The HD GURU has chosen the best HDTVs to purchase based upon performance and features. The choices have been broken down by technology: LCD flat panel and Plasma panels. All products have earned a 5 Heart HD Guru rating. The HD Guru Rating System
HD Guru Five Hearts Rated Product is exceptional. The HD Guru says “Buy It”
HD Guru Rated Four Hearts Rated Product is good, The HD Guru recommends it
HD Guru Rated Three Hearts Product is just satisfactory; The HD Guru says, “Proceed to buy with caution”
HD Guru Rated ♥ Product has a flaw that’s serious, “Don’t Buy Itâ€Â
LCD TVs
In the past LCD flat panels have suffered from “image blur†seen during fast motion when viewing sports and movies. The first three picks have new technologies that virtually eliminate blurry images.
JVC LT-37X987 37-Inch HDTV
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥♥
The LT-37X987 has a 1366 x 768 resolution panel. To conquer image blur it uses 120 –hertz illumination, which is twice the rate (60 hertz) of most other LCD panels. JVC rates the response time of this display as 6ms (milliseconds) The LT-37X987 features a black cabinet with a thin frame covering all four sides of the screen. The speakers are hidden behind the bottom of the display. (MSRP $2,700)
Hitachi UltraVision Director’s Series 37HLX99 37-Inch HDTV
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥♥
Also all black, Hitachi includes remote-controlled power-swivel stand. The 37HLX99 has 1366 x 768 resolution. To reduce motion lag it also incorporates 120-hertz refresh rate (like the JVC). Other features include Advanced Super In-Plane Switching, which provides a wider angle of view than many competitors; a CableCARD slot, TV Guide On-Screen program guide, IEEE 1394 and a roll-and-click illuminated remote control. This LCD properly deinterlaces 1080i signals (MSRP $3,000)
Philips 42PF9831D/37 42-Inch HDTV
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥
This attractive, integrated HDTV has 1366 x 768 (720P) resolution and has a very fast 4ms response time, which virtually eliminates motion lag. It also has Philips’ unique Ambilight panel background lighting. The new Ambilight 4 produces a surrounding glow of light behind the TV that complements the image and creates a “floating display†effect. (MSRP $3,499)
Samsung LN-S4696D 46-Inch HDTV
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥
The LNS-4696D has full 1080P resolution. It also features Samsung’s S-PVA technology, which offers wider viewing angles than many LCD panels. The Super-Patterned Vertical Alignment system has wide 178-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles. It 8ms response time helps reduce blur with fast-moving video. The all-black LCD TV comes with its own swivel stand, has a CableCARD slot and IEEE-1394 two-way interface so you can connect a next generation high def disc recorders. (MSRP $4,399)
Plasma TVs
Hitachi Director’s Series 42HDX99 42-Inch HDTV
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥♥
This HDTV plasma is loaded with features and sits within an all-black cabinet on a power swivel stand. This HDTV has 1024 x 1080 resolutionâ€â€the best in the 42-inch plasma size. An anti-reflective system called a Deep Black Natural Color Filter effectively absorbs ambient room light. It has TV Guide On Screen, IEEE-1394 HDTV recordable interface and many inputs including 3 HDMI inputs. (MSRP $3,499)
Panasonic TH-50PX600U 50-Inch HDTV
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥♥
It’s an integrated HDTV with 1366 x 768 resolution. Like all Panasonic plasmas it has the deepest blacks of any brand of plasma. The TH-50PX600U has a built-in high-def tuner, a CableCARD slot and the TV Guide On Screen program guide. It also has an SD Memory Card for viewing photos. This Panasonic properly deinterlaces 1080i content (MSRP $3,600)
Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 50-Inch PureVision HD Monitor
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥♥
The PRO-FHD1 is High Definition monitor, it has no built-tuner. It has full 1920x1080P resolution. This all-black plasma is under than four inches thick. It has Includes CableCARD and TV Guide on Screen interactive guide and Pioneer’s exclusive Media Home Gallery to control music, movies and photo through a connected home network PC. This Pioneer properly deinterlaces 1080i content (MSRP $8,000)
Panasonic TH-58PX600U 58-Inch HDTV
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥♥
The TH-58PX600U is an integrated HDTV with 1366 x 768 (720P) resolution. Like all latest Panasonic plasmas, it features very deep. Like other members of the Panasonic 600 series, it has a built-in HDTV tuner, a CableCARD slot, TV Guide On Screen and an SD memory card slot. It properly deinterlaces 1080i content. (MSRP $5,500)
Panasonic TH-65PX600U 65-Inch HDTV
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥♥
For very large plasma HDTV, look at this Panasonic 65†integrated HDTV with 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest resolution of any plasma size above 50â€Â. Features deep blacks, CableCARD, TV Guide On Screen and an SD memory card reader. This 65-inch plasma HDTV is only 5.7 inches deep yet weighs more than 175 pounds. This Panasonic Plasma properly deinterlaces 1080i content (MSRP $9,999, Note Unlike the other Panasonic plasma models listed, the TH-65PX600U, is sold without a table stand and speakers. They are listed as extra cost options.)
