Key Specs For The VIZIO XVT3D474SV

• Average Price: 779-1,450
• Released: 2010
• 3D-Ready? Yes, with 2D to 3D conversion
• 3D Glasses Included: None
• Screen Size: 47
• Screen Type: LED-lit
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:09
• Contrast Ratio: 10,000,000:1
• Refresh Rate: 480 Hz
• Viewing Angle: 178°/178° Horizontal/Vertical
• Response Time: 4 ms
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi Ready
• HDMI Inputs: 5
• Dimensions: 45.3 in x 3 in x 28.9 inches

Benefits Of The VIZIO XVT3D474SV

Price: Although the VIZIO XVT3D474SV may be more expensive than some standard flat panel TVs, it’s actually a very good price for a 3D TV that features 2D to 3D conversion.

Apps: There are a number of apps included with the VIZIO XVT3D474SV. This is excellent for those who want to do more than simply watch TV. Netflix means that you can stream movies at a good resolution, and Pandora means that you can listen to music over the internet. Other apps include the ability to listen to local radio, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and more.

Set Up: When you connect the TV up to the internet, the set up will guide you through every step you need to take. Most users find that they have this TV set up and ready to view within a few short minutes.

Ease Of Use: The interface makes the VIZIO XVT3D474SV extremely easy to use. Most app icons are self explanatory, meaning it’s quick and easy to end up where you want to be on this TV. It’s easy to access and browse the internet options while watching normal TV: simply press the specific button on the remote and an unobtrusive bar will show them all at the bottom of the screen.

Picture: The fact that this is an LED-backlit LCD screen means that there’s good contrast – better than you’ll find on a number of LCD models.

Sound: The fact that the VIZIO XVT3D474SV is a little thicker than some other LED TVs on the market means that there’s more space for a better set of speakers. As such, the sound on this set is more impressive than you’ll find on many other flat screens.

Remote: On first appearances, the remote for the VIZIO XVT3D474SV looks like a standard TV remote. However, slide it out and you’ll see a full Qwerty keyboard. This is perfect for posting Facebook updates or using other internet apps while watching TV.

Accessories: There are a range of Bluetooth accessories available for use with this device. This includes wireless headsets, speakers, glasses and even the remote control.

Inputs: Although some buyers may be disappointed that there’s no memory card slot on this TV, it does have 3 USB ports so that you can connect various media devices to the screen. This is good for viewing photo slideshows, home videos and more. There are also a large number of HDMI ports (5 in total) which makes this TV perfect for anyone who needs to connect a lot of DVD players, cable boxes and games consoles up to their TV.

Drawbacks Of The VIZIO XVT3D474SV

Size: The screen on the VIZIO XVT3D474SV is a little thicker than you’ll find on some other LED TV models, but that’s down to how many LED backlights are included. It’s still thin enough to take up as little space as possible in your living room.

3D Image: Some users have complained that the quality of the 3D image on this set isn’t as good as it could be. There is the issue of ghosting, which is common in 3D TV sets, but it still does the job well enough. Bear in mind that you won’t be watching 3D content the majority of the time on this television set, but it’s still fun when you do.

No 3D Glasses: Unfortunately, this 3D TV doesn’t come with any 3D glasses. This is a drawback since these glasses can be expensive. That said, even models that do come with glasses usually only feature one or two pairs. You’ll probably need more than this for full family viewing. You should also note that individual stores, such as Amazon.com, will often include pairs of 3D glasses as a bonus.

Should You Buy The VIZIO XVT3D474SV?

You can’t fail to notice the price of this feature-packed 3D TV. Although the 3D image isn’t the best you can get, it is jam-packed full of internet features, and has a fatalistic quality 2D image to boot. For the money, most buyers will be happy with this TV set.

Key Specs For The TCL L32HDF11TA

• Average Price: 284-650
• Released: 2010
• 3D-Ready? No
• Screen Size: 26, 32, 40 inches
• Screen Type: LCD
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:09
• Contrast Ratio: 50,000:1
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Viewing Angle: 178° /178° Horizontal/Vertical
• Response Time: 8 ms
• HDMI Inputs: 3
• Dimensions: 27 x 11 x 38.3 inches (for 40 inch option)

Benefits Of The TCL L32HDF11TA

Price: This is a very reasonably priced television set, and the sizes available mean it’s perfect as a second bedroom TV, or for using in a smaller space (see below). For the price, you still get an excellent set of features and good picture quality.

Warranty: You’ll find that most flat screen TVs come with a 1 year warranty. The fact that the TCL L32HDF11TA comes with two years is good news for any buyers who want peace of mind that they will be protected should anything go wrong during the first few years of the TV’s lifetime.

