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55" and 52" LCD and LED TV

Top Recommended 52" and larger LCD and LED Televisions for 2012

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

55" is a very popular size in LCD and LED TVs and these are the models that we feel comfortable in recommending for 2012. If the particular television wasn't reviewed by us this year we make a determination based on previous models in that series and on the overall performance of the brand. In our review testing lab we look for consistency in a brand and model series in many categories such as Picture Quality from both standard definition and HD resolution. We look for good features and aesthetic appearance with a solid working platform from the menu and remote control.

Samsung UN55D7000      Editor's Choice: Quality
55" LED TV

The UN55D7000 uses a 1080p, 240Hz LCD panel with LED edge lighting, the edge lighting is capable of local dimming for increased contrast in dark scenes and better contrast than LED or LCD televisions with constant back lighting.

Samsung's D7000 LED backlit (via edge lighting) LCD TV is clearly one of their best, with top end features and a slightly lower price point than the D8000. It's available in 60 inch, 55", and 46" sizes and has great attributes in the clear coat 3 dimensional screen with active 3D TV.

Sony KDL-55EX720     
52" LCD TV

"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

Sharp LC-52LE830U     
52" LCD/LED TV

The LE830 is the replacement for the popular LE820 series from Sharp's 2010 lineup. The TV contains all the best edge lit picture quality features that Sharp has except the panel is 120Hz instead of 240Hz. It is designed for those that want the best picture and a great looking set, but do not care about 3D TV inclusion.

Samsung UN55D6300      Editor's Choice: Value
55" LED Television

The UN55D6300 is another in the extensive 6 series lineup of LED edge-lit LCD televisions. The picture quality is a strong highlight, especially for an edge-lit model and for the first time we weren't diving for the remote to shut off the 120Hz feature. It is decidedly better on the 2011 Samsung LEDs and this is the first year we don't recommend turning it off for all viewing. When viewing some sources it is noticeable but for the most part it's a huge improvement.

Another 2011 improvement in Samsung's line-up is the Smart TV feature, the whole system works better and it is faster and more user friendly. The menus are easier to navigate and the Samsung App store shows improvement in the same area. See the full review and video review of the D6300

LG 55LK520      Editor's Choice: Price
55" LCD TV

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.

We've advised users in the past to turn off the 120/240Hz feature when watching film and broadcast based video content, and our sentiments remain the same. It introduces too many unnatural artifacts. After doing so however there are some very nice picture attributes to this TV including good black levels, natural beautiful colors, and plenty of dark shadow detail.

Toshiba 55TL515     
55" LCD TV

Adoption of the Toshiba 55TL515 will be interesting as the TV has lots of compelling features but in Toshiba's passive 3D format and edge lit local dimming. Viewing angles on the TL515 are superior to that of the SL417 due no doubt to the enhanced local dimming technology employed during viewing. .