Smart Review’s Top Picks in 3D LED TVs:
Samsung F8000 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung F6400 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung F7100 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA7400 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA6200 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Vizio M-Series LED 3D TVs (2013 model)
Smart Review’s Top Picks in 3D Plasma TVs:
Panasonic VT60 THX Plasma 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Panasonic ST60 Plasma TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung PN F5500 Plasma 3D Series (2013 model)
Samsung F8500 Plasma 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Related Article: Best LED 3D TV Roundup and Comparison
Related Article: Best Plasma 3D TV Roundup and Comparison
Related Article: Smart-Review 3D TV Buying Guide 2013
120Hz LED TVs – Introduced in Mid 2007, a new type of LCD/LED HDTV technology has come out on select HDTVs.
120Hz refers to the frame rate of an HDTV. Currently sets are 60hz. The double frame rate 120Hz sets will make fast action less prone to blurring. This is important for action movies, and sports. Plasma HDTVs do not need this technology as they handle fast action without the need for 120Hz. Smart-Review will feature these sets as they become available.
Top Rated 120Hz HDTVs.
240Hz LED TVs – Introduced in late 2008, this technology quadruples the normal framerate of a 60Hz HDTV, to
Top-Rated 240Hz HDTVs.
Dual Core/Quad Core Processors – New for 2012-2013 is the addition of dual core and quad core processors into TVs. Just like notebook computers, a dual core processor will speed up operations on the TV. A quad core is even better. This comes into play when using the Smart TV functionality and multi-tasking. Some TVs bog down when using their Internet Apps and browsers. The Dual core processor will make these operations run more smoothly, and add functions like voice control. In 2013 we see the introduction of Quad Core processors which are even more powerful.
HDTVs that have Dual Core processors:
Samsung F6300 LED TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung F6400 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung F7100 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung PN F5500 Plasma 3D Series (2013 model)
Panasonic VT60 THX Plasma 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA7400 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA6900 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA6200 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
LG Cinema LA8600 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Sharp LE650U LED TV Series (2013 big screens)
HDTVs that have Quad Core processors:
Samsung F8000 LED 3D TV Series (2013 model)
Samsung F8500 Plasma 3D TV Series (2013 model)
HDTV Firmware – Most of the newer HDTVs now are upgradeable with a firmware (software) upgrade. Usually they can be upgraded using a USB port on the TV, and some using wireless WiFi (this is how the PS3 upgrades itself). Firmware upgrades serve many purposes, including expanding features (such as more internet applications), and fixing bugs. Some TVs that end up being the highest rated may have some poor ratings initially that come from a bug that is later fixed with firmware upgrades. You can usually find these upgrades at the Manufacturer’s web site, or using a menu choice on your TV.
ATSC Tuner – Most of the newer HDTVs now include a digital HD tuner called ATSC. An ATSC digital tuner is required to receive and decode over-the-air digital television signals. Sets do not require this tuner if you are only receiving your high definition feed from a cable company or from satellite, as they will provide you with a high definition decoder box instead. This gives you the option to receive “free” over the air HD local broadcasts.
ATSC/QAM Tuner – Most newer HDTVs have not only ATSC, but also a QAM tuner. An integrated QAM tuner allows the free reception of unscrambled digital programming sent “in the clear” by cable providers (without a box), usually local broadcast stations. This varies by cable company. Most other stations however are scrambled.
Cable Card – Some sets allow you to put a Cable Card in a slot. This card is provided by your cable tv company and allows you to descramble the channels
without a cable box. Some people would rather not rent the box provided by the cable company. However, you may lose the TV schedule and on demand features when you use this feature instead of the provided box.
Brand Name or 2nd Tier Brand? – When purchasing an HDTV you will see familiar top level brands such as Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba, LG, Sharp, etc. Then you will see 2nd tier brands that sell at substantial discounts to the top brands. We recommend only top tier brands for several reasons. One is that many of these 2nd tier brands offer poor servicing should something go wrong. Some charge you the freight to either ship the TV to them or back after repair. One brand we saw offers no parts after the one year warranty is up, so in effect it is a throwaway TV. Many use inferior parts. Higher end TVs have better video processors for upconverting and reducing digital noise. For these reasons we believe that top tier brands are the best way to go even though there is a higher initial cost.