Size: The size options for the TCL L32HDF11TA can be a benefit or a drawback depending on what you’re looking for. The fact that there are a few options is good for your budget, and makes it a lot easier to find a TV that’ll match your room size.

That said, the size options are a little on the small side. Unless you’re buying a TV for a bedroom or very small room, it’s recommended that you opt for at least 40 inches to get the best experience. Go any smaller and you might regret it in future. Larger screens are always recommended for the full HDTV experience.

Picture: Not only does this TV look good when viewing HD content, but it also produces a nice, sharp picture for standard definition. This is an excellent quality picture given the price of the set, and matches even more expensive rivals. The only issue some buyers have reported is a little motion blur, though the 60Hz refresh rate should keep most images smooth and sharp.

Easy To Use: This TV is extremely easy to set up on the included stand if you want to use it, and is light enough for one person to carry with ease. It’s also easy to use once up and running, meaning that you can start watching it almost as soon as you receive it!

Design: This TV is housed in a glossy frame and, though the screen isn’t matte, it doesn’t reflect light as easily as highly glossy screens. This is useful for those who want to put their TV in a bright room.

Energy Efficient: The TCL L32HDF11TA has a four star Energy Star rating, and also has a sleep timer so that you can automatically save power when you aren’t using the television, or when you want to watch it as you drift off to sleep.

USB Port: If you like to play your MP3s or view photos on your TV then you’ll be pleased to see that the TCL L32HDF11TA comes with a USB port. Although this may not support as many file types as more expensive models, it’s still an excellent feature to have on such a low-priced television.

Drawbacks Of The TCL L32HDF11TA

Sound: One common problem with a number of flat screen TVs is that the speakers don’t have as much kick as you’d like. This is also true of the TCL L32HDF11TA. For the best viewing experience, hook this TV up to a set of external speakers.

Remote Control: The remote you get with the TCL L32HDF11TA looks a little cheap compared to some other TV remotes, but it’s easy to use and does the job it was meant for. You’ll also have to purchase batteries for the remote yourself, which isn’t a huge problem.

Lesser Known Brand: Many people are wary of buying such an expensive television from a brand they may never have heard of before. Although you may worry, TCL provide a two year warranty to put your mind at rest, and a good quality TV to boot. This company has also been running in China since the 1980s – proving that they do have a long-term history, just not yet in this country.

Should You Buy The TCL L32HDF11TA?

The TCL L32HDF11TA may be cheap, and it may come from a manufacturer that you’ve never heard of, but it’s an excellent value TV packed with a number of different ports and a good picture quality, both in standard definition and high definition. The 2 year warranty should be enough to put your mind at rest. All in all, this is a good buy.

Key Specs For The Samsung UN55D8000

• Average Price: 2,000-2,297
• Released: 2011
• 3D-Ready? Yes, with 2D to 3D conversion
• 3D Glasses Included: No
• Screen Size: 54.6 inches
• Screen Type: LED backlight
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:09
• Contrast Ratio: 25,000,000:1
• Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
• Viewing Angle: 178°/178° Horizontal/Vertical
• Response Time: 8 ms
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi Ready
• HDMI Inputs: 4
• Dimensions: 1.2 x 48.5 x 27.8 inches

Benefits Of The Samsung UN55D8000

Design: The Samsung UN55D8000 features the same stunning design that you’ll find in other Samsung models. These televisions have been designed with as little frame as possible. This means almost all of the screen is utilized in the picture, which makes for an excellent (and unique) viewing effect.

Aside from the brilliant screen, the Samsung UN55D8000 is incredibly thin, and won’t take up too much space in your living room. It comes with a good stand that matches the overall quality of the design. It definitely looks worth the money you pay!

Picture: As with most TVs, there are pros and cons to the picture quality on the Samsung UN55D8000. On the plus side, it has a very good color accuracy and 3D pictures work very well. A high refresh rate helps to address any LED issues with motion blur.

Wi-Fi: The fact that this television has built in Wi-Fi is a benefit to those who want to use their television as a full media centre. Wi-Fi means that you can easily hook your TV up to your home Wi-Fi connection in order to stream music over the internet, or access online video services. It even means you can sync various devices over the Wi-F connection, such as MP3 players, to seamlessly send media to play on your TV.

There are a number of apps included on the Samsung UN55D8000 that make use of this Wi-Fi capability, including a web browser. Other apps include Youtube, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, Facebook, Skype and more.

This is an excellent addition to any television, and one that you’ll only find on top-of-the range models. Though ask yourself whether it’s really necessary. After all, most of us will be watching TV from the comfort of our own homes where we already have a computer or laptop from which to browse the web.

