High-definition tellies come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it's a compact 15-inch LCD for the children, or a yawning great 70-inch plasma for the ultimate in home cinema, there's one for every need and every budget. As a result, compiling any kind of all-encompassing top 10 isn't easy. But these are the ones we've come across that have made the biggest impression. Prices are correct at the time of review.
1. Sony Bravia KDL-46X2000 , 46-inch LCD TV, £4,000
Sony's Bravia series is pretty good across the board, but this is the best of the lot. A long list of electronic wizardry, superb high-def performance and effortless style combine to take LCD to a new high point. The price point is pretty high too, but you get exactly what you pay for. Key strengths: Full HD; generous connections; fantastic picture quality
2. Panasonic TH-65PX600 , 65-inch plasma TV, £8,500
If you're going to spend £8,500 on a TV, you expect it to be good. But this Panasonic goes beyond good with a performance that uses plasma's key strengths to deliver an astounding high-def home cinema experience. Key strengths: Three HDMIs; excellent black levels
3. Philips 42PF9831D , 42-inch LCD TV, £3,500
Pixel Plus 3, Ambilight Surround, ClearLCD... this Philips is packed with innovations. The result is a TV that avoids LCD's usual problems with black levels and delivers great pictures and audio. For a 42-inch LCD it isn't cheap, but quality is worth paying for. Key strengths: Pixel Plus 3; ClearLCD; great audio
4. Sony Bravia KDL-46V2500 , 46-inch LCD TV, £2,500
Picture quality can't match the 46X2000, but this Bravia is a massive £1,500 cheaper. You still get the kind of picture quality that isn't often seen on LCD, and once again confirms Sony's place at LCD's top table. Key strengths: Flawless picture; good connections
5. Sony KDS-70R2000 , 70-inch rear-projection TV, £4,800
A rear-projection TV on this scale requires a lot of room, but if that's not a problem you'll be getting fantastic big-screen pictures at a price that plasma just can't compete with. It's Full HD, delivers a great picture and superb sound. Simply the best rear-projection TV money can buy. Key strengths: Flawless HD picture quality; impressively deep black levels
6. Pioneer PDP-607XD , 60-inch plasma TV, £6,000
This would have been higher up the list had it been Full HD (like the forthcoming 8G models). As it is, though, Pioneer's biggest plasma yet performs admirably, with flawless picture, great audio and decent connectivity. Key strengths: Great picture; hi-fi quality audio
7. Sharp Aquos LC-52XD1E , 52-inch LCD TV, £2,800
Sharp has set up camp firmly in plasma territory here. But the LC-52XD1E looks the part and acts the part too. Its features and performance are top-notch, and its contrast ratio of 10000:1 is the kind of figure you normally only see on a plasma. Key features: Great looks; fantastic contrast ratio
8. Toshiba 42WLT68 , 42-inch LCD TV, £1,900
Toshiba plays the numbers game here by giving us three HDMIs, along with plenty of other features you wouldn't expect for this price. It may not be Full HD, but picture quality exceeds expectation across the board to make this a real favourite. Key strengths: Active Vision; great connections; good value
9. Hitachi 42PD8700 , 42-inch plasma TV, £1,000
For a plasma, this Hitachi is quite small, and its price is even smaller. 1080-line pictures aren't common at this price. And while it lacks some of the features of pricier models, it does make a strong statement for affordable plasma. Key strengths: price; screen resolution; good overall picture quality
10. Hitachi 32LD9700 , 32-inch LCD TV, £1,000
It may seem expensive but this Hitachi has the unique calling card of a 178-degree viewing angle. This is backed up by good connections and great pictures, making for a superb LCD that represents money well spent. Key strengths: wide viewing angle; great picture quality





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