The producer of Regza brand TV sets said it had stopped operations at its only domestic manufacturing plant in Fukaya, Saitama Prefecture. Toshiba has other LCD TV factories in Poland, Egypt, Indonesia and China. Japanese electronics firms are struggling with a shrinking TV market and competition from South Korea.

Companies in Japan have also had to deal with a strong yen, which makes their products less competitive overseas. However Atsushi Ido, a spokesman for Toshiba, said by email that while exchange rates always affect businesses, this was not a consideration in the decision. Shares of Toshiba, which also has infrastructure and consumer electronics businesses, gained 5.6% in Tokyo trade on the news.

Shares of other Japanese TV makers Sony and Panasonic were also higher. "The same sentiment goes for the other guys. If Toshiba is getting out, everybody must be getting out," a senior dealer at a European bank told Reuters news agency. Japanese rival Hitachi has previously said it will also halt domestic production of television sets.

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The LCD423D913FHD from the house of Celcus is a 3D Television with full high definition visuals with a price tag that doesn't burn a hole into your pockets. Getting your hands onto a 3D TV now is not as expensive as before and with more and more programmes being transmitted in 3D, home entertainment has become more enjoyable with a range of films, documentaries and sport being available in 3D. With four sets of 3D glasses that are included in the package, now you can enjoy your favourite movies / documentaries with friends and family.

The 3D LCD boasts of a 42" screen that is more or less ideal for watching movies as well as sporting events. With visuals at 1920x1080 resolution and contrast ratio of 1000:1 clarity, colour representation is definitely a positive of this TV that brings out the brightness in all light colours and presents dark and specifically black without any smudges.

Another great feature is the USB based playback option whereby you can plug in your pen drive or external HDD and watch your favourite movies, listen to songs and browse through images. Connectivity options are quite elaborate as well with four HDMI ports, two SCART ports, PC in, Component input, Headphone socket, etc. The built-in Freeview gives you access to free-to-air digital programmes. Some of the other features of the 3D TV are Parental lock, on screen menus, sleep timer, auto setup, etc.

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Say the name “Viewsonic” to most people, and they’ll likely respond with some variation of “they make monitors.” That the company also makes HDTVs, not so much. But the technologies that make for a quality LCD monitor can certainly play a part in making a low-cost, 24-inch LCD HDTV appealing. Especially when the form-factor is small enough for taking it with you pretty much anywhere a HDTV isn’t normally able to going. So lets say hi to the ViewSonic VT2430 24-inch 1080p LCD TV.

Right off the bat you can see how light it is; actually lifting it out of its box with one hand pretty much emphasises that. And with attention to the packing that’s covering the svelte glossy black design, I’m hoping that the insides will be just as attractive.

With it upside down, I snap the base onto the bottom stand — yep this looks a lot like I’m doing it for a monitor. Then a quick turn over lets the ViewSonic VT2430 24-inch 1080p LCD TV stand on its own. I see that I can tilt the base a bit, but swinging it back and forth — no go.

Now being that the ViewSonic VT2430 24-inch 1080p LCD TV is a fairly “basic” model (think of saying that even 5 years ago and what it meant then), I probably can forego the manual. But as that’s always a mistake, I’ll run through the pages while “running” through the menus.

First I’ll have to make some connections, so turning it around I check out the inputs: no Ethernet I see, and as there’s no WiFi either — that means no Internet capabilities. Okay, just use the ones in your Blu-ray player or game console instead. What I see doesn’t surprise me — HDMI, Component and Composite video inputs, inputs for a cable box/satellite receiver and external antenna and one for use with a PC (D-Sub).  Plus a S-VHS input, something you don’t see much of these days.

On the audio side of things, there’s a stereo minijack input,  a headphones jack as well as RCA stereo inputs. The inputs wouldn’t be there if stereo speakers weren’t built in — there’s a surprising amount of “oomph” you can get  out of 5 watts per speaker, though to be fair there’s only so much bass that can be discerned without a subwoofer inside. Point of fact — since you can’t be that far away from the screen due to its size anyway, the sound will be fine.