Accessories: A number of Samsung accessories make the UN55D8000 easy to use. Simply connect the Bluetooth keyboard to benefit from a full set of Qwerty keys, or use the included remote.

Drawbacks Of The Samsung UN55D8000

Price: At over $2,000, the Samsung UN55D8000 doesn’t come cheap (even for a 3D TV). However, it is packed full of a number of features that certainly put it at the top end of available 3D TVs, with a large screen to boot. Many buyers feel that the cost is more than justified for this reason.

3D Glasses: Another factor that really adds on to the price of the Samsung UN55D8000 is the fact that there aren’t any pairs of 3D glasses included in the box. You’ll need to purchase one pair of glasses for each viewer if you’re going to watch 3D content. Thankfully, you can now find 3D glasses available for around $50 a pair.

Picture: As mentioned above, there are plus points to the picture quality of the Samsung UN55D8000. That said, there are some big drawbacks. Number one is uniformity: the quality is not maintained across the whole area of the screen, and you’ll find that the picture around the edges looks distorted.

There’s also a lot of reflection on this glossy screen, so you’ll need to do a little work to ensure you can get your room darker before you view.

Smart Hub: Smart Hub is the feature of the television that lets you download and access the various apps for use over an internet connection (as mentioned above). Although these apps can do a lot, and will come in useful for many people, it’s the way they’re organized that poses a problem.

The Smart Hub section is extremely cluttered and also difficult to organized. Some users have reported issues with hanging, or with downloaded apps disappearing.

Should You Buy The Samsung UN55D8000?

There’s no doubt that the Samsung UN55D8000 cannot be beaten in terms of the way it looks and the features it boasts – and you’d expect as much for the price. Unfortunately, however, the picture does let it down. The uniformity just isn’t good enough for a television in this price bracket, and you may find lower-priced televisions can do a better job.

Key Specs For The Samsung UN55D6500

• Average Price: 1,897-2,337
• Released: 2011
• 3D-Ready? Yes, with 2D to 3D conversion
• 3D Glasses Included: None
• Screen Size: 54.6 inches
• Screen Type: LED-lit
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:09
• Contrast Ratio: 5,000,000:1
• Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
• Viewing Angle: 176°/160° Horizontal/Vertical
• Response Time: 2 ms
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi Ready
• HDMI Inputs: 4
• Dimensions: 50.4 x 30.1 x 1.2 Inches

Benefits Of The Samsung UN55D6500

Display: The picture on the Samsung UN55D6500 is high quality, with excellent colors and a very sharp resolution. The Ultra Clear Panel feature is designed to absorb any light reflections, which are almost inevitable in any home, so that you won’t get glare on the screen. It also helps to improve color vibrancy and contrast.

One traditional problem with LED HDTVs is the fact that motion can look blurry. Thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate, coupled with a good response time, action scenes look good on this screen. This is especially important if you know you’re going to be watching sports or playing games on this television set. Samsung also incorporate technology known as AutoMotionPlus, designed to increase the speed of moving images for a vibrant picture.

Sound: Although the sound on most flat panel TVs will never be as good as when you connect an external surround sound system, the Samsung UN55D6500 does have a very good set of speakers. This is great for those who want something that just works out of the box, without the immediate need to go out and buy extra equipment (at an extra cost!)

Design: This television is extremely thin. At just over an inch thick, it won’t take up too much space in your living room. However, the most impressive design feature of the Samsung UN55D6500 is the fact that it has an ultra-slim bezel. There’s barely any frame between the TV body and the screen itself, so that the high quality picture really is the main focus when watching this TV.

Connectivity: At this price bracket, you’d expect Wi-Fi to be included. This is very useful and will save you money on a separate Wi-Fi adapter.

The Samsung Smart TV feature provides the user with a number of internet apps to use while watching the TV. Apps include Netflix for streaming movies, Hulu for streaming TV shows, YouTube for watching videos, ESPN sports information, Pandora music, and social networking in the form of Facebook or Twitter. It’s certainly a bonus to be able to update your Facebook status during the ad breaks!

Inputs: There are more than enough inputs for modern devices using HDMI, or older connections. This includes 3 USB ports should you want to connect up your camera or MP3 player to transfer multimedia to your TV set.

Drawbacks Of The Samsung UN55D6500

Webcam: One feature that Samsung heavily advertise is the ability to connect to Skype on a big screen TV. Unfortunately, however, you do have to fork out an extra $100+ on a Samsung Skype camera, as the TV is not compatible with other webcams. This does add to the cost and is something worth bearing in mind if you know you want to use Skype.

