Lcd Tv Reviews 1: January 2012

Panasonic VIERA TC-L37D2

Panasonic is entering the LED TV market in 2010 with the D2 line of LED edge lit LCD televisions. LED backlighting allows for a wider color gamut, improved black levels, wider viewing angles and more even backlighting than traditional CFL back lit LCDs.

To control motion lag and judder the D2 series uses Panasonic's 120Hz motion picture Pro 4 technology and 24p playback for film content on the 1080p IPS panel.

We haven't been overly impressed with 120Hz and higher frame rate conversion on film material in the past but some TVs did it better than other so if we get to do a full review of the TC-L37D2 we will be sure to test on a variety of content and report back.

Other features of the D2 series include a Universal iPod Dock, USB connections, Viera Image Viewer for easy viewing of JPEG images on an SD emory card and Viera Link for communication and integration between similarly equipped devices. 4 HDMI inputs provide plenty of inputs for your home entertainment equipment.

40 Inch Lcd Tv

Panasonic VIERA TC-L42U25

While they had traditionally only made TV's larger than 37" in plasma for 2010 Panasonic is releasing several 42" LCD televisions. The 1080p TC-L42U25 features Panasonic's 120 Hz Motion Picture Pro 4 to deal with motion blur and judder.

In the LCD televisions we've reviewed we found that while 120Hz will indeed lessen motion blur and judder the detrimental effect it has on film based content wasn't worth the trade off. Some TVs handled this better than others so when we see Panasonic's 120Hz offerings in our lab we'll be offer more insight into how well it performs.

The TC-L42U25 features the Viera Image Viewer that will create an instant slideshow on your TV from JPEG images stored on an SD memory card. Viera Link allows integration of similarly equipped devices and the u25 series PC input lets it double as a PC monitor. 3 HDMI inputs offer a good number of connection options for your home entertainment devices.

Buy 40 Inch Lcd Tv

Panasonic VIERA TC-L42D2

To control motion lag and judder the D2 series uses Panasonic's 120Hz motion picture Pro 4 technology and 24p playback for film content on the 1080p IPS panel. We haven't been overly impressed with 120Hz and higher frame rate conversion on film material in the past but some TVs did it better than other so if we get to do a full review of the TC-L42D2 we will be sure to test on a variety of content and report back.

Samsung UN32D6000 Review

Model: Samsung UN32D6000 (also applies to UN32D6050)
Description: 32" 1080p LED Backlit LCD Television (1" depth)
Reviewer: Robert Wiley and Jack Burden
Dimensions: 30.2" W x 18.7" H x 1.2" D (w/out stand) / 30.2" W x 21" H x 9.4" (w/stand)
Weight: 15.4lbs (w/out stand) / 21.3lbs (w/stand)
Date: Spring/Summer 2011

Picture Quality Rating (Non-HD): 8/10

The D6000 gave us mixed results with non-HD signals. There is significant lack of natural background blur no matter if the LEDMotionPlus feature is turned on or off. Fortunately this issue is eased somewhat in the movie mode setting. Essentially the 120Hz judder reduction feature is not adjustable in the D6000. The ensuing picture from the D6000 has a soap opera effect without the depth created by natural background blur. The inbuilt judder reduction technology for which there is no control included in the TV, obviously goes into hyper drive when processing and upconverting lower signals such as 480i or 480p. It almost made me dizzy watching a couple movies. That out of the way, color was very good, as was clarity, vibrancy, and light output. Dark scenes with 480 content got over saturated at times, losing dark matter detail.

Remote Control/Menu Funtionality: Samsung has revamped the overlay menu system in favor of a more opaque blue laddered system. The options are similar, but this menu is a little easier to use than last years - though not as impressive looking. When it comes to menu systems we prefer practical, so good job Samsung. The D6000 series does not include options for Dejudder control nor for turning off the 120Hz rate feature (previously called AutoMotionPlus)

Lcd Tv 40 Inch

Samsung UN55D6000 Review

Model: Samsung UN55D6000 (also applies to UN55D6050)
Description: 55" 1080p LED Backlit LCD Television (1.2" depth)
Reviewer: Robert Wiley and Jack Burden
Dimensions: 50.4" W x 30.1" H x 1.2" D (w/out stand) / 50.4" W x 32.3" H x 12" (w/stand)
Weight: 39.7 lbs (w/out stand) / 48.9 lbs (w/stand)
Date: Spring/Summer 2011

Strengths

Aesthetics – Contemporary Design 1.2" depth with 1" framing bezel
Heavy attractive swivel stand
Good deep black levels/contrast – Avg. to good contrast
Excellent color rendition/saturation and light levels across all signals
120Hz processing with HD signals
Great connectivity options for such a thin TV
Strong Internet Apps Options
Good Value

Weaknesses

Dark Shadow detail with Non-HD signals
120Hz processing removal of natural background blur
No control for judder
Side Angle Viewing contrast/black level reduction
Audio output hollow Volume/Audio output

The UN55D6000 presents some tough competition to other manufacturers as it exels in HD picture quality and price without many of the extras. It is a mid-tier LED backlit LCD TV in Samsun's lineup for 2011.

