In the CR Test Labs: New LCD, plasma HDTVs

Here at the CR test labs, there's no rest for the weary (we're putting the final touches on our big electronics issue for the December print edition of Consumer Reports). That means that while we're about a week shy from posting the latest LCD and plasma TV Ratings (available to subscribers ), we're already hard at work testing 16 new models.

Here's the list of the TVs currently being evaluated:

LCD TVs

AOC L42H961: A low-priced 42inch 1080p LCD TV with 4 HDMI and 2 component-video inputs.

Hitachi L42S503: A 42-inch 1080p LCD with 120Hz technology and 7 HD inputs (5 HDMI and 2 component video).

LG 42LH90: This sibling to the 55-inch 1080p LCD set currently in our Ratings has a full-array LED backlight with local dimming and LG's "quasi" 240Hz technology, which combines a 120Hz refresh rate with a scanning backlight to achieve a 240Hz effect. It's also THX certified. Like its bigger sibling, it doesn't include LG's NetCast online service with access to streaming movies from NetCast and Vudu.

Mitsubishi Unisen LT-40151: This 40-inch 120Hz 1080p LCD features Mitsubishi's 16-speaker "Sound Projector" audio system and Dolby Digital 5.1-channel sound.

Panasonic Viera TC-L32C12. A lower-priced mainstream 720p (1366x768) set from a major brand. It has an SD card reader built into the set.

Philips 47PFL6704D: A 47-inch 1080p LCD with 120Hz technology.

RCA L26HD41: A lower-priced 26-inch 720p (1366x768).

Samsung UN40B7000: A 40-inch 1080p set with an edge LED backlight, 120Hz technology, and the company's Medi@2.0 Internet TV service, which will soon include streaming movies from Blockbuster.

Sharp Aquos LED LC-40LE700UN: A 40-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD with a full-array LED backlight, but no local dimming. The company claims it's among the most energy-efficient LCD TVs available.

Sony KDL-46W5100: A 46-inch 1080p set with 120Hz technology and access to Sony's Internet TV service, which includes streaming movies from Amazon Video On Demand and soon, Netflix.

Sylvania LC320SSX: A low-priced 32-inch 720p (1366x768) from Sylvania, a brand controlled by Funai (which now also makes and sells Philips and Magnavox TVs in the U.S.).

Toshiba Regza Cinema Series 46SV670U: A 46-inch 1080p LCD with a full-array backlight with local dimming and Toshiba's ClearScan "quasi" 240Hz technology that combines a 120Hz refresh rate with a scanning backlight. The set also includes Dolby Volume, which equalizes sound levels between programs and commercials.

Vizio VF550M: A lower-priced 55-inch 1080p LCD with an integrated sound bar and SRS TruVolume, which, like Dolby Volume, equalizes sound levels between programs and commercials.

Plasma TVs

LG 60PS80: This 60-inch 1080p plasma is a top-of-the-line model with THX certification and LG's NetCast Internet TV service, which includes access to streaming movies from Netflix and Vudu.

Panasonic Viera TC-42PX14: A 42-inch 720p (720x1024) model in its X14 entry-level plasma series.

Samsung PN50B860: This pricier 50-inch 1080p plasma has an ultra-slim design and Samsung's Medi@2.0 Internet TV service, which will soon have access to streaming movies from Blockbuster. It's wireless-ready for use with Samsung's optional wireless dongle.

Keep checking back with our Electronics blog, as I'll be posting as soon as the newest TV Ratings are available.You can find a list of some of the newer sets that will be in those Ratings here. —James K. Willcox