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42" LCD and LED TV

Top Recommended 42" LCD and LED Televisions for 2012

(chosen by editors Robert Wiley, Jack Burden and Phil Conner)

This is our recommended list of LCD and LED TVs in the 40" to 42" size for 2012. These recommendations are based on price, value, quality and specifications. If we reviewed the television, then the review will be on the product page of that TV. We have also assigned Editors Choice designations to some models based on one or more of these ratings criteria.

Samsung LN40D630      Editor's Choice: Value
40 " LCD Television

Alongside it's LED TV series, Samsung continues to offer traditionally backlit LCD televisions. The D630 series replaces 2010's C630 series. We liked the C650 series a lot when we reviewed it and found it to be a great value with a great picture. The 630 line was the same as the 650 without internet connectivity features. This year the 630 includes WiFi and the new Allshare feature but it still doesn't go online.

Sony KDL40EX720     
40 " LCD Television

"I'm a big fan of the appearance of this TV. It has a piano black satin finish rather than high gloss which looks refined and expensive. The framing bezel is only an inch thick and the bottom of the panel remains minimalistic and does not have the gray strip from last year. The EX720 is only 1.68" deep and that includes a small flange that sticks out from the back bottom. 95% of the TV is only 1" in depth." - Robert Wiley, see the full review of the Sony KDL-46EX720

Sony KDL40EX620     
40" LCD Television

One growing picture trait of the Sony LED TVs that sets it apart from the competition is the colors are not oversaturated. In fact, for an edge lit LED backlit LCD TV they are somewhat subdued. I like the color accuracy emphasis of the newer Sony TV genre and that's also true of this edge lit LED Sony KDL-40EX620 a direct replacement for the Sony KDL-40EX600 that we reviewed last fall.

LG 42LV5500     
40" LCD Television

The LG 42LV5500 will only be produced in the 42" size. It will contain the extremely valuable Magic Wand remote control for use with the SmartTV (Internet Apps) features. Further, it is 1080p and Wifi ready with the Wifi adapter included in the price. It moves up a notch in HZ rate to 120Hz (LG calls this feature TruMotion). It contains all of the basic LG LED TV feaure but with these upgrades. DLNA certification is present.

We reviewed the magic wand remote at CES 2011 and are impressed with its fast flexible functionality. The point and click application was spot on from the IR remote. Even typing is fast.

Panasonic TC-P42S30 Plasma     
42" Plasma TV

The replacement for the ever popular 1080p S2 series from last years batch of Panasonic plasma offerings is the S30 series. The main upgrade from last year is that this plasma uses the same new phosphor technologies used in the higher end 3D compatible models.

The new fast switching phospor technology is mainly to help with fast processing needs related to 3D viewing, but it should help slighly on normal 2D viewing as well. See our review of the Panasonic TC-P42S30

LG 42LK520      Editor's Choice: Price
40" LCD Television

LG may have little competition in the large LCD TV category. Not many of the other manufacturers seem interested in competing for this value oriented space.

Everyone is on the the latest and greatest 3D TVs and LED TVs, but dont underestimate some of these excellent little LCD TVs for delivering the best value (along with plasma) in the marketplace. From past reviews and viewing at CES we know that this TV has a strong picture performance