The Best Gaming TV&#8217;s for Video Games

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Elements needed for great HDTV Gaming

The most important feature needed for HDTV gaming are high-refresh rates (usually available via special gaming modes) to reduce lag and blurring on fast motion objects. 3D capability is desirable also for the new wave of 3D-enabled games slated to release soon, however this is not nearly as important as the ability to see the on-screen images with perfect clarity.

Motion gaming such as the Kinect for Xbox 360 and Playstation Move will heavily depend on your HDTV’s ability to display fast moving graphics.

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Systems at-a-Glance

Home Console Games

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Plasma vs LCD/LED for Gaming?

LCD

LCD TV’s tend to be brighter, have higher “native resolution” and do not suffer from screen glare in the daytime. A good LCD with a high dynamic contrast ratio and at least 120Hz or 240Hz will provide the best LCD TV gaming choice for fast response times and crisp graphics. There are now LCD’s today that are built specifically for hardcore console gaming that cater to the gamer’s needs in terms of response time, picture clarity and color contrast.

LCD TV’s are great in bright environments
LCDs have higher native resolution than plasmas of similar size, which means more pixels on a screen
LCD TV’s require less power to operate than plasma

Plasma

Plasma TV’s are actually better in handling fast motion for sports or videos games from a “technical” perspective with their 600Hz refresh rates, but in real world application the results have often varied. Older Plasma TV’s would suffer from Image Retention or Burn-In, however this is not the case with modern Plasma sets. There still however remains the problem in that Plasma TV’s are manufactured with a glass coating that reflect light which makes daytime gaming very distracting. Plasma manufacturers have attempted to resolve this issue with the production of sets with “antiglare” coating. Plasma TV’s remain the top choice for gaming in darker rooms. Plasma’s also have a better size-to-price ratio. So if you are going to go with Plasma TV for gaming it should be one of the higher end models reviewed on this page to take advantage of perks such as 3D gaming capability since this technology is very affordable.

Plasmas have deeper black levels than LCD
Plasmas display exceptional color (up to 16.77 million colors)
Plasmas are cheaper than LCD and LED TVs
Plasmas have a perfect uniform screen brightness so there are no ‘dull spots’ where the picture is fuzzy or not as bright
Plasmas have magnetic field immunity and do not suffer distortion when speakers are placed on or near them
Plasmas are good for darker rooms (glass screen will reflect light unless it is antiglare)
Plasmas have good computer compatibility since they receive VGA and SVGA signals from computers
Plasma have wider viewing angles than LCD’s

LED

LED TV’s are essentially a sub-technology of LCD that uses LED backlighting behind the panel which results in a thinner panel, less power consumption and heat dissipation, and a brighter display with better contrast levels. LED backlighting does not affect the image quality.

‘Backlit’ LED screens produce the best LED black levels similar to plasma and high contrast ratios.
‘Edgelit’ LED screens use less energy containing less diodes emitting less heat in a thinner screen.
Overall LED technology makes it best attempt to combine the strengths of LCD and Plasma, but much work is still needed.

Since LED is a newer technology it is still being tweaked and developed and there is much work is needed to eliminate issues of uneven dimming of the display. Some of the better 3D TV’s on the market today are LED, however you must ensure you have a high-end LED TV for a smooth gaming experience which results in a higher price tag.

DLP

Generally speaking DLP technology is not recommend for timing-sensitive video games.

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1080p vs 780p for Gaming?

Most games do not display at 1080p although that is slowly changing. The difference between 780p and 1080p is only noticeable when you make the leap from 32 inches to 37 inches. So purchasing a 32 inch TV in 780p is absolutely fine since the difference will be barely noticeable at that screen size. At 37 inches or higher you should ensure the HDTV you are purchasing is 1080p.

