SHARP LC-52D65U
The Sharp LC-52D65U is a middle tier product with ample features and solid performance from a 1st tier manufacturer. The LCD was first introduced in fall of 2008 and is current through the end of 2009. It is designed in Japan and assembled in Mexico with the screen being manufactured in Sharp’s Kameyama factory in Japan. Our contrast measurement did not match up with Sharp’s claimed contrast ratio of 10,000:1 instead resulting in a post calibration contrast ratio measurement of 101:1
SAMSUNG LN52A750
The Samsung LN52A750 is a current Fall/Winter 2008 LCD TV model which includes non-detachable hidden speakers, 3 HDMI inputs and a 15 pin computer input. The appearance is a black transparent gloss finish with scarlett Touch of Color around the bezel frame. This LCD is next to the top of the lineup for Samsungs current model offerings second only to the LN52A850. Once calibrated, this LCD has a fantastic picture and is packed with features.
SONY BRAVIA KDL-55XBR8
At CEDIA 2008 Sony introduced its new premium XBR8 line of LCD TVs. The KDL-55XBR8 was shipped in October of 2008 and includes 1M:1 dynamic contrast ratio, Sony’s Bravia 2 engine with 120Hz processing, and an optional colors for the speaker grill. The most important advancement though, is Sony’s new Triluminous (RGB) LED backlight for this LCD television. This advancement obviously enables the 1M:1 contrast and according to Sony officials, a much wider color range than CCFL or white LED (with color wheels) backlighting. It was a pretty impressive looking display and we imagine the price will reflect this.
There is again very little step up between the LN-55A950 from the, however this difference this time is significant and can help draw a large contrast in picture quality. The backlight for the LN-55A950 is LED based (light emitting diode) – this upgraded from the more conventional fluorescent style backlighting which is more commonly used. LED can generate advantages over fluorescent backlighting such as much higher contrast (due to brighter whites and overall picture). Sometimes however, this results in blotchy light sections coming through in various quadrants. In other words, the light is not discriminating enough. There is an Ethernet port for digital media connection. Lastly, and also important the Touch of color accent in the LN-55A950 is charcoal gray.
SONY BRAVIA SERIES
An entry level line of Bravia LCDs, the S series of televisions bring 1080p resolution to more budget minded consumers looking for an LCD from a top tier brand. While the Bravia S series gets the upgrade to 1080p, they do not get the 120Hz refresh rates found in most high end LCDs.