Pre-Christmas bargains: The best value plasma, LCD and LED TVs
- — 18 November, 2009 16:51
$2000-3000
Winner: Sharp LC40LB700X LED television
At less than $2500 the Sharp LC40LB700X is a great bargain. It's a 40in LED television that has a great contrast ratio and a built-in Blu-ray player, so you don't need to buy an external unit. Best of all, if you buy before Christmas you can get a free Xbox 360 and four games.
Runner up: Panasonic TH-P50G10A plasma television
If you don't want a power-sucking plasma television, an LCD such as Sony's 40in KDL40W5500 LCD television is right for you. It has a 100Hz motion smoothing mode, and if you buy it before 20 December you can get a free PlayStation 3.
$3000-4000
Winner: Samsung UA46B7100 LED television
Samsung's Series 7 LED television is one of the most advanced models on the market, with edge-mounted LEDs, a 100Hz motion smoothing system and a host of multimedia features such as Internet access and built-in cookbooks and artwork. If you find one of these 46in models before Christmas — we've seen them for $3588 — you'll also be eligible to receive a free 26in LCD television.
Runner up: Sony KDL52Z5500 LCD television
If you want more screen real estate for your dollar, the Sony KDL52Z5500 is a 52in LCD television that fits the bill. Priced at $3896, it has a 200Hz motion smoothing mode to ensure a clean picture even during fast-paced sports, and you can get the same free PlayStation 3 deal as other Sony televisions.
$4000-5000
Winner: Panasonic TH-P58V10A plasma television
The $4599 Panasonic TH-P58V10A plasma television clocks in at 58in — it's a seriously big screen — and is only 2in thick. Perfect for wall-mounting in a home theatre setup, it would make a good combo with the free home theatre system you can get if you buy before Christmas.
Runner up: Samsung UA46B8000 LED television
It may not be as big as the Panasonic, but the 46in Samsung UA46B8000 LED television — we saw it on special for $4496 — has 200Hz motion smoothing, edge-mounted LEDs for a high contrast ratio, an on-board content library and plenty of other cool extras. Oh, and did we mention it's just over an inch thick? Maybe you can hang it in your living room and put your free 26in LCD television in the kids' room or home office.
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Comments
Brenda
1
Thank You for all of this information. I had an Uncle call me tonight, and asked me what type of TV was the best for the money? I pulled up this website, and gave him the information that you had on this page. Thank You, Brenda
Murray
2
Great article and just what I was searching for - easy to understand and honest advice on the different technology available in TVs. I'm currently searching for a replacement TV for our living room and have been receiving advice from just about everyone, so it was good to find this article - it has cleared up any questions I had and I can now better understand what I need and what to look for. Time to go shopping. Thank you.
Tez
3
I am looking to purchase a new flat screen in the +60 inch range. I have seen LG make a 72 inch plasma. What are your opinions on the brands and Plasma v LCD v LED?