Remote: There is no Qwerty keyboard on the remote control, which would have come in handy for using the included internet apps. Aside from this, however, it’s a stylish remote with a nice backlight.

Price: There’s no getting around it, the Samsung UN55D6500 is an expensive television set, even when compared to other 3D TV models. This is the price you will pay for a Samsung set: this manufacturer is highly regarded for quality in the world of 3D TV.

Browser: Although this television has the ability to connect to Wi-Fi networks, there’s no included web browser. This is something that some users will have come to expect from the most expensive TV options. That said, there is a wide range of apps available for the most common internet functions (see above).

Viewing Angle: If you wanted to nitpick, the viewing angle on the Samsung UN55D6500 is slightly less than other televisions in this price range. In real terms, this means you can’t expect the picture to look as good when sitting at side-on angles. That said, the difference is really negligible and it’s unlikely you’ll notice it too much in a traditional living room setting.

Should You Buy The Samsung UN55D6500?

There’s no doubt that Samsung are at the forefront in terms of the way they design their televisions. Models such as the Samsung UN55D6500 really do blend into your living room, and produce a good quality picture.  This model is also pretty affordable given its range of features – definitely value for money for anyone looking for a big screen HDTV model.

Key Specs For The Philips 22PFL4505D/F7

• Average Price: 170-285
• Released: 2010
• 3D-Ready? No
• Screen Size: 22 inches
• Screen Type: LCD
• Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:09
• Contrast Ratio: 28,000:1
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Viewing Angle: 160°/160° Horizontal/Vertical
• Response Time: 8 ms
• HDMI Inputs: 2
• Dimensions: 21.1 in x 2 in x 12.2 inches

Benefits Of The Philips 22PFL4505D/F7

Price: The Philips 22PFL4505D/F7 is extremely affordable. Yes, the screen is smaller than many other TVs, but you cannot beat the price tag. This is why it’s excellent for use as a first HDTV for those on a budget, or as a second TV for your bedroom. It also makes an excellent choice for parents who want to buy a flat screen TV for their children.

Energy Efficiency: There are a number of power saving features on the Philips 22PFL4505D/F7. Phillips’ dimming technology makes use of a light sensor. When the light in your room changes, the brightness on the TV screen will automatically adjust to save energy. It’s also possible to turn this mode off if you want to.

Connections: Despite the small size of the screen on the Philips 22PFL4505D/F7, there are still a good number of connections including HDMI, composite, component and even USB. This means that you can view multimedia, such as pictures and MP3s, on the screen.

Weight The size is included as both a pro and a con of the Philips 22PFL4505D/F7 (see below). The fact that it’s so small means that it’s very light. It’s easy to move from room to room if you ever need to, and extremely easy to set up. It doesn’t take up much space, and it’s easy to find a suitable stand for the TV. That said, the weight does mean that it’s more prone to being knocked over, so be careful with small children or animals around!

Picture: Some users have complained that the picture wasn’t bright enough. You can improve the picture considerably by working with the included image settings until you find the right combination for you. Once you have, you’ll find that the picture is actually very decent given the price of this television.

Nobody should expect the most detailed picture in a small screen. That said, it’s more than sufficient for most purposes. If you want the very best viewing experience possible, go with a bigger, more expensive set.

Drawbacks Of The Philips 22PFL4505D/F7

Resolution: The 768p resolution on the Philips 22PFL4505D/F7 is lower than you’ll find on most other HDTVs. Although 1080p is the most common, the truth is that you’ll barely notice the difference on this screen due to its smaller size. Images still look high quality and will suit most users in a small room.

Size: This is a 22 inch television, meaning it’s definitely on the small side as far as flat screen TVs are concerned. This probably isn’t big enough to be your main television, unless you live in a small place or are planning on putting the TV in a room like the bedroom or kitchen.

Sound: The speakers on the Philips 22PFL4505D/F7 aren’t the most powerful, which is to be expected from a TV of this size and price range. You can use the included outputs to hook it up to external speakers if you want to enhance the experience. You don’t necessarily need an expensive sound system, either, just use the headphone jack to connect up to computer speakers if you need to.

If you’re only using this TV in a small room, however, you may find the included speakers quite sufficient. As with the picture settings, you’ll also find that a little tweaking in the sound menu can make a big difference and help improve the bass on this television.

Lack Of Extra Features: The Philips 22PFL4505D/F7 really is designed as a TV only. It doesn’t have internet, apps or other features that you’ll find on more expensive models. That said, if you really want them you can connect external devices. If you need a TV that does come with all the bells and whistles, it’s unlikely you’ll get one in this price bracket.

