Ask Engadget HD: What's the best large LCD (42-inches and up) for the buck?
"My old CRT is on its last legs and I've decided my next HDTV is an LCD for my TV watching and Blu-ray needs, but with all the options I'm having trouble telling the difference. I'm not worried about any extra features unless they affect picture quality, and I want to go bigger than my last (40-inch) TV. Samsung, Sharp, Sony or ?????? -- which one should I be checking the sales pages for?"
We've done this on the plasma side recently, but surely some of you are among the many rocking brand new LCD sets. Let us know which of the outgoing models made your eyes happiest in the last year.
Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Fargus @ Apr 8th 2009 12:19PM
Samsung 52" 650 series.
Canadian Bacon @ Apr 8th 2009 1:38PM
I completely agree. I've got one of these and it's spectacular.
Andrew @ Apr 8th 2009 2:09PM
I concur. I have 2 of these and they're great. They were about $1800 each with free shipping from newegg. It took some effort to get the color tweaked to my liking. Also, turn off the power save mode if you're using it as a monitor, otherwise the backlight fluctuates all the time when changing windows and whatnot (which I find highly annoying when surfing the web).
Great contrast and color representation. Better picture quality LCDs exist, but not not at this price point. I spent about 4 months researching before I bought and compared about a dozen TVs.
groggle @ Apr 8th 2009 8:15PM
Samsung 650!
Fargus @ Apr 8th 2009 3:03PM
my boss got one last week from Fry's for 1499.99, prices are getting really good on these since the new models are slowly rolling out.
aenima4386 @ Apr 9th 2009 9:25PM
agreed. I have two of these. I've done a lot of comparison, and I've yet to see anything better.
aenima4386 @ Apr 9th 2009 9:26PM
oh yeah, and i got my first in october on amazon for 1350, and another one in the beginning of march for 1330
lferguson @ Apr 8th 2009 12:20PM
The best deal so far seems to the Sony 46V4100. Dell is selling it for $999 right now. If you're looking for something refurbished, the 42" 120Hz 1080p Vizio has been making the rounds for $649 from a bunch of stores.
Best Buy had an Insignia NS-LCD47HD-09 on sale for $999 too which is a 47 incher.
Chance Stevens
Editor, http://www.tvlampsnbulbs.com
t1c0 @ Apr 8th 2009 12:21PM
I would say the Vizio 55" VF550XVT1A ($1797) I just saw this set in person at the local SamsClub and they had Cars playing on BluRay and I was very impressed. I really want to get this set myself but i will wait for the summer when the 55" VF551XVT1A sporting LED local dimming,240HZ for ($1999 MSRP) is released.
WebDev511 @ Apr 8th 2009 12:24PM
Toshiba 46XV545 for $1100
robert @ Apr 18th 2009 9:46AM
I got a Toshiba 42 because it was the best rated a year 1/2 ago and well I spent 1600 on sale and now its dead. I would never buy a Toshiba again the extended service plan will not fix it because parts are not available and they are giving me a prorated 700 dollars. when I bought the tv it had comments about the shelf life of 22 years with average 6 hrs a day well I watch less tv about 3 hr 4 days a week and the tv is now dead.. never again..
thedankone @ Apr 8th 2009 12:27PM
Why the three S's?
Check out the Hitachi and Panasonic lcd line ups. Both sport IPS panels for good viewing angles and color reproduction and Hitachi uses 120hz on all panels.
lferguson @ Apr 8th 2009 2:01PM
Panasonic makes LCD TVs?
Chance Stevens
Editor, http://www.tvlampsnbulbs.com
StPaddy @ Apr 8th 2009 12:26PM
Another vote for the Samsung 650 series. I've got the LN46A650 and it's amazing.
portwineboy @ Apr 8th 2009 12:58PM
Another vote for that Samsung. I went with the 630 series as the 650 had a glare issue in my home, but they are both wonderful and competitively priced. I had to do quite a bit of tweaking on my 46" 630, but it looks amazing now.
Tyler @ Apr 8th 2009 2:40PM
I too have 46 inch 650 series. Certainly a beautiful set to say the least. I was lucky enough to pick it up for a 'healthy' discount on Boxing Day (the big shopping day in Canada after Christmas) and have been nothing less than impressed with it since day one. Much better than my old Panasonic 34 inch 1080i tube...
