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newest
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highly rated
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just a TV
The release date is the date the product was first available for purchase, which is often a while after the manufacturer officially announces a product.
The people have spoken! But are they worth listening to?
Sortable considers not only how highly reviewed a product is, but also how many reviews it has received to boil down a single number that tells you your odds of getting a lemon.
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LG
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Sony
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JVC
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Panasonic
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Samsung
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Philips
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Toshiba
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Vizio
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Sharp
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LED-backlit
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Plasma
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lcd
Size matters, but only to a point. If you've ever sat at the front row of the theater, you'll know that bigger isn't always better.
The optimal viewing distance has the TV screen occupying about 35° of your viewing angle. You can use the chart below to figure out the right size of TV for your room.
| TV size | Viewing distance |
|---|---|
| 26" | 3.25' to 5.5' |
| 32" | 4.0' to 6.66' |
| 37" | 4.63' to 7.71' |
| 40" | 5.0' to 8.33' |
| 42" | 5.25' to 8.75' |
| 46" | 5.75' to 9.5' |
| 50" | 6.25' to 10.5' |
| 52" | 6.5' to 10.8' |
| 55" | 6.9' to 11.5' |
| 58" | 7.25' to 12.0' |
| 65" | 8.13' to 13.5' |
| 70" | 8.75' to 14.75' |
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ultra-thin
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small bezel
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motion resolution
- Native resolution. If the native resolution of the screen isn't high enough, some detail will be lost, which may manifest as blur at high speeds.
- Refresh rate. If the TV's refresh rate isn't sufficiently high, your brain may perceive ghosting and blurred images.
- Video processing engine. If the TV is doing video processing to scale or enhance the image, a lower-quality engine may not be able to handle the stress of a high-speed scene.
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high refresh Hz
- Reduced motion blur. A TV that refreshes faster can do more advanced image processing to reduce your perception of blur during high-speed scenes.
- Better support for film frame rates. Film buffs know that cinematographers record their videos at 24 frames per second. Mathematicians know that 60, the most common refresh rate, isn't divisible by 24. In this case, the TV has to apply video processing techniques to convert the film's 24 frames per second into the TV's 60 refresh per second rate. If the TV can operate at a multiple of 24, this processing is avoided and the original film quality is preserved.
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minimal input lag
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glossy screen
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matte screen
Some of thse TVs are so thin they could pass for art. For the smoothest installation of an ultra-thin TV, make sure its connectors and power cords can lie parallel to the panel.
The bezel is the frame of the television that surrounds the screen on which images are shown.
This measure is the bezel at its widest point -- usually the bottom edge.
Your TV supports 1080p, you're feeding it a Blu-Ray disc... but it's blurry! What's with that?
Several factors affect your TVs ability to render high-speed scenes with accuracy.
The motion resolution number is the number resulting from using a special DVD with test patterns to observe how effectively the TV handles high-speed pictures.
LCD TVs refresh the screen at a set rate, varying from 48 to 240 times per second (or 48 to 240 Hz, if you're getting technical). The most common refresh rate is 60 Hz. Increased refresh rate has a couple of benefits:
Input lag, measured in milliseconds, is the time that it takes the TV to respond to start rendering its video stream. Most TVs process the incoming video to ensure the best display possible. This processing is great when watching a TV show or DVD, but can be fatal for videogamers.
Some TVs offer a "game mode", which minimizes video processing and input lag.
Screens come in two finishes: glossy and matte. Glossy screens tend to produce deeper blacks and provide higher contrast in on-screen colours; however, they also suffer glare from ambient light and aren't the best choice if your TV room is fairly brightly-lit.
Screens come in two finishes: glossy and matte. Glossy screens tend to produce deeper blacks and provide higher contrast in on-screen colours; however, they also suffer glare from ambient light and aren't the best choice if your TV room is fairly brightly-lit.
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1080p
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720p
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3D
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Active
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Passive
1080p, referring to 1,080 lines of vertical resolution, is the highest definition standard for TVs. Sources of content that take full advantage of a 1080p TV are limited to Blu-Ray.
720p, referring to 720 lines of vertical resolution, is the current standard for high-definition content from cable and satellite networks.
Modern TVs use a variety of competing technologies to deliver 3D images. Today, most 3D TVs require viewers to wear a pair of special glasses to convert the TV's image into a 3D image; however, some companies have begun research into autostereoscopic 3D TVs that do not require any special eyewear.
Once you've got a 3D TV, you'll need to find 3D content to play on it. For the most part, this means Blu-Ray 3D discs, as very few broadcast channels broadcast content in 3D.
