LG has recently come out with a massive looking television set, the 52 inch LG5000 LCD. The nice thing about the unit is that it is packaged quite smartly and is also reasonably cheap for the wide array of high-end features it offers. The price factor clearly hovers above all others as it is a common phenomenon to find the price of TV sets going through the roof once you cross the 46- and 47-inch LCD TVs barrier.

An adorable aspect about the unit is that going by its appearance you can hardly conceive its actual price. Instead with swift bodywork, it is a picture of elegance. Moreover the deck has no unnecessary excesses to trouble you, apparently believing in a minimalist stance.

Then, as a customer it comes as a welcome relief that the aggressive pricing has not dented the overall performance and utility of the LG 52LG5000. You should especially love the connectivity of the unit as it provides you an extensive range of features starting from three v1.3 HDMIs, a digital audio output, a PC port to an RS-232C port which gives you the option to integrate the TV into a wider AV system.

The screen resolution capability of the unit stands at a contemporary ‘full HD’ 1920×1080 pixels, which is well complemented by a very high contrast ratio of 50,000:1, which can be effectively achieved by dimming the backlight output during dark scenes.

Moreover, despite having only 100Hz processing system, there was very little motion blur that was observed, especially when all the TV’s OTT noise reduction routines are deactivated. The audio part is also a major plus of the unit as the sound reproduction is pretty true to the source, while at the same time delivering that scintillating experience.

People have become so accustomed to associating LCD TVs, which for the record are selling like mad, to Samsung that it sometimes comes as a surprise to know that the company deals with plasma TVs as well! Not that plasma TVs have nothing to offer, but the recent success of the LCD has really overshadowed anything from the plasma format. The time of redemption, however, is upon us, as Samsung is ready with an ultra-new plasma, the Samsung PS50A556.

The design of the deck is rather sleek and is typical of Samsung glossy image. The deck comes with a ‘Full HD‘ 1,920×1,080-pixel resolution, which is real bonus considering its relatively low price, and also have an abundance of connectivity options including three v1.3 HDMIs, a PC port, as well as a USB 2.0 jack that gives you the leverage to playback JPEG photos.

The picture quality of the device is meanwhile optimised by the company’s proprietary DNIE+ processing, so that you can have a high quality image that is replete with fantastic colour combinations, sharpness, contrast and motion. The result is that you experience a commercial cinema like feel with the Samsung PS50A556, as frames are replete with natural hues. The feature is aided in its objective by a Movie Plus mode, which plays is part in improving motion handling.

Moreover, the Filterbright screen adorning the unit is specially crafted to drastically eliminate the majority of onscreen reflections. There are nevertheless issues concerning the operation of the deck, and the image is also a bit of a letdown considering that it is a 1080p screen.

The latest offer from Panasonic, the Viera TX-32LXD80, seeks to drive home the point that sometimes medium sized TVs, like the aforementioned one, are preferable over those large screen giants. Just think of a smaller front room where a gargantuan TV would look out of place, while the Viera TX-32LXD80 would seamlessly blend in with the size and arrangement of the room.

The Viera TX-32LXD80 you will be surprised to know has an upscaling capability of only 720p, but that is not a problem as it is more than cancelled out by the much acclaimed IPS-Alpha panel technology that gives you the tempting option of a much wider viewing angle. The main selling point of the Panasonic TX-32LXD80 is that despite being a budget player there is no hint of compromises at all. Moreover, skeptics of the set’s 1,366×768-pixel resolution should do well to realize that 1080p resolutions are more or less lost on smaller screens, as unlike in larger screens.

Then the lower resolution notwithstanding, the picture quality looks remarkably sharp, and crisp with a lovely bit of detail. The picture quality is further enhanced by the company’s brilliant home build V-Real 3 picture processing technology that facilitates the smooth flow of images apart from bestowing them with a great deal of vivid looking colours. Movie buffs should particularly love the fact that the deck is provided with the discretion to play 24p movies form your Blu-ray player.

For those of you who have yet to experience a PVR, you really missing out on an absolutely exhilarating television experience. With a PVR you can pause and rewind live TV, record your favourite shows when you’re away, and even fast forward through annoying adverts. Panasonic has already established itself as a formidable name in this field, and the new Panasonic DMR-EX88 PVR keeps that reputation intact, as it brings you an extensive range of features that include a DVD recorder along with an enormous 400 GB hard drive.