Michael @ Apr 8th 2009 1:08PM
I'd have to second a previous post about Vizio. Their upcoming 55" VF551XVT1A looks to be amazing. I would firmly stay away from Samsung. Their quality and Customer Service has gone to crap and I would never buy another Samsung product. Sony is expensive for what you get so I'm not sure I'd go with them either.
Panasonic has a good lineup but they are expensive as well.
Where are the around $2k 60+" lcd's??? With LCD tv's selling quite well you'd think the prices would be dropping and sizes increasing quicker than they are.
Aaron Smith @ Apr 8th 2009 1:16PM
The best LCD for the buck is going to be a Panasonic plasma:)
Mike Sylvester @ Apr 8th 2009 1:20PM
I've got a Samsung LN46A650 and everyone that sees the picture is just stunned by it. The thing that's often overlooked with the 650 and 550 lines is the terrible downfiring speakers, but the 750s and up at least have a subwoofer built in. If DLNA and built in speakers aren't important to you, and image quality is primary, go with the 650 line.
dan @ Apr 8th 2009 2:40PM
the LN46A650 is on sale at amazon right now for less than $1400 with free white glove shipping. i got the 630 from them a couple months ago (for $1350) and have been exceedingly happy. the 650 has a better contrast ratio and one more HDMI input. for that price, it's a steal. go get it!
Greg @ Apr 8th 2009 1:25PM
Samsung LN-52A850
Phatounet @ Apr 8th 2009 1:28PM
The Pioneer Kuro 9g are around 2k for the 50" now. Best TV in that price range!
titolajko @ Apr 8th 2009 1:36PM
Philips 47" LCD 120hz, 30,000 contrast ratio, 1080p and 2ms response for $1194.00 at Sams club. The sharpest picture and best bang for the buck. Thanks Philips
L3 @ Apr 8th 2009 1:33PM
TOSHIBA!
REGZA 52HL167
52" 1080p LCD HDTV TV, 1920x1080 Pixels, 16:9 Aspect Ratio, Built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuners, Built in Speakers, PixelPure™ 3G, 3 HDMI, PC input. 6348 $1,279.95
REGZA 52RV530U
52" LCD HDTV, 1920 x 1080 pixel, 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 16:9 Aspect Ratio, PixelPure 4G, PC Input, NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, 4 HDMI Input. 6778 $1,299.95
REGZA 52XF550U
52" 1080p LCD HDTV TV, 1920x1080 Pixels, 16:9 Aspect Ratio, ClearFrame 120Hz, Built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuners, PixelPure 4G, 3 HDMI, PC input. 6779 $1,779.95
I own this set. I paid about $3,000 for it last year. This company treated me right and I have purchased from them again.
I am sad that in my search for a 65" LCD, there seems to be no Toshiba option. Looking at the Sharp for that size...
Geronimo @ Apr 8th 2009 1:45PM
When it comes to quality for the price, Samsung is hard to beat. I've recently owned LCDs by Sony and Samsung, plus a Hitachi plasma. I love my 52 inch 650-series LCD by Samsung--amazing picture!
L3 @ Apr 8th 2009 1:43PM
I'm with you on the search for 65"+ LCDs! Sharp 65" at $3,000 is my best be so far...
I sent ASK at ENGADGEThd dawt COM an inquiry for same.
bstryd @ Apr 8th 2009 1:52PM
Don't know if they are still available - I've got the Samsung 58" plasma series 5 (550) and my neighbor bought the 52". SOOOOO good for the dollar and I have zero complaints - would buy it again tomorrow.
Ned Nissly @ Apr 8th 2009 1:53PM
The Vizio 55" is probably the best value in a larger display, although I wish they made a 65" display.
I recently sold my rear projection Mitsubishi WS-65909 65" 1080i HDTV and bought the Vizio 55" VF550XVT1A for $1796 at Costco. It's a beautiful disply once it is set up and tweaked a little, but I miss the 65" size. I might go for a Sharp Aquos LC-65D64U 65" LCD TV. Sharp seems to be the only company currently making a 65" LCD HDTV.
badbob001 @ Apr 8th 2009 2:23PM
The problem with Sony is that they just have too many models! I'm looking for a 52" and Sony has these:
KDL-52XBR9
KDL-52XBR7
KDL-52XBR6
KDL-52W4100
KDL-52V5100
KDL-52V4100
KDL-52S5100
Which one would be comparable to a Samsung LN52A650? I had bought a 37" Sharp and the speakers are so weak. I'm thinking Sony would have better speakers than Samsung.
