Let�s face it, there�s nothing quite like coming home with a new TV. The impossible
bright picture, the new features you�re scratch your head over and of course the box you
don�t know what to do with.
So here they are, the Top 5 TV�s as rated by CNET so far in 2010.
#5: A tie at CNET Rating 7.6 � and brace yourself, in this competitive business we have
a lot of those coming up � between the LG PK950 series and the Samsung C8000
models.
The PK 950 is LG�s best plasma ever and is a flagship. It has a �magic wand� remote
we think works well, but is also a gimmick. Streaming services are a little thin compared
to some competition. It�s an affordable set.
The Sammy C8000 is an edge lit LED LCD with 3D ability and also really good picture,
but the remote was a mess and it doesn�t include 3D glasses. Streaming and app
support was superb. The price is sort of unconscionable.
#4: is the Panasonic G20/G25 series with CNET Rating 7.7. Great black levels so the
colors really pop, low�ish power consumption and an effective aniti glare coating, but this
plasma is a little behind on streaming functions and there are persistent complaints this
series has trouble with black levels over time.
#3 is cutely enough a 3-way tie with a CNET Rating of 7.9:
Pansonic�s TCP-Z1 series is their flagship, with tremendous black levels and color
rendering, solid wireless connection technology to components and a nice slim case. As
you might imagine this plasma is pricey.
Sony�s HX909 series is a great looking LCD set with both 3D ability and 2D to 3D that
actually works pretty well. Like most on our list, it has a good array of streaming
services. If it didn�t start at close to $3,000 street we�d e a little more excited.
Vizio�s 2XVT series is anything but overpriced � we think it�s a great value. This LED
LCD has wi-fi, outstanding streaming services, and a BT remote with QWERTY. But off
angle viewing was weak and the LED backlighting could be uneven.
#2 is a 2-way tie. Way, is this a set up? Coming in both at CNET Rating 8.0
Samsung C7000 has superb internet streaming, widgets and apps, and is the least
expensive 2010 plasma so far to feature 3D. Picture perf is real good, too
LG�s LE 8500 is interesting. We dropped this local dimming LED LCD set from a
monster CNET Rating of 9.0 to 8.0 because of uneven backlighting, yet it still impresses
with otherwise outstanding picture and low power use. This is an early 2010 set, so no
3D but it does has a good array of streaming features.
BTW, speaking of 3D, before you dive in, be aware of a controversy that it may have
health risks including eye strain, dizziness, headache and nausea. And just from
watching The Marriage Ref. 17% of Americans are sure 3D TV makes you ill and 55%
aren�t sure.
OK, our #1 TV as of this point in 2010 is a 1 way non-tie! It�s the Pansonic Viera VT
20/25 series with big CNET Rating of 8.7. It has outstanding picture in 2D and 3D, a
strong if not class leading set of streaming services and INCLUDES a pair of 3 D
glasses. It does have some minor concerns about fading black levels and being a
plasma is a bit power hungry.
So there you go, a Top 5 with 9 products in it!
Find all our TV reviews at CNET.com � Televisons are right there on the left side..
I�m Brian Cooley. See you next time.
