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Electronics Expert Review Panel

Professional Electronics Experts

Best 40- and 42-inch LCD TV sets

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The LCD Tvs of the day have so much to offer it’s users. Here at Tibesti, we’ll share with you the BEST LCD TVs ranging from size and sharing new features. Most of the 40-inch and larger LCD sets provide access to online content, from services such as Amazon Video On Demand, Netflix, Pandora and Picasa. A most of them allow you to connect wirelessly to a home network, a convenience if you don't have a nearby Ethernet jack.


More and more LCDs have 120Hz or 240Hz technology, especially in the larger screen sizes. A higher frame rate can minimize motion blur when implemented well. That's often paired with an anti-judder feature, which can smooth the jerkiness of film-based content, but some viewers complain that the effect imparts a "shot-with-video-camera" look to movies. A few new sets let viewers control motion blur reduction and image smoothing separately, a plus. We note that on the model page for those TVs.


A growing number of sets--about half the LCD TVs with screens 32 inches and larger--use LED backlights instead of the more typical fluorescent lamps. Only a few sets have full-array LED backlights with local dimming, which means some areas of images can be dimmed while others remain illuminated. While this can improve black levels, objects against a very dark background may exhibit a "halo," and dimming portions of the image can introduce unwanted lack of shadow uniformity.


More LCD TVs use edge LED backlights mounted around the perimeter of the screen, with diffusers to distribute light across the back of the panel. This allows for a very slim panel design and reduced energy usage. These TVs automatically dim the LED backlight to lower brightness on scenes with very dark content. This can improve the depth of black level but also dims the overall image, and it can be distracting if not done in perfect sync with changes in image brightness. Some new edge-lit models allow a type of local dimming.

Best 40- and 42-inch LCD TV sets by Electronics Expert Review Panel

The Best You Can Get

  • Samsung UN40C5000

    Expert says: The Samsung LED 5000: LED picture quality that looks stunning from any and every angle on Samsung’s Ultra Clear Panel, which absorbs ambient light and virtually eliminates reflections for a more comfortable viewing environment. Add to that Samsung’s exclusive Touch of Color design, which brings texture and a touch of red that delivers elegance to any room.

  • Sony Bravia KDL-40EX500

    Expert says: Sony's 40-inch KDL-40EX523 offers brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality, with LED backlighting for superb contrast and an ultra-slim design. Sony technologies like X-Reality Engine further enhance your picture, and connectivity to your home network and Sony's Internet offerings (via built-in Wi-Fi) expand your entertainment options. On top of that, you can watch the carbon footprint with features like a motion sensor that turns off the set when you're not in the room.overall picture quality and 120Hz technology.

  • JVC LT-42P510

    Expert says: This JVC 42" Class LCD television with stylish cosmetics, takes into consideration every feature the demanding digital customer is looking for now and for the future. It offers a 5000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 500 cd/m2 and a 178 Degree Viewing Angle. This units connectivity takes into consideration today's digital world and includes an ATSC Tuner, 3 HDMI Inputs, USB Photo Viewer and a Component Video Input. Ideal for any room in the house!

  • Sharp AQUOS LC-40D78UN

    Expert says: The 40-inch class AQUOS LC-40D78UN boasts full HD 1080p resolution and an elegant new design. The LC-40D78UN utilizes Sharp's high-performance LCD Panel, delivering a high contrast ratio, 4ms response time and wide viewing angles. The LC-40D78UN includes 120Hz Fine Motion Enhanced for improved fast-motion image processing. It also features built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners and five 1080p compatible inputs (3 HDMI, two component). With a sleek piano black cabinet and subtle recessed bottom-mounted speakers, it's also great for wall-mounting applications.

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