In the CR Test Labs: New LCD, plasma HDTVs

While many of us are gearing up for summer vacations, CR's TV engineers are still hard at work testing more LCD and plasma TVs. Among this latest group are models with full-array LED backlights, and several 240Hz sets that take aim at reducing motion blur. We're also looking at some new Toshiba models that will be the first to include Dolby Volume, a volume-leveling technology that attempts to minimize differences in loudness when you switch channels or when commercials come on.

Here are the models currently being tested in our TV labs:

Hitachi L26D103: This 26-inch 720p (1366x768) set is a TV/DVD combo with an integrated standard DVD player, headphone jack, and a built-in sleep timer.

Hitachi L32A403: This 32-inch 720p (1366x768) set from Hitachi has four HDMI inputs, and comes with a swivel stand.

JVC LT-46J300: This 46-inch 1080p LCD from JVC has the company's TeleDock integrated iPod dock.

LG 55LH90: This 55-inch 1080p LCD TV from LG is a high-featured model that has full-array LED backlights with local dimming, and the company's TruMotion 240Hz technology, which combines a 120Hz refresh rate with a scanning backlight. It's also a THX-certified set. Oddly for a higher-priced set, it doesn't include access to LG's NetCast Internet service.

Magnavox 42MF439B/F7: Earlier this year Philips handed over the manufacturing and marketing of its Philips- and Magnavox-brand TVs in the U.S. to Funai, which also controls the Sylvania brand. This Magnavox, among the first TVs we've seen as part of the deal, is a lower-priced 42-inch 1080p LCD model that can play back digital photos and music stored on a USB flash drive.

Philips 32PFL3504D: This 32-inch 720p (1366x768) set, available at mass merchants, warehouse clubs, regional dealers, and online retailers, is fairly low-priced for a major brand and includes a set-up assistant that uses an onscreen wizard to personalize settings.

RCA L46FHD37R: A lower-cost 46-inch 1080p LCD, sold at Best Buy, Costco, Sam's Clubs, and other retailers, that include a light sensor that automatically adjusts contrast to room light conditions.

Samsung LN52B750: This 52-inch 1080p LCD from Samsung has new Touch of Color cosmetics (charcoal gray) and the company's Auto Motion Plus 240Hz technology that actually quadruples the TV's frame rate. It also includes the company's Medi@2.0 Internet service, which uses Yahoo widgets to access online content, which will soon include instant movies from Blockbuster. Also comes with some preloaded content, such as recipes and games. It can wirelessly connect to a home network via an optional USB wireless dongle.

Sharp Aquos LC-52E77UN: This 52-inch 1080p LCD from Sharp features a new design, 120Hz technology and has five HDMI inputs, the most we've seen.

Sharp Aquos LC-C4067UN: This value-priced Aquos is a 40-inch 1080p LCD sold via the warehouse clubs.

Sony Bravia KDL-46Z5100: This pricey 46-inch Sony LCD has Sony's Motionflow 240Hz technology, which actually quadruples the TVs frame rate, plus the Bravia's widget-based Internet service with access to a lot of online content, including instant movies from Amazon Video On Demand and Slacker streaming music.

Toshiba Regza 40XV645U: A 40-inch 1080p LCD from Toshiba's entry-level Regza line has 120Hz technology and Toshiba's "Deep Lagoon" design.

Toshiba Regza 46SV670U: A 46-inch 1080p LCD with a full-array LED backlight with local dimming. It also has the company's ClearScan 240 technology, which combines a 120Hz refresh rate with a scanning backlight to produce a 240Hz-like effect. It also has Dolby Volume—a Toshiba exclusive for the next several months—that helps balance the volume level of programs and commercials.

Vizio VA320E: A low-cost 32-inch 720p (1366x768) LCD that's sold through Costco and Target.

Plasma TVs

Panasonic Viera TC-P42G15: Similar to G10-series models, but with a slimmer (2-inch) cabinet depth, this is a 42-inch 1080p plasma with THX certification and access to the company's Viera Cast Internet service, which now includes access to instant movies from Amazon Video On Demand. This model is sold through regional A/V dealers.

Samsung PN58B860: Samsung's ultra-thin (1.2-inch) flagship 58-inch 1080p plasma includes the company's Medi@2.0 Internet service, which uses Yahoo widgets to access online content that will soon include instant movies from Blockbuster. Also comes with some preloaded content, such as recipes and games, and it can wirelessly connect to a home network via an optional USB wireless dongle.

Keep checking our blog for updated info on the new models we're testing. And for full test evaluations, visit the TV Ratings on CRO, which are available to subscribers. —James K. Willcox