122

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Quick Guide

TVs

Both LCD and plasma TVs offer slim designs and provide excellent HD picture quality. Many new models have Wi-Fi capability and can stream video from Internet services such as Netix and Amazon Instant Video.

Shopping tip
Most new LCD sets have LED backlights. They use less energy than other LCD TVs and plasmas but dont necessarily have a better picture.

What to look for

An LCD set if you have a very bright room or want a wider choice of screen sizes A plasma TV if you want the widest viewing angle and no issue with motion blur
What to skip

or set-top box can stream the services you want

What youll pay

Scan this or see how, page 11

Pricey HDMI cables; those costing a few dollars are fine An extended warranty; major-brand LCD and plasma sets have been very reliable Internet connectivity if your Blu-ray player, game system,
Price Overall score

40- to 42-inch sets start at about $400, 47- to 50-inch sets at about $600, and 60inch sets at about $1,500. 3D and Internet features might add a few hundred dollars to the price.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/tvs

All tested models In performance order, within types.

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Test results Screen size (in.) HD picture quality 3D performance Viewing angle Sound quality Remote ease of use On-screen menu ease of use Versatility 29 29 29 26 Energy cost/yr. ($) 9 8 8 6 Display type (Backlight)

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

n 1 d n d n d n d n d

29-INCH AND SMALLER

Samsung UN26EH4000 Samsung UN29F4000 Vizio E291i-A1 LG 29LN4510 Toshiba 29L1350U Philips 26PFL4907 $300 64 280 60 250 250 58 200 58 300 56
58

LCD (LED) 26 &N NA &C &C &N &N &V 7 LCD (LED) 29 &N NA &C &V &N &N &V 10 LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED)

n 2 d
3 4 5 6

&M & M & M & M

NA NA NA NA

&V & C & V & C

&V & V & C & C

&C & M & M & C

&M & N & N & C

&C & V & V & C

Page 1 of 15
122-129 BG14 TVs.indd 122 9/27/13 11:11:50 AM

 T V s 

123

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Display type (Backlight) Screen size (in.) HD picture quality 3D performance Viewing angle Sound quality Remote ease of use On-screen menu ease of use Versatility 32 32 32 32 32 32 Energy cost/yr. ($) 8 6 9 12 10 8

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A
7 8 9 10

29-INCH AND SMALLER continued

Philips 29PFL4508 Magnavox 29ME403V Coby LEDTV2916 Insignia NS-28E200NA14 $250 54 280 52 230 52 220 51 230 43 LCD (LED) 29 &M NA &V V & M & & M & 6 V LCD (LED) 29 M & NA V & V & M & & M & 6 V LCD (LED) 29 M & NA V & V & C & & M & 7 V LCD (LED) 28 M & NA &V V & M & & N & 6 V LCD & V & C & & M & 12 V (CCFL) 26 &C NA V

11 Magnavox 26MF321B

n 1 d

32-INCH
Samsung UN32EH5000 Samsung UN32F6300 Vizio E320i-A0 Samsung UN32F5000 Sony Bravia KDL-32R400A Sony Bravia KDL-32W650A Philips 32PFL4907 Magnavox 32ME402V LG 32LN530B LG 32LN5300 Toshiba 32L2300U Vizio M321i-A2 Panasonic Viera TC-L32C5 Insignia NS-32D200NA14 Panasonic Viera TC-L32XM6 Magnavox 32ME303V 300 66 600 65 300 64 370 63 300 62 650 300 230 280 350 280 380
62 61 61 60 60 57 57