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The Resolution of the Most Popular Gaming Systems

All Pre-PS2 game systems:

240p/480i (240p is the same scan rate as 480i and have the same drawbacks)

Playstation 2:

480i (most games), 480p (a few games)

Gamecube:

480i (a few games), 480p (most games)

X-Box:

480p (most games), 480i (a few games), 720p (a few games)

X-Box 360:

All X-Box and X-Box 360 games can be outputted to your choice of 480p, 1080i, or 720p.

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Input Lag for HDTV Gaming (technical section)

Input lag in simple terms refers to a delay in the time it takes to process the signal on your HDTV. This can affect your timing of controller actions. Certain HDTV’s picture settings such as Normal/Standard/Dynamic will enhance the picture display, but increase the signal processing time. This delay would range from 40ms to 120+ms depending on your settings.

Input lag technical details (For the techies):

When it comes to input lag we are dealing in milliseconds

16.6ms of lag = 1 frame or refresh cycle at 60hz.
The average speed of a human eye blink is 300-400ms
It takes 50ms for an image you see to be relayed from the eye to the brain

HDMI2 PC mode

Average lag: 6-15ms
0.3-1 frame delay.
Average FD: 0.6 Frame (~half a frame)
59.5 cycles per second (of 60)
Zero/Undetectable lag to humans.
(approved for pro level gaming)

HDMI GAME mode

Average lag: 15-25ms (newer models reduce these levels even further)
1-2 Frame delay.
Average FD: 1.5 Frame
58.5 cycles per second (of 60)
Detectable lag only for remarkably sensitive people.
(approved for pro level gaming)

Movie Mode / 1080p / No image enhancers activated.

Average lag: 50-60ms
3-4 frame delay
Average FD: 3.5 Frame
56.5 cycles per second (of 60)
Detectable lag for most serious game players especially in the fighting/first person game types.
(NOT approved for pro level gaming)

Standard Mode / 1080p / No image enhancers activated

Average Lag: 50-60ms
3-4 frame delay
Average FD: 3.5 Frame
56.5 cycles per second (of 60)
Detectable lag for most serious game players especially in the fighting/first person game types.
(NOT approved for pro level gaming)

This however is ONLY relevant (or even noticeable) in games that depend on accurate timing of controller actions such as first person shooters (Call of Duty, Halo, etc), sports and fighting games (Madden, Street Fighter, MLB, etc) and music games (Guitar Hero, Rockband, etc).

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How to Reduce Input Lag

There are 3 effective ways to reduce Input Lag

VGA Connection – By connecting through your HDTV’s VGA connection you virtually eliminate all signal processing time because the system assumes you are using a personal computer and that the processing is taking place by the computer hardware graphics card. Unfortunately by eliminating that portion of the processing this option eliminates many picture settings and therefore limits control over picture quality.

VGA mode will usually reduce lag time to 0-8s.

Many display modes from 640×480 all the way up to 1775×1000 and 1920×1080 will work with most TV’s in VGA mode, however it varies according to the TV model.

Many Xbox 360 users have reported success with a VGA Connection by setting 360 on “Expanded” and adjusting the Brightness/Contrast with Plasma TVs. 1280×720 may run even smoother (720p) than 1080p since the TV has to upscale to it’s native resolution. If you prefer to run your Xbox 360 with the output set to 1920×1080 then VGA is a great choice.

For PS3 users you will want to run your console at “Full” when using PC mode.

TIP: To adjust the Brightness levels in VGA mode, play with the Energy Saving Mode settings. Setting the Sharpness or Contrast can create artifacts in video games and jagged edges so be aware of this as well. Turn off options such as Dynamic Contrast and Edge Enhancement.

HDMI2/PC – By connecting your gaming console to the HDMI2 input and then adjusting your menu settings you can enable HDMI2 mode which eliminates some signal processing (but also some control of picture settings) similar to VGA. Once your console is connected go into your menu settings and look for the Input Selection “HDMI2″, select “Edit Name” and change to “PC”. You can also change the name to “GAME”.

HDMI2/PC mode will usually reduce input lag 6-60ms.

