What LCD TVs Don't Do Well

Initially, most consumers in the market for an LCD TV will be wowed by the screen's imaging, which is smoother and tighter than that of standard interlaced TV tubes. But unlike traditional CRT televisions, LCDs have a history of slow image response times and poor viewing angles despite their flat surfaces.

Slower pixel response (how fast an individual pixel's color can change without blurring) can make action scenes such as car chases and console games look muddied and blurry. Looking closely at scenes with lots of action and shots with more detail can be disappointing for most viewers expecting crystal clear, smooth motion. Current pixel response times range from 20 milliseconds to 30 milliseconds, but as the technology gets better expect that number to fall to an optimal 15 milliseconds to 17 milliseconds. Those response rates are comparable to what CRTs can do. Just ask any serious gamer.

Lousy viewing angles can also make the screen difficult to make out when viewed off center. Most good LCDs will offer viewing angles anywhere from 150 degrees to 170 degrees horizontal and at least 130 degrees vertical. Some of the LCDs in this review fell well below these standards.