LCD (LED) 32 &N NA &C &C &N &N &V 8 LCD (LED) 32 N & NA C & V & M & & N & 17 M LCD (LED) 32 N NA & & C V & C & & M & 10 C LCD (LED) 32 N & NA C & C & N & & N & 14 V LCD (LED) 32 &N NA &C &C &M &N &V 9 LCD (LED) 32 &N NA &C &V &M &M &C 10 LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (CCFL)

n 2 d 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

&M & M & M & M & M & M

NA NA NA NA NA NA

&M & M & M & M & C & C

&C & C & C & C & V & V

&C & M & M & M & M & M

&C & M & N & N & N & C

&C & V & V & V & V & C

320 57 230 56 300 55 300

55

32 &M NA &V &C &M &N &V 18

LCD (LED) 32 &M NA &C &V &M &N &V 5 LCD (LED) 32 &M NA &V &V &M &N &V 7 LCD (LED) 32 &M NA &M &V &M &M &V 7

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Page 2 of 15
122-129 BG14 TVs.indd 123 9/27/13 11:11:50 AM

124

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Display type (Backlight) Screen size (in.) HD picture quality 3D performance Viewing angle Sound quality Remote ease of use On-screen menu ease of use Versatility Energy cost/yr. ($)

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

32-INCH continued
$230 54 250 53 210 52 180 52 200 51 200 50 260 48 180 45 270 43 500 63 550 63 330 62 250 60 360 59 350 58 500 56 320
53

17 Haier LE32D32200 18 JVC EM32T 19 Sanyo DP32242 20 Sceptre X322BV-HD 21 Sanyo DP32642 22 Element ELCFW329 23 Sharp Aquos LC-32LE450U 24 Dynex DX-32L200NA14 25 Coby LEDTV3226

LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (CCFL) LCD (CCFL) LCD (CCFL)

32 M & NA &C V & M & & M & 6 V 32 M & NA V & V & M & & M & 6 B 32 M & NA V & C & C & & M & 10 V 32 &C NA &M &C &C &M &V 14 32 &M NA &V &C &M &C &V 12 32 &M NA &V &V &C &N &V 14

LCD (LED) 32 C & NA V & V & M & & N & 7 V LCD & V & C & & N & 14 V (CCFL) 32 &C NA C LCD (LED) 32 &C NA V 1 & B & M & & M & B LCD (LED) 39 N & NA C & C & M & & M & 12 M LCD (LED) 39 N & NA C & V & M & & N & 12 M LCD & NA V & C & M & & M & 23 V (CCFL) 39 N LCD (LED) 39 &M NA &V &C &M &M &B 12 LCD (LED) 39 &N NA &C V & M & & M & 9 V LCD (LED) 37 M & NA M & C & C & & M & 9 V LCD (LED) 39 &M NA &C &C &M &N &V 9 LCD (LED) 39 M & NA &C V & M & & N & 10 V LCD & C & M & & V & 19 V (CCFL) 39 &M NA V LCD & B & M & & M & 21 B (CCFL) 39 &C NA V

C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

37- to 39-INCH
Toshiba 39L4300U LG 39LN5700 Magnavox 39MF412B Westinghouse EW39T6MZ Magnavox 39ME413V Vizio E370-A0 Panasonic Viera TC-L39EM60 Insignia NS-39E400NA14 Sanyo FVM3982

300 52 450 43

10 Coby TFTV3925

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Page 3 of 15
122-129 BG14 TVs.indd 124 9/27/13 11:11:50 AM

 T V s 

125

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Display type (Backlight) Screen size (in.) HD picture quality 3D performance Viewing angle Sound quality Remote ease of use On-screen menu ease of use Versatility Energy cost/yr. ($)