Modern TVs use a variety of competing technologies to deliver 3D images, but the common denominator is whether the glasses are electronic and required batteries (active) or more like the glasses you find in theaters (passive).
Modern TVs use a variety of competing technologies to deliver 3D images, but the common denominator is whether the glasses are electronic and required batteries (active) or more like the glasses you find in theaters (passive).
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HDMI
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CEC-enabled
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USB
- Enjoy images, videos and audio stored on a thumb drive. Many TVs support a variety of common standards for images, video files and songs. Simply plug your USB drive into the television and use the on-screen menus to enjoy your content.
- Update the TV. TVs are becoming more and more complex. When things don't work quite as intended, manufacturers will release fixes called firmware updates. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, but in general, it's as simple as downloading the update to a USB drive, plugging it in, crossing your fingers, and hoping that the problem will be resolved.
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SP/DIF
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composite
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component
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VGA
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mini-jack 3.5mm
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coax
The modern standard for connecting Blu-Ray players and computers to your television, the HDMI interface comes in versions ranging from 1.0 to 1.4. Look for HDMI ports with audio return channel capabilities if you want to minimize the number of wires running from your TV.
HDMI cables connect the various bits of your home theatre system (Blu-Ray player, set-top box, TV and speaker system) together. If they all support the HDMI Consumer Electronics Control standard, a single remote control can be used to control all of the devices. In theory, HDMI CEC works across devices from different brands, but in practice you'll have the best luck if they're all from the same manufacturer.
USB ports offer two capabilities:
BZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Anyone who has connected analog audio cables to a powered-on speaker system will be grateful for the Sony Philips Digital Interface (SP/DIF). SP/DIF digitally transmits audio from your TV to your home theatre system, which ensures a higher quality signal than its analog counterpart (and as an added bonus, without the buzzing at connection time).
Composite video (easily identified as the cable with the yellow plug) provides a standard-definition video signal. This input is becoming rarer, and is mostly found on older gaming consoles and DVD players.
Component video (easily identified as the trio of cables with red, green and blue plugs) provides a standard-definition video signal. This is commonly found on gaming consoles and DVD players; however, you should prefer to use HDMI for a better signal and less cable clutter if possible.
The VGA input connects older computers (and some modern business laptops) to your TV with a standard-definition signal. Prefer to use HDMI if possible, which provides a higher-resolution signal.
The 3.5mm mini-jack connects your computer's speakers to your TV's; very useful if you want to watch a video from your computer on the television and cannot use HDMI.
RF connectors receive video feeds from antennas or cable boxes. While most TVs have built-in antennas, some consumers might want to plug in an external antenna to get better reception, or to support their TV's picture-in-picture function.
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wifi
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ethernet
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Flickr
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Picasa
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Facebook
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Twitter
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skype
Get online without the hassle of wires. Unlike adapters from just a few years ago, TVs with 802.11n wi-fi support can stream high-definition content with no hiccups.
Ethernet is one way for your television to get online and enjoy your television's Internet-enabled capabilities.
Ethernet-equipped televisions need to be plugged into a router with an Ethernet cable, potentially cluttering up your home theatre room with unsightly cords.
Throw out the old slide projector: Internet-enabled TVs can access your photo collection on Flickr or Picasa.
Throw out the old slide projector: Internet-enabled TVs can access your photo collection on Flickr or Picasa.
Internet-enabled televisions can let you browse your friends status updates on Facebook and tweet from the comfort of your living room.
Internet-enabled televisions can let you browse your friends status updates on Facebook and tweet from the comfort of your living room.
The Jetsons have nothing on you: some Internet-enabled televisions integrate with the popular Skype videoconferencing software, allowing you to make video calls from your living room.
While this is a snazzy feature, no manufacturers yet include integrated web cams. At best, the camera will be included as a free accessory; at worst you'll have to shell out between $100 and $200 for a camera that ruins the styling of your otherwise sleek set.
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Amazon Instant Video
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Hulu Plus
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Netflix
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YouTube
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BBC iPlayer
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CinemaNow
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MLB TV
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NBA Game Live
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NHL Game Center
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VUDU
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access streaming video sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access streaming video sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access streaming video sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access streaming video sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access streaming video sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access streaming video sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access streaming video sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access streaming video sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access streaming video sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access streaming video sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
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Napster
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Pandora
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access a mix of free or pay-per-use streaming audio services such as Napster, Pandora and Slacker Radio. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
Modern Internet-enabled televisions can access a mix of free or pay-per-use streaming audio services such as Napster, Pandora and Slacker Radio. If your TV doesn't support this, most manufacturers also sell set-top boxes that Internet-enable older devices.
