In the CR Test Labs: Small-screen LCDs and a new 3D TV

A new batch of LCD and plasma TVs has just arrived in our labs, ready for testing. The mix includes some LCD TVs with smaller screens, including three 22-inch sets, a 26-incher, and two 32-inch models. Several have features once found only on bigger, pricier models, including up to four HDMI inputs and the ability to stream Internet video, including movies. Also in this test group are the first 2010 plasma TVs from Panasonic, LG, and Samsung, including 1080p sets and value-priced 720p models.

Among the LCD sets we're testing is our third 3D set, the Samsung UN46C8000. (Our brand-new Ratings, just posted and available to subscribers, includes full test results for two other 3D models: the Samsung UN46C7000 LCD and the Panasonic Viera TC-P50VT20.) The UN46C8000 is one of seven Samsungs on our test benches now, purely because of the timing of the product releases. We previewed a pre-retail sample of this 3D TV last month, but didn't include it in our Ratings. Now that this model is available in stores, we've bought one to test for our Ratings. It measures just over an inch thick and has edge LED backlighting with local dimming (the first we've seen), 240Hz, and Internet streaming from sites including Netflix and Blockbuster.

The other Samsung models in test include the 22-inch LN22C450, $480, and 26-inch LN26C450, $580, 720p sets with three HDMI inputs. The Samsung LN32C550, $1,100, is a 32-inch 1080p TV with four HDMI inputs and an optional Wi-Fi adapter for wireless connection to a home network. The UN40C5000, $1,700, is a 1.2-inch thick 40-inch 1080p set with four HDMI inputs and an ambient light sensor.

We're also testing two LCDs from LG. The LG 22LD350, $430, is a 22-inch 720p set. It has a feature not common at this size, support for 24p, enabling it to display film-based programs without image judder. The LG 47LD450, $1,100, is a 47-inch 1080p set.

The Panasonic TC-L32X2, $500, is a 32-inch 720p set with an integrated iPod dock.

The Sony Bravia 720p 32-inch Bravia KDL-32EX308, $450, comes with a Wi-Fi adapter for wireless networking and four HDMI inputs. It can stream Internet content from sites including Netflix, one of the smallest and lowest-priced sets we've seen with this capability. The Sony Bravia KDL-22BX300, $280, is a 22-inch 720p model.

On the plasma side, we're checking out the LG 60PK550, $2,100, a 1080p set less than 1 inch thick. Three Panasonics are on the agenda: the TC-P42C2, a value-priced 42-inch 720p set $600, the TC-P42U2, a 42-inch 1080p set priced at $800, and the TC-P50U2, a 50-inch 1080p, $1,100. Also in-house, the Samsung PN50C450, $800, a 50-inch 720p set.

Check back in a few weeks for full Ratings and test results of the models mentioned above.

—Eileen McCooey