Best 5 HDTVs: Picture quality
Our "best products" lists (on the left) take into account design and features, as well as picture quality. However, for people seeking the best picture quality only, the models below will fit the bill. Each TV scored at least an 8 in the Performance subrating, and in the case of a scoring tie, we've ranked them in order of which TV we think delivers a better overall picture.
This list contains four 2011s and one 2012 model, and will be updated when we review more qualifying 2012 TVs. As usual, the prices below represent just one size in the series; click through to the review to see other sizes.
Sharp Elite PRO-X5FD series
The Elite LED-based LCD from Sharp was designed in homage to the vaunted Kuro Elite plasmas from Pioneer, and both models are the only TVs to earn a "10" in picture quality. As usual, it's all about black levels; the Pro-X5FD's are even deeper than the Kuro's, don't suffer noticeable blooming, and maintain excellent fidelity from off-angle. If money is no object, this is the best TV you can buy.
Price: $4,699.00 - $4,999.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Panasonic TC-PST50 series
As we said in the review, the ST50 "sets a lofty standard for HDTV picture quality this year," and if picture quality is your deciding factor yet money is still an object, we haven't reviewed anything better. Its black levels are deeper than those of any 2011 plasma, its color is extremely accurate, and it has the best bright-room picture we've tested on any plasma. We expect a few other TVs to surpass it on this list later this year, but we don't expect any of them to cost less.
Price: $1,448.18 - $1,699.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Samsung PNE8000 series
If you're a "flagship" kind of buyer yet find the Elite too expensive to bear (or too much of an LCD), Samsung's best plasma ever has plenty of appeal. Sure, it's encrusted with tacked-on extras, but behind it all is great picture quality anchored by deep blacks and superb color. We didn't like its 2D image quite as much as the ST50's, but its 3D is definitely better.
Price: $2,203.95 - $2,597.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Panasonic TC-PUT50 series
For people on a budget, the toughest choice on this list is between the ST50 (above) and the UT50. Picture-quality sticklers, especially those who watch a lot of TV with the lights on or really value color accuracy, will find the extra cash worth spending on the ST50. But the UT50's still-superb overall performance makes it appealing to cash-conscious videophiles with nice dark rooms.
Price: $969.99 - $1,019.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Sony XBR-HX929 series
With the second-deepest black levels on this list and very accurate color, Sony's best LED-based LCD -- and one of the best we've tested -- might be worth the steep price to well-heeled buyers who don't want plasma and can't stomach the price of the Elite. It will remain in the line throughout 2012, and will continue to pose a challenge to all non-Elite LCDs.
Price: $2,919.33 - $3,499.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
