42 LCD TV

Top 10 Recommended 42" LCD Televisions

Below is our recommended list of LCD TVs in the 42-inch size for 2008 (listed in no particular order. List also includes a couple of 40" models and a plasma TV). These recommendations are based on price, value, quality and specifications. We have also assigned Editors Choice designations to some models based on one or more of these ratings criteria.

Sharp LC-42D64U      check prices
42" Sharp LCD Television

This new for 2008 model Sharp LCD has an OPC funtion which allows picture brightness and contrast to automatically adjust depending upon room light.

• DLNA-Compatible: for better interopability with electronics, computers and mobile devices from many different manufacturers
• 10-Bit Panel offers more colors
• Full HD 1080p resolution
• 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio with 450 nit brightness
• 4ms response time
• Four-wave backlight
• 60,000 hour lamp life
• 3 HDMI ports

LG 42LG50      check prices
42" LCD Television

In addition to all of the features listed for for the 30 and 40 series models (except the built in DVD player). This model moves us up in resolution to 1080p (1920 X 1080). As well dynamic contrast increases to 15,000 to 1 (native contrast is 5,000:1). There is superior processing power especially when converting film transfer with this LCD. It contains 24hz real cinema processing and the refresh rate is enhanced. A USB 2.0 port for JPEG and camcorders is present. Lastly, there is a significant enhancement feature for day and night sensing which automatically adjusts the contrast accordingly. This is also part of the ISF certification of the unit.

Panasonic 42PX85U      (plasma) check prices
42" Plasma TV

Though this is a plasma TV we've included it here due the exceptionally bright (LCDesque) picture and vibrant colors.

• Super Contrast--native contrast ratios on the PZ85, PZ800 and PX 850 series are 30,000:1, double last year's 15,000:1. Dynamic contrast ratios are up to 1,000,000:1.
• new anti-reflective filter; lead-free "Tough Under Force" panel is resistant to impacts and scratches
• Built-in SD card slot with Photo Viewer/Gallery Player software
• x.v. Color and Deep Color (HDMI 1.3 features)
• 24p native reproduction
• Game Mode auto-adjusts image quality suitable to games and includes anti-image retention
• Viera Link is now compatible with Onkyo and Yamaha home theater systems
• 3 HDMI inputs

Samsung LN40A750      check prices
40 " LCD Television

Adding to the large increases in features and functionality of the 650 series is the 750 series. Upgraded features in this LCD television take network and multi media capability to a higher level. The LCD is MPEG and JPEG compatible using USB 2.0. The LN40A750 LCD series also boasts a Home Viewing Gallery or MPEG3, an internal flash memory with premium content as well as enhanced audio technology through an integrated woofer design. "Featuring multifunctional connectivity, the Series 6 and 7 deliver an experience that goes well beyond traditional content viewing. Users can now connect and utilize the data stored in a variety of digital devices, turning their HDTV into a media hub. It's a whole new way of using HDTVs" said Jonas Tannenbaum, vide president of Flat Panel Marketing at Samsung Elecronics America.

The LN40A750 is a truly exceptional HDTV and offers an incredible entertainment experience. SAMSUNG’s new Touch of Color™ design is sure make a statement in your home. And InfoLink™ RSS lets you instantly access news, weather, sports and stock information. Seeing is believing with Auto Motion Plus 120Hz™. It creates an amazingly clear picture and more realistic action scenes. Satisfy your craving for the latest in HD technology with the SAMSUNG LN40A750 LCD TV.

Olevia 542I LCD      check prices
42" LCD Television

If you're ready to move up to high-definition TV, the 42-inch Olevia 542i HDTV is the ideal choice for home or office - packed with the industry's top technology and innovative Olevia-first features. Delivering best-in-class video and audio, it is powered by MTK's state-of-the-art MDDI video processor technology, and features a dual ATSC/NTSC tuner, super-wide 178-degree viewing angle, 1600: 1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, and fast response time. Its rich set of video and audio connectors enable the Olevia 542i to display everything - high-definition digital TV and widescreen movies (up to 1080i resolution), standard analog TV, action sports, video games, and home videos - with stunningly crisp, vibrant imagery and realistic, immersive sound. This 42-inch HDTV can even double as a computer display with support for resolutions up to 1360 x 768 through HDMI and VGA. The 542i's bottom mounted speakers complement its surround sound audio processor, making digital (SPDIF) theater-quality audio part of this outstanding new entertainment experience - all thanks to Olevia.