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

D n 1 c n 2 d n 3 d n 4 d
5

40- to 43-INCH
Samsung PN43E450 $ 420 68 LG 42GA6400 850 67 Samsung 67 600 UN40EH6000 Panasonic Viera 700 66 TC-L42E60 Panasonic Viera 500 66 TC-P42S60 Samsung UN40F5500 530 65 Sony Bravia 900 65 KDL-40EX640 Vizio E420i-A0 480 63 Sony Bravia 450 63 KDL-40R450A Samsung PN43F4500 400 62 LG 42LN5400 550 62 LG 42PN4500 400 62 Panasonic Viera 400 61 TC-P42X60 Sony Bravia 500 60 KDL-40BX450 Sceptre 320 55 X405BV-FHD3 RCA LED42C45RQ 420 53 TCL LE40FHDE3000 360 53 Element ELEFT406 350 51 Hitachi Ultravision 49 500 LE42S606 Plasma 43 &M NA &N &C &N &N &V 27 LCD (LED) 42 M & &M M & &C &M &M &M 15 LCD (LED) 40 &N NA &C &C &N &N &V 15 LCD (LED) 42 &N NA &C &C &M &M &M 11 Plasma 42 &N NA &N &C &M &M &C 37 LCD (LED) 40 &N NA &C &C &M &N &M 20 LCD (LED) 40 &N NA &C &C &M &M &M 18 LCD (LED) 42 &M NA &M &C &C &M &C 17 LCD (LED) 40 &N NA &C &C &M &N &V 15 Plasma 43 &M NA &N V & N & & N & 33 V LCD (LED) 42 M & NA M & C & M & & N & 15 V Plasma 42 M & NA N & C & M & & N & 34 V Plasma 42 M & LCD 40 &N (CCFL) LCD 40 &M (CCFL) LCD (LED) 42 &M LCD (LED) 40 &M LCD (LED) 40 &M NA &N &C &M &N &V 29 NA &C &C &M &M &V 26 NA &V &V &C &N &V 16 NA V & V & C & & N & 15 V NA C & V & C & & N & 13 V NA V & V & C & & N & 13 V

n d n d

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

LCD (LED) 42 &C NA &V &V &M &N &V 14

E n 1 d n 2 d n 3 d 4

46- to 52-INCH
Samsung PN51F8500 1,600 75 Samsung PN51E490 720 72 LG 47LA6900 1,050 71 Samsung 1,200 70 UN46ES6600 Plasma 51 &N M & N & C & M & & N & 63 N Plasma 51 M & M & N & C & N & & N & 29 V LCD (LED) 47 M & M & M & M & M & & M & 16 M LCD (LED) 46 &M &C &V &M &N &N &M 21

Page 4 of 15
122-129 BG14 TVs.indd 125 9/27/13 11:11:50 AM

126

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Display type (Backlight) Screen size (in.) HD picture quality 3D performance Viewing angle Sound quality Remote ease of use On-screen menu ease of use Versatility 50 51 50 50 46 Energy cost/yr. ($) 28 40 23 20 20

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

n 5 d n d n d n d n c n c n d n d n c n d

46- to 52-INCH continued

Panasonic Viera $2,500 69 TC-L47WT60 Samsung 650 68 UN46EH5300 LG 47LA6200 800 68 Panasonic Viera 700 67 TC-P50S60 Sony Bravia 1,100 66 KDL-47W802A LG 50PN6500 600 66 Samsung PN51F5300 650 66 Panasonic Viera 1,300 66 TC-L50ET60 Vizio E500d-A0 650 66 Samsung 600 65 UN46EH5000 Toshiba 50L7300U 850 65 LG 50LN5700 850 64 Sharp Aquos 850 61 LC-50LE650U Vizio E470i-A0 600 60 Insignia NS550 59 46E440NA14 Vizio E500i-A1 540 59 Samsung PN51F4500 500 58 Philips 50PFL3908 730 58 Toshiba 50L2200U 700 57 Sanyo DP46142 400 54 480 54 500
52

LCD (LED) 47 &M &M &M &V &M &M &M 24 LCD (LED) 46 &N NA &C &M &N &N &M 17 LCD (LED) 47 &M &C &M &C &M &N &M 17 Plasma 50 &N NA &N &C &M &M &C 46 LCD (LED) 47 &M &C &M &C &M &M &M 12 Plasma 50 M & NA N & C & M & & N & 44 V Plasma 51 N NA & & C N & N & & N & 51 V LCD (LED) 50 &M &C &M &V &M &M &M 13 LCD (LED) 50 &M &C &M &C &C &M &C 17 LCD (LED) 46 &N NA &C &C &N &N &V 11 LCD (LED) 50 N & NA C & V & M & & N & 16 M LCD (LED) 50 M NA & & C M & M & & N & 19 M LCD (LED) 50 &M NA &C &V &M &M &C 16 LCD (LED) 47 &M NA &M &C &C &M &M 18 LCD (LED) 46 &M NA &C &C &M &N &V 15 LCD (LED) Plasma LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (CCFL) LCD (LED)

