Price: $3,900
Verdict: A huge leap forward for smart TVs,
the ES8000 is gorgeous to look at and revolutionary to use
Ratings: 5/5
Defending your title is never easy, so it's
to Samsung's credit that its ES8000-series TV goes straight into the No.1 slot
as a replacement for its previous model, the D8000. Available (so far) in 46in,
55in and 65in versions, it's fully loaded with HD tuners and 3D support, and
its smart TV features are bolstered by a Dual Core processor plus built-in
Wi-Fi. More than all that, it thrills with both gesture and voice based
control. The fact that picture quality is brilliant is almost a bonus. Very
shortly, the set will be upgraded with the BBC Sport app, complete with
multiple live feeds. Nice.
Sony KDL-46HX863
Price: $2,055
Ratings: 5/5
Smart to look at and thoroughly clever to
live with, this brilliant new LED TV is by a long way the best of Sony's 2012
sets. Its picture is excellent, with amazing deep blacks and great motion
handling, its specification is comprehensive and it's even sensibly priced.
Panasonic TX-P50GT50
Price: $2,000
Ratings: 5/5
A close rival to the Sony at No.2 and if
size matters to you, its larger 50in panel may help seal the deal in its
favour. Exceptional picture performance and a strong spec are assets too,
although the Sony's online features and styling are a shade slicker.
Philips DesignLine
Price: $2,500
Ratings: 5/5
If you're all about style and want a TV to
complement your living decor, look no further than Philips DesignLine range.
The Apple-esque design masks a top-notch telly full of tech like Easy 3D mode
and Ambilight (a tad gimmicky, but we still love it).
Sony KDL-46HX923
Price: $4,120
Ratings: 5/5
This gorgeous 3D set sports just about
every tech tool in Sony's extensive arsenal, from local dimming LED
backlighting to built-in Skype. Fitted to its optional tabletop stand, which
contains additional speakers, it even sounds better than most rivals.
Toshiba 55ZL2
Price: $10,900
Ratings: 5/5
The price is a considerable obstacle, but
it's hard not to be impressed by Tosh's 55-inch specs free 3D TV. Its 3840x2160
screen looks spectacular with both upscaled Blu-ray and native-res images if
you can find any. 3D works... so long as you don't move.
LG 42LM660T
Price: $1,050
Ratings: 5/5
Although not the most spectacular of 2012's
TV debutantes, the LG's comprehensive spec and consistent performance make it
great value. Its family friendly passive 3D tech also helps, while it's
recently been updated with the new Game World portal.
Panasonic TX-L47DT50
Price: $2,680
Ratings: 4/5
Panasonic is best known for its plasma
sets, but this LED set is worth a gander. You get fairly basic menus, but Viera
Connect is excellent and the free FID digital tuner gives you stunning 3D
(where available). It just lacks a smidgeon of detail and depth.
Sony KDL-26EX320
Price: $510
Ratings: 4/5
The smallest smart TV on the block is also
a solid performer. Its 26in 720p image is smooth and detailed, though dim compared
to rivals such as Samsung's LE26C450. Home media streaming, web browsing and on
demand TV make that a fair compromise.
Philips 58PFL9955H
Price: $6,220
Ratings: 4/5
Philips has tried a 21:9 aspect TV before,
but the 58PFL9955H is a far more successful attempt. With 3D, the latest
versions of both Ambilight and Philips’ LED Pro backlighting, and built-in Net
TV it’s the ultimate “I love movies” statement.
Instant expert
After plenty of hubbub about LG and
Samsung's OLED TV announcements, Sony's made a splash of its own with the
massive, rather lovely and hugely expensive KD-84X9005 (US$30,000, sony.com).
Its 3840x2160 resolution is bang on-trend for top-end telly tech, though
disappointingly the Sony is an edge-lit LED model rather than OLED. Still, with
84in of screen real estate to gawp at, it's doubtful you'll care, especially
when gaming. As with LG's tellies, the Sony uses passive 3D tech - yet the
ultra-high res means it can still deliver 1080p 3D to each eye. It's got an all
new virtual 5.1 speaker array too, with 10 built-in speakers (four of which are
subs) adding up 50W of output. But you'll still want a proper home cinema to do
it justice. And masses of cash, obviously.
What to look for
LCD or plasma?
LCD is edging closer to victory simply
because it's so much cheaper to implement. Plasma- based TVs are pricier but
technically superior, though you won't find full HD ones under 40 inches.
Full HD
Screens described as ‘full HD' support a
1080p signal, the highest resolution video commercially available. They also
come with an HDMI port, allowing you to pipe full HD content from a Blu-ray
player or games console. Aim for HDMI 1.4a, which supports auto switching to 3D
modes.
3D
There are two types: active shutter and
passive (or polarising). Both require glasses; the former offers superior
resolution.
Extras
The scrabble for remote controls can be
resolved with a classy universal wand and don't skimp on cables, especially
analogue ones. A decent HDMI is a necessity at over 2m.
