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Cheap LCD TV, Best Cheap LCD Televisions

Related Guides: 3D TVs, Blu Ray Players, Camcorders and Home Theater
For many consumers, their long and passionate affair with television hit dizzying new heights with the introduction of high-definition LCD TV and its vibrant, crystal-sharp images. But trading up to a slim, flat, good-size hi-def TV was costly -- until now. These days the market is flooded with cheap LCD TVs from numerous manufacturers, including Sony, Panasonic, Vizio, LG, Samsung, Toshiba, Sharp, and Westinghouse. You'll have no trouble finding a cheap LCD TV, whether it's a smaller model in the 26- to 37-inch range with price tags up to $600 or a larger 40- or 42-inch model at price points stretching from $500 to a maximum $600.

We've identified several best cheap LCD TVs. Heading the list are the 42-inch Vizio E3D420VX (starting at $560, Amazon, Walmart), which stands out for color accuracy and its array of features (including 3D imaging), and the 27-inch ViewSonic VT2730 (starting at $300, Amazon), which also displays accurate color and boasts wide viewing angles. In the runners-up category for best cheap LCD TV we placed the 42-inch LG 42LK450 (starting at $579, Amazon) for its user-friendly features and rich color, and the 32-inch Sony NSX-32GT1 (starting at $498, Amazon) for its Web-related capabilities. We also found two cheap LCD TVs that generate little enthusiasm among reviewers: the 26-inch Westinghouse SK-26H640G (starting at $229, Amazon) is dragged down by its low-level resolution, and the 40-inch Philips 40PFL5706 (starting at $479, Amazon) displays sub-par picture quality.

The specs on cheap LCD TVs vary from model to model, but the feature array is straightforward. Almost all LCD TVs these days come with the standard 1080p resolution, although a few budget models top out at 720p. The preferred refresh rate is 120Hz or 240Hz, but many cheap LCD TVs feature 60Hz, which is perfectly fine for most programming. Inputs and outputs, including HDMI ports, component ports, and PC and USB ports, are must-haves even on a cheap LCD TV. A few entry-level models now sport Wi-Fi connectivity and Internet widgets, and 3D capability is a growing trend.

Perhaps the one feature consumers actually agonize over is the size of the cheap LCD TV they plan to buy. The general rule of thumb is that viewing distance from the television should be roughly 1.5 times the screen's diagonal measurement, so be sure you know how far away you'll be sitting before making your choice.

In terms of quality, one performance criterion towers over the rest: the picture should look fantastic. The color should be sharp and bright, the movement on-screen should be fluid and free of lag, and the black levels should be dark. There are other performance considerations, like the quality of the audio, but picture quality is by far the most critical. Although the best cheap LCD TVs deliver a commendable viewing experience, reviews indicate that lower-end models often fall short on black levels and color saturation.

Which is not to say that the average consumer will be disappointed, just that a $600 LCD TV can't deliver the stunning image quality displayed by a $2,500 LCD TV. High-end models are generally larger than their budget counterparts and have much faster refresh rates, very high contrast ratios, and deeply saturated colors. Not surprisingly, they also outdo budget models with more inputs and outputs and frills such as built-in Wi-Fi and lots of Internet widgets.

But don't fret -- the current crop of best cheap LCD TVs can hold their own in terms of features and performance. Just be sure to follow the advice of the experts: Don't settle for the pre-set, out-of-the box settings. Take the time to calibrate black levels and white levels, sharpness, color saturation, and color tint to suit the viewing environment and your own visual preferences.

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Sharp LC-40LE810UN
Sony Bravia XBR-55HX929
Westinghouse SK-26H640G
Philips 40PFL5706
Sony NSX-32GT1
LG 42LK450
Vizio E3D420VX
ViewSonic VT2730

Sony Bravia EX500
Vizio E420VL
Sony Bravia EX400
LG LD450

 

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