n 6 d
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

&M & M & N & M & M

NA NA NA NA NA

&C & N & V & C & C

&C & V & V & C & C

&C & N & M & M & C

&M & N & C & N & M

&C & V & C & V & V

25 Sanyo FVM5082 26 Element ELEFT466

50 &M NA &C &C &M &C &V 34 46 &M NA &V &V &C &N &V 14

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Page 5 of 15
122-129 BG14 TVs.indd 126 9/27/13 11:11:51 AM

 T V s 

127

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Display type (Backlight) Screen size (in.) HD picture quality 3D performance Viewing angle Sound quality Remote ease of use On-screen menu ease of use Versatility 55 58 55 55 55 55 Energy cost/yr. ($) 26 20 16 25 25 25

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

46- to 52-INCH continued

$ 500 50 550 48 480 47 500 46 1,300 46 600 40 LCD (CCFL) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (CCFL) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) 46 &C NA &V &M &C &N &V 37 48 C & NA &C V & C & & M & 11 V 46 C & NA C & V & C & & N & 16 V 50 &C NA &V &V &M &C &B 35 50 C & NA &C V & C & & N & 24 V 52 V & NA C & V & C & & N & 24 V

27 Element ELDFT465J 28 TCL LE48FHDF3310 29 Sanyo FVM4612 30 Sanyo DP50843 31 Seiki SE50UY04 32 RCA LED52B45RQ

F n 1 d n 2 d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n c
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

55- to 59-INCH
LG 55GA7900 Samsung UN55ES8000 Sony Bravia XBR-55X900A LG 55LA7400 Panasonic Viera TC-P55ST60 Samsung UN55ES6500 Samsung UN55F7100 Sony Bravia KDL-55W900A Samsung UN55F6400 Toshiba 58L7350U JVC JLE55SP4000 Vizio M551d-A2R Philips 55PFL5907 RCA LED55C55R120Q Insignia NS-55L260A13 TCL LE55FHDF3300Z Sanyo FVD5833 1,500 74 2,100
74

LCD (LED) 55 &N &C &M &M &M &M &M 17 LCD (LED) 55 &M &M &C &M &N &N &N 21 LCD (LED) 55 &N &C &C &M &M &M &M 35 LCD (LED) 55 &M &M &M &M &M &M &M 17 Plasma 55 &N &M &N &V &M &M &M 56 LCD (LED) 55 &M &M &V &M &N &N &M 25 LCD (LED) 55 &M &M &C &C &C &N &M 23 LCD (LED) 55 &N &V &C &V &M &M &M 17 LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (LED) LCD (CCFL) LCD (LED) LCD (LED)

4,000 74 1,500 73 1,350 72 1,400 72 1,500 69 2,300 69 1,300 1,300 1,100 1,100 1,100 800
67 67 66 62 60 56

&M & N & M & M & M & M

&C & C & M & M NA &V NA &C

&C & V & C & C

&C & V & C & C &C &V

&C & N & M & M &C &C

&N & M & M & M &C &N

&M & M & M & C &C &V

550 56 730 54 750 49

55 &M NA &M &V &M &N &V 40 55 M & NA &C C & C & & N & 18 V 58 M & NA C & V & M & & C & 26 V

Page 6 of 15
122-129 BG14 TVs.indd 127 9/27/13 11:11:51 AM

128

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Display type (Backlight) Screen size (in.) HD picture quality 3D performance Viewing angle Sound quality Remote ease of use On-screen menu ease of use Versatility Energy cost/yr. ($)