Taking a quick look at the menus first, I can see two things: the first being that the large icons and straightforward approach to control makes perfect sense with this TV. As to what the menus can do, they provide the now-expected control over such things as contrast, color temperature (I prefer “Warm” on small screens) and picture modes (the “Cinema” type seems to work the best generally). There’s also a “Sleep timer” and a “Zoom” control, which frankly I have yet to see a point in using, but then that’s me. You can leave “Noise reduction” on if the TV picture warrants some help when viewing standard-definition (same for some DVD viewing), but in general I say turn it off since high-def is the future-now for all of us. The Audio menu is worth tweaking for the sound, by the way, especially if you’ve activated and are using the simulated surround sound effect.

So I plug in a HDMI coming from my amp so I can switch from a television box to a Blu-ray disc. Now a quick press of the remote turns the ViewSonic VT2430 24-inch 1080p LCD TV and illuminates the front LED a tasty blue.

Switching between “live” TV and some Blu-ray discs, what comes to mind is that uncompressed HD looks a LOT better than any compressed signal (sorry satellite). I  tried playing an advance Blu-ray copy of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Love Never Dies,” because the production  combines the elements of a live performance with high-definition and this can sometimes make or break a display. Sound aside, the ViewSonic VT2430 24-inch 1080p LCD TV performed like a champ with no artifact issues and no smearing of motion on the screen. Good job, this.

The ViewSonic VT2430 24-inch 1080p LCD TV performs in a competent fashion with a fairly wide viewing angle, should you have a second person crowding in next to you. As is the case with most sets of this size, any signal interference generated by the video source will tend to show more readily — partly due to the fact that you are fairly close to the TV, as well as not having very intimate control over the image. But during a week’s worth of viewing, there wasn’t any time that I felt that the ViewSonic VT2430 24-inch 1080p LCD TV was being overwhelmed.

As to using the ViewSonic VT2430 24-inch 1080p LCD TV for a monitor, it’s easily set up for use (the back has the industry standard mounting plate for wall mounting too). Of course, you’ll need to tweak the image a bit. But keeping it as a second monitor pretty much means giving up all its TV functionality, so I don’t expect many owners to use it with their computers except for watching recorded materials occasionally.

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The good: In pure dollar/performance terms the Panasonic TC-P50UT50 is one of the best TVs we've seen, with astounding picture quality for the money. Black levels are the equal of Panasonic's ST50 series in a darkened room, shadow detail is very good, and colors are accurate. Unlike an LCD, as a plasma TV it has superb off-angle and uniformity characteristics. Despite the low price, the UT50 is still studded with the latest features, including 3D and Smart TV.

The bad: The UT50 series doesn't perform very well in a lit room, with blacks becoming muddy and indistinct. The performance of 3D is only passable, with quite distinct ghosting effects. The TV lacks advanced setup controls, which makes tweaking a better picture almost impossible. With only three video inputs it's not suited to users with lots of gear.

The bottom line: The Panasonic TC-P50UT50 plasma TV nearly matches the world-beating picture quality of the ST50 series, at an even lower price.

Panasonic has a reputation for producing high-quality plasma televisions, and with its 2012 models the company has not disappointed. The new lineup has single-handedly changed the level of quality we now expect from midrange televisions. The Panasonic TC-ST50 series redefined the picture quality/value equation, and the UT50 series is very close behind. As the least-expensive 2012 Panasonic plasma series with 55- and 60-inch sizes, the UT50 series is positioned as a value option, and while it misses a couple of features of the ST50 series, it still boasts very impressive picture quality.

Black levels on the UT50 series are about the same as what we saw on the superb flagship TC-P55VT30 a year ago, which is almost unbelievable in such a cheap TV, and while the sparse color controls give little wiggle room, color accuracy isn't an issue.