Pioneer Pro-1540 60-inch HDTV
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥♥
This Pioneer plasma features 1365 x 768 resolution, accepts native 1080p/24 signals (from Blu-ray player), can be set to a 72 hertz display rate for smooth motion with film based content, produces a stunning image, great color and has full ISF controls for tweaking. Includes CableCARD and TV Guide on Screen interactive guide and Pioneer exclusive media Home Gallery to control music movies and photo through a home network. This display, like all Pioneer plasmas, properly deinterlaces 1080i signals (MSRP $7,500)
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Guru, i have a vizio p42hd and the left side of the screen just went black as if you drew a vertical line right down the center of the screen everything to the left of it (50%) went black or at times there are several vertical lines of color which suggests to me that the screen is not ruined maybe a bad connection? I have checked all lines in and the problem persists even when the source is changed (dvd) or cable this set is 18 months old and when I contacted the vizio company they suggested i call a T.V. repairman. Please do you have any advice that is more insightful ?
Can any one tell me where I can find this tv
Hitachi Director’s Series 42HDX99? No place on the web and all my local stores don’t carry it.
Go to Hitachi website to get the contact info for Hitachi to find a local dealer. The director series AFAIK is not sold via the internet.
The HD Guru
Guru,
Have you done any reaserch on LGs (Plasma & LCD)?
if so, what are your opinions on the 42″ TVs
I prefer the image qualirty found on the 42″ Hitachi, Pioneer and Panasonic (se my top picks in the archive)
The HD GuruÂÂ
Hello, I looked at the 50px600u and liked what I saw. I am only 7-8 foot from my couch to my wall where I would mount TV. I also looked at the sony 46xbr2 lcd. When I look at that screen I don’t see as much pixelation as on the panasonic. I don’t like the clouding issue with sony, Can you give advise on what to chose. I have alot of sunlight coming in in the day, but most viewing done at night.
Pixelization (the picture breaking up into little tiles) is caused by bad digital signal reception, not the TV. The Panasonic’s image quality is far better than the LCD (better motion response, black level, angle of view picture uniformity to name four) . If you want get the best image quality and view during the daylight get some window treatments.
LCD’s strong suit is that it is brighter and the surface is less reflective, so it can do a better job in overcoming high ambient light.
The HD GuruÂÂ
I am looking at tne Westinghouse 37″ 1080p LCD HD monitor. Realize no tuner etc. Your thoughts, any feedback on performance ?
Thanks for the info.
Anyone have any comments on a Panasonic TH42PX6U 42 inch Plasma Display TV ?
Guru,
Am interested in a 37″ HDTV. Which would be better a plasma or DLP tv? Understand Plasma if it goes is useless whereas DLP has better chance for repair?
Thanks for the assist.
Plasma is repairable like any other TV as long as the panel itself is not damaged. I would not consider this an issue in a decision.
The HD GuruÂÂ
We recently purchased an Insignia NS-27HTV, a 27″ flat tube television, sold exclusively by Best Buy. Normally I would NEVER consider a house brand piece of electronic equipment. I consider myself very picky when it comes to picture quality.
This set is made by Konka and has proprietary circuitry unique to no other crt television sold in the US; this information can be found online, but NOT from Best Buy. It is a 1080i set with an HDMI input. I know you have found some Insignia products to be poor performers but I have found this set to be an outstanding performer and a bargain compared to other brands.
The only serious flaw I can find with it is it’s remote control design. I paid well under $300 for it, after rebate. If you could test one, I would like to read your comments; I think this set is an extreme bargain that people should know about!
