
Same as last year, TV sales volume is down for 2013, which means that TV makers are dropping their prices in an attempt to move as much inventory as possible. The upshot: You can now get more HDTV for less money than ever. Here’s our shortlist of 2013’s best $800-and-under 1080p- resolutions televisions.
(Note: Due to both supply and demand and the temporary nature of TV manufacturer incentives, the prices listed are subject to change. That said, we do not expect them to rise at least through Black Friday and Cyber Monday).
Samsung UN50F6300 50-inch LED LCD
Price: $798
Why we like it: The Samsung UN50F6300 is a full-featured edge-lit LED LCD with a thin bezel that will make it look sleek in any room. Performance-wise, this set is capable of displaying very bright, crisp images and its panel has a 120-Hz refresh rate for improved motion resolution. Features include Samsung’s Smart Hub, which offers the largest selection of video-streaming apps found on any TV, a web browser, onscreen TV guide with cable box control and Skype (camera optional). The UN50F6300 has an MSRP of $1600, though its pre-BF-week price was $950.
Panasonic TC-P50S60 50-inch Plasma
Price: $700
Why we like it: When it comes to viewing TV shows and movies in a light-controlled environment (we’re talking windows covered with blackout shades or curtains), nothing beats plasma. That’s because plasma TVs deliver deep blacks, powerful picture contrast, excellent uniformity over a range of viewing angles and blur-free performance when displaying fast-motion content—something LED LCDs can’t pull off without adding the soap opera effect (link) to movies. Along with all that, the Panasonic TC-P50S60 offers movie-streaming (Internet connection required) via Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, YouTube, Hulu Plus, and CinemaNow.
Note: Although Panasonic announced it is getting out of plasma production, the company is still committed to TV manufacturing (it plans to focus on LED LCD and OLED), so you can count on continued product support in the future. We have no hesitation in recommending Panasonic TVs due to their longstanding record of performance, build quality, customer support and reliability.
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Panasonic TC-L50E60 50-inch LED LCD
Price: $798
Why we like it: This slim, thin-bezel LED LCD both looks good and produces pictures with accurate color. Panasonic’s feature set for the TC-L50E60 includes the company’s Smart TV suite with movie streaming, web browser, and Skype (optional camera extra). The set’s 120-Hz panel also has backlight scanning to minimize motion blur.
LG 47LA6200 47-inch LED LCD
Price: $745
Why we like it: This edge-lit LCD model’s in-plane switching (IPS) panel gives it a wider viewing angle than almost any other LED LCD TV. The LG 47LA6200 include 60-Hz refresh plus backlight scanning, LG’s Smart TV suite for movies and apps, optional Magic Remote (with gesture, voice and cable box control $70
, passive 3D (4 pairs 3D glasses included), built-in Wi-Fi and a free iOS/Android remote control app.
Samsung PN60F5300 60-inch Plasma
Price: $750
Why we like it: Samsung’s PN60F5300 60-incher delivers all the benefits of plasma: deep blacks, superb contrast and uniformity, full motion resolution plus a wide viewing angle. It normally sells for $950, but you can get it for $200 less through December 2 (while supplies last). If you’re looking for a big, no-frills set with a great-looking picture this is the one.
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Greg Tarr
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i want to bye a led tv so i could not b deside that which brand chose . full hd or hd tv pls sugest me….. for which brand chose..
Looking for a 30-40 inch. Any suggestions?
What about Sony?!
I just saw it in Costco for $1999 -$500 instant rebate = $1499. Maybe now they will give you a review sample.
Hisense 4k, 55T880UW is at Costco in the DC area. Sitting at only $1500 too is a pretty amazing 4K deal
An update on the Hisense. Costco lowered the price $500 to $1499. I was very tempted. A sales person told me a 4K demo was running on the tv. Beautiful picture.
Costco sells it on their web site and in local stores
Not at our local Costco this past Monday.
HD Guru
The Hisense 55″ Class 4K Smart LED Ultra HDTV 55T880UW rewrites the entire high-end marketplace. I saw it locally and was quite impressed with the 4K demo loop. A huge step-up from the auditioned 4K Seiki.
The contrast and viewing were first rate. Another customer could not walk away!
Expensive 2K displays have had the rug pulled out which is why discounts are suddenly up to 59%!
Can Amazon carry this first rate $2K display? I could not find it!
HiSense 4K has currently has very limited distribution, some regional stores are all we are aware of. We’ve asked for review samples, but Hisense to date does not appear to be sending any out. We’ll wait and see. Amazon only carries 2 HD models.
HD Guru