Other notable energy-saving sets we've measured recently include the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U. This 50-inch plasma offers a choice during the initial setup phase between "home" and "store" environments, and choosing "home" forces the set into a default picture mode that saves a tremendous amount of power over the standard "torch mode" optimized to draw your eyeballs in the store.
The list below includes both of those TVs, winners in their respective categories for overall energy efficiency, along with a few other tree-hugging TVs we've reviewed in the last year.
These categories might be a bit arbitrary, but once you understand the basics of TV power, they start to make more sense. Basically, larger flat-panel TVs use more power, plasma is less efficient than LCD per square inch, and rear-projection is the most efficient of all. Intrigued? Check out our full Quick Guide, which includes an updated, sortable chart with all 104 TVs along with tips on how you can cut down on your own TV's power consumption.
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| Product name |
Philips 42PFL5603D |
Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U |
Samsung HL-T5687S |
Sony Bravia KDL-32M4000 |
Samsung LN52A650 |
| Review date | May 30, 2008 | May 23, 2008 | July 19, 2007 | May 14, 2008 | April 29, 2008 |
| CNET editors' rating |
Good |
Excellent |
Very good |
Very good |
Excellent |
| Users' rating |
Good (
from 6
users)
|
Excellent |
Very good |
Spectacular (
from 2
users)
|
Excellent |
| Buying choices |
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| Review summary | Although it has its share of picture-quality problems, the Eco-friendliness of Philips' 42PFL5603D flat-panel LCD will win the day for consumption-conscious shoppers. | With the accuracy of its THX mode and great black-level performance, the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U is one of the best-performing HDTVs available. | Although we couldn't quite ignore its uneven screen uniformity, the Samsung HL-T5687S still makes a compelling alternative to flat-screen wallet-busters at this size. | While it's blessed with attractive looks and a solid picture, the higher price of Sony's KDL-32M4000 will turn off many 32-inch LCD comparison shoppers. | If you don't mind its red frame, the Samsung LN52A650 LCD HDTV will reward you with a massive feature set and excellent picture quality. |
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| Basic Specs | |||||
| Product Description | Philips 42PFL5603D - 42 in LCD TV | Panasonic TH 50PZ800U - 50 in Plasma TV | Samsung HL-T5687S - 56 in Rear projection TV | Sony KDL-32M4000 - 32 in LCD TV | 52 in LCD TV |
| Product Type | LCD TV | Plasma TV | Rear projection TV | LCD TV | LCD TV |
| Diagonal Size | 42 in - Widescreen | 50 in - Widescreen | 56 in - Widescreen | 32 in - Widescreen | 52 in |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 40.9 in x 10.3 in x 28 in - With stand | 50 in x 15.2 in x 33.3 in - With stand | 54.7 in x 13.4 in x 34.9 in | 31.9 in x 3.9 in x 21.3 in - Without stand | 50.2 in x 12.8 in x 34.1 in |
| Weight | 60.4 lbs | 99.2 lbs | Info unavailable | 30.9 lbs | 76.7 lbs |
| Country Kits | United States | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Digital Television Certification | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV | Info unavailable |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 1366 x 768 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Display Format | 1080p (FullHD) | 1080p (FullHD) | 1080p (FullHD) | 720p | Info unavailable |
| Input Video Formats | 480i , 480p , 720p , 1080i , 1080p | 480i , 480p , 720p , 1080i , 1080p | 480i , 480p , 720p , 1080i , 1080p | 480i , 480p , 720p , 1080i , 1080p | Info unavailable |
| Video Interface | HDMI , S-Video , Component , Composite | HDMI , S-Video , Component , Composite | HDMI , S-Video , Component , Composite | HDMI , S-Video , Component , Composite | Info unavailable |
| Technology | TFT active matrix - LCD | Plasma (PDP) | DLP - DLP , Projection | TFT active matrix | TFT active matrix |
| Progressive Scan | Progressive scanning (line doubling) | Progressive scanning (line doubling) | Progressive scanning (line doubling) | Progressive scanning (line doubling) | Info unavailable |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| TV Tuner | 1x analog , 1x digital | 1x analog , 1x digital | 1x analog , 1x digital | 1x analog/digital combo | Info unavailable |
| Digital TV Tuner | QAM , ATSC | ATSC | QAM , ATSC | QAM , ATSC | Info unavailable |
| Analog TV Tuner | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC | Info unavailable |
| Analog Video Format | NTSC | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Additional Features | Active control , Pixel Plus 3 HD , Dynamic contrast , Digital Natural Motion , 2:2 pull down compensation , 3:2 pull down compensation | Game mode , X.v.Color , 3D Color Management , Video noise reduction , Contrast auto tracking system (CATS) | V-Chip , MP3 playback , Channel labeling , Parental control , JPEG photo playback , Video noise reduction , DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine) | Clock , V-Chip , Hotel mode , On-screen menu , Channel labeling , Parental control , Contrast enhancer , 3:2 pull down compensation , Ambient light sensor (ALS) , Digital MPEG Noise Reduction Circuit | Wheel key , Infolink , Ultra clear panel , Sound leveler , DNIe |
| Sound Output Mode | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo |
| Speaker System | 2 speakers | Woofer , 2 speakers | 2 speakers | 2 speakers | Info unavailable |
| Sound Effects | BBE , Incredible Surround , Virtual Dolby Digital | BBE , BBE ViVA HD3D | SRS TruSurround XT | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| DVR | None | Info unavailable | None | None | Info unavailable |
| VCR | None | Info unavailable | None | None | None |
| DVD | None | None | None | None | None |
| Memory Card Reader | Digital Media Reader | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| USB Port | Yes | Info unavailable | Yes | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Radio | None | None | None | None | Info unavailable |
| Remote Control | Remote control - Infrared | Remote control - Infrared | Universal remote control - Infrared | Remote control - Infrared | Standard remote control - infrared - Infrared |
| Power | AC 120/230 V | AC 120 V | Info unavailable | AC 120 V | Info unavailable |
| Battery | None | None | None | None | Info unavailable |
| PC Interface | Info unavailable | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | Info unavailable |
| Supported Flash Memory Cards | Info unavailable | SD Memory Card | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Environmental Standards | Info unavailable | Yes | Info unavailable | Yes | Info unavailable |
| Enclosure Color | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Piano black | Gloss piano black | Info unavailable |
| Stereo Reception System | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | MTS | MTS | Info unavailable |
| Multi-channel Preview | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Picture-in-picture (PIP) | Picture-in-picture (PIP) |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | 1 year warranty | Info unavailable |
| Product name | Philips 42PFL5603D |
Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U
|
Samsung HL-T5687S | Sony Bravia KDL-32M4000 |
Samsung LN52A650
|
| Full specifications | Full Specifications | Full Specifications | Full Specifications | Full Specifications | Full Specifications |
| Price range |
$1130-1400 from 10 stores |
$2165-3000 from 16 stores |
$1497-1956 from 2 stores |
$694-900 from 17 stores |
$2000-3700 from 15 stores |