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

G n 1 d n 2 d n 3 d n 4 d n d n d n c n c n d n d n c n d n d n c n c n d
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

60-INCH AND LARgER

LG 60LA8600 Samsung PN64F5500 Panasonic Viera TC-P65VT60 Panasonic Viera TC-P60ZT60 Samsung PN64F8500 Samsung UN60F7500 Panasonic Viera TC-P60ST60 LG 60PH6700 Sharp Aquos LC-60LE857U Samsung PN64E550 Samsung PN60F5500 Samsung UN65F8000 Panasonic Viera TC-L60DT60 Sony Bravia KDL-60R550A Vizio M601d-A3R Sharp Aquos LC-70C7500U Sharp Aquos LC-60C6500U LG 60PN6500 Vizio E601i-A3 Insignia NS-65D260A13 $2,300 76 1,800 74 3,100 73 3,300
73

LCD (LED) 60 &N M & M & M & C & & M & 25 N Plasma 64 N & N & N & C & C & & N & 81 M Plasma 65 &N &M &N &V &M &M &M 84 Plasma 60 &N &M &N &V &M &M &M 79 Plasma 64 &N M & N & C & C & & N & 86 N LCD (LED) 60 N & M & C & C & C & & N & 25 N Plasma 60 &N &M &N &V &M &M &M 60 Plasma 60 &N &M &N &C &M &M &M 67 LCD (LED) 60 &M &C &C &M &M &M &M 17 Plasma 64 M & M & N & M & N & & N & 90 M Plasma 60 M & N & N & C & C & & N & 45 M LCD (LED) 65 &N &C &C &C &M &N &N 24 LCD (LED) 60 &M &M &M &V &M &M &M 23 LCD (LED) 60 &N &V &C &M &M &M &M 31 LCD (LED) 60 &N &V &C &C &M &M &C 24 LCD (LED) 70 &N NA &C &C &M &M &M 31 LCD (LED) 60 &M NA &C &C &M &N &M 22 Plasma 60 &M NA &N C & M & & N & 63 V LCD (LED) 60 N & NA V & C & M & & M & 29 M LCD (LED) 65 &C NA &M &V &M &N &V 34

2,900 73 2,200 72 1,500 72 1,050 72 2,000 72 2,100 71 1,200 71 3,000 70 2,800 69 1,500 68 1,400 67 2,200 65 1,060 64 900 1,000 63 1,100 51
64

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Page 7 of 15
122-129 BG14 TVs.indd 128 9/27/13 11:11:51 AM

 T V s 

129

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on test results. Display type (Backlight) indicates the type of technology used (LCD or plasma) and backlight type. Screen size (in.) is the size of the televisions screen, measured diagonally in inches. HD picture quality assesses detail, color accuracy, and contrast, using signals from a Blu-ray player, cable box, and professional broadcast equipment and meters. All signals are routed through an HDMI input. 3D performance evaluates the TVs ability to reproduce realistic 3D images. Viewing angle evaluates picture quality at various horizontal and vertical viewing angles. Sound quality is measured from the sets built-in speakers using computer driven test equipment, with additional subjective testing by a listening panel. Remote ease of use assesses the usability of the TVs remote control, considering button layout, backlighting, labeling, and practical features. On-screen menu ease of use considers the menus interaction with the remote, menu layout, and practical features. Versatility indicates features that increase a TVs utility or capabilities, including 3D capability, access to Internet and Web browsing, number of HD and USB inputs, support for various media, and other useful features. Energy cost/yr. ($) is the estimated cost per year in dollars, calculated for 5 hours per day turned on and 19 hours in the off mode. Your usage and local rates will affect your costs. Price is approximate retail.

