David Katzmaier,
Senior Editor
April 6, 2009
Tightening your belt doesn't necessarily mean going without a good high-definition picture. The models below represent a variety of screen sizes, from 32 to 61 inches, and every one gives you plenty of bang for the buck. No, they might not deliver the very best picture, but dollar-for-dollar they're tough to beat.
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| Price | Check Prices | Check Prices | $2,499.99 | Check Prices | $899.97 to $1,099.99 | Check Prices |
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| Review date | September 29, 2008 | July 07, 2008 | April 30, 2008 | August 08, 2008 | August 26, 2008 | July 18, 2008 |
| The Bottom Line | The Vizio VO32L's mostly solid image quality and fully packed connectivity package make it a top choice among small-screen LCDs. | Perfectly acceptable image quality and a well-integrated DVD player make the Westinghouse VK-40F580D a solid choice for people going the combo route. | Panasonic's TH-42PX80U 42-inch plasma sets the picture quality-to-value standard for entry-level plasma TVs. | The midlevel Samsung LN46A550 LCD TV strikes an excellent balance between price and performance. | Although no slouch especially considering its price, the LG 50PG20 plasma HDTV's picture isn't quite up to that of the best entry-level competition. | Samsung's HL61A750 61-inch rear-projection HDTV delivers excellent overall picture quality, and, compared to flat-panel options, it's a real bargain. |
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| Features | ||||||
| Input Video Formats | 480i 480p 720p 1080i | 480i 480p 720p 1080i 1080p | 480p 720p 1080i 1080p | 480i 480p 576i 576p 720p 1080i 1080p | 720p 1080i 1080p | 480i 480p 720p 1080i 1080p |
| Analog TV Tuner | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC |
| Weight | 27.6 lbs | 48.7 lbs | 61.7 lbs | 60.8 lbs | 83.3 lbs | 70.1 lbs |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Digital TV Tuner | QAM ATSC 8-VSB | QAM ATSC | QAM ATSC | ATSC | QAM ATSC | ATSC |
| Resolution | 1366 x 765 | 1920 x 1080 | 1024 x 768 | 1920 x 1080 | 1365 x 768 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Sound Output Mode | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo |
| Speaker System | 2 speakers | 2 speakers | 2 speakers | 2 speakers | 2 speakers | 2 speakers |
| TV Tuner | 1x analog/digital combo | Info unavailable | 1x analog 1x digital | 1x analog 1x digital | 1x analog 1x digital | 1x analog 1x digital |
| DVD | None | DVD player - Built-in | Info unavailable | None | None | None |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 31.6 in x 8.6 in x 22.4 in - With stand | 39 in x 9.5 in x 28.6 in - With stand | 40.2 in x 15.2 in x 28.6 in - With stand | 44.5 in x 11 in x 27 in - With stand | 48 in x 3.4 in x 31.1 in - Without stand | 54.7 in x 14.4 in x 37.8 in - Without stand |
| Battery | Info unavailable | None | None | None | None | None |
| Remote Control | Remote control - Infrared | Remote control - Infrared | Remote control - Infrared | Remote control - Infrared | Universal remote control - Infrared | Remote control - Infrared |
| Technology | TFT active matrix | TFT active matrix | Plasma (PDP) | TFT active matrix | Plasma (PDP) | Projection - DLP |
| Diagonal Size | 32 in - Widescreen | 40 in - Widescreen | 42 in - Widescreen | 46 in - Widescreen | 50 in - Widescreen | 61 in - Widescreen |
| Digital Television Certification | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV |
| Progressive Scan | Progressive scanning (line doubling) | Progressive scanning (line doubling) | Progressive scanning (line doubling) | Progressive scanning (line doubling) | Progressive scanning (line doubling) | Info unavailable |
| Additional Features | 2:2 pull down compensation 3:2 pull down compensation | DayBright Autosource SpineDesign Auto power off On-screen menu Parental control JPEG photo playback Video noise reduction 3:2 pull down compensation | Game mode X.v.Color Deep Color Channel labeling 3D Color Management Video noise reduction Anti-reflective filter | Matte finish Touch-sensitive controls | V-Chip Auto power off On-screen menu Channel labeling Parental control XD Engine technology Video noise reduction Anti-reflection coating 3:2 pull down compensation Digital MPEG Noise Reduction Circuit | 3D HD ready On-screen menu Cinema Smooth Light Engine DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine) |
| Display Format | 720p | 1080p (FullHD) | 720p | 1080p (FullHD) | 720p | 1080p (FullHD) |
| PC Interface | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | Info unavailable | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) |
| Video Interface | HDMI S-Video Component Composite | HDMI Component Composite | HDMI S-Video Component Composite | HDMI S-Video Component Composite | HDMI S-Video Component Composite | HDMI S-Video Component Composite |
| Product Description | V VIZIO VO32LHDTV10A - 32 in LCD TV | Westinghouse VK-40F580D - 40 in LCD TV | Panasonic TH 42PX80U - 42 in Plasma TV | Samsung LN46A550 - 46 in LCD TV | LG 50PG20 - 50 in Plasma TV | Samsung HL61A750 - 61 in Rear projection TV |
| Product Type | LCD TV | LCD TV with Built-in DVD player | Plasma TV | LCD TV | Plasma TV | Rear projection TV |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
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