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The 10 most important TVs of 2011

It turns out that 2011 saw some of the most interesting developments in a long time in the TV category. Here are 10 reasons why.

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.
David Katzmaier
Panasonic TC-P50ST30
The Panasonic ST30 is the best value of any TV I've ever reviewed...for now. Sarah Tew/CNET

With all of the brouhaha over tablets, smartphones, and thin PCs, it's easy to overlook the fact that quite a few noteworthy things happened in the venerable TV category this year.

It's my job to keep track of such things, so, yeah, I'm biased, but when considering a year-end article to write, it really wasn't difficult to come up with 10 TVs that actually deserve the title "important." The models below, arranged in no particular order, might qualify because of picture quality, bang for the buck, 3D technology, slick design, or even sheer size, but each one interests me in its own way and potentially sets a trend for 2012 and beyond.

Disagree with any of my picks or want to nominate a more-important-to-you model? Let me know in comments.

The 10 most important TVs of 2011 (photos)

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