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Buyer's Guide: The Best 40'' to 47'' Televisions
Over the last year, 3D and connected services have gained ground in the TV market. So with LCD and plasma options, 3D and 2D models, and CCFL or LED backlighting to choose from, picking a TV may seem like a minefield. Thankfully, our TV buyer's guide is on hand to help.
Pierre-Jean Alzieu
Translator: Catherine Barraclough
Updated: December 5, 2011
Translator: Catherine Barraclough
Updated: December 5, 2011
More TV Reviews
Looking for a new TV? Cut to the chase with this pick of the best models currently on the market or, for more options, you can browse all our TV reviews.
For other sizes of TV, check out our buyer's guides for 22'' to 27'' TVs, 32'' to 37'' TVs and 50'' and above TVs.
For other sizes of TV, check out our buyer's guides for 22'' to 27'' TVs, 32'' to 37'' TVs and 50'' and above TVs.
- LCD or plasma? Contrary to what you may think, LCD and plasma screens offer very similar levels of picture quality these days. LCD TVs do, however, tend to be more energy efficient and come in slimmer casings. Plasma screens, on the other hand, have wider viewing angles and ensure perfectly consistent results across the display.
- Colour fidelity. This is one of the most important things to look for in a TV. Out of the box, most TVs aren't configured properly, but switching to Cinema or Movie mode usually sorts things out.
- Contrast. Contrast is measured as a ratio between the intensity of the white and the depth of the black reproduced by a given TV. The higher the contrast ratio, the better the onscreen image will look. Anything from 2000:1 upwards will really bring out the best in onscreen pictures. Blacks will look nice and deep at 0.07 cd/m² or lower.
- 3D picture quality. There are two different types of 3D technology—active and passive. The advantage of active technology is that is displays a Full HD 3D image, while passive technology halves the overall resolution. However, the glasses required for passive 3D are cheaper and more comfortable, as they don't have any built-in electronics or batteries.
With these factors in mind, here's our pick of the best 40'' (102 cm) to 47'' (119 cm) televisions out there right now.
Editor's Choice 
Philips is definitely on a roll this year with its TVs! The PFL8606H produces a great picture in two dimensions as well as three. Not happy with being one of the most responsive we've seen, producing sky-high contrast ratios and getting colours spot on, its display is also has no problems with clouding. It's hard to do better than that!
Two Alternatives 
The Best 3D Plasma
The VT30 is on par with the VT20, offering fantastic picture quality in both 2D and 3D. Panasonic has, however, put a lot of work into making this model look better than its predecessor, and it's certainly paid off.
Affordable 3D TV
With great picture quality and excellent results in 3D, the LG LW450U could easily have earned our top five-star rating. Unfortunately, however, the low contrast ratio produced by the IPS display technology isn't quite good enough.
Best of the Rest 
Here are a few more of our favourites.
A Good 40'' LED TV
Review: Sharp Aquos LC-40LE630E
This is one of very few Edge LED TVs not to suffer from clouding. It produces a great picture with a high contrast ratio and accurate colour reproduction. It'll suit anybody who wants a slim TV but can do without 3D.
No LED or 3D, Still Excellent
Review: Sony Bravia KDL-40CX520
The Sony Bravia KDL-46CX520 television uses CCFL backlighting. However, it still gives excellent picture quality and doesn't suffer from clouding.
| MARCHANDS | € |
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| Marks and s... | 549.00 | ||
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Budget Home Cinema
Review: Panasonic Viera TX-P46ST30
Like the GT30 before it, the Panasonic ST30 television produces a great-quality picture. It's a top choice for home cinema buffs on a tight budget.
| MARCHANDS | € |
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| Viking direct | 903.60 | ||
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Buyer's Guide: The Best 40'' to 47'' Televisions