Should You Buy The Philips 22PFL4505D/F7?

This isn’t the right TV for you if you want something big that’ll look good in front of a lot of people in your living room. However, the Philips 22PFL4505D/F7 really is an excellent choice for those with less space, or who want a second TV for the bedroom. Pictures look sharp and colorful, and there are still more than enough connections for all of your devices.

Key Specs For The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25

• Average Price: 817-1,550
• Released: 2010
• 3D-Ready? Yes, with 2D to 3D conversion
• 3D Glasses Included: None
• Screen Size: 49.9 inches
• Screen Type: Plasma HD TV
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:09
• Contrast Ratio: 5,000,000:1
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Viewing Angle: 178°/178° Horizontal/Vertical
• Response Time: 5 ms
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi Ready
• HDMI Inputs: 3
• Dimensions: 48 x 3.5 x 30.3 inches

Benefits Of The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25

Price: For a 3D TV with this sized screen, the price is quite reasonable when compared to its top rivals on the market. For this price you’re also getting extra internet features and 2D to 3D conversion (see below).

Style: The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 looks sleek and stylish, with is glossy finish. It is, however, a little thicker than some other TVs you’ll find on the market, but this is really negligible.

Picture: Thanks to the high quality plasma screen on the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25, the contrast is fantastic, with excellent color accuracy. This TV model also comes with anti-glare measures to help prevent reflections in a bright room. This works well though isn’t as good as some of the best Samsung TV models.

2D To 3D Conversion: The fact that this TV includes 2D to 3D conversion is a bonus. This means that it can convert traditional 2D content into 3D, whether that means VHS tapes, non-3D DVDs or standard television broadcasts. Unfortunately this feature doesn’t always produce the best results on any TV you watch it on, so be prepared to watch a lot of your content in standard 2D.

Internet: The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 comes with a Wi-Fi connection, meaning that you can hook it up to your home broadband to access a wide range of online services. These are all pooled together into a feature known as VIERA Cast. The apps available include streaming services such as Amazon Video On Demand or Netflix, or other services such as Skype, Twitter and so on.

Accessories: If you really want to make the most of the included internet apps then you can buy an external USB keyboard that’ll let you type with ease.

SD Memory Slot: Thanks to the SD card slot included on the TV, you can insert your camera memory card easily for photo slideshows. This is a fantastic way to view your HD quality photographs, or simply share them with friends and family without having to crowd around a standard computer screen.

Ease Of Use: The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 is extremely easy to set up to watch the TV quickly. It automatically finds your channels and connects to your home Wi-Fi network. The menu is intuitive to help you find what you need without reading through a huge manual. There are also a range of picture calibration tools that’ll make it as easy as possible for you to put together the best settings.

Drawbacks Of The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25

Energy Usage: Although the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 claims to use less power than some older plasma models, there’s still no getting around the fact that plasma screens will take more power to run than LCD TVs.

3D Glasses: Panasonic don’t include any 3D glasses in this TV package. You’ll need to buy a pair for each person who views the TV at the same time, which can be expensive given they can run up to $150 each.

3D Picture: The 3D picture quality on the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 isn’t perfect, and doesn’t display as well as 2D content. That said, it’s good value for money when compared to the main rivals on the market. And, considering you’ll mainly be using the set for 2D content, you’ll be getting an excellent quality screen for your money.

Apps: As mentioned above, there are a range of different internet apps included as standard on the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25. However, when compared to other similarly-priced sets, you may find that the selection isn’t quite as good.

Webcam: Note that you’ll need to purchase a specific camera for use with this television if you want to take advantage of the Skype app. This is an added expense that isn’t immediately obvious when buying your TV.

Should You Buy The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25?

Although the picture quality of the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 doesn’t quite match up to more expensive models, you wouldn’t expect it to at this cheaper price point. That said, if you’re looking for the highest quality plasma screens then you might be better off looking to Samsung instead. If, however, you want an affordable option for 2D to 3D conversion then the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 is a solid choice.

Key Specs For The Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3

• Average Price: 359-399
• Released: 2011
• 3D-Ready? No
• Screen Sizes: 31.5 inches
• Screen Type: LCD
• Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:09
• Contrast Ratio: 20,000:1
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Viewing Angle: 178° /178°  Horizontal/Vertical
• Response Time: 6.5 ms
• HDMI Inputs: 2
• Dimensions: 30.7 x 8.2 x 20.9 inches

Benefits Of The Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3

Price: The first thing you’ll notice about this television is the very reasonable price tag. As far as HD LCD TVs go, this is one of the most affordable that you’re going to find on the market.

