Top 10 DLP, LCD, LCOS Rear Projection and LCD, Plasma Flat Panel 1080P HDTVs

I wonder if we are ready for, or even need, 1080P televisions. The reason is because 720p and 1080i are great pictures and there is arguably little improvement over either picture compared to 1080P.

Still, manufacturers are selling these models as companions to their HD-DVD and Blu-ray disc players so it makes sense to see what is available to purchase. <p> This list features ten of the best 1080P televisions based on price and features.

1. JVC 61” LCOS, Model HD61FH96

• 3-chip LCOS System
• Built-in ATSC/NTSC Tuner with CableCARD
• 75 MHz Digital Super Detail

The HD61FH96 is very comparable to the Sony KDS-XBR2. The chipset in this model is capable of producing 2-million pixels per chip, which means up to 6-million total pixels on screen. The picture has a 5th Generation Digital Image Scaling Technology coupled with GENESSA Picture Processing. In addition, it has a 75 MHz processor that should add to the overall picture quality. The only downside would be the size and weight difference compared to a flat panel and the periodic lamp replacement cost.

2. Panasonic 65” Plasma Flat Panel, Model TH-65PX600U

• 5,000:1 Contrast Ratio
• Built-in ATSC Tuner
• Three HDMI Inputs

The TH-65PX600U has the capability of displaying over 29-billion colors, which is why it’s good that the panel has a 5,000:1 contrast ratio. The unit has a built-in digital tuner and a CableCARD slot. One feature that sets this unit apart from other models is the inclusion of three HDMI interfaces versus only one or two. This is a great feature that will undoubtedly come in handy years down the road when most components will have a HDMI interface. The downsides are the size (175 lbs) and that the panel doesn’t come with speakers or tabletop stand.

3. Pioneer 50” Plasma Flat Panel, Model PRO-FHD1

• No built-in ATSC or NTSC Tuner
• First-Surface Pure Color Filter
• Best of CES Finalist by CNET

The PRO-FHD1 is part of Pioneer’s Elite PureVision line. This model was recognized at last year’s Consumer Electronics Showcase by CNET, which put this panel as a finalist for their Best of CES 2006 awards. It needs an external digital tuner to view digital programming like high definition. It This panel also boasts a First-Surface Pure Color Filter, which should reduce reflections thus making the screen sharper and brighter than other plasmas. The only downside is the lack of a built-in tuner.

4. Samsung 56” DLP Rear Projection, Model HL-S5688W

• 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio
• Built-in ATSC Tuner
• Hidden Speaker Design

The HL-S5688W is one of many Samsung DLP TVs that have a 1080P resolution. This model features a Cinema Smooth light engine that does an amazing job at reproducing digital images. The color and detail are exceptional. I saw a similar model at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show and was amazed at the clarity within dark scenes, which is something a lot of other TVs have difficulty with. The only downside would be the size difference compared to a flat panel and the periodic lamp replacement cost.

5. Samsung 40" LCD Flat Panel, Model LN-S4095D

• 6,000:1 Contrast Ratio
• 8ms Response Time
• Built-in ATSC Tuner

Samsung continues to lead the industry in affordability and quality with the introduction of the LN-S4095D, a 40” LCD HDTV with a built-in digital tuner. This LCD flat panel has Samsung’s brilliant Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) picture enhancement technology. The 6,000:1 contrast ratio is critical given this panel has the ability to produce over 12-billion colors. The panel also utilizes hidden speakers. The only downside would be the lack of CableCARD slot and a smaller screen size compared to other TVs in this list.

6. Sceptre 37" LCD Flat Panel, X37SV-Naga

• 1,000:1 Contrast Ratio
• 8ms Response Time
• Built-in ATSC Tuner

At 37”, the X37SV-NAGA represents the smaller side of 1080P televisions in production. It is also one of the least expensive of all models in this list. This particular panel is going to feature much of the same specifications as many of the other models in this list. However, I would lower my expectations in comparison to some of the other models in the list because of the overall cost. This is a product that would be the 1080P alternative to look at if you are interested in something lower in cost like a Vizio.

7. Sharp AQUOS 37” LCD Flat Panel, Model LC-37D90U

• 1,200:1 Contrast Ratio
• 450 cd/m2 Brightness
• Built-in ATSC Tuner

The AQUOS LC-37D90U might be 37” but it has the technology to power a much larger panel. It has Sharp’s Multi-Pixel Technology, which is a high quality picture enhancing technologies. The brightness is relatively high compared to other models in this list (450 cd/m2) as is the 6ms Response Time. The contrast ratio is a lower than many other 1080P models but still above average. The speakers are bottom-mounted and detachable. The downsides include the lack of a CableCARD slot and screen size compared to other models available in 1080P.

8. Sony 70" LCD Rear Projection, Model KDS-R70XBR2

• 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio
• 2.5ms Response Time
• Built-in ATSC Tuner

The KDS-R70XBR2 is a giant. At 70”, the HDS-R70XBR2 is one of the larger televisions you’ll find on store shelves. It features Sony’s WEGA HD Engine, which is a very good picture enhancement technology and will only help this monster display standard definition images. The contrast ratio is second to none at 10,000:1 as is the response time (2.5ms – rise and fall), which is very important considering the screen size. The downsides with this unit are the overall size and periodic lamp replacement cost.

9. Sony 60" LCOS Rear Projection, Model KDS-R60XBR2

• 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio
• 2.5ms Response Time
• Built-in ATSC Tuner with CableCARD

The KDS-R60XBR2 is a 60” LCOS rear projection HDTV. LCOS is similar to LCD but typically higher in quality. This Sony has virtually every feature desired in a TV except for an on-board digital video recorder. The contrast ratio is excellent as is the response time. The only downside would be the size and weight difference compared to a flat panel and the periodic lamp replacement cost.

10. Westinghouse 42” LCD Flat Panel, Model 42w2

• 1000:1 Contrast Ratio
• 8ms Response Time
• No built-in ATSC Tuner

The 42w2 is a 42" widescreen LCD HD-monitor. It’s capable of displaying all formats of digital TV with an external digital tuner, including 1080p. It has a contrast ratio of 1000:1, brightness of 550 cd/m2 and 8ms response time. The panel is 41.5" wide and 28" tall with the base. It has a 60,000 hour lamp life. The downsides are the lack of built-in tuners and the contrast ratio, which is average for 1080P TVs.