By Steve Holdgren

Following are the models our electronics category editors JB Burden and Bob Wiley think are great mid-range LED TV choices in terms of the quality/value/price/features equation. We have reviewed these or similar offerings from the manufacturers and we recommend and rated these models based on the following:

1. Mid-Grade Features Set Value Proposition LED Television
2. 2D Picture Quality – Strong Black Levels, contrast, color, clarity,
3. LED TVs without the highest end most expensive features but still the most essential
4. Some Extra Features that make sense and add to value and work well
5. Side Angle- off center viewing quality (a difficult metric for LED TVs)
6. Sound Quality
7. Internet/Smart TV Functionality
8. Appearance and Design Elements

Mid-Value LED TV Buying Guide

Factors to Consider when Purchasing an LED TV (at least a mid-range one)

Resolution

Since almost all mid-range LED Televisions are 1080p resolution this is not really much of a factor any more.

Picture Quality Features to Pass On

In a Mid-Priced LED TV you want good but not over the top picture quality features. You save significant money by not having to have the fanciest most current features. Today those include 960Hz enhanced refresh rate, full array local dimming backlighting rather than edge lit LED, and true 240Hz panels.

Some Picture Quality Features You Want to Keep For Sure

1) Clear Coat Screens
For me, clear coat screens are important. We have in our list here a few TVs that do have a matte screen finish, but we prefer clear coat (otherwise called ultra clear) screen LCD panels due to better light flow in the screen and brightness. Contrast and side angle viewing may also be much better depending on the screen.

2) Video Processing
Processing is important no matter what price level you are choosing from, so we recommend strong processing engines from good manufacturers. This makes a huge difference with 480i or 480p standard definition signals up-converting to the native resolution (1080p) of the panel.

3) 120Hz vs. 240Hz Native Panel
To my eyes 120Hz panel refresh rate speed is probably good enough. Both 120Hz and 240Hz have issues when it comes to some negative unintended consequences. Both are good for fast action programming such as sports. But it’s much more difficult to see the difference between 120Hz to 240hz than the larger step up which is 60Hz to 120Hz. You will see much more judder – jerky motion effects with at 60Hz screen – so we recommend 120Hz for this price category LED TVs.

Other LED TV Features to Take a Pass On (in the Mid-Range Price Category)
Some people could give a hoot about 3D capability and that is why we have included TVs in this list that are not 3D compatible. If 3D is included – active or passive is fine for this category unless you are a 3D connoisseur – in which case you probably want active shutter 3D quality. Super fancy remote controls with QWERTY keyboards or touch pads are nice to have but not extremely necessary. 4K resolution is out of reach in this price range and may not help you that much anyway right now with such limited programming. The highest end appearance packages with the thinnest depths add too much cost and are not included in this categories recommendations (with the exception of the LGs).

Features to Not Take a Pass On

In my mind, the way Internet TV (also called Smart TV) options are expanding you might want that feature more than 3D for now. Built in Wifi is a nice feature to have to access the Internet – not having to purchase a Wifi Dongle or hard wire for the Internet. A full web browser is sometimes reserved for higher end TVs, but it’s a feature I like a lot because you can access and watch programming directly off the Web without having to use only the available Internet TV Apps built in.

Sound Quality

Though much overlooked – sound quality is mucho important if you do not plan on using a home theater system.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

More Top Ten Lists

Top 10 32″- 42″ LCD TVs

The small LCD TV category is still very important to the average North American consumer. We’ve included a solid list of the Best LCD TVs for 2012 based on the following qualitative and value criteria: Solid Picture Quality based on…[more]

Top 10 HDTVs

Our expert TV editors pull together the Top 10 most impressive best quality HDTVs for 2012. Editors noted several factors in helping them decide which HDTVs to include in the list including: 1. Black Level Depth 2. Side Angle Viewing Quality 3. Clarity and Clearness of Images on Screen…[more]

Top 10 Blu-ray Players

Blu-Ray players are becoming increasingly more advanced while not surging to ridiculously high prices. Several new models coming out in 2012 offer smart TV viewing options, with the ability to search for movies, apps, and entertainment sites. We selected 10 of the best Blu-Ray players that showed the greatest technological advances and connectivity options. Other features we considered…[more]