Lcd Tv 40 inch

Samsung UN40D6300 Review

Model: Samsung UN40D6300
Description: 40" 1080p LED Backlit LCD Television (super thin)
Reviewer: Robert Wiley and Jack Burden
Dimensions: 37.6" W x 22.9" H x 1.2" D (without stand) / 37.6" W x 25.1" H x 10" D (with stand)
Weight: 24 lbs (without stand) / 31.3 lbs (with stand)
Date: Spring/Summer 2011

Introduction

The 6 series line for 2011 contains many different including this UN40D6300, for an edge-lit LED TV we were impressed by the picture quality on the D6300, the AutoMotionPlus feature has been drastically improved in the 2011 models and this is the first time we haven't recommended turning it off for all viewing.

Picture Quality Rating (HD): 9/10

HD picture quality is excellent for the most part. The previous "soap opera effect" issues from last year with AutoMotionPlus are non-existent with HD content as long as the TV is in the Movie picture mode. In fact the replacement feature, called LEDMotionPlus, did not seem to have any impact on motion lag or judder with HD signals. When we turned the feature on the picture got a little darker. We did not note any difference in the performance of the TV – even in motion scenes, so we recommend turning the LED Motion Plus feature off.

At side angles there is loss of contrast as demonstrated by these high definition shots of the movie Blood Diamond.

Lcd Tv 40 Inch

Samsung UN55D6300 Review

Model: Samsung UN55D6300
Description: 55" 1080p LED Backlit LCD Television (super thin)
Reviewer: Robert Wiley and Jack Burden
Dimensions: 50.4" W x 30.1" H x 1.2" D (without stand) / 50.4" W x 32.3" H x 12" D (with stand)
Weight: 39.7 lbs (without stand) / 48.9 lbs (with stand)
Date: Spring/Summer 2011

Strengths

Picture Gallery

Aesthetics – Contemporary Design 1.2" depth with 1" framing bezel.
Heavy attractive swivel stand
Good deep black levels/contrast – Avg. to good contrast.
Excellent color rendition/saturation and light levels across all signals
120Hz processing with HD signals
Great connectivity options for such a thin TV
Strong Internet Apps Options
Good Value
Allshare connectivity may come in handy
Clear Coat screen treatment

Weaknesses

Dark Shadow detail with Non-HD signals
No control for judder/dejudder function
Side Angle Viewing contrast/black level reduction
Audio Quality hollow Volume/Audio output
No individual picture and sound setting controls for Netflix

We were impressed with the high definition picture quality on the D6300, in last year's 6 series we noticed some inconsitant performance in both blue tones and gray scales but those issues have been sorted out in the 2011 6 series models. Color rendition is realistic and greens and blues show none of the problems we noted last year. The AutomotionPlus improvements are also striking, in many cases these high hertz rate features can ruin a great movie with what we have termed the "soap opera effect" but it appears to be cured in the current D6300 series.

Lcd Tv 40 Inch

Samsung UN46D7000 Review

Model: Samsung UN46D7000
Description: 46" 1080p LED Backlit LCD Television with 3D (super thin)
Included: Table Top Stand, 2 Pair 3D Glasses
Reviewer: Robert Wiley and Jack Burden
Date: Late Summer 2011

No one can deny a few facts about the UND7000 picture performance. 1) It is extremely bright with tremendous light (especially in scenes with sunlight streaming into the picture). 2) Colors are vibrant to the point of over saturation unless you are careful with the Picture Mode (the preset Movie picture mode is best) and the picture settings (see our calibrated settings on the next page). 3) Black levels from the Ultra Clear panel are very good. 4) With the proper set up, you can obtain a fantastic picture quality with both HD and SD resolutions. 5) One must be careful to properly tune the Auto Motion Plus feature to get the best combination of attributes. 6) Contrast still decreases at around 25 degrees off center, but not as much as before.