The design of the device is a real trend blazer as it takes the unconventional path and is a great choice to partner your existing AV partner in case the equipment is black.

Another versatile aspect of the device is its ability to competently play DivX and Xvid. You should also love the Panasonic DMR-EX88’s ability to play MP3s, JPGs as well as video files sourced from a USB device. The cross-product integration compatibility is also a pleasant addition, which nevertheless will go a begging unless you have all Panasonic hardware.

The picture quality of the EX88 is another plus, which however depends to an extent on the incoming broadcast signal. Moreover, what speaks volumes about the manufactures is that they have integrated the features and components in such a manner that allows you to get the maximum out of the device with the minimum fuss.

Those who liked the performance delivered by Sony’s Bravia KDL-46Z4500 LCD TV, but were put off by its high price, now have something to look forward to in the form of the Sony Bravia KDL-52W4500. The unit is much more affordable than any similar models on the block, and you should love the fact that it features many contemporary and user friendly features. Together with these exciting features, the LCD TV is the ideal platform and cornerstone of any home cinema experience.

The design of the deck is also typical of the company, but boasts of a distinctive ‘window’ that runs across the screen. Connectivity of the Sony KDL-52W4500 is impressive as it comes equipped with a number of unconventional multimedia jacks. These include an Ethernet port that gives you the liberty to connect the deck to your computer so that you can enjoy JPEG and MP3 files. Then, there is a USB jack as well so that you can play similar sort of files from the USB storage devices. Further, the Digital Media Port incorporated in the device gives you the discretion to play to play AV files from a portable media player assisted by a compatible adaptor.

You don’t get the radical 200Hz feature of the Z4500 models, but do get more than you can handle in the form of Sony’s MotionFlow 100Hz engine. It comprehensively elevates the usual refresh rate so that you can enjoy pictures that are more smooth and lively than is normally the case with LCD technology.

The images are also delightfully bright, and you will really love the vibrant and wonderfully blending colours. The colours in addition are replete with natural hues and are for major part is in sync with the ongoing action.

Anyone who wants gadgets that are aesthetically beautiful and come with a good array of accompanying features, need look no further than the Samsung LE40A856. The device boasts a thin profile and is equipped with a small bezel that is actually more compact than it appears. The most amazing part of the package is the manner in which Samsung has managed to fit the unit with everything that a modern TV has to offer.

The monitor of the device is just 85mm thick and you get o have four HDMI sockets, three on the back, while the fourth is given on the side. Then, the device incorporates a pair of Scart inputs, component, VGA and S-video in as well, apart from a USB socket that enhances the level of flexibility and convenience on your front.

The front of the unit is pretty clean without any signs of any visible buttons or connections, albeit unless you touch the surrounding area. The design and build quality of the Samsung LE-40A856 means that you can virtually put the deck at just about anywhere with the guarantee that it will elevate the style quotient of the room.

The device comes equipped with the intuitive InfoLive technology, a simple RSS-style reader that gives the T the discretion to effectively utilize its built-in Ethernet connection to go online so that you can collect important information from yahoo. Information may be something related to the stock market, weather and news updates, which though is limited in nature go a long way in giving you a fast first-hand information peek at what’s is hip and happening on the subject. Another selling point of the device is the much improved WiseLink Pro that will enable you to scroll through photos and MP3s stored on USB devices.

One of the grudges that customers have against Philips is that most of their products are overpriced, which prevents potential customers from approaching them. This resentment in particular applies to the much revered 9703 range, which is far too expensive for most people to afford. There is good news of late though, as Philips seeks to address this dilemma with the launch of an exclusive new range, the 7603 which by every account is a much better value for the money. The Philips Cineos 42 PFL 7603D is a part of this range and is all set to carve out a niche for itself.

The design of the device is both novel and an aesthetic one, while its unique configuration endows it with some distinct technical advantages, especially the audio output. The Philips 42PFL7603D comes integrated with a USB interface like most modern televisions, which facilitates you to entertain yourself with music and photos that can be sourced from the memory sticks. One glaring drawback however hinders your moment of enjoyment as there is no video support on this particular model.