I have one question; would upgrading from using a componentt input DVD player to one with HDMI be worthwhile? Secondly, since this set only has one HDMI input, is there a good inexpensive way to make it work with multiple connected HDMI products?
Without testing this TV I cannot determine if you would see an improvement in picture quality using an HDMI upconverting DVD player.
Early 2007 you can expect a large increase in the number of surround sound receivers with HDMI switching available, as well as freestanding HDMI switchers along with lower prices.
The HD Guru ÂÂ
Research, research, and then do some more!
Thank the Gods’ for your website.
I’d like to relay some of my own headaches:
1. The name on the pretty case is not necessarily the name of the company whose factory made it! That is important because Company A designed it, Company B made it, and most of the time Company C will be the entity that will end up tech. supporting the item after just one year. 2. When was the unit made? When did the last one roll off the assembly line? How many versions did that model go through? Important when considering my first point! 3. Search for websites about problems with said model. We are all connected, especially when the promises of quality are dashed to frustration over hundreds or thousands of dollars of equipment. You’d be surprised how much info you can get when you add the word “sucks” to the brand, model name, or number to the search parameters. 4. Keep in mind this technology is constantly changing. Computer enthusiests learned years ago in the hardest ways’ that the cheapest way to stay at least close to the top is to build it yourself and upgrade components at least one at a time. There’s usually only one or two components in the HDTV category, choose well. 5. The Lesson of Microsoft. New tech has bugs. Some companys will release equipment with known bugs. Big name companies are prepared for this and not just with techies to iron out the creases…..LAWYERS! Those companies with oh so familier names have been hiding behind and legislating with, barriers between us and them, LAWYERS….for years. Pending consumer protection lawsuits are pretty easy to find, some though are not so easy, if the brand name hasn’t gotten a business protection gag order.
Can’t stress this enough…RESEARCH!!!!!!!!
Sorry if this was placed in the wrong spot but I have a question that almost no one has been able to answer. I have seen samsungs new led projection tv and heard that mitsubishi was also going to introduce a led model. What are your opinons on led over lamps as far as picture quality and brightness. Also I noticed that on one of samsungs lamp projectors has a 10000:1 contrast ratio and the led model only has 4000:1 will that also make a differece? Thanx for any help.
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LEDs backlight give far longer life (rated at least 20,000 hours) richer more satuated color, and sets equipped with them automatically self regulate color temperature. This year’s LED model is a sort of hybrid light engine, hence the lower contrast ratio. Next year I expect an all new, LED dedicted light engine from Samsung with a higher contrast ratio. The higher contrast ratio means blacker blacks and usually brighter whites.
Mitsubishi has announce a Laser TV in late 2007, but we will have to wait a little longer for the facts.
Both technologies are expected to have a great future.
The HD GuruÂÂ
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After 3 months of research for big flat panels on the internet I found your site about a week ago.
After reading your test results page I picked one that had a Pass Pass. I think only three did.
It was a Vizio. I found one at Circuit City on sale.
A P50 50″ Plasma HDTV. It rocks. I haven’t found anything I don’t like about it. Blacks are Black and Whites are brilliant. I haven’t got my satelite upgraded yet so I can tell you SD TV zoomed to full screen is still OK. Not HDTV but still good. HD formatted movies are very sharp.
I was really suprised by the quality of the sound. High tones are crisp and sharp and the base BOOMS Great instruction manual and easy to use remote.
Circuit City sells a really nice stand also. The Phantom 50 I think its called. It has 3 shelves and a rear pedestal the TV mounts on. (looks like a weight bench before you mount the tv ; ))
It matches the TV like it was made for it. Gloss black with chrome. It cost less than half of what just the mounting brackets were selling for in Circuit City.
And yep. Had to listen to the $200.00 HDMI sales pitch too. Picked those up from Walmart on the way home for 29.00
THANK YOU GURU
Guru,
My apologies, I was thinking of CNET’s rating system. Sorry.
Terry
Guru,
Why is the highest score on your list of tv’s only an 8.4? Why can’t any of the tv’s get a 9.5 or even a 9? Also, why is it so scarce to find a 1080p plasma on the market?
Terry
I purchased the Hitachi 42HDS69 and we are very pleased with the purchase. As HDGuru mentioned it doesn’t have as many features as the 42HDX99 or the 42HDT79, but at a price point of 1499.00 (got it at Sears via Online) in my opinion it is the best 42″ flat screen television available at this time. Eli R. get it, you will not be disappointed.