• 42" Olevia LCD HDTV
• Ease of Use-User Friendly OSD wheel, Store/Home modes control, color-coded Quick Start Guide, full user manual on CD-ROM
• FutureProof™-User upgradeable firmware via USB to add features, keep current
• Big Picture Technology™-See the entire broadcast, DVD or VHS image
• Director's Image™-Watch programs with the rich colors and image enhancements as the director intended
• OleviaCare™ in-house tech support/customer support
• ATI Xilleon Video Processing
• 1366 x 768 Resolution (16:9 Aspect Ratio)

Sony 40V4100      check prices
40" LCD Television (Not quite a 42" LCD but included in this list)

One of the highlights of this LCD is the onscreen user interface which is also present on the newer XBR series units. Though this LCD does not have the coveted XBR video engine it does have that superior functionality and ease of use.

This is HD done the Sony way. The 40" KDL-40V4100 flat panel HDTV brings 1080p picture quality home with amazing, DMex capability so you can add functionality to your TV, and picture quality technologies like ACE (Advanced Contrast Enhancer) and BRAVIA Engine 2™ that make images come alive. Add to that a sophisticated, piano black design and 24p capability for getting the most out of Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD movies, and you have a television that exceeds your expectations. There are also four HDMI™ inputs and three other HD-capable connections, so there is ample room for expansion.

Sony KDL-40XBR4      check prices
40" LCD Television

Over the years XBR has stood for the best consumer TV's Sony has to offer and this year's line up is no exception. The XBR line of Full HD 1080p televisions incorporate all of Sony's latest technologies (including HDMI v1.3 features such as x.v.Color and Deep Color). Additional features like Motionflow™ 120Hz enable smoother motion when viewing movies or fast-action sports. BRAVIA Engine PRO with Digital Reality Creation upconverts all interlaced and progressive video signals including HD signals directly to 1080p for amazing detail and sharpness. And it's only fitting that your XBR make a statement not only through breathtaking picture quality, but by taking your breath away with optional color bezels. Now your LCD TV can be as distinct as your own personal style.

LG 42LG70      check prices
42" LCD TV

The LG70 series is a premium line of LCD televisions produced by LG for year 2008. This LCD television continues with 1080p resolution. The contrast is increased considerably to 40,000:1 (dynamic) and a fourth HDMI input has been added. The refresh rate is also increased to the highest standard 120hz. The 42LG70 has many of LG's newest design elements with a Scarlett red accent to the bezel and a metallic silver accent on the bottom of the frame. The LCD is 5" in depth.

Samsung LN40A650      check prices
40" LCD Television

In addition to the upgraded features of the 550 series Samsung LCD Televisions the LN40A650 offers a considerable increase in feature set. Some of the upgrades include Samsung's patented Touch of Color which adds a translucent red hue to the bezel framing of the LCD. "With the application of TOC design to the 6 and 7 HDTVs, Samsung is truly changing the look of TVs and introduces a visual appeal that will make it the centerpiece of any living room." said Jonas Tannenbaum, vice president of Flat Panel Marketing at Samsung Elecronics America.

There are many upgrades over the 550 series including enhanced viewing angle from all axes, picture improvements, faster response rate time (Samsung claims 4ms). Other enhancements include Auto Motion Plus technology 120Hz motion blur reduction for smoother image quality especially when viewing gaming and action sports. This LCD also boasts deeper black levels, further glare reduction off angle, and is network capable through 1.3 HDMI input. It has enhanced remote control functionality with its wheel key remote function and a new content management interface (menu).