CNET's HDTV review status report

The Panasonic TH-50PZ800U will be the next HDTV to get reviewed by CNET.

(Credit: Panasonic)

As the principal HDTV reviewer here at CNET, I get a lot of requests that read something like this: "Nice reviews guy, but seriously, where's the review of the LGanasamsorny KDL-42PZA450U/37 I saw yesterday at Best Buy? AVS Forum has a 732 page owner's thread up already, and I'd really like to know what you think before I drop my hard-earned ducats."

I try to answer as many of these questions as I can politely and directly, but it recently occurred to me that readers may appreciate a list of what reviews I'm working on now and which ones are in the pike. So here it is, along with a few notes.

Scheduled upcoming CNET HDTV reviews
• Panasonic TH-50PZ800U: One of two THX Display Certified plasmas. Review hopefully posting today. In the meantime, here's a related blog post.
• Philips 42PFL5603D: "Eco TV," Best of CES overall winner. Review posting next week. Related blog post.
• Sony KDL-46W4100: Least-expensive Sony 120Hz LCD. Review posting early the week of June 2.
• LG 50PG60: The second of two THX Display Certified plasmas. Review posting later in the week of June 2.

Unscheduled upcoming CNET HDTV reviews, arranged in alphabetical order
• LG 50PG20: Entry-level 50-inch plasma
• Mitsubishi LT-46148: 46-inch flat-panel LCD with 120Hz
• Mitsubishi WD-65735: 65-inch rear-projection DLP
• Samsung HL61A750: LED-based 61-inch rear-projection DLP
• Samsung LN46A750: 46-inch high-end LCD; step-up to the Editors' Choice LN52A650
• Samsung SP-A800B: "Joe Kane" DLP projector. If you don't know, don't ask.
• Toshiba 42RV530U: Entry-level 1080p LCD
• Vizio VP322: Entry-level 32-inch plasma
• Vizio VP422: Entry-level 42-inch plasma
• Westinghouse VK-40F580D: 40-inch LCD with built-in DVD player

And before you use the comments section to ask why I don't review TVs more quickly (hey, I'm just one person) or why I'm missing a certain TV, please realize that I procure our HDTV review samples by asking manufacturers directly, and if said manufacturer doesn't want to send a particular model, or delays sending one for any reason, the review will be late. All "posting" dates are approximate, and this list represents only review samples that are either in-house now or for which I have signed product loan agreements. I have a verbal commitment from Pioneer for at least one of its 2008 Kuro models, for example, but until I get something in writing, it's not going to make the list.

On the other hand, I would love it if you used the comments section to tell me which HDTV you want me to review next, either from the unscheduled list or among other new models. Feedback on the selection above and HDTV reviews in general is also welcome.

[rocky_hennigan]

I would love for you to review th LG 37LG30 or one in it's series.

Thank You

[katzmaier]

Hi Rocky,

Here's the 32-inch version:

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/lg-32lg30/4505-6482_7-32915936.html

-- David

[ShabsAndSpoon]

The 32LG30 was reviewed recently!

[surfer2115]

David,

I would like to see your reviews of the Sony KDL-46W4100, the 2008 Sony XBR series (when are they scheduled to be released), and the 2008 Pioneer Kuro models (preferably an Elite model).

[giper]

David,

Thank you for doing this. I would like to see a review on the Samsung 7 Series Plasma TV that was shown at CES (PN50A750T).

[bob.mcclenahan]

Would you please review my grandma's 13" TV? K thanx.

[samf10]

46z4100 when it comes out of course

[HHaller2]

Dave,
How about a review of the Toshiba 550 series? (super narrow bezel Cinema Series)

[LorenVR]

I am anxious to read about the Samsung HL61A750. It is one of the few new large projection screens available. I would also like if you could comment on the testing differences between the Samsung and a large plasma(58" Panasonic?) . Thanks for all your hard work.

[cahomsy]

I am also considering purchasing this model. Other than what I have seen on Samsung's web site there isn't alot out there yet, as far as a pro's run down on performance, specs, etc. Although from what I have found and compared to what I now own, I'm almost sold. The only thing that would put me over the top is if someone sent me one to use free for a couple of weeks.

[casen11]

I'm very interested in the HL61A750. I would like to know if it's worth spending a little more for the 750 instead of the 650. I want to buy the 750 right now, but am waiting for your in depth review. Thanks.

[fireballz]

Would you mind reviewing any of the Samsung 5 series LCDs? Personally I don't think a Samsung LN46A750 review would be necessary because that model is pretty much identical to the 650 model you reviewed, just with extra features. However the 5 series LCDs (LNA530, LNA550, LNA540, or LNA580) are entry-level/mid-range 1080p sets that are bound to be very popular (these are like the true successors to the 61 and 65 series last year). Please review one if possible! Thanks so much.

[lordratner]

I'd love to see the review on the Samsung HL61A750, as I am strongly considering purchasing one. Thanks!

[Majer9]

I'd love to see a review of the ViewSonic N1930w and/or the N2230w LCD TVs.

[elwood-blues]

I would like to see some reviews of televisions under 32". I have 2 small spaces where I'm going to put televisions in the 26" range and would love to read your reviews of some. Currently there is nothing of use in this size. Thank you very much!

[phenomf4]

I would really like to see a review of the SAMSUNG HL61A750. I've been without a t.v. for 9 months and have been holding out for a LED/Laser DLP. If you get the chance come this Fall can you do a review of Mitsu's Laservue. Thanks and keep up the good work Mr. Katz

[HellsChicken]

Hi David,
First let me say that I think your reviews are the best, most detailed on the internet. I really like how you always do reviews with comparison models as well. One thing I'd really like to see is more comparisons, either as specific articles (say, the editor's current top 5 all pitted against each other, once or twice a year), or more comparisons within the actual reviews themselves. You already do this to an extent, but I notice that sometimes if you mention you're comparing against 4 other TV's (for example), you'll mention something like "this TV is better than the 2 LCD's" but not against, say, the plasmas.

Anyway, thanks so much for doing what you do, as it's very hard for consumers to be able to do these kinds of comparisons in stores!

[CATYPH202]

Would you please review SONY KDL-46S4100 ? It`s just $1600 ,great contrast simple good-old-style menus-remote (good for parents?) and ... "It`s a SONY" !!!

[cholayil]

Can you speed up the review of LG 50PG20 and SAMSUNG PNA750 series (if available with you)?

[jerryf2]

Since front projections TVs have come down to earthly levels, how about reviewing some of them such as the Epson 1080p UB?

[nagy.8]

My vote would be to review the Samsung LN46A550.

[vtrez]

David,

First off thanks for all the useful info already on the site. Looking for any more reviews I can find of Samsung PN58A650 or PN50A650. Also wondering how far out is the 750?

Thanks again!

[badhips]

How about reviewing any Samsung lna550 series tv. They seem to be pretty popular but would like an expert review. THANKS!