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 believe delivers a better overall picture.
As of June 2011, we've removed 2010 TVs from this list. 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 are the only TVs to earn a "10" in picture quality. As usual, it's all about black levels, which 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: $4,498.00 - $4,800.00 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Panasonic TC-PVT30 series
The successor to our favorite TV of 2010 is the second-best performer of 2011, and the best plasma. Its black levels are the deepest on this list aside from the Elite and the Sony LEDs, and unlike those LEDs, its picture remains true and perfectly uniform from any angle. It outdoes the Samsungs on the strength of its black levels despite less-accurate color.
Price: $1,998.18 - $2,499.95 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Samsung PND7000/8000 series 
We consider the Samsung PND7000 and PND8000 series plasmas both better values than either the VT30 or (duh) the Elite. We're linking here to the D7000 since it's the one that earned our Editors' Choice Award. It's less expensive, and picture quality between it and the D8000 is a wash: both earned a "9," better than either of the two TVs below, and boast the most-accurate color of any TV we've tested.
Price: $1,754.00 - $2,199.99 (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.
Price: $2,289.59 - $3,419.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Panasonic TC-PST30 series
The ST30 is the cheapest TV on this list, and therefore the best value we've reviewed in 2011. It edges out the more expensive GT30 just barely on the strength of its realistic gamma, but each has its strengths and weaknesses.
Price: $1,299.95 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
