(Nov 17, 2008)
David Katzmaier
Senior Editor
We review a lot of high-definition televisions here at CNET, but the list below represents the best of the best. It collects our current highest-recommended televisions arranged in order of overall score, regardless of TV type, technology, brand, or size. These cumulative ratings are the best indication of which HDTVs scored highest in each of the three major areas we rate: design, features, and performance. We don't expect this list to apply to everyone, however, so we've also created supplemental lists broken down by technology type and screen size. Choose from the lists to the left according to which criteria matter most to you.
Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD
The Pioneer Elite PRO-111FD represents the pinnacle of flat-panel HDTV picture quality.
Price: $3,795.00 - $4,999.98 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 30, 2008
Outstanding
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Panasonic TH-50PZ800U
With the accuracy of its THX mode and great black-level performance, the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U is one of the best-performing HDTVs available.
Price: $1,799.00 - $2,499.99 (check prices)
Review date: May 23, 2008
Excellent
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Sony Bravia 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: $6,495.00 - $6,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 16, 2008
Excellent
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Pioneer PDP-5020FD
Best-in-class black levels and excellent all-around performance places the Pioneer PDP-5020FD near the top of the picture quality heap, but it will cost you.
Price: $2,149.00 - $4,000.00 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 18, 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: $2,299.95 - $3,499.00 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 10, 2008
Excellent
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Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850U
The Panasonic TH-50PZ850U's color accuracy issues prevent it from topping the high-end plasma TV heap, but excellent picture quality and unique interactive features maintain its appeal.
Price: $2,004.95 - $2,995.00 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 1, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung LN52A650
If you don't mind its red frame, the Samsung LN52A650 LCD TV will reward you with a massive feature set and excellent picture quality.
Price: $1,649.95 - $2,798.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 29, 2008
Excellent
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Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR6
The 52-inch Sony KDL-52XBR6 LCD is a bit too expensive for the level of picture quality it delivers, but its styling and best-in-class black levels help its case.
Price: $2,149.00 - $3,499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 8, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung HL61A750
Samsung's HL61A750 61-inch rear-projection HDTV delivers excellent overall picture quality, and, compared to flat-panel options, it's a real bargain.
Price: $1,295.00 - $1,899.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 18, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung PN50A650
Although its black levels aren't the deepest, accurate color and a red frame still distinguish the Samsung PN50A650 from the pack.
Price: $1,495.95 - $2,299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 27, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung PN50A550
Accurate color helps set apart the excellent picture quality of the Samsung PN50A550 50-inch plasma TV.
Price: $1,179.95 - $1,999.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 14, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung LN46A550
The midlevel Samsung LN46A550 LCD TV strikes an excellent balance between price and performance.
Price: $1,099.95 - $1,799.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 8, 2008
Very good
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Panasonic TH-46PZ85U
A couple of issues keep its picture out of the top tier, but excellent black-level performance still makes the Panasonic TH-46PZ85U plasma TV stand out from the pack.
Price: $1,265.18 - $1,899.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 17, 2008
Very good
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Samsung LN46A750
The excellent picture quality and unique interactive features of the Samsung LN46A750 flat-panel LCD TV aren't quite worth the higher price tag.
Price: $1,449.95 - $2,398.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 26, 2008
Very good
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Sony KDL-46Z4100
Sony's well-featured, smartly styled KDL-46Z4100 performs well enough, but its picture doesn't match that of the best LCD TVs.
Price: $1,429.00 - $2,499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 8, 2008
Very good
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LG 50PG60
Although its THX mode isn't as accurate as we'd like to see, the LG 50PG60 50-inch plasma TV still delivers a good picture.
Price: $1,699.98 - $2,499.98 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 12, 2008
Very good
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Vizio SV470XVT
The Vizio SV470XVT represents a viable alternative for LCD TV bargain hunters who want 120Hz processing.
Price: $1,279.00 - $1,399.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 21, 2008
Very good
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Hitachi UT37X902
A high price and a quirky, optional AV Center lessen the appeal, but the stunning design of the ultrathin Hitachi UT37X902 will draw buyers who want the ultimate in flat-panel chic.
Price: $1,899.95 - $2,549.00 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 14, 2008
Very good
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Samsung PN63A760
The Samsung PN63A760 brings a huge feature set and enormously different styling, but its picture quality fell short of the tough competition.
Price: $4,398.00 - $5,499.00 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 31, 2008
Very good
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