Most & Least Reliable FLAT-PANEL TVS

Fewer repairs More repairs

Panasonic Dynex Sony Sharp Sylvania JVC Insignia Magnavox LG Sanyo Samsung Toshiba Philips Vizio RCA Westinghouse Panasonic Samsung LG
0%

2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 7 4 5 6
5% 10% 15%

Westinghouse is the most repair-prone brand of at panel LCD TVs. Thats what we found when we asked about more than 161,000 at panel LCD and plasma TVs purchased by our readers between 2009 and 2013. The graph shows the percentage of models for each brand that were repaired or had a serious problem. Differences of less than 3 points arent meaningful, and weve adjusted the data to eliminate differences linked solely to the age of the TV. Models within a brand can vary, and design or manufacture changes might affect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a good repair history can improve your odds of getting a reliable model.

lcd plasma

Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Page 8 of 15
122-129 BG14 TVs.indd 129 9/27/13 11:11:51 AM

12

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Quick Guide

BLU-RAY PLAYErS

Blu-ray players can play high-denition Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and CDs, and many can stream video from Netix and other online services. Theyre the perfect match for HDTVs.

Shopping tip
With most Blu-ray players, you wont have unlimited Web browsing, only access to specic sites as arranged by the manufacturer.

What to look for

Wireless capability, which lets you hook up a player to a home network without running cables from your TV setup to a modem or router A 3D-capable player, if you have a 3D TV or may buy one soon
What to skip

from a Blu-ray disc is worth the slight extra cost of the player A Blu-ray player, if you have a standard-def TVwhich cant display Blu-rays higher picture qualityand have no plans to buy an HDTV
What youll pay

Scan this or see how, page 11

For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports. org/bluray

A standard DVD player, if you have an HDTV, especially a 1080p model, which has enough resolution to display all the detail on a Blu-ray disc. The superior picture quality youll get
Price Overall score Test results

Blu-ray players generally start at about $75, though you may find some models on sale for less. Many full-featured models from major brands cost $100 to $250. 3D players start at about $100, though some cost $400 or more.
Features Blu-ray load time range (sec.) DVD load time (sec.) USB port Web browsing 17 12 13 15 3 1 1 1 DVD load time Memory card slot

All tested models In performance order, within types.

Brand & model Recommended Rank

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A n d n d n c n c n d
1 2 3 4 5

3D
Oppo BDP-103 LG BP730 LG BP530 LG BP620 Panasonic DMP-BDT330 $500 200 120 140
77 76 75 74

Ease of use Useful features Blu-ray disc load time

HD picture quality DVD picture quality

&N & N & N & N

&M & C & C & M

&N & N & M & M

&M & M & M & M

&C & C & C & C

&C & M & M & M

14-21 15-22 13-21 12-21

190 73

&N &M &M &M &C &M 10-24

15 1

Page 9 of 15
012-014 BG14 Bluray.indd 12 9/25/13 12:59:12 PM

 B L U - R a Y P L a Y E R S 

13

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Ease of use Useful features Blu-ray disc load time HD picture quality DVD picture quality DVD load time

Features DVD load time (sec.) USB port Web browsing 15 1 22 1 11 1 Memory card slot Blu-ray load time range (sec.)

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A n 6 d n 7 c n 8 d n 9 d n 10 d n 11 d n c n d n d n d
12 13 14 15

3D continued
Yamaha BD-S673 Panasonic DMP-BDT230 Samsung BD-F7500 Samsung BD-E5900 Panasonic DMP-BDT500 Panasonic DMP-BDT320 Sony BDP-S5100 Sony BDP-S790 Marantz UD5007 Pioneer Elite BDP-62FD Panasonic DMP-BBT01 Denon DBT-1713UD Toshiba BDX5300 Pioneer BDP-150 Yamaha BD-S473 Vizio VBR135 Pioneer Elite BDP-52FD Onkyo BD-SP809 Sharp BD-AMS20U Sharp BD-HP75U $275 73 130 72 250 72 150 72 280 71 160 71 120 71 250 69 600 67 380 67 230 67 500 67 100 66 300 65 185 65 100 62 400 62 400 250
61