Ease Of Use: The Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3 is one of the easiest-to-use TVs you can find, which is important on a television when you just want to relax and watch it without too much fuss. It’s very easy to set up, and when you’re using it the menus are labeled well enough for you to know just what you’re doing. This is good news because the manual makes things look perhaps more confusing than they really are.

Connections: Although the Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3 doesn’t have the greatest number of connections for an HDTV, you wouldn’t expect it to at this price. That said, there are a very good number that will satisfy the needs of most users (though do check your own gadgets to see how they need to connect).

Two HDMI sockets mean that you can connect up modern DVD players and other accessories, and there’s a Scart plug for older equipment. It might have been nice to have at least two Scart inputs, so bear this in mind if you have more than one older piece of standard definition equipment.

Although there’s no USB port for connecting up your camera, there is a very useful SD card slot. This makes it easy to create photo slideshows or watch home movies on your new television.

Standard Definition: It’s important to find a television that can handle standard definition as well as HDTV, since so much content still hasn’t made it into HD. Although the Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3 isn’t the best quality of all televisions, for the price standard definition really does look good and most buyers will be pleasantly surprised. In fact, the standard definition picture on this model is higher quality than you’ll find on many more expensive models.

Picture Quality: There are pros and cons to the picture quality on the Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3 (see below). On the plus side, this TV handles motion well, has good viewing angles, and the picture is sharp despite a lower resolution than most other HDTVs currently available to buy.

Stand: This television comes with a pedestal stand in the box, which you can put together yourself.

Energy Consumption: When turned on, this television uses around 55 watts, which isn’t too high when compared to other TVs. In radio mode, when the screen is black, it’ll use about 35 watts. The good news is that there is an energy saving mode on the television, and it’ll turn itself onto standby mode if you leave it alone for a while. Unfortunately, though, it does consume a little bit of energy even when switched off.

Drawbacks Of The Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3

Sound: The inbuilt speakers on the Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3 aren’t the best you’ll find in an HDTV. You won’t hear much bass or detail when you’re watching movies.

The good news is that the TV comes with audio connections. You can either connect to a surround sound system, or other Hi-Fi unit. This is what most people tend to do with their flat panel televisions, rather than rely on the inbuilt speakers, so don’t let them put you off too much.

HD Quality: Unfortunately, the HD picture quality on the Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3 isn’t fantastic. You’ll notice some motion blurriness and grainy pictures when watching this television.

Screen Size: There’s only one screen size option with the Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3, and that’s at 32 inches. This is probably too small for those who have a large living room. However, if you’re looking for a TV for a smaller space or bedroom then this is a good size.

Should You Buy The Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3?

As you can see from the points above, there are many impressive features packed into the low price point of the Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3. It’s certainly a viable option for those who don’t want to spend too much money on their television. If you’re after the best quality HD pictures, however, it may be worth looking at spending a little more money.

Key Specs For The LG Infinia 47LW6500

• Average Price: 992-1,899
• Released: 2011
• 3D-Ready? Yes
• 3D Glasses Included: 4 pairs
• Screen Size: 47
• Screen Type: LED-Lit
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:09
• Contrast Ratio: 9,000,000:1
• Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
• Viewing Angle: 178° /178°  Horizontal/Vertical
• Response Time: 2. ms
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi Ready (comes with adaptor)
• HDMI Inputs: 4
• Dimensions: 44.1 x 1.2 x 26.9 inches

Benefits Of The LG Infinia 47LW6500

3D Glasses Included: Unlike most other 3D TVs on the market, you’ll get four pairs of 3D glasses in the box of the LG Infinia 47LW6500. This is enough for most families and means you can view 3D content right out of the box, without having to buy extra accessories.

Passive 3D Glasses Technology: The LG Infinia 47LW6500 uses passive 3D technology, which differs from the active technology most other screens include. What this means is that the 3D glasses are exactly the same as the ones you get in movie theaters. They don’t need batteries or recharging like the active glasses, and buying extra pairs is a lot cheaper.

Many users have also commented on the fact that passive 3D glasses are simply more comfortable to wear. Active glasses, instead, make use of shutters that open and close at rapid speed. Although most users get on with these perfectly well, some claim to suffer from headaches as a result. Passive glasses are extremely simple and lightweight, but they do come with their own issues (see below).

2D To 3D Conversion: 2D to 3D conversion means the ability to convert standard two dimensional content into 3D automatically, even though it wasn’t originally designed in 3D like current 3D movies. Having this feature is a real benefit to those who want to make the most of their new 3D technology.

Picture Quality: Although the 3D picture quality isn’t as good as 3D screens using active 3D glasses (see below), it’s extremely clear, bright and with true-to-life colors – well worth the price.

