ConsumerReports.org Best TV Picks to Watch the Big Game

Five Sure-Fire Models to Consider Plus a Budget Option

YONKERS, N.Y., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It may not be the same as being there, but watching the Big Game on February 6th on a big-screen HDTV can be the next best thing.  For those heading out this weekend to upgrade their sets, ConsumerReports.org has named five can't-miss TV picks that will do justice to the Big Game.  

"With prices continuing to fall on TVs with larger screen sizes, this is actually a great time to be looking for a new set," says Jim Willcox, senior editor for electronics at Consumer Reports. "While there are a number of TVs in our TV Ratings that are worth considering, the five models we've identified are especially noteworthy for sports fans looking to buy a new set."

Below are ConsumerReports.org five TV picks for the Big Game, plus an extra budget selection for consumers who want a good TV at a more affordable price.  They're not the only sets to take into account – check the complete TV buying guide at ConsumerReports.org which includes reviews and Ratings of other suitable models that may meet individual needs and budgets.

1. Panasonic Viera TC-P65VT25, $4,300. Consumers willing to splurge should consider this 65-inch 1080p plasma TV, a Consumer Reports top-rated 3D model.  It delivers excellent HD picture quality and lots of features, including the company's Viera Cast online service. This Wi-Fi-ready model also includes Skype (via an optional camera).
2. Samsung LN60C630, $2,000. This 60-inch 1080p LCD TV, the biggest LCD screen size in the current Ratings, offers excellent picture quality and 120Hz technology at a fairly low price for a major brand. Though it lacks Internet services and has an average viewing angle, its anti-reflective matte screen works well for bright rooms.
3. LG Infinia 60PK950, $2,000. This sharp-looking 60-inch 1080p plasma TV is among the best big-screen sets Consumer Reports has tested, with excellent picture quality across the board. It's also loaded with features, including LG's NetCast online service and built-in Wi-Fi (via an included adapter).
4. Vizio XVT553SV TruLED, $1,700. This 55-inch 1080p LCD TV is one of the few new sets Consumer Reports has seen with a full-array LED backlight.  It delivers excellent picture quality, a wider-than-average viewing angle for an LCD, and a lot of features (240Hz technology, the VIA online service, a Bluetooth remote with slide-out QWERTY keyboard) for a fairly low price. Like the first three, this model's sound was only good, so consider pairing these sets with a sound bar.
5. Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800, $1,900. This sleek, 52-inch 1080p LCD TV delivers excellent overall picture quality, and it's one of only a handful of TVs in Consumer Reports Ratings that offers very good sound quality. It's also loaded with features, including an edge LED backlight, 240Hz technology, built-in Wi-Fi, and access to online content.

Budget pick: Sanyo DP55360, $1,300. Consumers can get a satisfying TV without spending a fortune. This 55-inch model offers very good overall picture quality, plus features such as an edge LED backlight, 240Hz technology, and access to online content, all at a fairly low price. Sound quality is only fair, though, so considering pairing it with an external sound system. If accessing online content isn't a priority, consider a less expensive 52-inch sibling (DP52440, $1,000) that provides excellent picture quality and slightly better sound.

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SOURCE Consumer Reports