In the CR Test Labs: An ultra-thin plasma, plus feature-laden LCDs

Although we're just a week or so away from posting our latest LCD and plasma TV Ratings (available to subscribers of ConsumerReports.org), we've already started testing 16 new models.

The new LCD batch includes a lower-priced TV from Sylvania, a step-up Insignia series with extra features, more models with 240Hz technology and access to online content, and the first Sharp sets to use LED backlights.

We're also testing two new Panasonic plasmas, including a model from the new "showcase" Z1-series featuring a striking, 1-inch-deep design. We'll be evaluating the TV to see if its performance is as eye-catching as its looks.

Here's a preview of what's currently being tested in our TV labs:

PLASMA TVs
Panasonic Viera TC-P54Z1: This pricey 54-inch 1080p flagship plasma from Panasonic (above) has a uniquely stylish look, thanks to its ultra-thin (1-inch-thick) design and silver-colored bezel. The set sends signals wireless from a separate media console that houses the TV tuner, and includes Panasonic's Viera Cast Internet service, which can stream movie from Amazon Video On Demand.

Panasonic Viera TC-P50V10: A 50-inch 1080p plasma is part of the upper-tier V10-series that has some extra features, including THX certification, access to the Viera Cast online service, and an SD card slot with the ability to play high-def AVCHD video files. We've previously reviewed the 54-inch model in this series.

LCD TVs:
Insignia NS-L42X-10A: Part of a new Insignia (Best Buy's house brand) Advanced Series LCD TV line. These are ultra-slim 1080p models featuring 120Hz technology and a longer, 24-month limited parts and labor warranty, with a provision for a loaner set should the TV require servicing.

Sylvania LD427SSX: This 42-inch 1080p LCD set from Sylvania (a brand controlled by Funai, which now also makes and sells Philips and Magnavox TVs in the U.S.), is among the first sets to include an integrated Blu-ray player. (Sharp has also announced TVs with Blu-ray drives, which will arrive this fall.)

JVC LT32A200: This is a lower-priced 32-inch 720p LCD set from JVC.

LG 37LH55: This 37-inch LG LCD is another LH55-series set that uses the company's 240Hz technology, which combines a 120Hz refresh rate with a scanning backlight to achieve a 240Hz-like effect. We've previously tested the 47-inch model in this series.

LG 55LH40: A 55-inch 1080p LCD from LG that includes the company's Trumotion 120Hz technology. We've previously tested the 42-inch model in this series.

LG 42LF11, 32LF11: A new lower-priced 1080p LCD TVs from LG in 32- and 42-inch screen sizes.

Mitsubishi Unisen LT-46153: This 46-inch 120Hz 1080p LCD includes Mitsubishi's multi-speaker "sound projector" sound system, a feature on all Unisen models. The set includes a calibration microphone for setting up the sound.

Samsung LN40B650: A 40-inch LCD in Samsung's 1080p B650 series that includes the company's Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology, plus its Medi@2.0 Internet service that will soon provide access to streaming movies from Blockbuster. We've already reviewed several B650-series sets in other sizes, including 46-, 37-, and 32-inch versions in this series.

Samsung LN32B540: a lower-priced 32-inch 720p set.

Sharp Aquos LC-52LE700UN: This 52-inch 120Hz 1080p set uses a full-array white LED backlight, but curiously doesn't offer local dimming, a feature common to most full-array LED TVs. Sharp claims it can still produce deep black levels using advanced picture control circuitry—something we'll be evaluating—and says it has the lowest power consumption of any LCD TV.

Sony Bravia KDL-52VE5: This is a 52-inch 1080p LCD in Sony's VE5 "eco" line of energy-efficient 120Hz TVs, which use a new, more energy-efficient type of fluorescent lamp (cold cathode). The set also includes a sensor that will shut off the TV's backlight if there's no movement in the room. We've tested the 40-inch version in this series.

Toshiba Regza 46XV645U: A 46-inch 120Hz 1080p LCD in Toshiba's 645U series, which features the company's "Deep Lagoon" design and invisible speakers. We've previously tested the 40-inch model in this series.

Vizio VL320M: A lower-priced 32-inch 1080p set from Vizio.

Keep checking our blog for news about when the next TV Ratings are posted. —James K. Willcox