Jeff.
I’ve compared many of the above LCDs; however, like another poster Sharp’s Aquos 37D90U PQ is spectacular — I haven’t seen a better picture.
Im thinking about getting the HITACHI Plasma 42 inch 42hds69. I like to know what you think about it?
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Hitachi’s 42″ plasmas shine with the highest resolution of any 42″ plasma. I top rated the directors series version of this set. This model is has the same panel but not as many features as the 42HDX99
The HD GuruÂÂ
I have just purchased the HITACHI Plasma 42 inch s69 model.Let me tell you this set is really Excellent, it does Rock!!And with my H.D.Receiver with the HDMI Cable hooked up to it in 1080I mode full time.The Quality of the picture in H.D. will blow you away!!Even the Digital Channels Looks that much more better also.. almost close to H.D. as you can get!! Thanks Hitachi For a great TV. at a Fair and reasonible Price!!And THANKS to H.D.Guru for such an informable web site,To get the word out…John P. Taylor,Mi.
What have you seen on SED Technology from toshiba and cannon.
Have an 6 year old 55″ Mitsubishi projection HD set and ready to upgrade. Have not had speakers on in 6 years and don’t believe I will ever be able to get HD input without an external box. What happened to the HD monitors? Would like a 50 to 58 inch Plasma monitor. Any good commercial monitors out there? Don’t care about 1080p.
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Panasonic and Pionner make fine HD plasma monitors (no tuner, speakers, no tablestand included) in your size range.
The HD GuruÂÂ
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I purchased the Panasonic TH-50PX600U 50-Inch HDTV
HD Guru Rated ♥♥♥♥ Back in October. I have had no issues and my friends who have teh 48″ LCD’s say this blows theirs away. I agree with your rating 100%
My cable box offers several different options for output format. Ex, I can go with 720p stretch or 1080i. I have a 37 inch panasonic lcd, which output should I choose for my tv.
Steve
Orange County
I recommend trying 1080i output since most channels are in this format and typically the scalers than convert a the signal to your set’s native resolution are better in the TVs than the cable boxes
HD GURUÂÂ
I just purchased a Vizio model GV46L lcd HD 46″ TV The picture looked great in the store and the price was right. What kind of rating would you give this one?
JB
Atlanta
I have heard that high altitude negatively affects Plasma HDTV, and that if one lives at a high altitude one would be better off with LCD. Is there any truth to this, or is it a myth?
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It used to be an issue. Many of today’s plasma HDTVs have altitude ratings of 6,000-8,000 ft. I did not see the problem during a recent trip to Denver, Co. Many early generation panels would buzz at high altitudes. To be assured, check with the manufacturer for the altitude rating before purchase .
The HD GuruÂÂ
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Lee,
JVC still does CRT rear projection but the market is clearly migrating us toward a comprimise in image Quality for Slim modern designed Tv that offer convenience and a periodic lamp change
Hoepfully SED will offer a ray of hope
What are your thoughts on the Sony 60″ Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection HDTVKDS-60A2000 or the 55″ model? Weight and size are not a consideration.
Hello, great site. Any comment on the Toshiba 50″ plasma. I just purchased this at Best Buy for $1700. By the way I bought Wal-Mart HDMI cables…saved some $$$. Thanks again for all the great info…Chips.
I was told that the only differences between the Panasonic 42″ 600 and 60 plasma were 600 has better speakers and a pc input. Guts are the same. True?
I HAVE A SONY BRAVIA HD TV ANY COMMENTS FROM OTHER OWNERS AND WHAT YOU PAYED FOR IT I PAID 4K GODD PRICE OR NOT
What about DLP? Are DLP sets as good as flat panel? Which are the best? Also which sets convert standard programming to HD with the least amount of streaching?
HD Guru,
I see that the TH42PX600U (Panny plasma) failed the 3:2 cadence testing, yet the TH50PX600U is rated as exceptional/ buy it. Is it reasonable to infer that the 50″ would also fail this test (and thus not be a recommended buy?).
Cheers
I recently got the Panasonic Plasma 42″.. I think the TH-42X60U? Anyhoo, this thing is a beast~! Wonderful resolution so long as you reset it as stated in other Guru postings.. I went to HH GREGG and got it for 1299, and you can to, if you work em!
