$600 - $800 TVs

The Bottom Line: Although it costs a tad more than bargain-basement models, the Sony KDL-L5000 series makes up for it with above-basement design and picture quality.

Specs: LCD TV, 37 in, 13000:1, 3000:1, 1366 x 768, 16:9, Black

The Bottom Line: While not up to the picture quality of Samsung's topflight models, the feature-rich, uniquely styled LNB650 series still outperforms most LCDs on the market.

Specs: LCD TV, 32 in, 100000:1, 1920 x 1080, 16:9

The Bottom Line: The dock on JVC's LT-P300 series of LCD TV provides a well-designed and easy way to enjoy iPod and iPhone content in the living room.

Specs: LCD TV, 42 in, 500, 6500:1, 1920 x 1080, Black

The Bottom Line: The commendable picture quality of Sony's entry-level 120Hz-equipped LCD makes it a very good value.

Specs: LCD TV, 40 in, 50000:1, 5000:1, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, Piano black

The Bottom Line: Although subpar black levels keep it from besting the LCD champs, the Toshiba ZV650U series is still one of the better values among TVs with a 240Hz effect.

Specs: LCD TV, 42 in, 100000:1, 1920 x 1080, 16:9

The Bottom Line: While its black levels and uniformity mark the LG LH30 series as an entry-level display, its extensive picture controls allow the color accuracy of a flagship model.

Specs: LCD TV, 42 in, 500, 50000:1, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, Gloss black

The Bottom Line: Although it requires more than a few picture quality trade-offs, the Panasonic TC-P50X1 delivers the best black-levels-to-dollars ratio of any HDTV we've tested.

Specs: Plasma panel, 50 in, 30000:1, 1366 x 398, 16:9

The Bottom Line: With deep black levels and generally excellent picture quality, the more eco-friendly Panasonic TC-PS1 series of plasma TVs strikes an appealing price/performance balance.

Specs: Plasma TV, 42 in, 2000000:1, 40000:1, 1920 x 1080, 16:9

The Bottom Line: CNET did not review the Hitachi UT32V502, but we did review a larger model in a different series.

Specs: LCD flat panel display, 32 in, 1366 x 768, 16:9, Pearl crystal anthracite with chrome trim

The Bottom Line: Serious uniformity flaws make it difficult to recommend the Haier HL47K over other bargain LCD TVs.

Specs: LCD TV, 47 in, 500, 1500:1, 1920 x 1080, 16:9