In the CR test labs: New HDTVs

We're reviewing more TVs than ever in the Consumer Reports test labs, and we figured many of you would be interested to know which of the newest models are now in our labs. All these models, and perhaps a few more, will be included in upcoming full TV Ratings (available to subscribers).

Auria
This fairly new brand, from a company called EQD, is being built on the premise of selling sets up to 20 percent cheaper than its competition, and doubling the traditional 12-month parts and labor warranty; all Auria sets have 24-month warranties. In our labs is the Auria EQ3288 (at right), a 32-inch 720p LCD set that should sell for about $499 online.

Dynex
Dynex is another value-oriented brand, sold primarily at Best Buy. The DX-L42-10A is a 42-inch 1080p, 60Hz set.

Insignia
Insignia is Best Buy's value-priced private-label brand. We have two Insignia models in our labs: the NS-L322Q-10A, a 60Hz 1080p set with 4 HDMI inputs, plus the INS-L42Q-10A, a larger 1080p set.

JVC
Perhaps the most notable feature of JVC's LT-46P300 LCD set is its integrated "TeleDock" iPod dock, which the company claims has been improved this year (with features such as the ability to charge an iPod even when the TV is off, and multiple aspect ratios for iPod videos). The TV is a 46-inch 1080p model.

LG
LG's 42LH40 is a 42-inch 1080p LCD with 120Hz technology. It has several energy-saving features, such "Intelligent Sensor," which monitors room light conditions and alters the TV's brightness accordingly. It's also "ISFcc-ready," meaning its picture settings can be calibrated by an ISF technician for optimum performance for both daytime and nighttime viewing (the calibrated settings are saved as Day or Night presets).

Panasonic
The 46-inch Viera TC-P46S1, part of the step-up S1 series that replaced PX80 and PZ80 models, is a mainstream 1080p plasma set that uses the company's new NeoPDP panels, which promise better brightness, contrast, and energy efficiency.

Philips
The new Philips sets interest us because Philips is no longer making and marketing them in the U.S.; it's instead licensed Funai (which owns the Emerson, Sylvania and Symphonic brands) to do so. We're testing two new Philips sets. The 47PFL5704D is a 120Hz 1080p LCD that includes Philips' "Natural Motion" anti-judder technology, designed to smooth motion with movie-based content. It also has an "invisible" surround-sound speaker system. The 42PFL6704D is a 42-inch 1080p LCD with similar features, but the company says the newer 600-series sets have improved video processing circuitry (called Pixel Precise). Both models have slim bezels and rounded edges.

Samsung
We currently have three models in our labs. The LN32B650 is a smaller (32-inch) 1080p LCD model that includes 120Hz technology to help reduce motion blur. It includes the company's Touch of Color cosmetics—reddish tints in the bezel—and has "InfoLink" RSS feeds from USA Today. The PN58B850 is the company's flagship ultra-slim plasma—it's just a hair over an inch thick, and comes with a super-slim mount that puts the TV just two inches from the wall. The set has Samsung's Medi@2.0 Internet platform (both wired Ethernet and wireless via a USB dongle) that offers access via Yahoo Internet Widgets to services such as Flickr, YouTube, and news, weather and stock information. The set also comes preloaded with content, such as games, recipes and health programs, and has a new anti-glare filter. The set, like others from LG, Panasonic and Samsung, has "600Hz subfield motion technology," which is said to improve motion resolution. Also in our labs is Samsung's PN58B650 set. Though it lacks some of the B850's bells and whistles, it's still a step-up 1080p plasma that includes the 600Hz subfield drive and new anti-glare filters. Unlike last year's Series 6 plasmas, which had only InfoLink RSS feeds, this set moves up to full Media@2.0 Internet access.

Sony
Sony's Bravia KDL-32XBR9 is a 32-inch 1080p LCD set that includes Sony's MotionFlow 120Hz technology. It also has Ethernet access to Sony's Bravia Internet Video content, including Amazon Video on Demand and YouTube, plus Bravia Internet Widgets—Sony's name for Yahoo Internet Widgets—for access to news, financial information, and the Flickr photo service.

Sanyo
Sanyo TVs are value-priced TVs sold by Walmart. We're currently testing two Sanyo LCDs in our labs: the 26-inch Sanyo DP26649, a 720p model that sells for less than $300, and the DP42849, a 42-inch 1080p set currently selling for $628. These sets are both among the lowest-priced models in their size ranges.

Toshiba
Toshiba's TVs are well-priced versus the competition. The REGZA 42ZV650U is a 42-inch 1080p LCD with its "ClearScan 240" technology, which combines a 120Hz refresh rate with a blinking backlight to create a 240Hz-like effect. We'll compare Toshiba's approach with true 240Hz technology, used by companies such as LG, Samsung and Sony, which actually quadruples the TV's frame rate using interpolated frames. The set also has a dynamic backlight control that monitors the brightness of video content and adjusts the backlight intensity accordingly. —James K. Willcox