The Panasonic TH-50PZ850U's color accuracy issues prevent it from topping the high-end plasma HDTV heap, but excellent picture quality and unique interactive features maintain its appeal.
Price: $2,323.00 - $3,299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 1, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung PN50A650
Although its black levels aren't the deepest, accurate color and a red frame still distinguish the Samsung PN50A650 from the pack.
Price: $1,569.95 - $2,499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 27, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung LN52A650
If you don't mind its red frame, the Samsung LN52A650 LCD HDTV will reward you with a massive feature set and excellent picture quality.
Price: $1,899.95 - $2,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 29, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung PN50A550
Accurate color helps set apart the excellent picture quality of the Samsung PN50A550 50-inch plasma HDTV.
Price: $1,369.95 - $2,199.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 14, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung LN46A550
The midlevel Samsung LN46A550 LCD HDTV strikes an excellent balance between price and performance.
Price: $1,269.95 - $1,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 8, 2008
Very good
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Panasonic TH-46PZ85U
A couple of issues keep its picture out of the top tier, but excellent black-level performance still makes the Panasonic TH-46PZ85U plasma HDTV stand out from the pack.
Price: $1,379.00 - $1,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 17, 2008
Very good
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Samsung LN46A750
The excellent picture quality and unique interactive features of the Samsung LN46A750 flat-panel LCD aren't quite worth the higher price tag.
Price: $1,649.95 - $2,499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 26, 2008
Very good
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Sony KDL-46Z4100
Sony's well-featured, smartly styled KDL-46Z4100 performs well enough, but its picture doesn't match that of the best LCDs.
Price: $1,977.00 - $2,799.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 8, 2008
Very good
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LG 50PG60
Although its THX mode isn't as accurate as we'd like to see, the LG 50PG60 50-inch plasma TV still delivers a good picture.
Price: $1,849.00 - $2,999.00 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 12, 2008
Very good
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Vizio SV470XVT
The Vizio SV470XVT represents a viable alternative for LCD HDTV bargain hunters who want 120Hz processing.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Aug 21, 2008
Very good
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Sony KDL-46W4100
Sony's midlevel KDL-46W4100 gets you solid dejudder video processing but otherwise its picture quality falls short of the top tier.
Price: $1,599.99 - $2,399.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 4, 2008
Very good
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LG 47LG60
A unique design and best-in-class calibration controls cannot quite make up for the lighter black levels of the LG 47LG60 47-inch flat-panel LCD TV.
Price: $1,799.00 - $2,399.00 (check prices)
Review date: May 7, 2008
Very good
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