You must pay attention to the configuration during this process because some TV’s will not allow this configuration for anything it senses as 480p or 720p. This goes for the Wii, the non 1080p and Blu-Ray 24Hz PS3 titles, Xbox 360 if not set to display 1080p, and any computer providing 480p or 720p. In these cases your TV may simply disable HDMI2/PC mode and return to normal processing. Check to see if PC mode is active by using whatever function on your remote that allows you to check your TV’s current display mode.

PS3 Owners: You may run into some color range problems using HDMI2/PC with a 720P PS3 game if you have the color range set on your TV to full RGB, so you may just want to plug the PS3 into another HDMI port and just leave the color range at the limited setting so you don’t have to keep tweaking it from full to limited

Game Mode - The simplest and most effective way to reduce input lag is by purchasing a TV with a built-in Game Mode. There is no specific connection type required. As always Game Mode will eliminate signal processing and limit the control over your picture settings (Backlight, Contrast, Brightness, Sharpness, Color, Tint (G/R), All Detailed Settings, Color Tone, DNIe, Blue Only Mode and Auto Motion Plus.)

Game Mode will usually reduce input lag to 15-25ms or more, especially with more modern HDTV’s.

Panasonic TC-P65VT25 65-inch 3D Ready 1080p VIERA Plasma HDTV

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**Special Note**

Modern HDTV’s have more advanced game modes that can eliminate input lag to even lower rates (virtually none). These are issues that the casual gamer does not need to be worried about post 2011. These are more concerns of the professional gamer who engages in hardcore play of timing-sensitive games online. On modern high-end TV’s lag has been reduced to a minimum or even eliminated unless it is “network lag” on the actual game host which is unavoidable unless you are a “hosting” a game session.

The Best TVs for Gaming 2011 (Chart)

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Panasonic VIERA VT25/GT25 Series	Panasonic Viera X1 Series	Pioneer Elite KURO Series	Samsung C8000/C7000 Series	LG INFINIA PK Series

3D-Ready Plasma 1080p	Plasma 720p	Plasma 1080p	3D Plasma 1080p	Plasma 1080p
10/10	9.8/10	9.9/10	9.8/10	9.6/10
65-42 inches	50-26 inches	60 inches	63-46 inches	60, 50 inches
$700 to $5100	$1450 to $1500	$5999 to $9999	$1200 to $2900	$1200 to $1500


Sharp AQUOS Line	Sony BRAVIA XBR Series	Samsung Class LN Series	Toshiba REGZA ZV650 Series	LG LD650 Series

LCD 1080p	LCD 1080p	LCD 1080p	LCD 1080p	LCD 1080p
10/10	9.9/10	9.9/10	9.8/10	9.9/10
65-40 inches inches	52-32 inches inches	55-40 inches	55, 46, 42 inches	55, 47 inches
$700 to $5999	$700 to $5999	$1000 to $2250	$700 to $1800	$1100 to $1300

Need an HDTV larger than 70 inches? See:
» Big and Large Screen TV’s

What Size Plasma TV Do I Need?

This chart shows the optimal viewing distance based on size, resolution, and minimum/maximum viewing distance.

Plasma TV Size (inch)	Optimal Distance for 720p (inch)	Optimal Distance for 1080p (inch)	Viewing Distance Range (inch)
26	61	40	35 to 66
32	75	50	45 to 80
37	87	58	53 to 92
40	94	62	57 to 99
42	99	66	61 to 104
46	108	72	67 to 113
50	118	79	74 to 123
54	127	84	79 to 132
55	130	86	81 to 135
58	136	90	85 to 141
60	141	94	89 to 146
63	148	98	93 to 153
65	153	102	97 to 158

best gaming tvs | best plasma tv | table of contents

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What Size LCD TV Do I Need?

This chart shows the optimal viewing distance based on size, resolution, and minimum/maximum viewing distance.