Motion: If you’re interested in watching sports, or simply want to know that you can watch fast action content without a motion blur, then you’ll be pleased to know that the LG Infinia 47LW6500 handles this very well with 240Hz TruMotion technology.

Internet: As with any other high-end 3D TV, you can access the internet quickly and easily on the LG Infinia 47LW6500. Just connect it up to your wireless broadband and you’ll soon have access to the range of apps that’ll allow you to stream music and movies from the ‘net, or connect to your favorite social networking websites.

Sound Quality: You should never expect too much from any flat panel speakers, due to the small space available to fit them. That said, the sound quality on the LG Infinia 47LW6500 is impressive and will suit casual users.

Picture Controls: The LG Infinia 47LW6500 comes with a range of picture control options that’ll help you calibrate the image to a state you feel happy with. The controls are designed to be step by step, making it easy to know what to adjust even if you’re not a technology expert. You can even let LG adjust the screen automatically using the inbuilt sensor, if you wish.

Drawbacks Of The LG Infinia 47LW6500

Passive 3D Technology: Although there are a number of benefits of the passive 3D technology used in the LG Infinia 47LW6500, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning.

Because passive 3D TV glasses do not split the image into two, like active shutter glasses, the resolution of the television is effectively halved when you’re viewing 3D content. This means that this TV will only show its full 1080p resolution when watching 2D content. You’ll also have to make sure that you sit far back enough to improve the quality of the 3D image – preferably at least six feet away.

2D Picture: The 2D picture quality on the LG Infinia 47LW6500 is generally very good. However, the screen uniformity can be poor, especially in low level lighting conditions.

Web Browser: Although having a web browser is a nice bonus for the LG Infinia 47LW6500, there’s no Flash support meaning you’re unable to view Flash videos or websites. Some of the included internet apps are also poorer quality when compared to other internet-ready TV screens in this price bracket.

Should You Buy The LG Infinia 47LW6500?

Key Specs For The LG Infinia 42LV5500

Average Price: 850-1,259
Released: 2011
3D-Ready? No
Screen Size: 42
Screen Type: LED-Lit
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 16:09
Contrast Ratio: 5,000,000:1
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Viewing Angle: 180°/180° Horizontal/Vertical
Response Time: 2.6 ms
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Ready
HDMI Inputs: 4
Dimensions: 39.8 x 1.2 x 24.3 inches

Benefits Of The LG Infinia 42LV5500

Wi-Fi: Only the highest level televisions come with Wi-Fi included as standard, so the fact that this is a feature of the LG Infinia 42LV5500 will be a bonus for many potential buyers. The addition of a number of apps means you can connect to your favorite video and social networking websites right from your TV screen.

Picture Quality: The picture on the LG Infinia 42LV5500 is of exceptional quality in its class of television. It has a good contrast ratio, showing excellent range of dark colors, very sharp resolution, and good motion display thanks to TruMotion 120Hz technology. Good motion display means images won’t blur: absolutely essential for those action movies or sports games.

Picture Controls: Most HDTVs will need a little tweaking out of the box, to create the kind of color and brightness you feel happy with. The picture controls on the LG Infinia 42LV5500 are extremely easy to use, thanks to the inbuilt “picture wizard”. This is a step by step guide that’ll take you through all of the options, helping you to get it right first time.

The LG Infinia 42LV5500 also features automatic brightness adjustment as part of its energy saving features. As the light changes in the room, the brightness will automatically adjust with it to save power.

Remote: There is a standard remote with the LG Infinia 42LV5500, as well as the second “Magic Motion”remote. This is the minimal option and it looks and feels absolutely fantastic.

Customizable Dashboard: Another feature of the LG Infinia 42LV5500 that hints at the fact it’s more than just a standard TV is the fact that it comes with LG Smart TV. This means that you can arrange all of your apps into your own personalized dashboard, making it easier to use and faster to access the features that you use the most.

Sound: There are mixed reviews about the sound of the LG Infinia 42LV5500. On the one hand, no HDTV is going to have the best quality sound. These sets are designed to be as thin as possible, meaning there isn’t much room for a set of quality speakers. Most users choose to enhance their sets with external speakers instead.

On the other hand, many users have reported the sound quality to be surprisingly good on the LG Infinia 42LV5500 when compared to other models on the market. Whether or not the speakers will suit you depends on if you want to recreate the full cinema experience.

Drawbacks Of The LG Infinia 42LV5500

Price: Unfortunately, the price of the LG Infinia 42LV5500 is a little more than you’d usually pay for HDTV options in this screen size. The fact that it comes with Wi-Fi connectivity and a range of internet apps has pushed it into a higher price range.

