Poll: Best LCD backlighting choice?

Last week we took a peek into plans for future HDTVs, but it's 2009 and for buying an HDTV in the here and now there's only a few flat panel choices - while plasma definitely has its fans, facts are gentlemen (and most buyers) seem to prefer LCDs. As seen at CES, every manufacturer has kicked the competition for backlighting and image quality up a notch, with higher quality CCFL backlighting and even LED trickling to lower end brands, most notably Vizio's planned $2,000 55-inch HDTV due later this year. Further confusing things, though Samsung will also have an updated local dimming LED backlit line on shelves later this year, it's currently touting slim, energy efficient edge lit LED models, despite their slightly lower picture quality, while some top of the line LCDs with older CCFL lighting keep pumping out high quality pictures. So we bring the question to you, of the technologies currently on the market, which one has you convinced it's a good buy?

Your preferred LCD lighting scheme?

CCFL - I like mine old schoolEdge lit LED - Skinny, cheaper and more power efficient, what's not to like?Local dimming LED - I pay the power bill and pay for the TV, give me the highest picture quality possibleYes plasma fans there is an option for you tooVote

[(Unverified) Posted May 17th 2009 1:23PM]

I've voted for local dimming technology,
BUT it needs to be DEVELOPED!
I mean:
- better color accuracy
- no "haloing" effects (e.g.: white-led backlight - Sammy 786,796,956)
- better input lag for gamers

[(Unverified) Posted May 16th 2009 2:33PM]

you know, that XBR8 is one hell of a TV. it can even out- black a Pioneer. if it wasnt for that stupid viewing angle drop off...

[(Unverified) Posted May 16th 2009 4:56PM]

The XBR8 does not have superior black levels compared to the Kuro's. Maybe next time around.

[(Unverified) Posted May 16th 2009 5:52PM]

No LCD has yet to beat a Pioneer Kuro or especially Elite or Elite Signature in blacks, color accuracy, gray-scale, or moving line resolution.

However, I have to admit I like the Sony XBR8's from my experience selling them side by side with the Pioneer Elites, Samsung A950's of last year and the new 6000 - 8000 series.

[(Unverified) Posted May 18th 2009 9:44AM]

It's true, please don't even attempt to compare any LCD with a KURO please. For that matter, don't bother trying to compare an LCD with a high end VIERA either.

[(Unverified) Posted May 18th 2009 7:13PM]

I'm with you, XBR8 FTW! I prefer it to the Kuro, I just can't get with plasma. The Sony is way overpriced, so no one's buying, the price is dropping, and haggling is back - find a local store, have cash, and lowball.

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2009 1:34PM]

@ roger, loban, and billy,

you know, if all you fanboys actually bought pioneer Tvs, they would still be making them. go do your homework guys- there is a tv on the market with darker blacks (and better motion rez) than a Kuro. those two aspects alone don't make the xbr8 a better set, but can't i mention a fun fact here without being castrated by fanboys?

[(Unverified) Posted May 18th 2009 9:44AM]

If someone forced me to buy LCD, I would go with local dimming LED because I prefer the "highest picture quality possible". But given the fact that I prefer the "highest picture quality possible", I'll stick with plasma, thanks.

[(Unverified) Posted May 18th 2009 11:33AM]

While I generally would always go LCD, I have a far more serious issue... it seems all the latest LCD sets use high gloss screens. For many, that WAS a big factor in going LCD as opposed to plasma. For me, such a highly reflective screen just can't be used... I have a LOT of windows on all sides of the room and at times need something like a table lamp by my side.

Soooo, that actually will make me postpone any upgrades... and possibly lead me to an OLED!

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2009 10:17PM]

Well, plasma all the way. Local Dimming is a close second, and all edge-lit sets from Samsung look promising, but I mean, its a freaking TV. Not a goddamn fashion statement, and I truly scoff at customers who want it because it looks sexy. Ill give Samsung brownie points for making one hell of a good looking TV, but that doesn't justify he $5000 (CAD) price tag the 55" 8000 comes with. There are just as many other good looking LCDs, that give a more superb PQ, but are chunkier.

All the customers I tend to deal with, are either in the middle or dead set on LCD. I have to ask why they give plasma the hate, and it always comes down to "ohh it dies out after a while", and "it gets too hot"

Worthless excuses, especially when I trot over to the demo wall, throw in a movie, and on ANY plasma, show the 'informed customer' just how out of touch he/she is. Even 720p sets from Samsung and Panasonic manage to hold their own against the 1080p LCDs. Not saying you need to drop 6 gs on a Elite, but that doesn't mean your XBR8 is worth its stupid sticker price. I guess its really personal preference, mine would be in the basement, so the choice was the Kuro. And ohh baby, I don't regret it.

[(Unverified) Posted May 20th 2009 1:51PM]

Why go with the side lit LED with lower picture quality, when vizio is coming out with the backlit LED 55 inch later this year, it will have a better picture, plus it's cheaper. Sounds smart to me.