LCD TV Size (inch)	Optimal Distance for 720p (inch)	Optimal Distance for 1080p (inch)	Viewing Distance Range (inch)
26	61	40	35 to 66
32	75	50	45 to 80
37	87	58	53 to 92
40	94	62	57 to 99
42	99	66	61 to 104
46	108	72	67 to 113
47	111	74	69 to 115
50	118	79	74 to 123
52	124	82	77 to 129
54	127	84	79 to 132
55	130	86	81 to 135
58	136	90	85 to 141
60	141	94	89 to 146
63	148	98	93 to 153
65	153	102	97 to 158

best gaming tvs | best lcd tv | table of contents

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Panasonic VIERA VT25/GT25 Series

The VIERA series is the elite of large screen plasmas available on the market today. The VIERA delivers an unparalleled cinematic gaming experience. The reason is that the VIERA Series HDTV’s are built with 600 Hz technology that allow you to view superb full-HD motion images with no aftereffects and incredible clarity. It actually made our Best Super Bowl TV’s list, and when you combine that with VIERA Cast streaming movies, shows, music, 1080 Moving Picture Resolution, Infinite Black, and a super simple setup you have a sure winner. There are both 2D and 3D models and the VIERA comes in several sizes so use the Plasma sizing chart above to ensure you have selected the best TV size for your room.

Purchase the Panasonic VIERA:

Panasonic VIERA TC-P54VT25 54-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50VT25 50-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

Panasonic VIERA TC-P42GT25 42-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P50X1 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

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Panasonic VIERA X1 Series

The Panasonic VIERA X1 Series is an overwhelmingly popular 720p TV model amongst countless consumers for it’s amazing picture quality and clarity that even outperforms many 1080p sets. Performs for console gaming like a charm. Anyone who has seen this TV in action will also go on to say how well DVD displays, and we feel that it actually makes DVD look just as good as Blu-Ray in some cases. Fast action sequences, video games and sports broadcasts look absolutely superb. It is almost impossible to detect that this is not a 1080p set and the price makes it an unmatched value. The 26 inch model even has an iPod Dock to share music files through your TV set (as does the 37 inch X2).

Purchase the Panasonic VIERA X1:

Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P42X1 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-L26X1 26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
(LCD counterpart with iPod Dock)

Also see the Panasonic TC-L32X2 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with iPod Dock

Pioneer PRO 151FD – 60″ Elite KURO plasma TV w/built-in network media player – widescreen (FullHD) HDTV

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Pioneer Elite KURO Series

Here’s an example of a flawless HDTV that produces perfect colors, blacks with details that you didn’t know were missing because they are not found on other TV’s and the ability to further tweak the settings to your liking. The Pioneer Elite KURO (Japanese word for “Black”) will even allow you to calibrate the tv for daytime and nighttime settings so the picture is never too dark or too bright. The entire experience which includes an exceptional audio and video tandem is so rich that you often forget there is a screen between you and what is being displayed.

The Elite KURO is arguably the finest non-3D Plasma ever manufactured and the lack of 3D capability is the only reason we couldn’t give the TV 10/10. Absolutely worth every penny and the the Piano Black finish is ultra-classy. This is the last model in which Pioneer will produce their own panels so wise consumers will choose to purchase on these revolutionary sets now due to their low availability.

Purchase the Pioneer KURO:

Pioneer PDP-6020FD 60-Inch Class KURO Plasma HDTV

Samsung PN63C8000 63-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

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Samsung C8000/C7000 Series

The Samsung C8000/C7000 Series are some of the most impressive TV sets on the market regardless of which technology you choose. Although there are many, one of our favorite TV’s in this series is the Samsung PNC58C8000 which at 58 inches amongst 3D Plasma is virtually untouchable. The picture is flawless, visually stunning and motion blur is completely eliminated for fast moving objects which is very important for the action sequences in movies, sports broadcasts and of course video games. What’s even more amazing is how ultra-slim the TV is built (1.5 inches deep).

On top of that you’re going to have instant access to Samsung Smart TV for your favorite internet apps, a content library to store media, ConnectShare to access content on your digital camera or thumb drive and all while watching the deepest of blacks and whitest of whites (signature of Plasma technology). The newer C8000/C7000 models greatly improve on their in-line predecessors so we hand down top honors to these Series in their class.

