Post by Skaggs on Feb 23, 2005 13:21:38 GMT -5
Quick Picks highlights models you might want to consider based on how they scored and on factors such as reliability, features, and price.
QUICK PICKS
Best values:
Sony KP-51WS520 $1,700
Sony KP-57WS520 $2,000
Panasonic PT-47X54 $1,400
If you can fit a bulky set, consider these CRT-based models. The Sony has a 51- inch screen and a 57-inch screen. The Panasonic is 47 inches. All had very good HD performance and good picture quality for DVDs and regular TV broadcasts. All three sets have automatic and manual convergence and dual-tuner PIP. Both Sony and Panasonic have been reliable brands.
If you prefer a slimmer set:
Panasonic PT-50DL54 $3,300
Panasonic PT-50LC14 $2,800
Toshiba 52HM84 $3,000
Both Panasonics have 50-inch screens; the “54” is a DLP set, while the “14” is an LCD-based model. The Toshiba is a 52-inch DLP set. All three had very good HD performance, good picture quality for DVDs and regular TV broadcasts, and excellent sound. The Toshiba can store custom picture settings for each input.
Best for DVD watching, but big and pricey:
Samsung HL-P5085W $4,000
Samsung HL-P5685W $4,600
These DLP models were the only tested sets judged very good with DVDs, but they’re fairly deep and expensive. The “5085” is a 50-inch set; the “5685” is a 56-inch TV. Both can store custom picture settings for each input.
QUICK PICKS
Best values:
Sony KP-51WS520 $1,700
Sony KP-57WS520 $2,000
Panasonic PT-47X54 $1,400
If you can fit a bulky set, consider these CRT-based models. The Sony has a 51- inch screen and a 57-inch screen. The Panasonic is 47 inches. All had very good HD performance and good picture quality for DVDs and regular TV broadcasts. All three sets have automatic and manual convergence and dual-tuner PIP. Both Sony and Panasonic have been reliable brands.
If you prefer a slimmer set:
Panasonic PT-50DL54 $3,300
Panasonic PT-50LC14 $2,800
Toshiba 52HM84 $3,000
Both Panasonics have 50-inch screens; the “54” is a DLP set, while the “14” is an LCD-based model. The Toshiba is a 52-inch DLP set. All three had very good HD performance, good picture quality for DVDs and regular TV broadcasts, and excellent sound. The Toshiba can store custom picture settings for each input.
Best for DVD watching, but big and pricey:
Samsung HL-P5085W $4,000
Samsung HL-P5685W $4,600
These DLP models were the only tested sets judged very good with DVDs, but they’re fairly deep and expensive. The “5085” is a 50-inch set; the “5685” is a 56-inch TV. Both can store custom picture settings for each input.