New TV Ratings: More 3D, LED, and Wi-Fi models

Among the new 3D TVs in our Ratings is the first plasma model we've tested from Samsung, the 58-inch PN58C7000, priced at about $2,400 (a 50-inch version costs about $1,800). The other 3D set is a 46-inch model from Samsung's lowest-priced 3D LCD line. Unlike earlier Samsung 3D LCD sets we tested, which use LED backlights, the LN46C750 (about $1,500) has a conventional fluorescent lamp backlight, plus 240Hz technology. As you'll see from the Ratings, one of these models excelled in both 3D and 2D modes, while we found the other lacking in overall picture quality.

In general, though, edge LED backlighting is showing up on more TVs, including lower-priced, smaller-screen models such as Samsung's 32-inch UN32C4000 LCD set. In larger-sized sets, LED backlights appear in models from several major brands, including Sony (the 46-inch Sony Bravia KDL-46EX600, about $1,300, and 52-inch KDL-52NX800, about $2,500) and Sharp (the 40-inch LC-40LE810UN, about $1,200, and the 60-inch LC-60LE810UN, about $2,500). Sony's larger set is among the few on the market to offer built-in Wi-Fi; we also review Toshiba's 55-inch 55UX600 set that comes with a Wi-Fi adapter. Both Sharp models use its new Quattron technology, which adds a yellow sub-pixel to the traditional red, blue and green. We were not impressed by its ability to render more accurate colors, as the manufacturer claimed.

Also noteworthy in the latest Ratings is Panasonic's largest LCD TV ever, the 42-inch TC-L42U25, selling for about $800. Previously, Panasonic's LCD lineup topped out at 37 inches. And speaking of Panasonic, we also rate the new 54-inch TC-P54G25 plasma model that now includes the Skype videophone service, which requires an optional video camera to become operational.

In our continuing effort to include Ratings of lesser-known brands, we tested Haier's first LED-backlit LCD TV, the 40-inch HL40XSL2, which sells for about $1,000 at Walmart and Target. Like many edge LED sets, it's very slim (1.2 inches) and has 120Hz technology.

For those looking for an extra large set, we also reviewed LG's 60-inch 60PK540 plasma TV, priced at about $1,700. Also in the latest Ratings is a 50-inch LG plasma, sold under its Infinia sub-brand, that 's Wi-Fi ready (it accepts an optional USB dongle). Both sets are only about 2 inches thick.

Even though our latest HDTV Ratings have just posted, we're already well under way testing a new group of TVs, including a Panasonic 3D plasma in its new VT25 series. Stay tuned for a blog next week detailing all the sets that are in our labs and currently being tested.

—James K. Willcox