HP TouchSmart. Touch the future now.
(Nov 19, 2009)
David Katzmaier
Senior Editor
Our "best products" lists (on the left) take into account design and features, as well as picture quality, but for people seeking the best picture period, the models below fit the bill. Each scored at least an "8" in the performance subrating, and I've restricted this list to models that debuted after Jan. 1, 2009. In the case of a tie, I've ranked them in order of which TV I feel delivers a better overall picture.
Samsung UNB8500 series
It costs a mint, but Samsung's local dimming, LED-based UNB8500 series delivers the best picture quality of any LCD we've tested. Just don't expect the same performance from off-angle.
Price:$3,747.00 - $4,049.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best LCD TVs
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Panasonic TC-PV10 series
The Panasonic TC-PV10 series of plasmas delivers the second-best overall picture quality, and easily the best from seats outside the sweet spot directly in front of the TV.
Price:$1,895.18 - $2,099.00 (check prices)
Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best plasma TVs
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Panasonic TC-PG10 series
With excellent picture quality marred by only a couple of flaws, the Panasonic TC-PG10 series sits near the head of the class of 2009.
Price:$1,109.88 - $1,599.95 (check prices)
Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best plasma TVs
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Samsung PNB650 series
Samsung's PNB650 series can't quite match the best plasmas on the market, but it comes close enough to offer a viable alternative. This series gets the nod over the 850/860 models due to slightly better black levels.
Price:$1,109.00 - $1,239.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best plasma TVs
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Samsung LNB750 series
The Samsung LNB750 series can't beat the picture quality of the best plasmas and LED-backlit LCDs, but for a conventional LCD, it's one of the best we've tested.
Price:$1,499.95 - $2,029.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best LCD TVs
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