Purchase the Samsung C8000/C7000:

Samsung PN58C8000 58-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (Black)

Samsung PN50C8000 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (Black)

Samsung PN63C7000 63-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (Black)

Samsung PN58C7000 58-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (Black)

Samsung PN50C7000 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (Black)

LG INFINIA 60PK750 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV with Internet Applications

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LG INFINIA PK 750 Series

Overwhelming one of the best Plasma TV’s in terms of balancing features, price, TV size and picture display quality. The LG INFINIA Series displays THX Display Certified images, colors and black levels while also giving you NetCast Entertainment Access to watch movies on-demand in Full HD 1080p with real Dolby Digital Plus Sound. This is perhaps the most raved about feature for the INFINIA series and the good news is that it’s not going to hurt you in the wallet. With 600Hz Sub Field Driving these Plasma’s also handle fast motion for video games and sports exceptionally well. There probably is no better value for these features at this pricing at these screen sizes, which make INFINIA’s outstanding purchases.

Purchase the LG INFINIA PK 750:

LG INFINIA 50PK750 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

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Sharp AQUOS Series

“A Gamer’s Dream”

Sharp has invested their time and capital while pooling all available technological resources to raise the bar in large-screen Full HD LCD TV technology. The result is an unrivaled viewing experience in the Sharp AQUOS line of LCD TV’s featuring elegant design and breathtaking picture quality.

The 2009 and prior AQUOS LCD line featured a Black TFT Panel with Spectral Contrast Engine XD that essentially creates a very high Contrast Ratio and wider viewing angles for an LCD. These models were mainly 120HZ and handled fast-motion image processing very well. However in 2010 Sharp created “A Gamer’s Dream” with the Vyper Drive feature specifically with gamers in mind. Read on..

The 2010 AQUOS LCD Line features the breathtaking X-Gen Panel model that creates bright vibrant images while maintaining gorgeous dark areas. The TV will automatically adjust to daylight or nighttime conditions. These models are 240Hz and intelligently creates and inserts images in fast motion sequences to fill in gaps for an exceptionally smooth picture with stunning detail. Sports and fast-action movie sequences look almost too good.These TV’s also feature “Vyper Drive” gaming mode that creates a “Gamers Dream” effectively eliminating all lag during videogame play. Imagine being able to spin your character 180 degrees ultra-smoothly with zero blur? That’s what this TV is capable of. The Sharp AQUOS is an environmentally conscious LCD that requires fewer resources to manufacture and less energy to use with extended operating life making this our highest rated pure LCD TV.

Purchase the Sharp AQUOS:

Sharp AQUOS LC60E88UN 60-Inch 1080p X-Gen Panel TV, Black (X-Gen/Vyper Drive)

Sharp AQUOS LC52D78UN 52-Inch 1080p LCD TV (Vyper Drive)

Sharp AQUOS LC46D78UN 46-Inch 1080p LCD TV (Vyper Drive)

Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-52XBR9 52-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LCD HDTV, Black

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Sony Bravia XBR Series

Selected as one of Oprah’s favorite things, the Sony Bravia XBR Series was designed to deliver the ultimate home viewing experience by delivering superbly fluid and gorgeous images on your set. Fast-paced sports, movies and games look so smooth due the Motionflow 240Hz refresh rate which does some truly amazing things. The XBR Series were the first ever 240 Hz LCD TV’s and became extremely popular amongst console gamers.

Motionflow is an advanced motion processing technology that intelligently inserts frames between pictures that actually delivers a better picture in action scenes than the film the movie was shot with. The 2D is stunning and if you are PS3 or Xbox owner this is one of the best possible purchases you can make in LCD. We also recommend the comparable Z Series as well. Nearly identical in most cases but usually several hundred dollars less.

Difference between XBR and Z Series.