Two main extras go missing: the UT50 lacks the ST50's "louver" screen filter and so looks worse when the lights are on. It also has a limited number of connections, with no onboard Wi-Fi and only three video inputs in total, including just two HDMI ports. If you have lots of outboard gear you may need to use an external device for switching.

Which should you choose between the UT50 and ST50? Do you watch TV with the lights off all the time? I don't, and you probably don't either, so I feel the extra $300 or so is worth it to get the ST50's significantly better bright-room image quality. On its own merits, however, the UT50 is still an excellent TV and one of the best values of the year.

After years of what seemed like half-hearted attempts at design, Panasonic has finally emerged from the wilderness with its reasonably stylish 2012 range. It may be a style influenced by -- read "heavily borrowed from" -- from other manufacturers, but at least the company has realized that metallic brown isn't a good look.

In fact, Panasonic liked the design of the ST50 so much, with its Samsung-like crystal rim, that it used it again on the UT50. The two TVs differ though in that the UT50 has a glossy-black appearance while the ST50 is a dark gunmetal color -- and the UT50 has a thicker panel. If you want niceties like a swivel stand you're out of luck.

The remote control is a cut-down version of the ST50's glossy clicker. It's matte with colorful buttons, about 6 inches long, and I actually found it a bit easier to use than the ST50 remote. Panasonic's previous nuts-and-bolts approach to design is still apparent in its menu system. It's easy to use and navigate but doesn't look very flashy, with the same blue-and-yellow color scheme from previous years.

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Digital technology leader, Samsung Electronics, today announced the launch of its new, more interactive and intuitive Smart TV models - its flagship LED ES8000 and ES7500 series and the Plasma E8000 series in the Indian market. Samsung’s Smart Interaction technology provides Smart TV users with a new, more natural and intuitive option for controlling and interacting with the TV - breaking the physical boundaries between the consumer and screen.

Samsung’s new Voice Control, Motion Control, and Face Recognition commands advance the user experience in a competitive TV market that values ease, convenience and choice. Users can turn the TV on or off, activate selected apps or search for and select content in the web browser—all without touching the remote. The Samsung 2012 Smart television series feature a built-in camera that recognizes movement in the foreground, as well as microphones that recognize voice.

Announcing the launch of the Samsung 2012 Smart television series, Mr. Raj Kumar Rishi, VP & Business Head, Audio Visual Business, Samsung India said, “Samsung’s global leadership in televisions has rested on our continued thrust on innovation and excellence. In India too, we have been the first to introduce the latest, innovative technology products such as LED TVs, 3D TVs and now 2012 Smart Television series. Samsung’s 2012 TV and AV strategy rests on three pillars: Smart Interaction, Smart Content, and Smart Evolution, and our 2012 Smart television range exemplifies the same. I am confident that the new Smart television range will help us create new segments and further fuel the growth of the flat panel television market in India.”

As the Smart TV platform of choice, Samsung provides consumers access to the widest variety of premium content available, with over 1,500 apps offered worldwide. In 2012, Samsung is taking content one step further and evolving the way consumers discover and access apps—through a new Smart Hub that features a simpler, more personable UI in Full HD. Samsung’s Smart TVs also provide a much faster Smart TV experience powered by a new dual-core processor. Further, Samsung’s AllShare Play, the essential tie between Samsung’s products, content and services allows content to be pushed or pulled—regardless of the user’s location—from device to device and device to cloud for limitless sharing. AllShare Play enables consumers to push content manually to the cloud or pull the content directly from their Smart TV or other mobile devices.

Further, Samsung has strengthened its Smart TV content experience through the introduction of new exclusive services. The first-of-their kind services allow for easier content sharing among families across TVs and a number of connected personal devices.