Poor Selection Of Apps: With a lot of competition in the world of internet-ready TVs, many users have found that the LG Infinia 42LV5500 just doesn’t match up to its rivals in terms of available apps.

Inbuilt Browser: Although there is a built in web browser, which is definitely a benefit, it doesn’t feature Flash capability. This means you won’t be able to watch videos on most websites, or view websites that use Flash design features. This is a major drawback to those who want as much freedom as possible within their TV web browser.

Remote: Although the remotes look fantastic, they would have been enhanced even further had there been an option of a Qwerty keyboard. Many of the top internet-ready TVs include one thanks to the fact that it makes it easer to browse the web, update your Facebook status and more.

Should You Buy The LG Infinia 42LV5500?

Unfortunately, the LG Infinia 42LV5500 doesn’t quite hit the mark in terms of internet features. It has a lot of promise, and a higher price tag to match the wide rage of features, but you’ll find that other televisions do it better. There is, however, extremely good picture quality. If you’re not too bothered by having the best internet apps, this could still be a good HDTV option for you.

Key Specs For The LG 42LK520

Average Price: 508-799
Released: 2010
3D-Ready? No
Screen Sizes: 42, 47, 55 inches
Screen Type: LCD
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 16:09
Contrast Ratio: 150,000:1
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Viewing Angle: 178° /178°  Horizontal/Vertical
Response Time: 2.4 ms
HDMI Inputs: 3
Dimensions: 52.3 x 3.8 x 31.3 inches (for 55″ model)

Benefits Of The LG 42LK520

Trumotion: The LG 42LK520 includes “Trumotion” technology as a way of combatting the motion blur that you’ll find on many LCD HD screens. What this means is that it has a refresh rate of 120Hz. This is faster than many other televisions (60Hz is average), and means you should be able to view action scenes or fast camera shots with a clearer picture.

Image: While Trumotion creates a crisp image, other benefits of the picture on this television set include the fact that it looks bright, with true to life color reflection. There are a number of image controls included for those who want complete control over the way the picture looks.

Price: Although not necessarily the cheapest LCD HD TV you’ll find on the market, the LG 42LK520 is still very affordably priced.

Screen Size: There are a good range of screen sizes available for this television. The smallest, at 42 inches, may be a little big for some bedrooms but is a good base size for your living room. The bigger screens also look great and will provide an excellent at-home cinema experience. Remember to get the biggest screen that’ll comfortably fit into your living room, as most people find that their biggest regret is not going bigger with a flat screen TV!

Design: The design of the LG 42LK520 is simple but will look stylish in your living room. It features a simple glossy black screen with a small light in the corner when the television is switched on. It weighs around 35lbs, which is light enough to move around if you need to, and makes setting up the television easier for one person.

The fact that the LG 42LK520 has a matte screen means that it’s good for viewing in bright conditions, and you won’t have to put in as much effort to darken your living room as you would with a glossy screen.

Multimedia: The LG 42LK520 comes with one USB port, which makes it useful for connecting up to external devices. This is especially popular for use with digital cameras: many people present their photos as a slideshow on their HD television screen. Aside from the USB port, there are also more than enough HDMI inputs for all of your external devices.

Energy Usage: The LG 42LK520 features an energy saving mode that’ll automatically detect the light level in the room. When the light level changes, the brightness of the screen automatically adjusts itself to save energy.

Drawbacks Of The LG 42LK520

Stand: Most buyers have commented on the fact that the stand included with the LG 42LK520 doesn’t look very sturdy. It’s made from plastic and looks a little cheap, which is a shame when you want the TV to look as stylish as possible in your living room.

Sound: As with a number of flat panel televisions, the sound on the LG 42LK520 is not the best. This means you’ll want to connect some external speakers to truly achieve the best at-home cinema experience.

Remote: The remote control is nothing remarkable. Some buyers have commented that it looks a little cheap considering the price of the television. However, it does do its job well and is very easy to use.

Lack Of Extra Features: Although some of the more expensive options may have apps that allow you to connect to social networking or video streaming sites, the LG 42LK520 puts price over extra features. Consequently, there’s also no option for connecting this set up to the internet. This isn’t so much of a drawback, as it means you’ll save a lot of cash, and you can always connect up an extra multimedia box should you wish.

That said, you do get the benefit of a USB port with the LG 42LK520, which means you can hook it up to external devices to play MP3s or watch photo slideshows with friends or family.

Should You Buy The LG 42LK520?

All in all, the LG 42LK520 is a solid television for the price. There have been no complaints about the picture, and the lack of extra features is rarely an issue for shoppers looking for a TV in this price range.