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Best HDTVs overall
We review a lot of high-definition televisions here at CNET, but the list below represents the best of the best. It collects our current highest-recommended televisions arranged in order of overall score, regardless of TV type, technology, brand, or size. These cumulative ratings are the best indication of which HDTVs scored highest in each of the three major areas we rate: design, features, and performance. We don't expect this list to apply to everyone, however, so we've also created supplemental lists broken down by technology type and screen size. Choose from the lists to the left according to which criteria matter most to you.
Panasonic TH-50PZ800U
8.7 Excellent (reviewed 5/23/08)
With the accuracy of its THX mode and great black-level performance, the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U is one of the best-performing HDTVs available.
Read review of the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U
Pioneer PDP-5080HD
8.7 Excellent (reviewed 8/21/07)
The Pioneer PDP-5080HD produces the deepest shade of black--and thus one of the best pictures--we've ever tested.
Read review of the Pioneer PDP-5080HD
Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850U
8.3 Excellent (reviewed 7/1/08)
The Panasonic TH-50PZ850U's color accuracy issues prevent it from topping the high-end plasma HDTV heap, but excellent picture quality and unique interactive features maintain its appeal.
Read review of the Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850U
Sony KDS-55A3000
8.5 Excellent (reviewed 11/28/07)
The SXRD-based Sony KDS-55A3000 exhibited excellent color accuracy and stellar performance in general, making it the year's best performer in the rear-projection HDTV category.
Read review of the Sony KDS-55A3000
Samsung LN52A650
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 4/29/08)
If you don't mind its red frame, the Samsung LN52A650 LCD HDTV will reward you with a massive feature set and excellent picture quality.
Read review of the Samsung LN52A650
Sony KDL-46XBR4
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 9/27/07)
Although not quite as impressive as the best plasmas, the 46-inch Sony KDL-46XBR4 outperforms any flat-panel LCD we've tested so far.
Read review of the Sony KDL-46XBR4
Samsung LN-T4681F
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 11/1/07)
A breakthrough in LCD picture quality with some issues, the LED-powered Samsung LN-T4681F will nonetheless impress the staunchest videophiles.
Read review of the Samsung LN-T4681F
Samsung PN50A550
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 4/14/08)
Accurate color helps set apart the excellent picture quality of the Samsung PN50A550 50-inch plasma HDTV.
Read review of the Samsung PN50A550
Samsung FP-T5084
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 10/10/07)
With accurate color and deep black levels, the Samsung FP-T5084 50-inch plasma's picture stands up well against some tough competition.
Read review of the Samsung FP-T5084
Panasonic TH-58PZ700U
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 8/30/07)
While it costs more than just about any rear-projection big-screen, the 58-inch Panasonic TH-58PZ700U plasma offers superb image quality.
Read review of the Panasonic TH-58PZ700U
Panasonic TH-46PZ85U
7.7 Very good (reviewed 4/17/08)
A couple of issues keep its picture out of the top tier, but excellent black-level performance still makes the Panasonic TH-46PZ85U plasma HDTV stand out from the pack.
Read review of the Panasonic TH-46PZ85U
Samsung LN46A750
7.7 Very good (reviewed 6/26/08)
The excellent picture quality and unique interactive features of the Samsung LN46A750 flat-panel LCD aren't quite worth the higher price tag.
Read review of the Samsung LN46A750
LG 50PG60
7.6 Very good (reviewed 6/12/08)
Although its THX mode isn't as accurate as we'd like to see, the LG 50PG60 50-inch plasma TV still delivers a good picture.
Read review of the LG 50PG60
Samsung LN-T4671F
7.7 Very good (reviewed 11/13/07)
While a few issues hamper its judder-busting video processing, the 120Hz Samsung LN-T4671F is still one of the best-performing LCD HDTVs available.
Read review of the Samsung LN-T4671F