Family Story allows users to share photos, post messages and chat in real time with family and friends
Fitness allows consumers to access exercise content and track progress both on the TV and on the go.
Kids offers a wealth of kid-friendly content that kids can access and parents can control and monitor.
Finally, Samsung’s Evolution Kit—an industry first—will allow consumers to easily and cost-effectively enjoy the latest technology services on their TV. With a simple slot-in at the back of select 2012 Samsung Smart TV models, consumers can keep pace with rapid advancements in both TV hardware and software—without needing to purchase a new set every other year. This makes Samsung the only consumer electronics company to offer this evolving TV solution. The ‘ES series’ of Samsung Slim LED televisions use edge-lit technology and offers excellent contrast and brightness with a Dynamic Contrast ratio of 3.5 million:1, are ultra Slim, consume 40% less power and have excellent durability. The Samsung Smart televisions, including LED & plasma models are priced in the range between Rs 37,700 to Rs 273,000.

“Even as we work towards enhancing the Indian consumers’ experience by introducing India relevant applications for Smart televisions, we are also introducing new LED television models that have been especially developed for India,” said Mr. Rishi. Samsung has launched the EH Series of LED TV in the screen sizes between 26” to 46” across Series 4, 5 and 6. The EH series uses back-lit LED technology and offers a better viewing experience than LCD TVs at similar price points. Compared to conventional LCD TVs, the EH series offer richer colours, better motion clarity, have a narrow bezel, consume 50% lower electricity (than comparable LCD models) and offers Triple Protector. Triple Protector ensures protection against electrical surges and lightning as well as humidity. The Samsung EH Series is priced between Rs. 24,000 to Rs 94,900. “Based on the launch of our new ES series Smart televisions as well as the EH Series of LED TVs, we are expecting LED TVs to contribute to 70% of our total Flat Panel TV sales,” added Mr. Rishi. Samsung’s entire Flat Panel TVs product portfolio has models that are priced in the range between Rs. 12,800 to Rs. 273,000.

Taking the consumers’ audio visual experience to the next level with premium sound quality and functionality are Samsung’s Blu ray home theatre systems, HT-E6750W and HT-E4550K. The E6750W is 7.1-channel Blu-ray system that is a complete entertainment hub, offering 3D Blu-ray playback, DLNA media streaming, web content and excellent multimedia support. But the unique feature of the E6750W is its use of valve and digital amplifier technology, which enriches the audio experience. The vacuum tube produces a warm, rich and enveloping sound, while reducing ambient noise so you can hear everything perfectly. The premium glass fiber material helps to enhance sound clarity through heat resistant and anti-vibration capabilities. While the HT-E6750W is priced at Rs 51,990, the HT –E4550K is priced at Rs. 31,990. Samsung has also launched five DVD home theatre systems in the price range of Rs. 9,690 to Rs. 23,990.

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While Panasonic has long favoured plasma technology, the firm does make a selection of LCD TVs. In fact, the Japanese manufacturer is looking to boost its LCD range over the coming years. Its 2012 series is the firm's second to use IPS-Alpha LCD screen panels—technology developed in-house and used exclusively in Panasonic TVs.

Alongside the top-of-the-range WT50, Panasonic also sells the DT50, another LCD TV with active shutter 3D. It's equipped with all the latest must-have functions, including smart TV services (Viera connect), DLNA compatibility and 1600 Hz motion interpolation (for a native screen frequency of 200 Hz).

The DT50 is available in three different sizes: the 42" (107 cm) TX-L42DT50, the 47" (119 cm) TX-L47DT50 or the 55" (140 cm) TX-L55DT50. Thanks to Edge LED backlighting, the DT50 has a slim casing (2.7 cm) with a metal bezel and stand. It has an understated yet stylish design and an excellent-quality finish.

The only detail that some people in our office weren't too sure about was the plastic strip at the bottom of the screen bezel, whose only purpose seems to be making room for a slightly garish light-up Panasonic logo. While we can understand that a manufacturer wants its name to appear on its products, we would have preferred to see a logo subtly engraved in the casing. That, however, is a matter of taste.

Panasonic has equipped this TV with a new remote control. It's the same shape as Panasonic's former remote, but the layout of the buttons has changed. The volume and channel controls have, for example, been moved further up into the middle of the remote, above the numeric keypad. The remote is backlit too, which can be handy when you're watching a film with the lights off.

