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What's behind our TV Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 108 models in TVs to see which ones perform best.
We look for:
  • Overall score
    Overall score is based primarily on picture quality; sound quality, ease of use, viewing angle, and versatility are also figured in. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
  • Display type
    Type of display
  • Screen size
    The size of the television's screen, measured diagonally in inches. In general, the larger the screen size, the farther away you need to sit for optimal picture quality. With high-definition displays such as HDTVs, sit at least 4 feet from a 37-inch or smaller set, 5 to 9 feet from larger screens.
  • HD picture quality
    HD picture quality indicates trained panelists' evaluation of clarity and color accuracy of an high-definition (1080i) signal, such as that from a Blu-ray player, digital-cable box or satellite receiver. All signals were routed through a HDMI input.
  • 3D performance
    All the 3D-capable TVs in our ratings are capable of providing an immersive 3D experience when displaying 3D programs from Blu-ray or broadcast. However, 3D TVs may have one or more issues that can detract from their 3D performance. These include: ghosting (double images visible even when wearing 3D glasses), image dimming, loss of resolution, and even viewing angle problems that are specific to the 3D mode.
  • Viewing angle
    Indicates our evaluation of picture quality for clarity and color accuracy at various horizontal and vertical viewing angles.
  • Sound quality
    This is measured from the set's built-in speakers using computer-driven test equipment, with additional subjective testing by a listening panel. You can get better stereo sound if you bypass the built-in speakers and route the TV's sound to a receiver and external speakers. With a multichannel sound system, you can get the enveloping experience of surround sound from digital broadcasts and also DVD movies.
  • Remote ease of use
    Assessment of the usability of the TV's remote control, considering button layout, labeling, and practical features.
  • On-screen menu ease of use
    Assessment of the usability of the TV's on-screen menu, considering its interaction with the remote, menu layout, and practical features.
  • Versatility
    Versatility indicates features that increase a TV's utility or capabilities. These might include the presence of more HD-capable inputs, a headphone jack, a base that swivels, extensive Internet connectivity, slide-show functionality for digital pictures, iPod docking, and so on.
  • Energy cost/yr.
    Estimated cost per year in dollars, calculated for 8 hours a day turned on and 16 hours in the off (standby) mode, based on the current year's national average electricity rate. Your usage and local rates will affect your costs. Note that the energy scores are for a TV optimized for the best picture quality, not using any energy-saving technology included in the set.

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Recommended TVs

Recommended TVs are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.
As new technologies take over, they present consumers with a number of evolving television choices. From plasma to LCD TVs, and rear projection to front-projector TVs, there are now many more choices than just the picture-tube sets of your childhood. If you're looking for information about TVs, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ TV reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our TV buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and TV reviews to help you choose the best television for your needs.

Recently reviewed tvs

A 60-inch 3D-capable LCD HDTV with LED backlighting from Sony with 1080p resolution, a quasi-240Hz refresh rate, 4 HDMI inputs, and 1 component-video input.
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TV buying guide


Buying a TV involves many choices, some of which may be brand new to you. This TV buying guide organizes the process into clear, logical steps that will help you make a smart decision.

Getting started   |   Types   |   Features   |   Brands   |   Shopping tips   |   Recycle an old TV   |   LCD or plasma TV?   |   3D

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