Close-up: TVs with style (photos)
CNET zooms in on some of the HDTVs that dare to look a bit different.
Close-up: TVs with style
Not every flat panel LCD or plasma TV is a black slate devoid of detail when turned off. Many TV makers build styling cues, subtle or otherwise, into their sets to make them stand out from the pack. Here's a close-up look at a few of the more unique ones we've seen.
Samsung has always been one of the more daring TV makers style-wise. Its C8000 series, featuring a thin frame of burnished metal bordered in transparent plastic, is a great example.
Samsung C8000 stand detail
Even more daring is the spider-like four-legged stand used across many of the company's 2010 TVs.
Samsung C8000 overview
The whole package certainly stands out, and you'll either love it or hate it. We don't really love it.
Panasonic Z1 corner detail
Panasonic usually occupies the staid end of the style spectrum, but for its flagship Z1 from 2009, the company went with burnished metal, too. Try to look past that wireless receiver sticking out from below.
Panasonic Z1 stand detail
The Z1's rounded stand is topped in glossy plastic.
Panasonic Z1 overview
The whole package is pretty slick for a Panasonic plasma, if you don't mind a little shine. Those speakers are detachable, too.
Sony NX800 corner detail
Sony's high-end 2010 models TVs have a "Monolithic" design, meaning lots of black and flush glass across the entire front.
Sony NX800 stand detail
The Monolith continues with a thin stand base.
Sony NX800 overview
The Sony's overall look is a study in uninterrupted black. Count us fans.
Samsung 860 corner detail
Samsung's 860 plasma also goes with black and adds a transparent edge.
Samsung 860 stand detail
Also transparent? The stand stalk, which sits atop a metal-topped base.
Samsung 860 overview
It doesn't get much more two-tone than this.
Samsung C6800 corner detail
Staying with Samsung, one of the company's LED models goes for black with a simulated wood grain finish.
Samsung C6800 overview
That stand seems ready to animate and crawl up a wall.
Mitsubishi 249 corner detail
Mitsubishi added a speaker bar to its LCDs, bulking up the bottom edge.
Mitsubishi 249 overview
On the other hand, the sides and top edge around the screen are vanishingly thin.
Vizio 552XVT corner detail
Another speaker bar is featured on Vizio's 55-inch LCD.
Vizio 552XVT overview
Unfortunately, the overall look is much bulkier.
LG LH8500 corner detail
LG's LED goes with the transparent edge combined with flush glass.
LG LH8500 stand detail
Another unusual stand stalk will grab attention.
LG LH8500 overview
Overall, the LG looks sleek and high-tech, while subtle styling cues still set it apart.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?