Once connected to the web via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (built-in), this TV offers access to Panasonic's Viera connect services. There are plenty of apps to choose from and they're all pretty good quality. You'll find the usual selection of popular apps, such as YouTube (with HD video functionality), Skype, Twitter, Facebook and Google Maps, as well as more unusual content such as Gameloft games—although you will have to pay up to £5 for games like Asphalt 5!

The new web browser is now compatible with HTML 5, but this update unfortunately hadn't been released at the time we reviewed the DT50 so we weren't able to test it.

It's good to see that file support has been boosted in the built-in media player. Although it's still not quite up there with the best, Panasonic has seriously closed the gap with Korean manufacturers on that front. NTFS (Windows format) peripherals are now supported, bringing compatibility with files over 4 GB in size—which isn't the case with FAT 32. Most video container formats are supported, including AVI, DivX, MP4, MKV, MOV, MTS and M2TS. Only ISO files (disc cover images) and DVD or Blu-ray disc menus are still problematic.

Panasonic's 2012 IPS-Alpha screen does an excellent job compared with last year's model, as the ghosting time has been halved from 13 ms to 7.5 ms. This puts the DT50 up there with he best TVs we've tested yet, including Philips LCD TVs using Sharp screens and plasma-screen TVs (which generally score between 7 and 8 ms).

2D Picture Quality
While screen responsiveness has improved, the out-of-the-box screen settings certainly haven't. The default settings are clearly designed to look pleasing and eye-catching to novice users but they won't wash with specialist or advanced users. Colours are therefore very vivid and an average Delta E of 6.7 means that colour fidelity is off the mark (a reading of three or under gives accurate colours). Brightness levels (gamma) are poorly balanced, washing light greys out to white, and the grey scale is too cold (too blue). You can make things better by switching to True Cinema mode, although the result still isn't perfect. Colours, in particular, still aren't reproduced accurately, with an average Delta E measured at 5.2 (don't forget, the lower the better) while most TVs manage to push down under 3.

The contrast ratio hasn't evolved since 2011. We measured 830:1 for the DT50, while we were expecting to see at least 2000:1. In fact, the best TVs these days can reach 5000:1. Blacks therefore do tend to look grey, which is a real disappointment! To make up for the lack of contrast, you're better off watching this TV in rooms with decent levels of ambient light, as it'll trick your eyes into seeing a darker black. This, however, remains a trick rather than a genuine solution.

In the past, IPS screens have been known for delivering wider viewing angles than other types of LCD screen technology. That's certainly true in this Panasonic panel, as with an average variation in brightness of 28% around the edges of the screen, the IPS-Alpha panel in this TX-L47DT50 TV gets a score of 3/5 for viewing angles, when most of the TVs we've reviewed scored between 0.8/5 and 2/5 (that's a 55% to 35% variation in brightness).

For watching films, like in most TVs, the SD upscaling (DVD) isn't amazing in this model. You're therefore better off using a latest-generation games console (PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360) as these use a more advanced graphics system to ensure better results. HD images look perfect, however. Users looking for super-smooth pictures should set Intelligent Frame Creation from 'maximum' to 'minimum'. The motion interpolation function will then eliminate judder and glitches while minimising the 'video' or 'camcorder' effect.

Clouding
We didn't notice any problems with clouding in this TV. In other words, there was no light leaking through where it shouldn't be!

3D Picture Quality
The improved screen responsiveness allows Panasonic to deliver almost flawless 3D picture quality in scenes that aren't too contrasted. That's real progress since 2011. White on black still causes a few problems with images for the left and right eyes doubling up (crosstalk), but it's pretty rare to see a white object on a black background in most 3D content. With quality like this, the DT50 isn't far behind Panasonic's plasma TVs.