LG UDTV Review

LG has introduced a new macdaddy, spanking hot $22,000 84 inch UDTV (ultra high definition TV) that will be shipped fall of 2012. It will not only be one of the larges TVs on the market but is also the highest definition at 3,820 X 2,160. The abreviation for this resolution is 4K to differentiate it from 1080 or let you know that it is 4 times the 1080p resolution…[more]

Best TV Series

This simple list shows off some of the best TV shows of the past few years that have a box set available. With the popularity of HBO/Showtime type shows you can get lost in finding the next great TV show (or last great)…. [more]

Upconversion Processing

What was and is interesting is how the signal is being up-converted to 4K from that measly full HD 1080p signal. The Sharp handled this up-conversion but we are not sure yet about the LG. There are some Blu-Ray players on the market that will up-convert the signal, namely the Sony BDP-S790.

But really there is no reason the TV cannot contain the up-conversion technology within. At $22,000 they should be able to afford the best in this processing. Consider that the aforementioned Sony Blu-Ray only costs $250 and has this technology.

The up-conversion technique used by Sharp worked well and produced a great picture, however the images on screen were barely moving.

By Steve Holdgren

One small advantage to the KDL-55EX640 is that it matches up perfectly with Sony’s PS3 gaming platform – eliminating the black bars top and bottom (through Game Mode). The TV also has a clear resolution enhancer which is an improvement over the matte finish screen of last years EX620. Colors are very natural and not over-saturated on the EX640. The 55EX640 lacks the top end local dimming features, and best X-reality processing engine, and active 3D viewing of the KDL-55HX850. However, if you are big movie watcher you will enjoy the 24p True Cinema features which does a remarkable job of converting film based material to the LEDs screen. If you are a stickler for Sony and you want a mid-range LED, this is probably the TV for you. Pricing ranges from $1650 to $1800. The series is also available in a 46” model which is around $600 less – the Sony KDL-46EX640.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

This mid grade 60” TV from Sharp is one of a number of huge Sharp TVs to surface for 2012. With HD picture signals it looks great, while other signals may not look quite so “sharp.” The LC-60LE640U is the value piece in the lineup foregoing higher end features such as full array local dimming backlighting provided on Sharp’s top tier models. You might be slightly disappointed with the picture quality brightness and pop this LED display provides when viewing low end DVD signals, or standard definition source signals from Cable or Satellite. But with HD signals the 60” size will Wow people and the quality is certainly acceptable.

There is some contrast and black level loss at side angles starting at about 25 degrees off center and continuing from there. This is not one of Sharp’s Quattron panels, with the LE640U series we are shooting for a great price for LED technology per inch of viewing. Pricing from $1400 to $1500. The series is also available in the 70” Sharp LC-70LE640U.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

The UN46ES6580FXZA is at the top end of the price spectrum for our mid-value list. It is a very nice TV with lots of top end features as well as viewing quality characteristics. It has the best 3D quality offered by Samsung which is active 3D. It has the best Smart TV options for Smart Hub and Internet connectivity as well which offer lots of Apps and premium channels. It has special viewing features such as the Clear Motion rate of 480 which gives you faster response times for fast motion on-screen programming.

Ultimately, though what we like most is the HD viewing quality from the very powerful LED edge lit lights. Peak white is obviously very bright and this performs well in light rooms. The menu is easy to use as well and this allows quick adjustment of the backlight for lower in-room lighting to give colors and the picture a more cinematic look. 4 pairs of active 3D glasses are included. The series is also available in the 55” Samsung UN55ES6580, and the 40” version UN40ES6580.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

This model is similar to the LG 55LM6700 that also made this list. In fact one of the only differences is that it has a 240Hz panel rather than the 120Hz panel on the LM6700. It has that great looking .2” cabinet framing with the very modern tablet top stand. It might not be our favorite, but it is creative. The TV itself though is super looking with what LG is calling the “window” effect.