Picture Gallery

The picture depth of this TV is one of the best we have tested due in part to the effective Ultra Clear Panel. The UND7000 is a good as a plasma TV in this area. Some of the 2D programming actually looks a little bit 3D which makes the picture come to life.

3D picture performance was also very good. The only drawbacks were some glare from the insides of the 3D glasses and tired eyes when viewing some material. We did not note any flashing, flicker, crosstalk, or bottom corner blurring – all problems experienced with last year's Samsung 3D TVs.

Design: People either love or hate the UND7000 table top stand. For those that will be wall mounting, this is not an issue anyway. It could be called obnoxious, but I like that it's different and it swivels 20 degrees. It's functional, cool design. The super thin trim framing this TV is only .35" in width all the way around the screen. It has a chrome silver finish on the edges. One thing I also like about the appearance is the jet black screen when the TV is off. This is Ultra Clear Panel which absorbs light and has a incredible depth.

Lcd Tv 40 inch

Samsung UN55D7000 Review

Model: Samsung UN55D7000
Description: 55" 1080p LED Backlit LCD Television with 3D (super thin)
Included: Table Top Stand, 2 Pair 3D Glasses
Reviewer: Robert Wiley and Jack Burden
Date: Late Summer 2011

Audio Output: Unlike most very slim LED-LCD TVs the D7000's 15 X 15 watt speakers performed solidly. Voice is well separated and clear and volume was sufficient to fill a large room. Overall sound is just well separated and there is also ample bass which is especially surprising considering the speaker housing size. The D7000 also has a Auto Volume leveler for to help reduce those annoying advertising volume increases.

Extra Features: The UND7000 comes set with loaded with many of Samsung's top features such as 3D compatibility, Smart Hub Internet TV options, 240Hz processing, Micro-Dimming, and their most up to date design. The Clear Motion Rate (CMR) 720 feature is really just a hyped specification to try to convey a high Hz processing equivalent speed for fast motion images. We found some settings for the Auto Motion Plus (240Hz) processing feature we feel good about below. It's important to get this adjustment right on the UND7000. Media Play: Use this feature connected through USB to keep picture and video files.

Internet Connectivity: The Samsung UND7000 includes built in Wifi, so it's nice not to have to purchase an extra Wifi dongle. Samsung's Smart Hub or Smart TV has has a pretty thorough offering of Internet TV options, but the UND7000 does not have a built in web browser for search. Samsung's Smart TV or Smart Hub features the usual suspects Netflix, Vudu, Rovi, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Hulu Plus, and a ton of little Apps that cost between .99 and $2.99. Skype is an available option on the UND7000 with an optional camera (CY-S7C1100-ZA) for $169.

Lcd Tv 40 Inch

Samsung UN60D7000 Review

Picture Gallery

Light Uniformity Issues: Some TV reviewers write about the edge-lit light uniformity issues associated with LED-LCD TVs and even this model. The issue is present and much more obvious at side angles at the right and left edges of the screen. And it's also much more obvious when turning up the backlight. From front and center with the proper backlight setting, we do not see it as much of an problem.

3D TV Glasses: The model is one of Samsung's newest (SSG-3300GR). Unlike some, these glasses are rechargeable using the included USB connection cables. The glasses are light and comfortable but as mentioned above do produce some glare off the sides of the lenses. Samsung includes 2 pair of 3D glasses in the box. Costs for extra sets will run you approximately $79.

Lcd Tv 40 Inch

Samsung LN32D405 Review

The 2011 D405 line of LCDs from Samsung replaces the 2010 4 series LCD models. These are a line of small, 720p, 60Hz, CCFL backlit LCDs. We found the picture quality of the 2010 4 series to be rather good for a line of budget TVs and think the LN32D405 would make an excellent TV for the bedroom, kitchen, office or student dorm room. The D405 can also double as a computer monitor but the 720p resolution will feel a little low in the larger models.

Picture And Viewing Features

The D405's 720p panel calibrates easily to the optimal D6500K color temperature and though it shows a few motion artifacts it's perfomance is entirely acceptable for a television in this price range.

Blacks are deep and shadow detail is good with realistic looking colors and even backlighting. Apart from a contrast drop off at wider viewing angles that is typical of LCDs the overall picture performance of the LN32D405 is above average for a budget model.

Appearance

For a small TV the bezel is rather large on the D405, it's is also quite deep when you note that TV's 4 times it's size are coming in at under an inch these days. It is not a bad looking TV but it won't wow you with it's appearance either.

Internet Applications And Connectivity

The D405 series does not have internet connectivity.