Philips just came out with a a 63″ plasma, they’ve had a 50″ and 42″ model for a while. Their sets are pretty popular over in Europe, any thoughts on the Philips line? What about LG — any thoughts on their sets? Philips & LG have joint ventures, so both of those companies will likely be making flat-panels for a while.
Also, do yo have any thoughts on the super top-ends, like Fujitsu or Runco ?
What’s your take on the Mitsubishi Model 62628 62″ DLP HDTV by the way? Also, I am quite illiterate when it comes to all this technological b.s. jargon and have NO IDEA what or how HDMI works. Is it just an outlet for one to hook-up their computer to their big screen? And please send me some advise on WHICH HD-DVD player to buy as I like to watch movies…
cheers,
Lance
L.A.
i bought 50″ Samsung DLP HDTV, any comments about this product (any good) and also i am looking into getting a home theater system- any comments or any advice
Guru,
F.Y.I. The Pro940 is a 42″ Plasma the 1140 is the 50″.This site is a great idea,but please stay away from even talking about things like 1920×1080.
I know this industry is drivin by hype,this web site shouldn’t be.
Good luck with the new site – I think it’s well about time for this type of information. As such, I’m in the market for a plasma – specifically the Pioneer Pro-940HD. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find a demonstration and only one independent editorial. With 720P, inputs available and the Pioneer Elite reputation, I am very interested to learn more. Can you give me your thoughts about this model and how it may compare to similar plasmas? Especially for standard definition TV, high definition cable sources, and regular DVDs.
Bruce
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Or, alternately, the Chiropractor.
grrrrr
I, personally, have.. well, I guess last year’s JVC CRT. I was under the impression that they would last longer, and the price was good in comparison to the same size in a lcd or plasma. Hope I did ok, since moving it again might require a visit to the chiroprator.
Do you have plan to test Sony XBR3 LCD HDTV? They seem to have very good spec (on paper).
Hi, this is a great site, keep up the good work. My question is about extended warranties on plasma tv’s. Are they worth it now that the plasma technology has gotten better? What about in store extended warranties vs. aftermarket or online ones? Thanks
In the LCD section, I would also add the sharp aquos LC-37D90U which has the greatest picture i’ve ever seen.
In the future could you post a review on “the best of the less” HDTVs?
Basically, an article about lesser known and less expensive brands.
Thanks
I saw that you said the Panasonic 600U models properly deinterlace. What about the 60U models that are prevalent?
Just purchased the Hitachi Ultravison 42 Plasma. It rocks! So many features- so little time.
Why are LCD tv’s near the top of your recommended HDTV’s…please I have yet to see a LCD tv that is worthy of putting in my home. Every single LCD tv that I see, there is black level reproduction that makes me throw up. When you compare this to a plasma screen or even DLP there is no comparison. You want the best HDTV picture out there, don’t be silly, grab a Pioneer Elite PROFHD1 or the lower models in the PRO-1140HD or the PRO940hd or the PRO1540HD..you won’t be sorry…ow and do yourself a favor and talk to the guys a Tweeter..they know their stuff!! And they really take care of there customers. I Love Tweeter
I bought a Sceptre from Costco. It is a 37 inch lcd with 1920 by 1080 resolution. 1080p on down. Have you done any research on these sets. The picture Quality is fantastic. Just starting to have problems with the sound of the set. Any comment would be appreciated. Great site
Could you go through an explanation of the screen resolutions and all that. I think this is where the most confusion is.
I bought a Sony 42″ Grand Wega LCD Projection TV in Nov ’04….I am beginning to see little particles of blue and blue is starting to form at the bottom corner. Isn’t Sony supposed to be a “top” brand? Also, when I bought it the salesman told me it would be more dependable than the DLP. What’s your opinion? Did I make a bad investment 2 yrs. ago?
i have a 52 inch RCA HDTV with DLP the model is M50WH74S i was wondering if it was any good and if i should keep it. The pitcher on the screen is not that great what wires do i need PLEASE let me know how to get a better pitcher
I saw no mention in the article about tube HD televisions. Are they worth messing with, assuming the size and weight are no issue to you?
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I plan to make a list of my favorite best buys in HDTV. The CRT rear projector offers the biggest screen for the least amount of money, though they aren’t nearly as bright as the lamp driven microdisplays. Most of the major players have pulled out, but Hitachi still makes models this year and they are the best out. I’ll pick my favorite model Hitachi in my blog, though they are all good.
The HD Guru ÂÂ
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