Then you also get to have the in-demand Ambilight which is a two-sided version, but is not as interactive as the three-sided version. Nevertheless the feature provides you with a similar set of options such as the ability to manipulate the response speed, the extent of illumination, and the liberty to choose a solitary color to throw on the wall.

The Freeview option is another important addition but its performance lacks the punch that you would have loved. The feature actually ends up irritating you with its macro blocking which is a part-and-parcel with low-bitrate digital TV. Nevertheless supported by a good incoming signal the 7603 manages to produce a decent picture quality.

The latest to come out of the Panasonic ranks is the Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ80, which is distinctly different from the usually recognised television categories. On one side are the budget TVs that feature moderate 720p compatibility but are otherwise pretty competent and a good value for money. Then there are the ultra high-end models, with 1080p, full HD, freesat and more features. The Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ80 finds itself somewhere in the middle.

The TV is aimed at people who want quality performance but at a realistic price. The design of the device is nothing to shout about as it is reflects the general trend and is bereft of any unexpected surprises.

The deck comes equipped with a solitary HDMI socket, two HDMI inputs, RCA video and audio connections, in addition to the company’s indigenous SD card slot typical of the company. These options included with the Panasonic TH-46PZ80 are sufficient for fulfilling your normal requirements. You also get to have VGA, Scart and component video inputs that give you a good deal of flexibility.

The SD socket option allows you to view photos taken on a digital camera directly on the TV. The feature is of great help, and works best if your camera can shoot with an aspect ratio of 16:9.

First thing first, the Loewe Connect 32 Media Full-HD+ DR+ is not our average TV from any angle; be it in terms of its price tag or its specifications. This expensive TV is undoubtedly aimed at people who are not afraid to splurge a fortune on buying a television that really says something about who they are. The deck is designed with a great deal of intricate planning and research that clearly leave an excellent impression on all who view it.

The device surprisingly enough is however nowhere near the thinnest TV on the market and may therefore repel customers who are in the lookout for something thin and sleek. Moreover, the somewhat big size will enhance the logistics required to move around the device.

The device fully complements its premium price with a whole hearted display of contemporary and user friendly features. You do get the in-demand feature 1080p compatibility, along with a twin tuner 160GB Freeview PVR, so its completely unnecessary to buy an extra PVR like the Toshiba RDXV48DTKTF. Moreover, features like a network media streamer and a high-definition satellite tuner only adds to its product value.

The freeview feature is particularly well designed, and using it you can record current programmes, record for a particular duration of time, starting from 30 minutes to over several hours.

Another good aspect of the device is that each feature is seamlessly integrated with the other features so that you can enjoy your favourite movies and programmes with the minimum of fuss. The media steaming feature is another selling point of the deck, but you will need a computer connected via Ethernet, so that you can receive its services.

Whilst the LCD television format continues to be the most dominate, plasma TVs are not giving up. Spurred on Pioneer and Panasonic, plasma TVs have made a comeback of sorts, and many of the format’s drawbacks have been addressed and corrected. Of course, other companies can also make quality plasma TVs, and LG has proven this with the launch of the LG 50PG6900. It won’t take you long to find out the strategy adopted by the makers as they have kept the price of the model pretty low, and if you take into account the presence of the Freeview+ PVR it is clear that LG is determined to cash in on the market resurrected by Panasonic and Pioneer.

Design wise the deck is adorable enough, with the only distractions being the power button and LG logo. Most other connections and flaps are well hidden from the public gaze. You also don’t get to see any speakers as well. The remote of the deck has an innovative design and is also easy to operate.

The deck depressingly doesn’t have a 1080p panel resolution which will prevent you from enjoying movies and programmes at the HD levels. The 720p resolution is however good enough to deliver a competent picture. The device makes up for the not so impressive resolution by incorporating the built-in Freeview+ recorder, which has 160GB of storage, making it the LG 50PG6900’s main attraction. The amazing storage capability ensures that you can record an unlimited number of your favourite TV programmes. The feature is not without its disadvantage though, as you are most likely to find yourself in a difficult position if the feature happens to break. On the brighter side, the feature helps you to save ower, reduces clutter, and renders recording of programmes ridiculously easy.