(Nov 30, 2009)
David Katzmaier
Senior Editor
An "LED TV" is actually a kind of LCD TV that uses LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, instead of the standard fluorescent backlight to illuminate the screen. Some LED-based LCD TVs are extremely thin and some exhibit better picture quality than standard LCD TVs, and most are more-efficient, to a greater or lesser extent. They're also more-expensive. Check out LED TVs: 10 things you need to know for more information.
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.
Price: $3,749.00 - $4,049.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 6, 2009
Excellent
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Samsung UNB8000 series
The expensive, stylish Samsung UNB8000 series has its share of picture quality drawbacks, but a firmware update helps, and the thin frames are worth serious bragging rights.
Price: $1,869.00 - $2,499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 25, 2009
Excellent
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LG LH90 series
Deep black levels and accurate color help propel the LED-backlit LG LH90 series into the front row of the LCD picture quality class.
Price: $1,799.00 - $1,995.00 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 10, 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: $1,649.00 - $2,699.00 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 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: $3,794.00 - $4,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 16, 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: $1,879.95 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 10, 2008
Excellent
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Vizio VF551XVT
Sure, it has a few flaws, but nothing fatal prevents the local dimming, LED-backlit Vizio VF551XVT from exhibiting excellent LCD picture quality for the buck.
Price: $2,049.00 - $2,249.00 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 23, 2009
Very good
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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: $1,573.99 - $2,249.00 (check prices)
Review date: May 1, 2009
Very good
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Toshiba SV670U series
Albeit slightly less impressive than other LED-based LCDs with local dimming, the Toshiba SV670U also costs less and still gives great blacks.
Price: $1,449.00 - $2,499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 27, 2009
Very good
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Sharp LC-LE700UN series
The Sharp LC-LE700UN's LED backlighting doesn't elevate its picture quality beyond the LCD norm, but does help make it the most efficient TV we've ever tested.
Price: $1,329.00 - $1,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 16, 2009
Good
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Sony Bravia KLV-40ZX1M
As the first large-screen edge-lit LED-based LCD, Sony's KLV-40ZX1M looks stunning turned off, but it falls short when powered up.
Price: $1,995.00 - $2,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Feb 27, 2009
Good
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