Best TV Review

Best TV knows a good TV when we see one. The LG 47LH90 is a beautiful 47″, power saving, HD driven machine. It has a 1920 x 1080 display resolution (full HD), 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, LED Backlight Technology, and a 178 degree viewing angle. This TV is said to bridge the gap between LCD and plasma technology, making it an extremely close competitor. This LG LED comes equipped with 4 HDMI outputs (so you can have your dvd player, xbox, etc all hooked up at once), and a USB port so you can load digital pictures or music right onto the screen. It has deep, rich black levels and a matte screen to dramatically reduce light and reflections. This TV stays true to the sharp display quality expected from LG (and now LG LED TVs).

This television series (the 42″ LG 42LH90, 55″ 55FH90 are nearly identical to the 47″ in terms of picture quality, performance, etc) features the new LED-Backlight technology. Older LED models used an edge-lit approach, lining the edges of the screens with LED’s. Now, new developments have led manufacturers to move the LED’s behind the screen. These LED lamps can dim or even shut off individually to create a vibrant, rich picture quality. This technology also drastically reduces the energy consumption of the set. Also, this model is only 5 inches deep.

The LG 47LH90 is one of the highest quality TV’s on the market today, a Best TV favorite!

Estimated Cost: $2,199.95

LCD technology is constantly competing with plasma technology to achieve the best picture quality.  When you open up an ad and skim the TV section, you will see the term “LED” followed by “LCD,” because the technology is created solely for LCD TVs.  Now, before we at Best TV Review can discuss what LED exactly is, we must discover what LCDs generally use to create a picture.  They all depend on a backlight, in one way, shape, or form to light the LCD panel itself.  Most of them rely on a fluorescent backlight, also known as CCFL.  However, many manufacturers are beginning to employ the LED technology instead.  What LED brings to the table is not only the fact that it uses less energy, but the fact that it delivers deep, rich black levels that rival (or even surpass) those of top plasma TVs.  The price reflects the level of performance, which is higher than regular LCD TVs.

To clear up some questions we get here at Best TV, when talking about LED backlights, today’s televisions use one of two major versions.  The first is referred to as “local dimming.”  What this basically does is allows the backlight to dim or turn off in different areas of the screen.  Let’s not forget that black levels are the most important factor in HDTV picture quality.  The second version is called “edge lit.”  The name comes from the arrangement of LEDs along the edge of the screen, which allows for extremely thin designs.  In recent tests, the local dimming technology out performed the edge lit in terms of performance and picture quality.

If you are interested in purchasing a TV with new LED Technology, Best TV Review recommends the following Energy Star Qualified choices:

Under $1,500: 32″ Samsung UN32B6000V

1080p resolution – 120 Hz refresh rate – 4 HDMI inputs

$1,499.98 at Best Buy (follow the link under my “Affiliates” tab)

Under $2,000: 47″ LG 47LH90

1080p resolution – 240 Hz refresh rate – 4 HDMI inputs

$1,799.99 at Best Buy (follow the link under my “Affiliates” tab)

Under $2,500: 47″ LG 55LH90

1080p resolution – 240 Hz refresh rate – 4 HDMI inputs – 2 HD inputs

$2,499.99 at Best Buy (follow the link under my “Affiliates” tab)

Under $3,000:  55″ Samsung UN55B6000

1080p resolution – 120 Hz (Auto Motion Plus) – 4 HDMI inputs – Swivel Stand

$2,899.99 at Best Buy (follow the link under my “Affiliates” tab)

Over $3,000: 55″ Samsung UN55B8000

1080p resolution – 240 Hz refresh rate – 4 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports

$3,599.98 at Best Buy (follow the link under my “Affiliates” tab)

We at Best TV know there is plenty of speculation regarding to the technology of plasma TVs, some true and some false.  Here are a few of the most common mistakes about plasmas:

1) Plasma TVs Do Not Last Long

This is an extremely common plasma TV myth.  When comparing plasma to LCD technology, they are pretty much dead even.  Plasmas currently have an average lifespan of around 60,000 hours (give or take a few thousand).  If you were to watch 4 hours of TV a day, the display should theoretically last over 40 years, on a medium contrast setting.  TIP: when your TV is shipped to the store or to you, it is usually set at a very high contrast level (for the showroom).  So when you open your baby up and take it out, be sure to navigate to the menu and turn down the contrast ratio.

2) Plasmas Are Expensive

In some cases, such as the largest, highest resolution top-end models.  Fortunately, technology has allowed the price of plasmas to dramatically lower in the past 10 years.  Plasma TVs have comparable costs to LCDs, and as the screen size increases the price is actually sometimes lower than an LCD with the same screen size.

3) Plasma TVs Give Off Harmful Radiation

Best TV laughs at this claim, this is about as far off as you can get.  The only trace of detectable radiation can be found up to an inch away from the screen.  CRTs (the most common household TV) give off a significantly higher amount of radiation.  The pixels are individually illuminated, so the radiation is kept within the specific pixel.  Plasma and CRTs should pose no threat to your health – they comply with the FDA guidelines for radiation emission.

4) The Higher Resolution, the Better the Picture

Save your money.  The only reason you would want to spend extra money on a TV with 1080p resolution (top-end) would be to watch Blu Ray movies or play Blu Ray games.  Watching regular TV on a 1080p TV looks no different than a 720p or even a 420p (TV is generally broadcast in 420).  Also, most movies are made for 720p resolution or lower.

5) Plasma TVs Leak Gas

Modern Plasma TVs in no way, shape, or form leak gas, or need to be refilled.  I don’t know how many times I’ve heard that in my life.  The TV’s pixels are permanently enclosed in sealed glass cells, and are filled with a harmless gas mixture.  There is no way for the gas to escape, meaning it cannot leak out and does not need to be refilled by any means.