Best 5 HDTVs: Picture quality
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(Updated March 30, 2012 6:11 AM PDT)
David Katzmaier
Senior editor
Our "best products" lists (on the left) take into account design and features, as well as picture quality. However, for people seeking the best picture quality only, the models below will fit the bill. Each TV scored at least an 8 in the Performance subrating, and in the case of a scoring tie, we've ranked them in order of which TV we believe delivers a better overall picture.
This list contains four 2011s and one 2012 model, and will update when we review more qualifying 2012 TVs. As usual, the prices below represent just one size in the series; click through to the review to see other sizes.
Sharp Elite PRO-X5FD series
The Elite LED-based LCD from Sharp was designed in homage to the vaunted Kuro Elite plasmas from Pioneer, and both are the only TVs to earn a "10" in picture quality. As usual, it's all about black levels, which are even deeper than the Kuro's, don't suffer noticeable blooming, and maintain excellent fidelity from off-angle. If money is no object, this is the best TV you can buy.
Price: $4,399.00 - $5,499.95 (check prices)
4 stars
Outstanding
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Panasonic TC-PST50 series
As we said in the review, the ST50 "sets a lofty standard for HDTV picture quality this year" and if PQ is your deciding factor yet money is still an object, we haven't reviewed anything better. Its black levels are deeper than any 2011 plasma, its color is extremely accurate and it has the best bright room picture we've tested on any plasma. We expect a few other TVs to surpass it on this list later this year, but not for any of them to cost less.
Price: $1,438.18 - $1,699.99 (check prices)
4 stars
Excellent
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Panasonic TC-PVT30 series
The VT30 was the best plasma of 2011 in terms of pure picture quality, but that was then. The new mid-line TC-PST50 series is so good that it actually surpasses this flagship in just about every crucial way, from slightly deeper blacks to much more accurate color. You can still get a VT30 from a few places, but now that new models are coming out, there's little reason to.
Price: $2,499.95 (check prices)
4 stars
Excellent
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Samsung PND7000/8000 series
We consider the Samsung PND7000 and PND8000 series plasmas both better values than either the VT30 or (duh) the Elite. But neither can match the picture quality or value of the ST50. We haven't reviewed Samsung's new 2012 plasmas yet, but if you're in the market for a videophile-grade TV and can't wait for those reviews, it's tough to recommend either of these Samsungs over the ST50 for all but the most die-hard Samsung loyalists.
Price: $1,819.00 - $2,247.00 (check prices)
4 stars
Excellent
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Sony XBR-HX929 series
With the second-deepest black levels on this list and very accurate color, Sony's best LED-based LCD--and one of the best we've tested--might be worth the steep price to well-heeled buyers who don't want plasma and can't stomach the price of the Elite. It will remain in the line throughout 2012 and continue to pose a challenge to all non-Elite LCDs.
Price: $2,458.77 - $3,419.99 (check prices)
4 stars
Excellent
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