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The best LED TVs of 2011

CNET editors round up the LED TVs with the best picture quality in 2011.

David Katzmaier Editorial Director -- Personal Tech
David reviews TVs and leads the Personal Tech team at CNET, covering mobile, software, computing, streaming and home entertainment. We provide helpful, expert reviews, advice and videos on what gadget or service to buy and how to get the most out of it.
Expertise A 20-year CNET veteran, David has been reviewing TVs since the days of CRT, rear-projection and plasma. Prior to CNET he worked at Sound & Vision magazine and eTown.com. He is known to two people on Twitter as the Cormac McCarthy of consumer electronics. Credentials
  • Although still awaiting his Oscar for Best Picture Reviewer, David does hold certifications from the Imaging Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology on display calibration and evaluation.
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David Katzmaier
2 min read

Now that we've reviewed all of the flagship LED TVs this year, it's time to round up the winners to date.

With one very notable exception, these TVs aren't as good in our book as the very best plasmas, but each delivers excellent or very good performance overall. So without further ado, here they are in descending order of picture quality--beginning with the best TV we've seen in years.

Sharp Elite PRO series
If you're willing to pay for the privilege, the similarities between the Sharp Elite PRO and the hallowed Pioneer Kuro are more than skin deep. This is an amazing television.
Read the full review.

Sony XBR-HX929 series
One of the best-performing LED-based LCDs we've ever tested, the expensive local-dimming Sony XBR-HX929 competes well with the top plasmas.
Read the full review.

Sony KDL-NX720 series
Albeit expensive and plagued by 3D image issues, the beautifully styled Sony KDL-NX720 has better picture quality than most other edge-lit LED-based LCD TVs.
Read the full review.

LG LW5600 series
While passive 3D has its flaws, the LG LW5600's 2D picture quality is very good for an edge-lit LED-based LCD TV, especially in bright rooms.
Read the full review.

Samsung UND6400 series
Solid overall picture quality, a wealth of features, and beautiful looks make the Samsung UND6400 one of the better edge-lit LED-based LCD TVs we've tested.
Read the full review.

Vizio Razor M3D550 SR
The Vizio has very good image quality and several excellent features including passive 3D and a QWERTY remote, though it's hampered a little by a slow backlight.
Read the full review.

Looking for specs and pricing? Compare the 55-inch versions of these TVs head-to-head. Click through to the reviews for additional sizes.