At 40-49", a good flat panel LCD TV can be the beginning and end of a person's search for the perfect home theater monitor. For starters, they're true space savers - measuring less than 4" thick - which is great for people with limited space because they can mount on walls like picture frames. They're also used in dual roles as TV and PC monitor. Most manufacturers outfit their flat panel televisions with much the same technology as larger rear projection models.
1. Sharp AQUOS Televisions
Sharp has three very similar models of AQUOS televisions. They all have built-in ATSC digital tuners (1080p), CableCard slots, and an 800:1 contrast ratio. All models sport a low reflection screen and 170-degree viewing angles. A nice feature on these televisions are the abundance of connections (multiple component, HDMI, DVI), which will give a home theater enthusiast a variety of wiring possibilities. They are usually priced between $4,000-6,000.
2. Samsung LTP468WX 46" LCD TV
Right alongside the AQUOS is Samsung's LTP468WX. This 46" widescreen LCD TV features a built-in ATSC tuner (1080p), 800:1 contrast ratio, and 12ms response time. It also has Samsung's acclaimed DNIe image engine that really enhances the overall picture. The only thing it doesn't have is a CableCard slot. The dual built-in NTSC tuner with split screen and PIP capabilities is good for PC use. It is priced in the same range as the AQUOS televisions.3. Philips 42PF9996 42" LCD TV
This is a Philips TV with Ambilight technology. Ambilight projects a soft glow on the wall behind the unit similar to what's on the screen. It is claimed to reduce eye strain. The 42PF9996 also has various picture enhancers for processing still/moving images and reducing flicker. It also has a 3D comb filter. Another unique feature is how the outer cabinet makes up the speaker system, which makes the speakers seem invisible. The only downside of this TV is the lack of a built-in ATSC tuner.4. Kreisen KR-400T 40" LCD TV
Boasting a 40" Samsung LCD panel, the KR-400T is an excellent, affordable flat panel LCD TV. It has a 600:1 contrast ratio, 23ms response time and 3D digital comb filter. The bottom line is that it has a Samsung LCD panel, which gives it a boost above other moderately priced LCD monitors. I became a believer in this company after checking out their 37" model. To get a better feel for this television, read my review of Kreisen's 37" model.5. Mitsubishi LT-4260 42 inch LCD TV
This television is beautiful, well-designed, and expensive - costing upwards of $11,500. The LT-4260 has everything a person needs in a flat panel LCD: built-in ATSC tuner (1080i), CableCard slot, HDMI, FireWire. It has a technology called AMPV2, which takes low-resolution analog/digital images and converts them to near HAD quality. The LT-4260 also comes with a built-in 120-gig personal video recorder.