(Jun 26, 2009)
David Katzmaier
Senior Editor
We review a lot of high-definition televisions here at CNET, but the list below represents only the best. It collects our current highest-recommended televisions arranged in order of overall score, regardless of TV type, technology, brand, or size. These cumulative ratings indicate which HDTVs scored highest in each of the three major areas we rate: design, features, and performance. We don't expect this list to apply to everyone, however, so we've also created supplemental lists broken down by technology type and screen size. Choose from the lists to the left according to which criteria matter most to you.
Pioneer PRO-111FD
The Pioneer Elite PRO-111FD represents the pinnacle of flat-panel HDTV picture quality.
Price: $3,249.00 - $4,499.98 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 30, 2008
Outstanding
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Panasonic TC-PV10 series
The high-end Panasonic TC-PV10 series of plasmas delivers the overall best picture quality of any flat-panel HDTV we've tested so far this year.
Price: $1,899.99 - $2,199.98 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 8, 2009
Excellent
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Samsung UNB7000 series
Although its picture quality can't quite live up to the high price, the Samsung UNB7000 series is a technological and design tour de force.
Price: $1,979.95 - $2,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 10, 2009
Excellent
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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.
Price: $1,337.00 - $1,799.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 12, 2009
Excellent
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Samsung LNB750 series
The Samsung LNB750 series can't beat the picture quality of the best plasmas and LED-based LCDs, but for a conventional LCD, it's one of the best we've tested.
Price: $2,027.00 - $2,899.99 (check prices)
Review date: May 14, 2009
Excellent
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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 at the head of the class of 2009.
Price: $1,259.99 - $1,799.95 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 3, 2009
Excellent
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Panasonic TH-VX100U series
Panasonic's high-end Premiere plasmas put out professional-quality images for a correspondingly high price.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Feb 10, 2009
Excellent
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Sony KDL-55XBR8
Although not quite the best HDTV we've tested so far, the wallet-busting, LED-powered Sony KDL-55XBR8 comes mighty close.
Price: $4,348.00 - $5,499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 16, 2008
Excellent
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Pioneer PDP-5020FD
Best-in-class black levels and excellent all-around performance places the Pioneer PDP-5020FD near the top of the picture quality heap, but it will cost you.
Price: $2,599.00 - $3,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 18, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung LN46A950
Samsung's LED-backlit LN46A950 represents the peak of flat-panel LCD TV performance and picture quality, with a price to match.
Price: $2,199.95 - $3,299.98 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 10, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung HL61A750
Samsung's HL61A750 61-inch rear-projection HDTV delivers excellent overall picture quality, and, compared to flat-panel options, it's a real bargain.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Jul 18, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung UNB6000 series
Although it delivers fine picture quality, except for a few flaws, the ultrathin Samsung UNB6000 series will appeal mainly to style seekers who don't mind spending more money.
Price: $1,867.00 - $2,799.99 (check prices)
Review date: May 1, 2009
Very good
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Sony KDL-XBR9 series
Sony's high-end KDL-XBR9 series of LCD TV offers a bundle of extras and solid picture quality, but the price will turn off most buyers.
Price: $2,288.50 - $3,299.99 (check prices)
Review date: May 7, 2009
Very good
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Panasonic TC-PS1 series
With deep black levels and generally excellent picture quality, the more eco-friendly Panasonic TC-PS1 series of plasma TVs strikes an appealing price/performance balance.
Price: $1,075.95 - $1,940.90 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 11, 2009
Very good
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Panasonic TH-50PF11UK
Although expensive and light on features compared with consumer sets, Panasonic's TH-50PF11UK 50-inch professional plasma monitor delivers pro-level picture quality.
Price: $2,059.99 - $2,399.95 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 25, 2008
Very good
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Sony KDL-52V5100
The commendable picture quality of Sony's entry-level 120Hz-equipped LCD makes it a very good value.
Price: $1,625.00 - $2,299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 19, 2009
Very good
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Vizio VP505XVT
Vizio's best effort yet, the VP505XVT 50-inch plasma aces that delicate balance between picture quality and value.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Nov 20, 2008
Very good
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LG 50PG60
Although its THX mode isn't as accurate as we'd like to see, the LG 50PG60 50-inch plasma TV still delivers a good picture.
Price: $1,899.00 - $2,499.95 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 12, 2008
Very good
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