LG 55LHX Gallery
Samsung 8500 Gallery
Sony XBR10 Gallery
Given the wildly varying conditions of the show floor—and the frankly crappy source video, lighting and background LG picked for its demo TV—we can’t really judge which TV actually has the best picture quality right now, but the facts do tell us something:
• Samsung and LG both use local dimming on their 55 inchers, while Sony’s 52-inch TV is edge-lit
• Sony and LG have expensive built-in wireless HDMI for 1080p streaming from a paired media box
• Sony and Samung have the best “other” features, like great streaming video services
• Samsung’s the cheapest, at $US4500 for its 55-inch set, probably because it lacks wireless
• Sony’s is the most expensive, even though it’s the smallest, and lacks full-array LED backlighting, like its champion precursor, the XBR8
In person, the XBR10 is gorgeous, really pulling off the floating TV look (though the Samsung 8500 sets don’t look too shabby themselves). LG’s 55LHX is comparatively drab and physically more clunky, as you can see in our Sizemodo:
All in all, there’s no clear winner, and there are lots and lots of trade-offs. If you really want to blow five grand on a TV, you’re going to have a tough decision for now, at least until we get ‘em side by side. [More CEDIA '09 coverage]
matt
September 11, 2009 at 1:25 PM
ahh cool.
but I still can’t help but think sony has gone backwards?
I know edge lit would provide the most even backlight, but they sacrifice local dimming? maybe they’ve just given up on trying to beat the good points of plasma and are just trying to make the best quality LCD they can.
Report PermalinkMatt
September 11, 2009 at 2:28 PM
I believ that the samsung LED back lit pannels are clear winners compared to the others, including all the great specs of the samsung, it has a high gloss screen. You may recieve some reflection and glare in well lit rooms but the advantages well outway the disadvantages.
Report Permalinkcrispy
September 11, 2009 at 4:17 PM
i work in an electronics store and have been waiting for the series 8 55″ LED since i saw it’s picture. the first one we get in stock will definitely be mine, no questions asked. easily prepared to spend 2 months of my wages on it! by far the best looking telly of the 3 in my opinion
Report PermalinkNigel
October 14, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Sadly, having spoken to Samsung Australia, I can report that the 8500 will not be coming to Australia. It’s a real shame that we’re being treated this way, but that’s the way it is I’m afraid.
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