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ISFccc
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high peak brightness
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deep blacks
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high contrast ratio
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calibrated gamma
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accurate color temperature
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minimal color error
Peak brightness measures how intensely bright the brighest white the TV can produce is. Take this number with a grain of salt: most people would not enjoy watching a TV on its maximum brightness setting, as it would be uncomfortably bright. A comfortable brightness for regular viewing is around 150 candelas per square meter.
However, TVs with high peak brightness can be important for people who want to watch their TV in a brightly-lit room, or as a way to compensate for the panel dimming with age.
Contrast ratio represents the range of the TV's support for blacks and whites. It is a simple calculation: the brightness of white, divided by the brightness of black.
In reality, it's not that simple: a TV that only had to show black and white, with no grey and no color, would have an exceptionally high contrast ratio. Our contrast ratio number represents the ratio when the TV is properly calibrated to accurately represent greys and the primary colors.
In other words, our contrast ratio represents the real contrast ratio you'd actually observe while using a TV. This is different from the dynamic contrast ratio used in TV marketing, which represents the biggest number the manufacturer can write down while keeping a straight face.
Gamma measures how accurately the TV decodes the luminance (brightness) value from the video signal. Good TVs consistently decode at 2.2 across a range of images; worse TVs are inconsistent or consistent but too high or too low. TVs with lower-than-expected gamma will appear overly dark, TVs with higher-than-expected gamma will appear washed out.
The CIE 1976 (L*, u*, v*) color space is a mathematical model of how humans perceive color. Delta E UV (dE UV) uses this standard to measure how closely a television reproduces the primary colors of red, green and blue. Smaller numbers are better, with numbers less than 3.0 being imperceptible to most people.
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native resolution
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3:2 pulldown
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native 24p support
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1080i de-interlacing
To truly enjoy high definition 1080p content, look for a TV with a 1920 x 1080 native resolution.
Other resolutions, such as 1024 x 768 or 1280 x 768 will require the TV to scale the 1080p content down before it can be displayed, losing some detail.
For largely historical reasons, filmmakers continue to master their works at 24 frames per second. If your television doesn't have native support for displaying 24p content, it must perform some gymnastics to convert the 24 frames per second into its frame rate. which is typically 60 Hz in North American televisions.
This conversion is achieved through a process known as 3:2 pulldown. How well a TV does this is a matter of taste; we record the consensus of TV reviewers on how well a TV does it.
For largely historical reasons, filmmakers continue to master their works at 24 frames per second. Some televisions can refresh at a precise multiple of 24 times per second, which ensures you're seeing the show just as the producer intended. This feature is known as 2:2, 3:3, 4:4 or 5:5 pulldown, depending on the multiple supported.
TVs without this feature need to use 3:2 pulldown, which may introduce distortion into the film.
De-interlacing is necessary to convert some video sources, which are presented as two sequential half-resolution frames, into a single full-resolution frame. The sequential frames may be vastly different (e.g., during a pan or high-speed action scene): the mark of a good video processing engine is its ability to recognize this and provide a seamlessly stitched image.
This measure is a subjective rating of the TV's ability to de-interlace an interlaced 1080i video source.
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built-in tuner
- ATSC. Digital, high-definition over-the-air tuner.
- QAM. Digital, high-definition cable tuner.
- NTSC. Analog, standard-definition over-the-air tuner.
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VESA mount
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QWERTY remote
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picture-in-picture
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optional webcam
Video tuners let your TV receive broadcast signals over the air or through cable. In the USA, any device that is marketed as a consumer television must have at least one built-in tuner; devices marketed as monitors or commercial televisions may omit them.
There are tuners you'll see mentioned for American televisions:
The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) defines the standard mounting hardware for hanging your flat-screen TV on the wall. You will very rarely need to buy a manufacturer-specific mounting bracket; instead, your local hardware store can provide you with everything you need.
Picture-in-picture allows you to watch another channel overlaid on top of the current channel. Note that even though a TV supports picture-in-picture, it may require purchasing additional equipment to provide the second signal.
If you want to Skype with your TV, you'll need to buy an external webcam. No manufacturers currently make integrated webcams, although some are promised for the 2012 model year.
Within external webcams, essentially all record 720p video, so your main concerns should be finding one that fits your TV, looks nice and won't break the bank.
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