I can’t even tell you how many television recommendation requests I field. Unfortunately, I don’t always have a good HDTV suggestion, because I’m only paying close attention when it’s time for me to make a purchase. Generally speaking, I steer the less tech savvy/interested friends and relatives towards Costco (or similar) for whatever Vizio LCDs they have on hand. (Basically, what we did with Mom.) For those with a larger budget and higher expectations, I suggest Panasonic for plasmas or to find a Samsung LCD in their price range. However, if you’re looking for more specific guidance in higher-end sets, the HDGuru has compiled a top ten list of his current favorites:
- LG LH90
- Mitsubishi Diamond 249
- Panasonic G10
- Panasonic L S1
- Panasonic V10
- Panasonic Z1
- Pioneer Kuro Signature
- Samsung LNB8000
- Samsung LNB8500
- Sony XBR8
Two notes… First, not all of these HDTVs are still in production, although they should all still be available (somewhere) for purchase. Also, as sets have slimmed down, speaker size and audio quality have been sacrificed. So, for example, you’d probably want to use a receiver and external speakers (or soundbar) in conjunction with the HDGuru’s budget recommendation of the Panasonic G10 plasma (which starts at about ~$900). Whereas, my earlier generation 42″ Panasonic plasma has full sound at high levels built right in. (I don’t have a surround solution at the moment, but this set is destined for the bedroom.)