JoN @ Apr 9th 2009 1:09AM
the 52xbr6 is the comparable model to the Samsung 650 series... however i'd recommend the samsung every time.
whawhat83 @ Apr 8th 2009 2:25PM
Panasonic 58" pz800u
finally listened to what experts were saying about plasma's superiority, bought this one, and now every time i see an lcd i am glad i listened to their wisdom
if you want an image that looks processed, motion blurred, and has grey blacks, buy and lcd---if you want an image that looks natural, has smooth motion, and black blacks, plasma all the way
BBLou @ Apr 8th 2009 3:18PM
Samsungs in the upper class, like the models 650 and above, are very glossy and light reflecting, causing lots of glare. They also have a red color in the frame.
Sonys are less reflective. I lust after the KDL-46-Z-4100, very thin black frame all around and makes it look so sexy. It should be going on close out sale soon because the 5100 series are coming out now.
The new super expensive LED backlit LCDs are amazing. Their are thin like a pancake, some come with a wire and suction cup wall munt.
Some Tech Dude @ Apr 8th 2009 3:46PM
If you can still find them, 42" or 47" LG70 series a must for consideration. Just upgraded from SONY 34XBR CRT in December and couldn't be happier. Tremendous deal at BB on 42" for $1150! Features are incredible at this price range. 120hz, ISFccc certified, 1080p, Real Cinema 24p, accepts 1080p over component (like many LCDs). It also has great black levels for an LCD and I was kind of skeptical since upgrading from CRT. Picture preset memory for each input a nice touch too. Received a great review from S&V Magazine (scarlet model reviewed, same panel as 70 series). A must see!
c64 @ Apr 8th 2009 3:47PM
all lcd's suck
Wes @ Apr 8th 2009 5:59PM
Why, that's very perceptive of you to take into account and notice that lcds 'suck' less energy than Plasmas do. Yes, it does reduce your energy bills over time and result in a cheaper product in the long run. Very astute observation.
Yes, even pioneer has stopped making Plasmas if thats the crowd you were cheering for? and yes, LCD is the technology set to possbily win our the longevity war so far of hdtvs depending on what happens with DLP tvs in the future and or if DLP reverts to being a projector technology.
Please do cling to your dead, end of the line product though. In the long run, it really will help you!
Addyct @ Apr 8th 2009 9:56PM
Oh, please, stop talking...
Your ignorance is palpable.
c64 @ Apr 8th 2009 3:50PM
50" and below Plasma, over 50" dlp
Tom P. @ Apr 8th 2009 4:06PM
My vote is for the Samsung 52" LN52A630, available at Fry's for $1499. It has several advantages over the 650:
- matte rather than glossy screen (less reflection)
- different design aesthetic
- the red "Touch of Color" is hardly perceptible
- narrower bezel with clear edge
- rectangular rather than oval base
- slightly cheaper
- no sluggish click-wheel on remote
The 650 does have an extra HDMI port (4 total) and Ethernet jack, plus a slightly higher contrast ratio on account of the glossy screen. Since other video devices (Tivo, some BD players) already have better Internet support, the lack of the Ethernet jack wasn't a problem for me. Otherwise, the feature sets are near identical (120Hz processing, 4ms response, etc.).
The blacks on this set are quite dark and actually an improvement over my previous Mitsubishi DLP set. It runs cooler and uses less energy than 50" plasmas (most 46" ones too).
matteman30 @ Apr 8th 2009 6:09PM
Highly relevant topic for me here. I was looking to spend about $1500 or so on a 52", and the first decision was whether or not to pay extra for 120hz. I decided to pay the extra $200....
...and last week I settled on a Sharp Aquos LC52D85U (52", 120hz) for $1,550 shipped free, though the price on Amazon fluctuates and is now about $1,674. I considered the Sammy LN52A630, but it still had more glare than I liked. Meanwhile, Sony, the only other brand I was considering, was just too expensive, and I don't think they do colors quite as well as Sharp or Samsung.
If reflections were never any problem for me, ever, and I desired a "soap opera effect" option that I'd ultimately leave turned off 100% of the time, then I might've gotten the 630.
At any rate, my final thought would be that with a $2,000 budget, there's no reason to settle for any non-Sony/Sharp/Samsung brand, at least until a LED-backlit model comes out for that price point. LED is hotter than a set of twin babies, but still too pricey.
