In this article we’ll show you what to look for when buying LCD TVs. Brand and quality There are…
In this article we’ll show you what to look for when buying LCD TVs.
Brand and quality
There are lots of factors to consider when buying an LCD TV. On the surface, even the cheapest LCD TVs can look as good as top end Samsung or LG LCD TVs, but that difference is only skin deep. Make sure you consider the following factors:
Resolution
Many TVs claim to be HD ready, but remember that only LCD TVs that offer 1080p resolution can boast true high definition. If you play a lot of computer games or watch HD movies then you will need a full 1080p system. Even if you don’t, it is sensible to buy a 1080p system to future proof yourself for the next generation of set-top boxes and home entertainment systems.
Speaker Quality
This is one of the biggest differences between top LCD TVs and the cheap systems. If you are not plugging your TV into a separate amplifier, then the sound quality should be a major consideration. Better TVs will be able to produce more bass without vibration, whilst maintaining clear treble and speech.
Size
This is largely down to your budget and personal preference. Remember, as a general rule, the further away your set, the larger it needs to be! 15 & 17″ LCD TVs are largely confined to guest bedrooms these days. Most people would not consider anything smaller than 26″ LCD TVs for their main system.
Picture Quality
In order for you to see the moving pictures, the LCD screen has to be backlit. Better quality sets will be better at producing dark blacks and shades of dark grey. This is something to look for if you are buying used LCD TVs. The back-lighting systems on units even from a few years ago are considerably less sophisticated than today’s models and as a result, will not be able to produce the same array of dark colours.
Dark colours
Before buying a TV, be sure to audition it with a film like Sleepy Hollow or Star Wars. These films will really show the TV’s ability to distinguish between the darker colours.
Add Ons
Many TVs offer features like built in TV tuners and digital teletext. Whilst these are certainly useful, prioritise picture, then sound quality over all else. It is always possible to add set top boxes and other peripherals.
Remember, when trying out your TV, remember that large electrical retailers tend to turn up the brightness and contrast of their sets to cope with the harsh show room lighting. Specialist independent retailers will have auditioning rooms where you can get a real feel of your new purchase.
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Samsung UE40H6670 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
 1 review – 2 user opinions – 5 photos
Samsung UE40H6670
S21 —
06-2014
The Samsung UE40H6670 is an outstanding 3D-capable TV with above-average picture quality, top Smart TV and connectivity, and is great value in its 40 inch format. Highly recommended! Hide
Samsung UE40H6670 | Read more
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£24
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Samsung UE32H5000 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
 1 review – 1 news – 1 video
Samsung UE32H5000
S21 —
07-2014
The Samsung UE32H5500 is a good basic 32 inch TV. Priced at the entry level, it delivers good picture quality, but cuts back on Smart TV functionality and connectivity. Hide
Samsung UE32H5000 | Read more
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£24
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Sony KDL-55W955 |
Sony LCD TVs | ||
 4 reviews – 1 news – 5 videos – 7 photos
Sony gives the TV market a wedgey
TechRadar —
04-2014
Ratings in depthAfter blowing our socks off with its 2014 TV debut, the 50W829, I’m salivating at the prospect of wrapping my eyeballs around Sony’s flagship 55-inch HD TV for 2014, the… Hide
Sony gives the TV market a wedgey | Read more
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£198
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Panasonic TX 42AS500 |
Panasonic LCD TVs | ||
 2 reviews – 1 feedback – 6 photos
A great smart TV for a very reasonable price
TechRadar —
07-2014
Ratings in depthThis 42-incher from Panasonic’s AS500 Series of LED TVs is all about value, but with a little something extra.With a list price of £599, but seen online for less than £450, the… Hide
A great smart TV for a very reasonable price | Read more
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£50
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Sony KDL40W605 |
Sony LCD TVs | ||
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3 reviews – 1 feedback – 2 videos – 11 photos
Sony KDL-40W605B
S21 —
06-2014
The 40 inch version of Sony’s W6 TV range is a low-cost LED TV with surprisingly good picture quality, plus the benefit of Smart TV. It’s highly recommended for anyone on a budget. Hide
Sony KDL-40W605B | Read more
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£198
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LG 47LB730V |
LG LCD TVs | ||
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1 review – 2 news – 1 photo
LG 47LB730V review
Trusted Reviews —
07-2014
LG 47LB730V TV review: LG’s latest 47-inch TV gets most things right, but not all things. Hide
LG 47LB730V review | Read more
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£63 to £648
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Samsung UE32H5500 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
 1 review – 1 video – 4 photos
Samsung UE32H5500
S21 —
07-2014
The Samsung UE32H5500 is an outstanding 32 inch TV. Priced at the budget level, it delivers good picture quality, outstanding Smart TV and plenty of connectivity. Hide
Samsung UE32H5500 | Read more
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£24
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Samsung UE55HU8500 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
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1 review – 2 videos – 8 photos
Samsung’s flagship 4K/UHD TV with curved screen and enhanced Smart TV features