Standout Features

Easy Calibration

Stream media from your PC or other compatible devices

Competitive Pricing

Connections

The D405 series has 2 HDMI connections, a USB port, PC input and both component and composite analog video inputs.

Lcd Tv 40 Inch

Samsung LN32D403 Review

The 2011 D403 line of LCDs from Samsung replaces the C450 line. These are a line of small, 720p, 60Hz, CCFL backlit LCDs. We found the picture quality of the C450 series to be rather good for a line of budget TVs and think the LN32D403 would make an excellent TV for the bedroom, kitchen, office or student dorm room. The D403 can also double as a computer monitor but the 720p resolution will feel a little low in the larger models.

Picture And Viewing Features

The D403's 720p panel calibrates easily to the optimal D6500K color temperature and though it shows a few motion artifacts it's perfomance is entirely acceptable for a television in this price range.

Appearance

For a small TV the bezel is rather large on the D403, it's is also quite deep when you note that TV's 4 times it's size are coming in at under an inch these days. It is not a bad looking TV but it won't wow you with it's appearance either.

Internet Applications And Connectivity

The D403 series does not have internet connectivity.

Standout Features

Game Mode for lessening input delay

Easy Calibration

Stream media from your PC or other compatible devices

Competitive Pricing

Connections

The D403 series has 2 HDMI connections, a USB port, PC input and both component and composite analog video inputs. It also has an ethernet jack to connect to your home network for media streaming though it cannot access online media.

Lcd Tv 40 inch

Samsung LN26D450 Review

Model: Samsung LN26D450
Description: 26" LCD TV
Resolution: 1366 X 768 (720p)
Reviewer: Robert Wiley
Date: Summer 2011

Black levels in the D450 are below average for today's TVs. Post calibration contrast measured 1301:1 which is much better than we expected the TV would yield.

Features Rating: 5/10

Samsung's proprietary technology AnyNet is included as an option which allows easy communication between Samsung devices and sharing of remote controls.

The input selection of the LN32D450 gives an ample 3 HDMI inputs, a composite, component, USB (which allows video viewing). The component and composite inputs cannot be shared - only one at the time.

Aesthetic design appeal is one of the strengths of the LN32D450 as there is a lack of good looking attractively prices 32" TVs in the marketplace. The design is little changed from last years C450 with a slight scarlet red touch of color at the bottom of the framing bezel and surrounding the frame. You almost cant believe how light the TV is upon lifting it, a scant 15.7 pounds. The TV is 3.25" in depth so not of the super thin variety, but the lines are very clean and the oval stand is a nice looking accompaniment. The depth is 8" with the stand. The included non-swivel table top stand is very light and plastic and requires some assembly (8 screws) to attach the TV. There is no screwdriver included and we had a difficult time getting the screws tightened enough to fully secure the TV.

Value Rating: 8.5/10

Currently the LN26D450 costs around $315 from authorized Internet dealers. It offers a decent feature set and quality in this small size and price range - which is often lacking in quality options.

Lcd Tv 40 Inch

Samsung LN22D450 Review

Model: Samsung LN22D450
Description: 22" LCD TV
Resolution: 1366 X 768 (720p)
Reviewer: Robert Wiley
Date: Summer 2011

Black levels in the D450 are below average for today's TVs. Post calibration contrast measured 1301:1 which is much better than we expected the TV would yield.

Features Rating: 5/10

Samsung's proprietary technology AnyNet is included as an option which allows easy communication between Samsung devices and sharing of remote controls.

The input selection of the LN32D450 gives an ample 3 HDMI inputs, a composite, component, USB (which allows video viewing). The component and composite inputs cannot be shared - only one at the time.

Value Rating: 8.5/10

Currently the LN22D450 costs around $240 from authorized Internet dealers. It offers a decent feature set and quality in this small size and price range - which is often lacking in quality options.

Lcd Tv 40 inch

Samsung LN19D450 Review

Model: Samsung LN19D450
Description: 19" LCD TV
Resolution: 1366 X 768 (720p)
Reviewer: Robert Wiley
Date: Summer 2011

Features Rating: 5/10

Samsung's proprietary technology AnyNet is included as an option which allows easy communication between Samsung devices and sharing of remote controls.

The input selection of the LN32D450 gives an ample 3 HDMI inputs, a composite, component, USB (which allows video viewing). The component and composite inputs cannot be shared - only one at the time.

Value Rating: 8.5/10

Currently the LN19D450 costs around $240 from authorized Internet dealers. It offers a decent feature set and quality in this small size and price range - which is often lacking in quality options. Most of the competition is this very small size comes from lower tier manufacturers.

Lcd Tv 40 Inch