The Latest LCD, LED, and Plasma HDTVs 2011-2012
January 11, 2012 by SmartReview
Filed under HDTV, HDTV Articles
The Latest 2011-2012 HDTVs – 2011 was the the year of 3D and LED TVs. For 2011 the top of the line TVs were 3D Ready, which means that they can show both regular HD (without glasses), or 3D programming (with 3D glasses). We believe that 3D will be built into most sets in the near future. There are now more HDTVs with 240Hz and 120Hz technology than in previous years. 240HZ and 120HZ compensate for motion blur that can occur during fast moving action on LCD TVs. Most of our top-rated models incorporate this technology. The newest LED TVs are very thin (1.2 inches) and have high contrast and low energy consumption. We also are seeing more TVs with internet capability and WiFi connectivity (including Netflix streaming). See our CES 2012 article for the latest in 2012 models coming. Below are the newest models from 2011-2012 that are currently covered by Smart-Review.
Consumer Electronics Show 2012
The Samsung D8000 LED 3D TV Series. New for 2011, Samsung’s top of the line LED and 3D second generation of 3D Ready TVs. This series comes fully loaded. This is the first Samsung TV with LED Micro Dimming Plus Backlight Technology, which is an improvement from last year’s precision dimming. Micro Dimming provides uniform backlighting with the highest contrast ratios 25,000,000:1 that we have reviewed. This set can also convert 2D TV to 3D. 3D programming content became available last year from ESPN 3D, Directv, 3D Blu-ray Disks and other sources. The reason for the advent of 3D TVs is the huge popularity in the movie theaters of 3D movies like AVATAR. 3D TVs use glasses that communicate with your TV to produce the 3D effect. Unlike many 3D TVs, the D8000 series includes 2 pairs of rechargeable 3D glasses. Also included is built in Wifi wireless. LED HDTVs use far less power and are thinner than regular LCD and Plasma TVs. This one is only 1.2 inches thick. The bezel is ultrathin, making the screen almost all picture. Also new for 2011 is a remote control with a keyboard on the bottom (for internet applications). The included Samsung Apps will give you internet connectivity to: (Netflix, Youtube, Facebook, Skype and more…). This TV is ideal for mounting on a wall, or you can use the included stand. Other features include 240hz anti-blur technology and the new Ultra Clear Panel which reduces reflections and increases the contrast ratio. The D8000 Series is available in 60-inch, 55-inch, 46-inch sizes.
The Sony HX820 LED 3D Series. New for 2011. Sony’s top of the line LED TVs. For 2011, Sony upgraded the highly rated HX800 series. New for 2011 is built-in Wifi, Built-in 3D synch transmitter, Faster start-up, Gorilla Glass (strengthens the panel glass from damage), 480Hz Motionflow, added subwoofer speaker, OptiContrast Panel, X-Reality™ PRO Engine, and added Internet Widgets to complement the Internet Video. All of the HX820 series line of HDTVs include DLNA Technology, and are 3D Ready, are Internet Ready (Netflix, Youtube, and more). Sony uses a new backlighting technology using edge lit white LEDs with local dimming for the best contrast. You can use the two USB ports to show pictures and videos from your USB device. Sony has this listed as having Dynamic Infinite dynamic contrast for the blackest blacks. The HX820 is extremely energy efficient (Energy Star 5.0). The HX820 is a fully loaded TV with an exceptionally good picture for 3d, 2d and regular HD programming .
The Sony HX820 series is available in: 55-inch, 46-inch
The Samsung D7000 LED 3D TV Series. New for 2011, Samsung’s new line of LED and 3D second generation 3D Ready TVs. This series comes fully loaded (as does the D8000 series). This is the first Samsung TV with LED Micro Dimming Backlight Technology, which is an improvement from last year’s precision dimming. Micro Dimming provides uniform backlighting with the one of the highest contrast ratios 15,000,000:1 that we have reviewed. This set can also convert 2D TV to 3D. 3D programming content became available last year from ESPN 3D, Directv, 3D Blu-ray Disks and other sources. The reason for the advent of 3D TVs is the huge popularity in the movie theaters of 3D movies like AVATAR. 3D TVs use glasses that communicate with your TV to produce the 3D effect. Included is built in Wifi wireless. LED HDTVs use far less power and are thinner than regular LCD and Plasma TVs. This one is only 1.2 inches thick. The bezel is ultrathin, making the screen almost all picture. Also new for 2011 is a remote control with a keyboard on the bottom (for internet applications). The included Samsung Apps will give you internet connectivity to: (Netflix, Youtube, Facebook, Skype and more…). This TV is ideal for mounting on a wall, or you can use the included stand. Other features include 240hz anti-blur technology and the new Ultra Clear Panel which reduces reflections and increases the contrast ratio. The D7000 Series is available in 55-inch, 46-inch sizes.