The passive 3D viewing on the 55LM7600 is high quality and my eyes have no problem adjusting to the glasses and picture. One of best new features for 2012 is that cool Magic Remote with is wand like in appearance and action. You point and click with this remote. Price is from $2200 to $2599. There is also a 47” version available – the LG 47LM7600.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

Toshiba has been putting out some very strong value oriented LED TVs and the 55L6200U is no exception – the pricing on this model is very competitive. It has the new Aero design which is a super thin framing cabinet and 1.2” panel depth. It also contains a full QWERTY remote control, built in Wifi, built in Web Browser, a dual core video engine, and an upgraded audio system. While Toshiba’s Internet choices are not the strongest, they are adequate with your standard Netflix, You Tube, Facebook, Twitter, and many more movie channel selections. The LCD panel is also a native 120Hz. Oh and let’s not forget that passive 3D is also included. Pricing starts around $1800 to $2100. There is also a 47” version the 47L6200U available.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

Though the TCL42E50 is the 4th model down in Panasonics lineup it has very nice features such as 360 Backlight scanning which manipulates the backlight to help with fast action scenes and eliminate blur and judder effects. The actual LCD panel is 120Hz but this feature helps the appearance of fast action to go smoother. You get all of the best picture quality characteristics that Panasonic has to offer in LEDs for 2012 with the E50 series including the 24p cinema smoother, among others – as well as Panasonics Viera Connect Smart TV Internet suite. What you do not get with this TV is 3D compatibility, the top design packages, and a built in web browser.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

When Sharp says, “Watch more TV” they arent talking about the amount of time you spend, but rather the size of the TV you are viewing. The LC60LE745U is another very large Sharp mid-range offering in the 60” size but it differs from the LC-60LE640U in many ways. Though it is the 4th model in Sharp’s 2012 lineup it has Sharp’s Quattron quad pixel technology, active 3D viewing, and the Smart Central suite. It is still a great value play for size but the picture quality is superior to the LE640U in both depth, color reproduction, and processing.

The 120Hz rate panel is also enhanced to 240Hz for fast motion which becomes more important on a large screen size like this one. While there are no 3D glasses included with the TV, the price is moderate for its size at between $1700 and $1900. There is also a giant 70” version – the Sharp LC-70LE745U.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

46” LED TVs are in high demand and a very popular seller for 2012 and up to early 2013 is the UN46ES6500FXZA from Samsung. One of the significant upgrades in this mid-tier model from Samsung besides a great picture contrast level is the 480 Clear Motion Rate which is a feature that improves your fast action programming by preventing blur and judder. The feature works like many others by using the LED edge lit backlighting to to improve the 120Hz native panels ability to show this programming well.

There are lots of other features to savor in the UN46ES6500 such as active 3D that is flawless, a built in web browser unleashing all of those Samsung Smart TV Apps that you may want to try (for a small price). The TV is Energy Star compliant and sell for between $1300 to $1600. There are also 55” and 60” versions available – the Samsung UN55US6500 and UN60ES6500.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

The TCL47ET5 is the 3rd model down in Panasonic’s LED lineup for 2012 and the first ever passive 3D from Panasonic. After touting active 3D they introduced this one model with passive 3D to compete in that arena as well. There’s a good bit to like about this edge lit LED offering including good design appearance and what I consider some of the best side angle viewing in LED TVs – especially mid-range LEDs for 2012. That is due to some special technology – a louvered design of the LCD panel that allows the light to enter but not escape. It helps with glare and off-angle viewing quality.

With the passive 3D offering you get lots of glasses free (4 to 6 depending on the dealer and promotion). And adding more pairs is not going to set you back much – maybe $10 a pair. The TC-L47ET5 is available as of March 2012 and costs anywhere from $1250 to $1350 – very attractively priced. The ET5 series is also available in the 55” Panasonic TC-L55ET5 and the 42” TC-L42ET5.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

One the reasons we really like the LG 55LM6700 is the exceptional looks and design of the panel. The cabinet is almost invisible – leaving you with a “floating” picture image on-screen. Combine that with the 1.2” depth and you’ve got a very sleek looking set. A few of the features in the top end LG models for 2012 that we think can be bypassed are the 480Hz refresh rate panel and true local dimming. Though we like the local dimming feature a lot, it does add a lot to cost. The picture quality on the LG 55LM6700 (120Hz panel) will not disappoint you. The new clear coat screen for 2012 is exceptionally vibrant.

Side angle viewing is much better than previous models though not as good as the top end models due to the panel filter not being as high quality. Another feature that helps bring forth a beautiful picture from this TV is the LED Plus technology which uses some edge lit LED backlighting techniques to enhance contrast in localized areas of the screen. OK that might sound a little technical but to put it in laymans terms – it helps produce deeper blacks and brighter light areas on a smaller basis than before and that combination helps colors to pop. Pricing runs right around the $2000 mark up to $2300. The model is also available in a 47” version – the LG 47LM6700.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices