Product Survey: 50'' and larger TVs

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We have now divided our TV tests into several categories based on diagonal size. Here we look at 50 inch (127 cm) and bigger models or the current largest sizes. These televisions throw you right in to the home cinema experience.

Vincent Lheur
Updated: November 10, 2009

The tests

We use a new testing method very similar to the one we use for video projectors? The same video analysis software produces the HCFR colormeter. This gives us a good evaluation of brightness, depth of blacks, the colour space, RGB levels, colour temperature, saturation, and the gamma curve of TVs. In addition, we carry out practical tests (HD movie rendering, game console and TV use, etc.) which enable us to compliment the purely technical measurements and get a better idea of rescaling of standard definition sources (SD) and viewing angles.

This new test suite has been gradually adapted to our ''Product Face-offs''.

Here we enter into the real home cinema experience. Beyond 50 inches, in a dark room, you'll really get the movie feel. This diagonal size, which used to be reserved for luxury class, is starting to become more common as the new high end is now 60 and 70 inches.

Of course, bulk and weight go hand in hand with diagonal size and this area has become a real focus for manufacturers as they try to reduce the thickness of their TVs and turn them into veritable decorative “picture” frames.

It goes without saying that you'll only find the best from each manufacturer in this category and we haven’t yet tested a model of truly poor quality. All fare from good to excellent although as these diagonal sizes become more common there will certainly be some lower performance screens (that we will try and warn you about!). Otherwise, of course all have Full HD definition (1920 x 1080 pixels).