What is the best small LCD television?

Best small LCD TVs

Best small LCD TVs
Widescreen LCD TVs that measure less than 25 inches are significantly cheaper than larger LCD panels. These relatively inexpensive LCD TVs differ from the regular LCD monitors you might see attached to a computer in that they include TV tuners and speakers, so there's no need to boot up your computer to watch television. They can be used as either independent TVs or computer monitors, and if they have picture-in-picture, you can work on your computer on one screen while watching TV on a smaller screen. Although inexpensive, LCD televisions this size will look awfully small mounted on a wall. Their smaller size makes them better in a bedroom or attached to a computer in an office. They could also serve well as kitchen televisions.

Even small televisions are now required to have a digital tuner. Until recently, TVs smaller than 25 inches were exempt from the new law, but as of March 1, 2007, all TVs must have a tuner. If you are looking for a smaller-screen LCD TV for a bedroom, dorm room or kitchen, the digital tuner requirement could complicate your search at the present moment. Manufacturers have been slow to introduce new smaller-screen LCD TVs with ATSC tuners, especially while older LCD TVs without digital tuners remain on many retailer shelves, where they will stay until sold out.

But while LCD TVs without digital tuners are still relatively plentiful and, in many cases, a bargain, they are not a good choice if you get any of your TV from over-the-air broadcasting. While you could continue to watch TV broadcasts after February 2009 by adding an external tuner, that adds to the clutter and makes for a more complex setup. On the other hand, the tuner issue is of little or no concern if you get all of your TV from cable or satellite, as they use a different scheme to distribute programming and are not affected by these changes.

At the moment, there are only a handful of small-screen TVs with digital tuners available. One is the 23-inch Sony KDL-23S2010 (*est. $800) , which has received some good user feedback and a brief but positive writeup at Consumer Guide. It is an HDTV with a native resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. Features are generous for a small-screen TV, but some things, such as PIP, are missing. The TV is also relatively expensive for such a small screen size. Consumer Guide says that the TV does a relatively good job with fast-motion video, and that it excels in displaying video games.

You should be aware that almost any LCD monitor could be used as a television through your computer. You'll need to install a TV tuner card in your computer to receive over-the-air or cable TV, and you'll have to boot up your computer to watch television.

Important Features: LCD TVs
You should consider the following factors when shopping for an LCD TV:

Decide whether you want plasma or LCD. LCD TVs are available in a wider variety of sizes and prices. Plasma displays are found only in sizes of 37 inches or larger, though they are generally less expensive than large-sized LCD TVs. The best LCD TVs, such as those in the Sharp AQUOS line, are able to approach the black levels achieved by plasma. Reviews say LCDs are brighter but have more viewing angle issues than plasmas, making them an iffy choice for big family rooms where several people may be watching at an angle.
Picture-in-picture allows you to view two video sources at once, with one appearing as an inset in a small window on the screen. Single-tuner PIP lets you watch TV in one window and another source (such as a DVD) in the second window. A set with two tuners enables you to watch two television sources at once. Be aware that some cable boxes will negate a dual-tuner PIP feature and may only allow you to watch one digital source at a time.
Look for an HDMI input. This connection keeps the signal all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as the signal passes through other components (such as a cable box). HDMI carries high-definition audio as well as video. Some satellite receivers and DVD players connect through this port, and it is a must for viewing the output of a high-definition DVD player. HDMI also supports HDCP, a copy-protection standard that prevents people from making copies of high-definition movies. Many upcoming high-def DVDs will likely not be playable without it. Instead of an HDMI port, some sets provide an HDCP-compliant DVI-D connection. That connection carries digital video, but not digital audio. HDMI is backward compatible with DVI-D, and HDMI and DVI-D components can be interconnected using adapter cables.
Match TV size to the size of your room. Because plasma and LCD screens have higher resolutions than conventional TVs, you can sit closer than you normally would. That means you can get away with a bigger screen. Even so, 42-inch screens that look great in a showroom may overwhelm a small room.
Shop around for price. In our research, we found big price differences from retailer to retailer, so it pays to look around.
Verify that the TV comes with a stand or mounting hardware. Most LCD TVs come with a basic table stand, but wall-mounting hardware, if not included, could cost an additional $100 to $200.
Check the manufacturer's policy before buying online. Some manufacturers have strict policies regarding authorized dealers. For example, if you buy a Sharp LCD TV from an unauthorized dealer, you've probably voided your manufacturer's warranty. However, the retailer may offer a substitute warranty. We found a substantial price differential between Sharp's authorized dealers and discounters. Be sure to calculate your threshold for risk on such a large purchase and to ask the dealer about warranty coverage.
If you aren't completely attached to the idea of a flat panel, you get more big-screen for your money with one of the latest rear-projection TVs. These models, which are based on LCD, DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology, are much thinner and lighter than older CRT-based rear-projection TVs. Please see our separate report for more information on projection TV . It's possible to find a 60-inch rear-projection TV for less than the price of a 42-inch plasma or 37-inch LCD.
>> LCD TV prices
Consensus Report
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart. The Consensus Report also appears in the Full Story.

# of Picks Model (with retailer links) Details from Amazon.com
4 Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 (*est. $2,390) details
4 Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR2 (*est. $3,000) details
4 Westinghouse Digital LVM-42w2 (*est. $1,275) details
3 JVC LT-46FN97 (*est. $2,530) details
2 Sharp AQUOS LC-46D62U (*est. $2,120) details
2 Syntax-Brillian Olevia 537H (*est. $800) details
2 Syntax-Brillian Olevia 747i (*est. $3,360) details
2 Syntax-Brillian Olevia 532H (*est. $700) details
2 Toshiba REGZA 47LZ196 (*est. $2,500) details
2 Vizio GV42L (*est. $1,200) details