Panasonic's active shutter 3D glasses are very good quality. Although they're quite expensive (around £50), they're comfortable to wear and can feasibly be used over the top of regular glasses As is often the case, the 2D-to-3D conversion function in this TV doesn't give great results. In fact, it only brings a very slight impression of depth to the picture. It's the kind of thing that's fun for about five minutes, but it's no replacement for genuine 3D content.

Audio Quality
As outlined in this TV's spec sheet, the Panasonic DT50 has two speakers, as well as a woofer to take care of the bass (frequencies below 50 Hz). However, the two speakers are so small that the woofer ends up doing pretty much all of the work, which, in the end, makes the audio output sound more like mono than stereo.

That's a shame, as the central speaker (the woofer) gives good-quality audio. A second speaker like this could have helped the DT50 get a fourth star in this section.

Power Use
Like many TVs on the market right now, the DT50 is an energy efficient device. We measured standby power use at 1 watt. When up and running, we measured 75 watts for this 47-inch TV (which makes 123 W/m²).

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A leading entertainment gadgets giant has been ordered by a Delhi District consumer forum to pay Rs 54,000 to a city resident for selling him a defective LCD television to him.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (North West) asked Panasonic Pvt Ltd to pay Nangloi resident Harish Kumar Bhardwaj the sum, which included Rs 34,990 as LCD price, Rs 15,000 as compensation and Rs 5,000 as litigation cost.

The bench presided by Rakesh Kapoor asked Panasonic India to compensate Bhardwaj, holding it guilty of rendering him deficient service.

The consumer forum's order came on Bhardwaj's plea, which alleged the LCD was faulty as a defective sound emanated from its speakers and even a Panasonic engineer could not fix it.

"The complainant (Bhardwaj) has made out a case under the Consumer Protection Act and has established that the company (Panasonic) was guilty of deficiency in service. The company on its part has chosen not to contest the complaint which gives an inference that the version of the complainant is true," the forum observed.

Bhardwaj, in his plea, had said the fault had persisted in the LCD screen's speakers and despite replacement of the speakers there was no improvement in the quality of its sound.

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The Sony Bravia KDL-46HX820 is a 46-inch LED/LCD TV that incorporates both 2D and 3D display capability, along with network media player functions, which provide access to both PC-based and online streaming audio/video content. With the addition of a compatible accessory webcam, you can even make Skype video phone calls. The KDL-46HX820 also utilizes an attractive, thin profile, design featuring a sturdy screen surface provided by Corning Gorilla Glass.

In addition, the 46-inch KDL-46HX820 features a 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, , 4 HDMI inputs, and two side mounted USB ports for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives. The Sony Bravia KDL-46HX820 is definitely a feature-packed TV, but is it the right TV for you? Keep reading to find out. Afterwards, also check out a Photo Profile and a sampling of Video Performance Tests.

Product Overview
The Main Features of the Sony Bravia KDL-46HX820 include:
1. 46-inch, 16x9, 3D capable (including 2D to 3D conversion) LED/LCD TV with 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 240Hz Screen Refresh Rate and Sony X-Reality Pro Engine image processing.

2. 1080p video upscaling/processing for all non-1080p input sources as well as native 1080p input capability.

3. High Definition Compatible Inputs: Four HDMI, One Component (via adapter cable), One VGA PC Monitor input.

4. Standard Definition-Only Inputs: One Composite video input (via adapter cable).

5. One set of analog stereo inputs and one stereo analog audio output that can be also be used for connecting a pair of headphones.

6. One RF coaxial cable input connection and built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuners for reception of over-the-air high definition and unscrambled high definition/standard definition digital cable signals.

7. 10 watts x 3 (2.1 channels) sound system. One Digital Optical output for connection to external home theater receiver, stereo receiver, or amplifier.

8. 2 USB ports for access to audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives, camcorders, portable digital media players, as well as for charging the optional Sony TDG-BR250/B Active Shutter Rechargeable 3D Glasses.

9. DLNA certification allows access to audio, video, and still image content stored on network connected devices, such as a PC or media server.