The Panasonic S30 Plasma Series. New for 2011. The Latest S30 series has seen improvement over the highly rated S2 series that it replaces. The S30 is Panasonic’s lowest cost 1080p plasma TVs. The newer sets are lighter in weight, and use less energy. New for 2011 is the addition of EASY IPTV™. Simply press the VIERA Tools button on the remote control and you can directly access a variety of Internet services such as Netflix, Pandora, Facebook, and more. Also new is DLNA capability, to enjoy content from your PC and other home network devices on your HDTV. The S30 Series are Energy Star compliant. The S30 Series has an anti-relective screen, 100,000 hour panel life, and built in SD card reader (to view your pictures on the big screen). The lower priced S30 series has many of the features of the more expensive Panasonic ST30 series except that it lacks the THX Certification, the 3D Ready capability, and the Infinite Black 2 panel. The S30 series has received excellent owner reviews. The S30 Series is available in 42-inch, 46-inch, 50-inch, and 60-inch
The Panasonic DT30 3D LED Series. New for 2011. The new DT30 Series is Panasonic’s best LED 3D TVs. They are Panasonic’s smaller screen sizes, which complement their top of the line Plasma TVs. Panasonic has excellent 3D Plasma TVs and now Panasonic has implemented that 3D technology in a smaller screen size. It displays regular 2D and 3D content (with 3D glasses). The DT30 series includes 1 pair of 3D active shutter glasses. Contrast is an impressive 5,000,000 to 1 (dynamic contrast). These small screen TVs are fully loaded unlike many other smaller sets. Features include 240Hz, 1080p, 3D Ready, 2ms response, DLNA, 4 HDMI, 3 USB ports, PC input, Internet Ready, Included Wifi Adapter, and a built in SD/SDHC card reader (to view your pictures and videos on the big screen). AVCHD playback allows you to play back movies from your camcorder. The Viera Connect feature provides internet ready content including Netflix, Youtube, Amazon Video, Hulu Plus, Sports, Facebook, Twitter, Skype and more… The DT30 series has received excellent reviews. Available Sizes: 37-inch, 32-inch
The Sony EX720 LED 3D Series. New for 2011. Sony’s upgrade to the EX700/710 series now is 3D ready. For 2011, Sony has added the ability to watch 3D (with 3D active glasses). 3D programming content is now available from ESPN 3D, Directv, Comcast, 3D Blu-ray Disks and other sources. This line has been upgraded to the X-Reality Engine image processor, and bumped up from 120Hz to 240Hz anti blur technology an improvement from last year’s models. Other features include DLNA Technology (to stream media from your computer), and Internet Streaming & Widgets (Netflix, Youtube, News, Weather and more). Sony uses side lit LED backlighting technology which provides for better contrast and lower energy usage. You can use the USB port to show pictures and videos from your USB device. The EX720 is a fully loaded TV with a great picture for 3d, 2d and regular HD programming. It comes in wide range of sizes.
The Sony EX720 series is available in: 60-inch, 55-inch, 46-inch, 40-inch, 32-inch
The Panasonic ST30 Plasma Series. New for 2011. The new ST30 series is Panasonic’s second generation 3D Ready Plasma TV. The G30 Series uses a new NeoPDP Plasma panel which reduces reflections and creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in brighter environments. Fast switching phosphors improve the picture. Other features include a 100,000 hour panel life, a built in SD card reader (to view your pictures and videos on the big screen), and new Energy Star certification to reduce energy usage. AVCHD playback allows you to play back movies from your camcorder. Also included is Viera Connect which allows you to enjoy contents of the internet on your TV. You can enjoy videos, photos, weather, Netflix, youtube, facebook and other internet sites through a web interface built into the ST30 TVs. The ST30 Series is available in 42-inch, 46-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 60-inch, and 65-inch
The LG Infinia LW5600 LED Series. New for 2011. LG’s latest low cost 120Hz Passive 3D line of LED TVs. For 2011 LG has switched from using active shutter glasses to passive shutter glasses. Passive shutter glasses are polarized and do not require batteries. These are the same type of glasses you use in the movie theater. LG includes 4 pairs of glasses with each TV. The advantage of passive over active is that it is cheaper. You do give up some 3D screen resolution versus active glasses. Improvements for 2011 include an increase in contrast to 8,000,000:1 dynamic contrast, Internet Ready, Netflix Ready and includes a wireless Wifi adapter (nothing extra to buy). Smart TV: allows you to access limitless internet content, thousands of movies, customizable apps, videos. Meets ENERGY STAR® guidelines. 4 HDMI, 2 USB 2.0 ports for digital photo/video/MP3 playback. DLNA certified. Available Sizes: 55-inch, and 47-inch
The Samsung PNC8000 Plasma 3D TV Series. New for 2010, Samsung has introduced its first 3D capable Plasma TVs. This set can also convert 2D TV to 3D. Later this year, 3D programming content will be available from ESPN 3D, Directv, 3D Blu-ray Disks and other sources. The reason for the advent of 3D is the huge popularity in the movie theaters of movies like AVATAR and other 3D movies. 3D TVs use glasses that communicate with your TV to produce the 3D effect (sold separately). The PNC8000 series produces an outstanding 7,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. This Plasma Series is Energy Star 4.0 compliant to use less energy than last year’s models. Also new for 2010 is additional Samsung Apps for internet connectivity (including Netflix, Youtube, Skype and more…). This is the top of the line Plasma TV for Samsung in 2010. The PNC8000 Series is available in 50-inch, 58-inch, and 63-inch screen sizes.
The Samsung 650c LCD Series. New for 2010, the 650 “c” series replaces last year’s 650 “b” series. The “b” series were a top selling Samsung HDTV last year. All of the 650c series are 120HZ sets. For 2010, contrast has improved from 100,000 to 150,000:1 dynamic contrast, uses 30% less energy, and has more internet content (such as Netflix, Youtube, and Blockbuster). 4ms response time, and 4 HDMI connections. The 55-inch model also gets 15 watts per speaker (10 watts in the other sizes). 2 USB ports allow for digital photo/video/MP3 playback on the big screen. The Samsung 650c series is available in 55-inch, 46-inch, 40-inch sizes.
