New TV Ratings: More 3D sets, more Internet access

We've just posted our latest TV Ratings (available to subscribers), which include separate ratings for LCD, plasma, and 3D TVs. In addition to the 21 models that are 3D-capable, we have more models than ever that include access to Internet content. And a growing number also have built-in Wi-Fi or the ability to add it, a real convenience if you don't have a wired Ethernet connection in your TV room.

In our LCD TV Ratings, nearly half of the 40-inch and larger LCD sets are Internet TVs that provide access to online content, such as streaming movies from Amazon, Netflix, and Vudu; Internet radio stations like Pandora and Slacker; and online photo sites such as Flickr and Picasa. Most use onscreen widgets to access additional websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, and some even have a full apps market where you can get or buy new applications.

We also see more LCD TVs with features such as 120Hz or 240Hz technology, as well as LED backlights. Most use "edge" LED backlights, mounted along the sides or tops and bottoms of the screen, and a few have a degree of local dimming. Only a few sets have full-array LED backlights, which offer a higher degree of local dimming, which on some models can improve black levels and contrast.

Many new LCD and plasma TVs have 3D capability--but you won't see these models in the plasma or LCD Ratings tables. Instead, they're listed in the 3D TV Ratings. Many of these 3D TVs offer excellent 2D performance, so you should consider them even if you're not currently interested in the 3D feature. You'll often find such sets on sale, so check prices online and at your local retailer.

In fact, you'll notice that a high percentage of the plasma TVs are now 3D models, so they appear in the 3D Ratings rather than the plasma TV Ratings. Also, many 3D plasmas offer other step-up features you might desire, such as Internet capability, so consider 3D plasmas even if you're not so interested in this feature.

There are now more than 20 3D TVs in our 3D Ratings, and while most offer very good or excellent 2D picture quality, we see varying degrees of 3D performance. In addition to the majority of TVs that use active 3D technology—which require costlier active 3D shutter glasses—we also have a new passive 3D TV, from Vizio, in our Ratings. Each technology has its benefits and drawbacks, and you can read more about each set's 3D performance in that model's Highs, Lows, and CR's Take.

With this latest batch of TV Ratings, we have modified the way we calculate overall scores to better reflect the way consumers use TVs. For example, our survey data showed us that few consumers attach external sound systems, so we're now putting more emphasis on the TV's sound. As a result, you might notice changes in the overall score of TVs that appeared in previous Ratings.

Even though the new TV Ratings have just posted, testing is already underway on even more new models, including the first passive 3D TV from LG. So stay tuned to for our upcoming "In the TV Test Labs" blog post, where we'll detail the new models we're testing, as well the next full TV Ratings when testing has been completed.

—James K. Willcox