10. On-board Ethernet port for wired internet/home Internet connection. WiFi connection option via supplied USB Wi-Fi Adapter.

11. Access to internet based content provided by the Sony Entertainment Network.

12. Skype-enabled (optional Sony-compatible webcam required).

13. Link for remote control via HDMI of multiple HDMI-CEC compatible devices.

14. Wireless Infrared Remote Control included.

15. User Manual (iManual) accessible online via PC or directly from the TV, if connected to the Internet.

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The good: The Sony HX750 offers excellent color accuracy for an LCD and will give a decent picture without too much calibration. The feature count is one of the highest of any Sony TV this year. Styling is subdued but elegant, and it's not all about looks, because it's also easy to use.

The bad: The overall picture quality is hampered by light black levels. No 3D glasses are included, which is disappointing for a high-level TV. Compared with the stiff competition, this Sony is too expensive for what you get.

The bottom line: The Sony HX750 series isn't the headliner that you'd expect it to be with a performance that isn't up to the level of the asking price.

Last year, we were mightily impressed by Sony's high-end televisions, with models such as the HX929 and the NX720 still some of our favorite LCD TVs. At CES in early 2012, Sony shocked quite a few pundits by only introducing a total of 10 models and in an almost offhand way -- a single slide in a presentation filled with celebrities and Olympic heroes. As the second from the top -- the queen, if you will, of Sony's new 2012 TV line -- the HX750 performs less like the next in line for the throne and more like a lowly serf.

Its picture quality behaves more like the EX720, which was halfway down last year's roster -- when for the price we would have expected it to perform like the Editors' Choice-winning NX720. While the HX750's colors are good, black levels are lacking for a TV in this price range.

The Panasonic ST50, for example, is available for $500 less and has a picture that's significantly better. The Sony does offer a few features that the Panasonic lacks, such as Wi-Fi Direct and Track ID, but these are really window dressing. Thinking about this TV causes my shoulders to involuntarily shrug, and wonder whether the step-up HX850 can go some way to restore the level of quality the company achieved last year.
Editors' note: The CNET Editors' rating above factors in a new Value score that joins Design, Features, and Performance in our ratings calculations for TVs. In the case of the Sony KDL-HX750 series, the Value score is 5.

The Panasonic ST50, for example, is available for $500 less and has a picture that's significantly better. The Sony does offer a few features that the Panasonic lacks, such as Wi-Fi Direct and Track ID, but these are really window dressing. Thinking about this TV causes my shoulders to involuntarily shrug, and wonder whether the step-up HX850 can go some way to restore the level of quality the company achieved last year.

Editors' note: The CNET Editors' rating above factors in a new Value score that joins Design, Features, and Performance in our ratings calculations for TVs. In the case of the Sony KDL-HX750 series, the Value score is 5.

Series information: I performed a hands-on evaluation of the 55-inch KDL-55HX750, but this review also applies to the other screen sizes in the series. All sizes have identical specs and according to the manufacturer should provide very similar picture quality. I performed a hands-on evaluation of the 55-inch KDL-55HX750, but this review also applies to the other screen sizes in the series. All sizes have identical specs and according to the manufacturer should provide very similar picture quality.

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The Sony Bravia KDL-46HX820 is a 46-inch LED/LCD TV that offers an attractive, thin profile, design complemented by an overlay of sturdy Gorilla Glass. However, it is what is beneath the glass, and in within the cabinet, that counts.

Starting with the basics, the KDL-46HX820 features a 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 240 Hz screen refresh rate, 4 HDMI inputs, and two side mounted USB ports for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives, which can also be used to charge the accessory 3D glasses.

Howerver, it doesn't stop there, the KDL-46HX820 also incorporates 3D display capability from compatilble Blu-ray, TV broadcast, cable, or satellite TV sources, along with Internet media player capabilities, which allows direct access to both PC-based and online streaming audio/video content via wired or wireless internet connection. With the addition of a compatible accessory webcam, you can even make Skype video phone calls.

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