46" LCD TV

Top Recommended 46" LCD Televisions for 2010

(chosen by editors Robert Wiley, Jack Burden and Phil Conner)

Below is a listing of 46" and 47" LCD and LED TVs that we feel comfortable in recommending for 2010. These recommendations are based on price, quality, and value. In some cases there may be more than one recommended TV for each category.

 

Samsung LN46C650     
46" LCD TV 

Samsung announced anothr CFL backlit line of LCD televisions at CES 2010, the C650 series of LCDs feature Samsung's 1080p, 120Hz "Ultra Clear" panel. In the 2009 B650 series we were impressed with a number of features but didn't care for the effect the AutoMotion Plus 120Hz processing had on film, DVD and broadcast content other than sports programming. See our review of the 2009 650 series. We are looking forward to doing a full review of the 2010 version and seeing if our problems with this feature have been cleared up.

The popular red Touch of Color bezel returns for 2010 on the C650 line and while the C650 doesn't share the sleek, metallic designs of the LED line up it's still a good looking television. 4 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports and built in ethernet for access to Samsung's Internet@TV are some of the other notable features of the C650 series.

LG 46LD550     
46" LCD TV 

The LD550 series LCDs use a traditional CFL backlight and offer many of the features of the new LED TVs at a lower price. The series features a 1080p panel that uses LG's TruMotion 120Hz to control motion blur. We have not been impressed with the effect that 120/240Hz processing has on film/DVD content but we are looking forward to see if improvements have been made this year.

The 46LD550 is equipped with LG's NetCast service for access to Netflix, Skype, Napster, Youtube and VUDU on demand video service directly on your TV screen. Yahoo! Widgets give you instant access to headlines, sports scores, stock quotes and weather. Clear Voice II enhances the sound while AV Mode II allows custom settings for various media types such as sports, movies and video games.

Samsung UN46C8000 Editor's Choice: Quality
46" LED Television

Samsung's 8000 series LED TVs for 2010 feature 3D capability in a slim, contemporary design thanks to the LED edge lighting. Samsung's proprietary 3D system allows compatibility with multiple 3D formats to provide access to 3D content from many sources.

For 2010 Samsung continues to push the art of television design with new bezels and brushed metal frames along with new Touch of Color choices like "mystic earth". Also feature chrome and other inspired features Samsung aims to make the television a center piece in any room.

Samsung LN46C630     
46" LCD TV 1080p

Samsung announced anothr CFL backlit line of LCD televisions at CES 2010, the C630 series of LCDs feature Samsung's 1080p, 120Hz "Ultra Clear" panel. In the 2009 B650 series we were impressed with a number of features but didn't care for the effect the AutoMotion Plus 120Hz processing had on film, DVD and broadcast content other than sports programming. See our review of the 2009 650 series. We are looking forward to doing a full review of the 2010 version and seeing if our problems with this feature have been cleared up.

The popular red Touch of Color bezel returns for 2010 on the C630 line and while the C630 doesn't share the sleek, metallic designs of the LED line up it's still a good looking television. 4 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports and multiple analog inputs let you connect all your devices. The C630 does not share the internet connectivity features of the C650 series but other than that they are essentially the same TV.

Panasonic TC-P46G25 Plasma      Editor's Choice: Value
46" Plasma TV

The Viera G25 series of plasma for 2010 uses Panasonics NeoPDP Infinite Black panel. We were impressed with last year's NeoPDP panel in the G10 plasmas and the new series offers improved picture with even deeper black levels. 600Hz Sub-field Drive is Panasonic's way of saying that there is no motion blur to worry about with a plasma, you will never see a trail behind a fastball on the G25. The G25 plasmas are THX Certified displays and offer the THX Movie Mode feature that will set your TV for optimum color and contrast when watching your favorite movies.

Panasonic's Viera Cast also returns with new additions. The built in ethernet port allow instant access to content such as Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Skype video calling and conferencing, Bloomberg News Service, YouTube, Twitter and more. Viera Link allows for similarly equipped items to communicate and integrate into a home entertainment hub with added features.

Panasonic TC-P46S2 Plasma      Editor's Choice: Price
46" Plasma TV

The Viera S2 series from Panasonic appears to share in the affordable 1080p plasma category with the U2 series. Available in larger sizes than the U2 series these plasmas feature a 1080p panel with Panasonic's 600Hz Sub-Field Drive and an anti reflective filter for using the TV in bright rooms. Viera Link allows a single remote to use with any connected Viera Link products.

We've noticed Panasonic plasma TVs improving the brightness of its TVs over the past couple of years. Apparently, 2010 will continue this trend as Panasonic is still gaining on LCD technology in the brightness area. Panasonic representatives explained that 2010 model will be still brighter than 2009 models with the new NEO PDP while still going for a deeper black dimension.

Sony KDL-46EX700      Editor's Choice: Quality
46" LED Television

See our Review The EX700 series contains the Bravia Engine 3, Bravia Sync technology, LED edge lighting, USB ports for photo, music, and video playback. It will also have an ambient sensor technoloy which allows for picture contrast dimming or brightening depending upon room light conditions. The LCD TVs in this series have edge lit LED backlighting for long life and improved blacks. The EX700 series features Sony's Motion Flow 120Hz refresh rate, in past reviews Sony has seemed to have a better handle on this feature than many other manufacturers. This unit promises some of Sony's best value for an LED backlit TV. It will not contain the new monolithic design present on some of the more premium models. The EX700 series does features internet access and Sony's Bravia Internet Video.

Sony KDL-46EX400     
46" LCD TV

An entry level line of traditional, CFL backlit LCDs for 2010 from Sony, the EX400 offers a 1080p LCD panel at an affordable price. Many features of the higher line Sonys are not included in the EX400 to keep the price down. While you will get a 1080p panel and the Sony name you will not get 120Hz refresh rates, internet connectivity or the new Bravia Engine 3 processor.

You do get a large amount of inputs including 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs, a PC input and multiple component and composite video inputs. You can also view media from a USB memory stick or compatible digital camera via the included USB port. At around $600 for a 40" LCD, the EX400 series puts the Sony name within reach of most budgets.

LG 47LE5500     
47" LED TV

The new for 2010 LE5500 series from LG brings local dimming LED backlighting to smaller sized TVs. The TruLED technology will enhance the performance of the 1080p LCD panel and LG's Picture Wizard will walk you through setting it up for optimum performance.

LG's Clear Voice II and AV Mode II will enhance you visual and aural experience and LG's Netcast service will let you view movies from Netflix directly on your TV screen as well as allowing access to Skype video conferencing, VUDU on demand video service, Youtube, Napster and Yahoo! Widgets.