THJ @ Apr 8th 2009 6:13PM
Westinghouse TX-52F480S
52" 1080P 4 HDMI. Got one at Costco in January for $1099 ($1270 with tax and shipping to MD).
I don't know what other marketing gimmicks it has on it, but I'm loving it, especially at the price.
HDpurist @ Apr 8th 2009 6:54PM
When was 42" considered 'large'?? Oh thats right, several years ago.
Seriously, 50" is the minimum "large" TV nowadays.
Anyways, stay away from junk TVs including Samsung, Toshiba, LG and Hitachi.
thedankone @ Apr 8th 2009 10:41PM
Hitachi? They are trend setters in HDTV tech, such as IPS panel tech and a main contributer to bluray.
iamjoecollector @ Apr 8th 2009 7:23PM
Unless you have perfect lighting, price is absolutely king. Go with the Vizios or that Westinghouse for that matter. Brand name means nothing.
As someone that spent a lot of money on a TV, the value just isn't there in day to day use. When you put a blu ray or upconvert and have "hi-def" Tv, any LCD from a recognized company is going to be just fine. The other way to go about it is to go to Best Buy and look at their wall of tv's. Find the one you like the best and buy that model. Not neccesarily from BB mind you.
Michael R @ Apr 8th 2009 8:49PM
My 46" Sammy 650 LCD, IMHO, was the absolute best bang for the buck thanks to Amazon's deep discount and their free shipping and setup. The picture quality is stunning, the blacks are really black, but the Sammy's internal speaker bass response is not as deep as I would like.
corey smith @ Apr 8th 2009 9:42PM
last year, the samsung a650 was THE lcd to beat. i wasnt personally shopping them, but i saw the 46 go for well under 1600 a few times. besides the backlit LED sets, no lcds stand up to these. this year's b650 doesnt offer any significant changes, but its still a kick ass set that beats out sony's xbr6 and 7, sharp, toshiba, and LG's entire U.S. lines of LCDs, and even bests samsung's own luxia LED sets!!!
propanenightmare @ Apr 8th 2009 10:08PM
Panasonic Viera 50 in PZ85U LOVE IT!
joseph_minnie @ Apr 8th 2009 11:15PM
I know you said a 46inch but Big Lots has a Sony XVR 40inch LCD for $1299.00 great tv sold for well over $1900 when first introduced you get it and the orginal warranty which the say is a year but XBR's are known for there 2year warranties. Just a Thought A Fantastic TV wish I would have waited before I bought my LCD last year for my bedroom I would have jumped on this set in a heart beat. If your not interested in a 40inch set then go with Vizio like the other post said the new 551 series that they will release looks amazing with the LED lighting tech.
Just a Thought.
joe @ Apr 9th 2009 12:18AM
I just got a Sony KDL-46-Z-4100 in black, beautiful picture no glare on screen and I got it for $1599.99 from Listenup.com, I got it from the retail store but they do onlie also, great tv and I got a 3 year warranty for that price
PannyMaster @ Apr 9th 2009 12:45AM
If you say anything other than Samsung or Sony products then you have just lost all credibility. Yeah, don't even true to throw Sharp's name into this because their black levels and sharpness of detail leave more to be desired than any Samsung or Sony. I have a 46A650 and, well to be honest I hate the damn thing. I over paid and have blurring with the 120Hz on and off. Though, for an LCD I don't know of anything better that isn't a $1,000+ more than this set. I've seen all of the 08 Sony's and even their "awesome" XBR8 as well as the Samsung 950. When you see these sets in a well lit environment they look great, just don't take them to your basement. I don't want to start a Plasma Vs. LCD battle, but just urge you to take a look at both. Plasma is the way I wish I would have gone, Panasonic to be exact since Pioneer is just too expensive for the not too much better picture. Enough about that, I will say if you put Cars on blu-ray (BD) then you will make just about any TV look amazing. That is why it is said to be one of the best picture quality BD on the market. So don't go by just seeing the TV on BD since chances are that not all content on the TV ,and certainly not all BD, content will look the same. Just watch Ocean's Thirteen sometime and you will see a BD that may be worse than DVD.
Flowah @ Apr 9th 2009 1:42AM
Personally, I'm waiting for the price on the UNXXB7000's(replace XX with size of screen, 46,55, soon to come 40.) to drop some. They're pretty pricey right now, but the picture is gorgeous. As in go check one out right the hell now gorgeous.