42" LCD TV
Top Recommended 42" LCD Televisions for 2010
Below is our recommended list of LCD TVs in the 42-inch size for 2010 (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.
LG 42LH55 check prices See our Review Editor's Choice: Value
42" LCD Television
With picture quality, reduced motion artifacts, increased response time, sleek good looks, a swivel stand, good menu system and excellent calibration this LG is comparing well with the best TVs on the market – even top tier plasma (now that Pioneer is out of the game).
Sharp LC-40E67U check prices Editor's Choice: Price
40" Sharp LCD Television
The Sharp Aquos LC-40E67U is a 40", 1080p LCD that's new for 2009. The TV features an Advanced Super View panel which is Sharp's term for their ani-glare technology. There's no 120Hz refresh rate for this model but given our experiences with dejuddering's effect on the picture, we're not sure this is a bad thing.
4 HDMI inputs, 2 component inputs give you plenty of places to plug in your video sources. Energy Star 3.0 to save some money on your power bill and Sharp's Vyper Drive gaming mode round out the features of the Aquos LC-40E67U.
Panasonic TC-P42G10 (plasma) check prices Editor's Choice: Value
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 See our Review Editor's Choice: Quality
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.
Sharp LC-40E77U check prices Editor's Choice: Price
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.
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.
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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