XBR are the eXtended Bit Rate versions of the KDL series. XBR, an acronym for eXtended Bit Rate, which designates Sony’s high performance series of televisions featuring advanced features and progressive industrial design.The Z Series is only one step below the XBR series and make for a comparable substitute when pricing has become a factor. The picture quality between the two is almost identical to a non-videophile.

Purchase the Sony XBR

Sony Bravia XBR Series KDL-52XBR7 52-Inch 240Hz 1080p LCD HDTV (XBR7 previous model – yet Exceptional)

Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-46XBR9 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black

Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-40XBR9 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-40XBR7 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV (XBR7 previous model – yet Exceptional)

Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-32XBR9 32-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Bravia Z Series:

Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100 52-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV

Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV

Sony Bravia Z-Series KDL-46Z4100/B 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV (One of the best pre-2010 LCD’s ever made)

Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-40Z5100 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Flawless 40-inch LCD)

Samsung LN55C650 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Black)

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Samsung Class LN Series
Samsung Class LCD 1080p HDTV

This LCD is nothing short of amazing in terms of fast motion picture quality, price and features. It literally has everything you could possibly need in a TV: ESPN3, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Pandora, CinemaNow, and Dynamic Contrast Ratio for outstanding color and picture quality especially when console gaming and sports broadcasts.

If that bundle of superb features impressed you then the price will astound you. Samsung has taken great strides to competitive price this high-end series of LCD TV’s. We did a complete write-up for this LCD HDTV back in September if you are interested in reading further of what it has to offer. Samsung 46 inch Class LCD 1080p HDTV Review. The newer C750 Models feature 3D Capability and the ever-present Game Mode. Samsung has also added the Touch of Color (TOC) design which combines a unique texture and color that seems to actually compliment the decor of your TV room. Arguably the best value (price to quality) in LCD TV’s on the market today.

Purchase the Samsung Class LN

Touch of Color RED (Game Mode)

Samsung LN46C650 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Black)

Samsung LN40C650 40-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Black)

Touch of Color Silver Deco

Samsung LN46C750 46-Inch 1080p 3D LCD HDTV (Black) (3D / Game Mode)

Touch of Color Charcoal Deco (Game Mode)

Samsung LN52B750 52-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LCD HDTV (Previous model – Flawless)

Samsung LN46B750 46-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LCD HDTV

Samsung LN40B750 40-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LCD HDTV

Toshiba REGZA 55ZV650U 55-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with ClearScan 240, Black

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Toshiba REGZA ZV650 Series
Toshiba REGZA Series 1080p HDTV

The Toshiba REGZA ZV650 Series is an extensive line of high-end LCD HDTV’s that deliver the wow factor for video games, sports and fast-paced action movies. The ClearScan 240 Hz frame rate technology delivers fluid nature motion and features PC Input to use a PC monitor or strictly gaming TV (with Gaming Mode). This line comes complete with DynaLight technology that enhance black levels as previously only enjoyed in Plasma TV technology. For these reasons you hear many hardcore gamers rave about the REGZA.

Toshiba has newer lines such as the Cinema Series which are LED-backlit which still require some tweaking and are inferior in our opinion. The Toshiba REGZA ZV650 is essentially an LCD for those who do not need all the unnecessary bells and whistles such as Internet apps and streaming media. Therefore you will find this line has exceptional pricing which makes the Toshiba REGZA ZV650 an outstanding LCD purchase .

Purchase the REGZA ZV650

Toshiba REGZA 47ZV650U 47-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with ClearScan 240, Black

Toshiba REGZA 42ZV650U 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with ClearScan 240, Black

LG 55LD650 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LCD HDTV with Internet Applications

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LG LD650 Series
LG LD650 Series 1080p HDTV

The LG LD650 Series is the highest quality pure LCD TV’s that LG has to offer and they do not disappoint. The picture quality is exceptional, the 240 Hz handles fast motion gaming beautifully, it has Internet connectivity, is Wi-Fi ready and will stream media beautifully. LG is often overlooked but is one of the top manufacturers of LCD technology (especially over 50 inches).

