The last thing we'd try to do is tell you which TV to buy - after all, we're independent reviewers and would like to stay that way. Instead, we've used our years of experience to put together a short description of the most important companies.

Still, in general, we definitely recommend buying from big-name manufacturers. When the worst comes to the worst, experience has shown that larger companies make guarantees, replacement parts, and exchanging defect products much easier. What's more, the components used are generally more up-to-date and more carefully checked. There are many big manufacturers, and we cannot list them all here.

Overview of most important manufacturers

LG

Extremely stylish: LG's current 50-inch plasma, the LG 50 PS 8000.

The TVs from this Korean company look sleek, and LG indeed puts a lot of effort into their appearance. In terms of picture and sound quality, on the other hand, LG TVs simply cannot compete with the best and consistently earn average reviews from Televisions.com.

Panasonic

Panasonic is known primarily for its excellent plasma TVs - pictured here is the 50-inch Panasonic TX-P 50 G 10.

A Japan-based multinational, building both LCD and plasma TVs. Excellent price-performance ratio. The operation is extraordinarily user-friendly, since Panasonic is schooled in the art of "less is more". You'll be able to work these TVs from the word ‘go'.

Philips

With "Ambilight", the wall behind the TV glows in the colors of the TV picture - for example, with the 37-inch Philips 37 PFL 8404 H.

Europe's only remaining big manufacturer now builds TVs only with LCD technology. Many models have a so-called "Philips Ambilight", an integrated TV lamp that accents the display's surroundings, looks great, and makes TV-viewing easier on the eyes. Excellent technology, sparky ideas, and heaps of innovation. Read more about Philips LCD TVs in our manufacturer overview.

Samsung

Flat and smart: Samsung's 40-inch Samsung UE 40 B 7090.

South Korean conglomerate that builds excellent-quality LCD and plasma TVs. In early Samsung models, the operation often left something to be desired, but that's changing with the current releases. Reasonable price-performance ratio. Read more about Samsung LCD TVs and Samsung Plasma TVs in our manufacturer overview.

Sharp

52-inches massive: the Sharp LC-52 XL 2 E.

One of the world's biggest manufacturers of LCD panels; also supplies panels to LG, for example. Sharp's LCD TVs stand out with excellent quality and a fair price-performance ratio.

Sony

One of the best LCD TVs on the market: the Sony KDL-52 V 5500.

Japan-based multinational, now only builds LCD TVs. Sony offers an excellent price-performance ratio and has been making waves in the LCD sector with recent technical innovations. Find out more about Sony LCD TVs in our manufacturer overview

Grundig

Just average: Grundig TV.

Once Germany's most important manufacturer, today under Turkish management, Grundig only builds TVs with LCD technology. The devices don't always use the most up-to-date components, but offer good sound, good build-quality, and decent operation.

Loewe

Chic, but pricey: Loewe TVs.

Small but successful German manufacturer. Relatively expensive, but offers excellent service and versatile, customizable setups. You can, for example, choose which tuners go into your TV, or order a matching surround-sound system. The low sales quantities mean the screens don't always match the latest technology, but they're carefully selected and quality-controlled. The manufacturer puts emphasis on excellent sound and a superior, luxurious brand-image.