http://www.televisions.com/Images/gui/whitelogo.jpg Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 3D has a bright future if this is what we can expect from other manufacturers, but there are still a few small weaknesses. The Samsung UE 46 C 7000 is also an outstanding 2D TV, offering sharp motion sequences, excellent video processing, and an extensive range of features. Points were deducted for the relatively low overall brightness and the restricted viewing angle.]]> Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Grundig has once again found the right path with its TVs: The GBH 9040 offers a number of great functions, relatively high contrast, and an excellent picture from RGB signals. Weaknesses in the operating software disappoint, but Grundig has already announced an update to remedy these.]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400 Plenty of value for money: The LG impresses with a bright picture, excellent video processing, a large number of picture controls, and decent built-in speakers. But the low contrast ratio limits home-cinema suitability, the TV picture is too soft, and the tuner’s operation is disappointing.]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 The perfect choice for buyers looking for a home-cinema TV that’s both cheap and up-to-date: The TX-P 42 S 10 offers excellent colours, high contrast, and crisp motion. If you can live with the high power consumption and limited brightness, then tuck in!]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 The low contrast and 24p judder will turn home-cinema purists away. For everyday TV viewing, however, the Grundig is easy to operate and produces both decent motion clarity and natural colours. And here’s something we can say about very few TVs: The speakers sound great.]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 The good news first: In day-lit rooms, the Toshiba delivers a generally natural picture and impresses with its many picture controls. Now for the bad news: The TV’s factory colour adjustment requires significant adjustment, and the contrast is far too low. What’s more, the operation can be downright awkward at times.]]> Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 Those looking for a home-cinema TV should probably go for one of Panasonic’s plasmas — this LCD’s weak contrast is particularly irritating in dark environments. But the TX-L 42 S 10 does offer some advantages: low power consumption, excellent ease-of-use, and a decent picture in bright rooms.]]> Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 The Sony KDL-40 V 5810 scores plenty of plus points: With its excellent features, contrast-rich images, and consistent colours, it seems on first glance to rival bigger, costlier Sony models. Still, the low motion clarity can be irritating — especially during sports broadcasts.]]> Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 The 42 PFL 7404 is a great all-round TV with a sleek design. It scores further plus points for its passable video processing, decent colours, and relatively powerful sound. On the other hand, the Philips’ low contrast ratio means it has no place in the dark home cinema.]]> Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500 An affordable TV with a top set of features, a high-contrast picture, and decent colours — the LE 40 B 579 definitely gets a thumbs-up from Televisions.com. The only clear weakness is the set’s tricky operation — in particular the DVB-C channel list and the automatic format switching for digital TV.]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500 The Sharp’s biggest plus point could well be its affordable retail price — just 1,100 GBP! User-friendly operation and low power consumption add to the list of positives, making the Sharp an excellent everyday TV. For more advanced home-cinema tasks, however, this Japanese TV isn’t top of the ‘yes’ pile — its shortcomings become especially relevant in this environment: pronounced viewing-angle dependence, average motion clarity, and weaknesses in HD detail resolution.]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500 LG’s chic new flat-panel scores plus-points for its gorgeous design, accurate video processing, decent motion clarity, and low power consumption. But we’re scoring it down for the weak blacks, bluish residual illumination, reflective front panel, and low contrast ratio — home-cinema fans will find the last point particularly hard to swallow.]]> Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500 With two years under its belt, the PS-58 P96 FD ought to be lagging behind. Well, think again — its 24p reproduction is excellent, which is more than you can say for a lot of current models. You also get Full HD resolution and three HDMI inputs, not to mention the massive screen. Contrast isn’t quite as hot on this Samsung as on some of its contemporaries, such as the Pioneer PDP-LX 508 D, and certainly doesn’t match that of more-modern plasmas such as the Pioneer KRP-500. But let’s be fair: The TV’s age results in a fantastic price–performance ratio.]]> Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500 At the time of testing, this TV was as good as LCDs got. With enormous contrast, the KDL-55 X 4500 does away with the technology’s — until now — biggest flaw. But it’s not all rosy: To reach true perfection, the TV would need to process standard signals better via HDMI. It also depends strongly on viewing angle and only offers the 100-hertz version of Sony’s “Motionflow” technology — newer models now run at 200 hertz.]]> Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500 This 46-inch Loewe is a well-put-together bit of kit, with plenty of extra features, a decent picture, and outstandingly good sound. But if you’re a stickler for a top picture, steer clear: both the contrast and the 24p reproduction fail to impress.]]> Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500 Rarely is a test quite this interesting — or ambivalent. On the one hand, the miniature Sony impresses with perfect black and extraordinary motion-clarity. On the other hand, the low resolution disappoints and stops the screen displaying that sought-after ‘perfect picture’. Nevertheless, OLED technology promises much for the future — if development keeps going steady, OLED will one day outstrip both plasma and LCD. We await future developments with bated breath.]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500 OK, this is a great everyday TV — it’d be unfair to say otherwise. What we can say is this: The LG disappoints with inaccurate HDTV processing and weak contrast.]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500 Toshiba's local dimming technology delivers a contrast-rich, consistent image - and all for a fair price. On the other hand, the overly soft picture from 576i/p signals is a disappointment, and DVB-C reception suffers from some awkward operation.]]> Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500 Philips presents an impressive package: excellent features, sharp motion sequences, rich blacks, decent colours, excellent sound, and low power consumption. With these under its belt, the 46 PFL 9704 is easy to forgive for its Local Dimming artefacts and tricky operation.]]> Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500 Sony’s local dimming technology impresses all round: The KDL-46 X 4500 produces an artefact-free image with rich contrast and superb colours, despite its low power consumption. The only thing spoiling the fun is the relatively strong viewing-angle dependence.]]>