42 LCD TV
Top 10 Recommended 42" LCD Televisions
Below is our recommended list of LCD TVs in the 42-inch size for 2008/2009 (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.
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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 LG 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.
Sharp LC-40E67U check prices
40" Sharp LCD Television
The Sharp Aquos LC-40E77U was introduced at CES 2009. The Aquos E77U series LCDs feature 1080p panels with Sharp's Advanced Super View anti-reflective technology and Fine Motion 120Hz processing. The 120Hz refresh rate and claimed 4ms response time should do wonders for alleviating motion blur and the Vyper Drive Gaming Mode should prevent input lag from your gaming devices making for a fast, clear experience all around.
5 HDMI inputs means you should never run out of places to plug in your video components and Energy Star 3.0 compliance makes the LC-40E77U friendly to your power bill. We are looking forward to reviewing the E77U series as soon as we can get our hands on one.
Panasonic TC-P42G10 (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. The G10 series contains many of the top end features that will make this line one of the higher priced plasmas on the market. The line enters the market in March of 2009, making it the first new model from Panasonic to reach the market that year. New features include a 600Hz Sub-field Drive for fast processing video signals. It has the new feature "Infinite Black" that Panasonic is touting as it's new black level.
Of course there is 1080p resolution along with SD Memory card slots which allow playback from video recorders and digital camera's that are compatible with Viera Cast , Panasonic's proprietary menu system. While we give no credence to manufacturer contrast ratios, Panasonic boasts an improved native contrast on this series to 40,000:1. All this really means is that the contrast will be better than previous contrasts but we'll have to wait to review the product to report how much. After calibration to D6500 contrast figures will likely be around 400 to 500:1.
Samsung LN40B750 check prices 
40 " LCD Television
Samsung is pushing it's LED backlit LCDs at CES this year but they have also introduced a new, traditionally CFL backlit LCD series. The LN40B750 is a 1080p, 240Hz panel in a slim, approximately 1 inch thick case. It contains a built in ethernet port for access to Samsung's Internet@TV and Yahoo! widgets which provide instant access to real time sports scores, weather, stock quotes and more. YouTube videos and images from Flickr can also be viewed directly on the TV. Wireless is available but you will need to purchase separate hardware.
The LN40B750 is a truly exceptional HDTV and offers an incredible entertainment experience. Samsung’s 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 LN40B750 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 KDL-40Z5100 check prices
40" LCD Television (Not quite a 42" LCD but included in this list)
Like the XBR9 Series, the KDL-40Z5100 features internet connectivity for Yahoo! widgets and an 1080p, 240Hz panel with a flourescent backlight. While everyone else is adding more LED backlit televisions to their lines Sony has stuck with the flourescent backlight in the models they are showing at CES this year.
The KDL-40Z5100 contains most of the features of the XBR9 series, Motion Flow technology, 4 HDMI inputs, PC input, Bravia Internet Link, improved XMB menu and an internet powered TV guide.
LG 42LG70 check prices
42" LCD TV
The LG70 series is a premium line of LCD televisions produced by LG for year 2008/2009. 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).
Samsung Luxia UN40B6000 check prices
40" LCD Television (Not quite a 42" LCD but included in this list)
Samsung's UNB6000 series TVs are their "eco-friendly" televisions and the company claims that the UN40B6000 is 40%+ more energy effecient than other LCDs in it's category. This is accomplished by dynamically adjusting the picture settings to save power, we'll have to see this before we make a final judgement but we've not been fans of dyanmic picture adjustment in the past.
The Luxia UN40B6000 features the edge-lit LED backlighting system of the higher-end B7000 and B8000 series, a 120Hz refresh rate, a slim (around 1" deep) Touch of Color bezel and built in ethernet.
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