TechRadar —
07-2014
Ratings in depthYou could be forgiven for thinking that AV manufacturers actually like making it hard for us to choose a new TV.As if it wasn’t tricky enough thinking about factors such as screen… Hide
Samsung’s flagship 4K/UHD TV with curved screen and enhanced Smart TV features | Read more
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£24
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LG 42LB5800 |
LG LCD TVs | ||
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39 user opinions – 2 news – 1 video – 14 photos |
£32
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Samsung UE48H6670 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
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1 review – 10 photos
Samsung UE48H6670
S21 —
06-2014
When it comes to big screens with big value, the 48 inch version of the Samsung H6670 is the one to watch. This top-of-the-range Series 6 TV delivers an excellent performance at an excellent price… Hide
Samsung UE48H6670 | Read more
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£24
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Toshiba 40 L 5435 |
Toshiba LCD TVs | ||
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1 video |
£430 to £1,882
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Samsung UE32H6200 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
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2 reviews – 2 news – 1 video – 1 photo
An unusually high-performance if expensive small-screen TV
TechRadar —
06-2014
Ratings in depthAs the TV market leans towards ever-bigger screens, the relatively small 32-inch market is undergoing a process of ever-increasing commoditisation.By which I mean that more and more… Hide
An unusually high-performance if expensive small-screen TV | Read more
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£24
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Samsung UE65HU8500 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
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4 reviews – 4 news – 2 videos – 12 photos
Samsung UE65HU8500 curved 4K TV review
T3 —
04-2014
Its maker believes you’ll all go ape for its banana-shaped Samsung UE65HU8500 4K flagship. But it’s Netflix 4K that really wows… Samsung UE65HU8500 curved 4K TV reviewLove4K picture performanceTwin… Hide
Samsung UE65HU8500 curved 4K TV review | Read more
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£24
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Samsung UE55HU7500 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
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2 reviews – 2 news – 1 video – 6 photos
Samsung UE55HU7500 review
Trusted Reviews —
06-2014
Samsung UE55HU7500 review: Samsung’s first flat UHD TV of 2014 is a great alternative to ‘The Curve’ Hide
Samsung UE55HU7500 review | Read more
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£24
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Samsung UE48H6400 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
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3 reviews – 9 photos
Samsung UE48H6400
S21 —
07-2014
Samsung’s 48 inch H6400 TV delivers a big screen experience at a surprisingly low cost, making truly large screens affordable for the first time. Hide
Samsung UE48H6400 | Read more
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£24
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Samsung UE40H6400 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
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2 reviews – 2 user opinions – 1 news – 3 photos
Some strong features are slightly undermined by annoying flaws
TechRadar —
05-2014
Ratings in depthSamsung’s 6 Series H6400 Full HD fleet represent its high-spec, mainstream TV offering. Streets away from the contentiously curved world of UHD flagships, these models are Smart TVs… Hide
Some strong features are slightly undermined by annoying flaws | Read more
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£24
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Sony KDL50W829 |
Sony LCD TVs | ||
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4 reviews – 1 video – 15 photos
Sony KDL-50W829 review
T3 —
04-2014
Can the new Sony W8 series live up to the the maker’s 2013 5-star flagship range? Find our in our Sony KDL-W829 review Sony KDL-50W829 reviewLoveSuperb image qualityFabulous motion handlingOne Flick… Hide
Sony KDL-50W829 review | Read more
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£198
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Samsung UE40H6200 |
Samsung LCD TVs | ||
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1 review – 1 feedback – 2 videos – 2 photos
Samsung UE40H6200
S21 —
05-2014
An excellent mid-range 40-inch TV with stylish looks, good picture quality, outstanding Smart TV and a host of connectivity options. Hide
Samsung UE40H6200 | Read more
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£24
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LG 55UB950V |
LG LCD TVs | ||
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2 reviews – 1 news – 1 photo
LG’s first 2014 4K TV also delivers webOS
TechRadar —
07-2014
Ratings in depthAfter strong 4K/UHD showings this year from Sony, Samsung and Panasonic, the next brand in the 4K firing line is LG, with its 55-inch 55UB950V.The UB950V series sits at the very top… Hide
LG’s first 2014 4K TV also delivers webOS | Read more
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£65 to £635
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Sony KDL-42W829 |
Sony LCD TVs | ||
 1 review – 1 feedback – 1 video – 2 photos
Sony KDL-42W829B
S21 —
06-2014
The Sony Bravia KDL-42W829 is a mid-range 42 inch TV with an attractive design. Picture quality isn’t the best and audio is weak, but for good value family viewing with catch-up TV it could be a good… Hide
Sony KDL-42W829B | Read more
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£198
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