LED, LCD and plasma TV: Buying a new TV Best TV brands

LG HDTV reviews

LG's new Cinema Screen models feature 1mm thin bezels. The company says this not only improves the looks of the TV, but makes the viewing experience more immersive. 

LG is also focussing strongly on passive 3D technology, branding these models as LG Cinema 3D TV. Passive 3D usually produces a less detailed 3D image than Active 3D, but the advantage is that the 3D glasses you need to wear are very cheap making the 3D experience accessible to more people. Some LG Cinema 3D TVs come with 7 pairs of glasses.

There are some interesting smart TV developments too. The LG Magic Remote works a bit like a computer mouse, and is designed to make operating smart TV functions easier.

We've tested 29 LG 2010 and 2011 televisions that are still available - scores range between 52% and 67%. See our LG TV reviews for more information.

Panasonic Viera HDTV reviews

15 new Panasonic plasmas are hitting the shelves in 2012. Panasonic is fully committed to plasma technology, launching models from 42" up to 65". The Japanese giant hasn't forgotten LED and LCD technology of course, and is introducing a large range of models here too. The ET5 range features passive 3D technology -  4 pairs of glasses are included with each set.

Panasonic is also focussing strongly on smart TV this year. In the LCD and LED range, only the entry level X5-series lacks internet connectivity. 

Over the past couple of years, Panasonic has performed well across the board with most models scoring pretty well. We've tested 20 Panasonic Viera 2010 and 2011 televisions that are still available - scores range between 55% and 70%. See our Panasonic TV reviews for more information.

Philips HDTV reviews

Philips has been a bit hit-and-miss with its TVs – its scores have been going down overall over the past few years, with many models suffering from less than perfect ease of use.

It has been an innovative maker in the past though. New models still feature Ambilight, which emits light from the back of the set in colours and intensities to match what's on screen.

We've tested 10 Philips 2010 and 2011 televisions that are still available – scores range between 41% and 54%. See our Philips TV reviews for more information.

Samsung HDTV reviews

The Samsung UE32D5000 is a big-selling LED set

Samsung is the biggest-selling TV manufacturer in the UK. It's good looking models are also scoring better than ever. Some of its high-end 2012 models feature voice and motion control allowing you to change channels and perform other functions without the remote. Its range of Smart TV services is pretty strong, while every 2012 smart model comes with built-in wi-fi.

The majority of Samsung 2012 models are LED, although there are also a few plasma models on offer.

We've tested 27 Samsung 2010 and 2011 televisions that are still available – scores range between 49% and 76%. See our Samsung TV reviews for more information.

Sony Bravia HDTV reviews

Sony has always been at or near the forefront of the latest HDTV technologies (power-saving light sensors, for instance) and at CES 2012 it introduced Crystal LED, an exciting new panel technology that it hopes will compete with OLED. There won't be any Crystal LED models available until 2013 at least, but Sony still has some exciting models in their 2012 range including the Bravia HX850.

We've tested 15 Sony Bravia 2010 and 2011 televisions that are still available – scores range between 54% and 66%. See our Sony TV reviews for more information.

Sharp HDTV reviews

The Sharp Aquos Quattron LC-60LE925 dwarfs most other TVs.

Sharp doesn't set the world alight when it comes to our tests. Models have consistenly fallen short of Best Buy standards. However it continues to push its LCD and LED technology enthusiastically, especially the larger screen sizes. 

We tested the large and expensive Sharp Aquos Quattron LC-60LE925 last year. The 2012 range of models includes even bigger models - two measuring 70" and one 80".

We've tested 9 Sharp 2010 and 2011 televisions that are still available – scores range between 39% and 51%. See our Sharp TV reviews for more information.

Toshiba HDTV reviews

From the £7000 ZL2 with it's 55-inch 4K resolution screen to a range of basic, non-smart models, there's pretty much something for everyone in Toshiba's 2012 range.

With the odd exception such as the ZL2, Toshiba focusses more on value and less on innovation. Its models are often a little cheaper than some of the more mainstream brands, but test scores of models tested over the past couple of years haven't been particularly great.

Other interesting models include the DV and DL combi sets that feature a built-in DVD player - a useful space saver. For smart TV on a budget, the 23RL933 comes in at under £300.

We've tested 12 Toshiba 2010 and 2011 televisions that are still available – scores range between 36% and 49%. See our Toshiba TV reviews for more information.