This article was taken from the July 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
With video-on-demand, apps and motion control, these TVs are smarter than the average.
How we tested
All TVs were tested using the same 6Mbps broadband for Smart features. Pictures were tested using the same Blu-ray and TV shows. Images were calibrated and colour performance measured with the Spyder4Elite system.
Samsung UE46ES8000
Samsung has packed plenty of innovations into its new ES8000 series. Particularly envelope-pushing are the improvements to its Smart TV interface. The TV also has very effective voice recognition. Gesture control is less successful, needing too much precision. But sumptuous onscreen menus, reams of apps and online video services, plus excellent 2D and 3D picture quality ensure that this is another irresistible Samsung proposition.
Wired: Stunning design
Tired: Gesture confusion
Essential apps Dedicated fitness, Netflix, Lovefilm,
BBC iPlayer, Acetrax
£1,900
Panasonic TX-L42ET5
The TX-L42ET5 delivers an engaging 3D performance, hindered only by having a limited vertical viewing angle and slightly reduced 3D resolution. It's also a likeable 2D performer, and uses built-in Wi-Fi to access Panasonic's latest Viera Connect online portal. This features video services and surprisingly console-like games, but its interface feels dated - and more English-language content would be nice (Panasonic claims it's in the pipeline).
Wired: Good looks
Tired: Blurry 3D
Essential apps Acetrax, BBC iPlayer, FetchTV, BBC News, Euronews
£899
Sharp LC-60LE636E
Sharp has recently realised that it's uniquely equipped to flog unbelievably large TVs for unfeasibly little money. The giant 60LE636E actually boasts Sharp's AQUOSNet+ online platform. A shame, then, that AQUOSNet+ turns out to be painfully short on content, not even running to the BBC's iPlayer at the time of writing.
Wired: Huge screen
Tired: Little content
Essential apps Open Web Browser,
Box Office 365, YouTube, Cartoon Network
£1,499
Sony KDL-46HX923
Instead of the usual edge LED lighting, Sony's 46HX923 uses more expensive direct LED lighting behind the screen.
This delivers brilliant pictures, especially where contrast is concerned. The 46HX923 also excels with online content, thanks to a focus on streaming video rather than lots of apps. It is, after all, a TV, not a smartphone.
Wired: Vivid picture
Tired: Tedious menus
Essential apps Lovefilm,
Twitter, Skype, Facebook, Qriocity Music
£1,700
LG 55LM660T
LG has worked hard on its Smart TV functionality, adding genuinely useful video services (as well as many less useful apps) and making the interface more attractive and intuitive. All of which results in what's comfortably LG's best TV yet. Its design is sensational, thanks to its "barely there" bezel and super-skinny rear. Backlight inconsistency is an occasional niggle.
Wired: Excellent 3D
Tired: Poor lighting
Essential apps BBC iPlayer,
Lovefilm, Twitter, Facebook,
YouTube
£2,200
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
