Top budget HDTVs: 43-plus inches
It's easy to pick the very best, but when it comes to paying for a new HDTV, sometimes second or third-best is all your wallet allows. And sometimes, you just want a TV that's "good enough" and won't ruin the kids' college funds. That's where this list comes in, which compiles our picks for the best buys at 43 inches and larger that still deliver decent performance. Despite the name, the list is compiled in order of overall product rating, not price.
LG 50PC5D
6.9 Good (reviewed 7/11/07)
The LG 50PC5D suffers a few picture quality faults compared to the best 50-inch plasmas, but its aggressive price and solid black levels really increase its appeal.
Read review of the LG 50PC5D
Vizio GV52LF
6.6 Good (reviewed 9/13/07)
Although a bargain by big-screen LCD standards, the 52-inch Vizio GV52LF has a hard time competing against similarly sized plasmas.
Read review of the Vizio GV52LF
Olevia 252T FHD
6.3 Good (reviewed 2/5/08)
The Olevia 252T FHD deserves consideration among budget 1080p flat-panel LCDs, but still had a hard time making hay against the better plasmas.
Read review of the Olevia 252T FHD
Vizio VO47LF
6.2 Good (reviewed 3/19/08)
Despite our usual picture quality quibbles, the well-equipped Vizio VO47LF 47-inch flat-panel LCD stays true to the company's good-value reputation.
Read review of the Vizio VO47LF