What we really like about the LG LD650 Series is the AV Mode and 24P Cinema. AV mode allows you to adjust for “Cinema”, Sports” or “Games” picture mode to enjoy an optimized picture and sound experience. 24P Real Cinema provides a cinematic experience for video gamers who are also movie buffs. Everything is right about this TV including the price which makes for one of the best purchases in LCD at the larger screen sizes.

Purchase the LG LD650

LG 47LD650 47-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black

Panasonic TC-L32X2 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with iPod Dock

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Honorable Mention

Panasonic TC-L32X2 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with iPod Dock

The best kept secret in 32 inch LCD TV’s. The reason we rate this TV so high is that in terms of value: price + quality, it makes for an unparalleled purchase at this size.

You get everything you expect in a Panasonic VIERA, but this TV has an iPod dock to enable you to control and play music through and iPod or iPhone. At 32 inches you don’t really need 1080p so 720p is sufficient. DVD/Blu-Ray and Games display remarkably sharp, vibrant and impressive on this set.

If you cannot accommodate a large HDTV set then this is possibly the best purchase available. Not even the Vizio or Sony Bravia 32 inch sets offer what this one offers. A favorite of Consumer Reports and a favorite of ours.

Purchase the Panasonic TC-L32X2

Panasonic TC-P65VT25 65-inch 3D Ready 1080p VIERA Plasma HDTV

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Best Plasma TV for Gaming

Panasonic VIERA Series

The VIERA series is the elite of large screen plasmas available on the market today and receives our highest rating for the Best Plasma TV for Gaming 10/10. The VIERA simply delivers an unparalleled cinematic gaming experience with it’s 600 Hz technology that allow you to view superb full-HD motion images with no aftereffects and incredible clarity.

Tack on VIERA Cast streaming movies, shows, music, 1080 Moving Picture Resolution, Infinite Black, and a super simple setup you have a sure winner. If the newer models seem to be out of your price range then you can also opt for the earlier models which are also superb. The VIERA is a can’t-miss purchase for console gaming and so advanced it is virtually future-proof.

Purchase the Panasonic VIERA:

Panasonic VIERA TC-P54VT25 54-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50VT25 50-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

Panasonic VIERA TC-P42GT25 42-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

Previous Models (highly recommended also)

Panasonic TC-P58S2 58-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50G25 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic VIERA TC-P46G25 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G25 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

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Best LCD TV for Gaming

Sharp AQUOS Series

“A Gamer’s Dream”

The 2010 Sharp AQUOS LCD receives our highest award as the Best LCD TV for Gaming 10/10. Sharp created it’s new AQUOS TV Series with gamer’s specifically in mind. These models are 240Hz and intelligently creates and inserts images in fast motion sequences to fill in gaps for an exceptionally smooth picture with stunning detail. Sports and fast-action movie sequences look almost too good.

These TV’s feature the “Vyper Drive” gaming mode that creates a “Gamers Dream” effectively eliminating all lag during videogame play. For timing sensitive games such as First-Person Shooters you can spin your character 180 degrees ultra-smoothly with zero blur. Sports and fighting games suddenly feel more responsive than they ever were. Even the ever-lagging music games such as Guitar Hero and Rockband feel like your timing is on pace with the action. That’s what this TV is capable of.

Tack on features such as the breathtaking X-Gen Panel model that creates bright vibrant images while maintaining gorgeous dark areas. The TV will automatically adjust to daylight or nighttime conditions. The Sharp AQUOS is an environmentally conscious LCD that requires fewer resources to manufacture and less energy to use with extended operating life so you can hold onto this exceptional LCD for years to come.

Purchase the Sharp AQUOS:

Sharp AQUOS LC60E88UN 60-Inch 1080p X-Gen Panel TV, Black (X-Gen/Vyper Drive)

Sharp AQUOS LC52D78UN 52-Inch 1080p LCD TV (Vyper Drive)

Sharp AQUOS LC46D78UN 46-Inch 1080p LCD TV (Vyper Drive)