&N &M &N &M &V &C 26-36 18 2 &N &M &M &M &C &M 10-24 &N &M &M &M &M &V 10-22 &N &M &M &M &C &M
13-25

&N &M &M &M &C &C 13-28 20 1 &N &M &M &M &C &C
12-28 20 1

14-25 14 2 &N M & M & M & C & M & 21-32 20 2 & M N & M & M & V & C & 16-26 17 1 & C N & M & C & C & C &

&N &M &M &C &C &C 16-23 &N &M &M &M &C &C
11-28

19 2 18 1 17 1

n 16 d n 17 d
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

&N &C &M &C &C &C 16-27

24-32 &N M & M & C & V & C & 25-37 & M N & M & C & V & C & 16-24 & M N & M & C & C & C &

&N &M &M &M &B &C 28-40 17 1

18 2 18 2 19 1 12 2 18 2

&N &C &M &C &B &M 32-42 &N &M &C &C &V &C 16-36

&N &C &M &C &B &C 24-46 18 1 &N &C &C &C &V &V 17-40 26 2

150 60
55

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Page 10 of 15
012-014 BG14 Bluray.indd 13 9/25/13 12:59:13 PM

14

CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Ease of use Useful features Blu-ray disc load time HD picture quality DVD picture quality DVD load time

Features DVD load time (sec.) USB port Web browsing 17 1 14 1 16 1 13 1 23 1 14 1 15 1 Memory card slot Blu-ray load time range (sec.)

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

B n 1 d n 2 d n 3 d
4 5 6 7

StANdARd
LG BP320 Sony BDP-S3100 Panasonic DMP-BD89
DMP-BD79

$120 71 100 67 100 67 85 65 170 62 90 58 80 38

11-24 &N M & M & M & C & C & 14-24 & M N & M & M & C & M &

&N &M &M &C &C &C 10-25 &N &M &M &V &M &M 10-20 &N &M &M &V &V &V
17-29 13-23 &N M & M & B & C & M & 15-56 & M N & V & B & V & M &

Samsung BD-F5100 Panasonic DMP-BD77 Sony BDP-S1100 RCA BRC11082

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on picture quality and ease of use. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. HD and DVD picture quality evaluate clarity and color accuracy from Bluray discs at 1080p and DVDs upconverted to 1080p. Ease of use pertains to the controls on the front panel and remote, and navigation through the players menu. Useful features include audio/ video outputs, Internet connectivity and services, and 3D capability. Blu-ray disc and DVD load time is the average time it took to load test discs. Price is approximate retail.

Page 11 of 15
012-014 BG14 Bluray.indd 14 9/25/13 12:59:13 PM

SOUND BARS

113

Quick Guide

SOUND BARs

A sound bar speaker system is an easy way to improve your TVs sound. Most are 2.1-channel systems that include a bar-shaped enclosure with an array of speakers, plus a subwoofer.

Shopping tip
A 2.1-channel system with virtual surroundsound can create a multichannel effect without rear speakers.

What to look for

Scan this or see how, page 11

Enough inputsboth audio and video if youll be connecting components to the sound bar rather than to your TV. And make sure theyre the right type A powered sound bar that contains its own amplification, unless youll be using a receiver or a separate amp A model with a separate powered subwoofer, which can often produce deeper, more powerful bass
Price Overall score

What to skip

A model with a built-in disc player if you already have one

What youll pay

Sound bar prices vary widely, from about $100 to $750. Some can cost as much as $2,000.

For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/theater

All tested models In performance order, within types.

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Test results Sound quality Ease of use Versatility Number of channels Number of speakers supplied

Features Active subwoofer Wireless subwoofer

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

SoUND bARs

n 1 d n 2 c n 3 c

4 5 6 7 8 9

Sonos Playbar $ 700 61 Sony HT-CT260 300 59 Vizio VHT215 180 58 Atlantic Technology 53 900 H-PAS PowerBar PB-235 Toshiba SBX4250 300 53 Vizio SB4021M-A1 200 53 Sony HT-CT660 400 52 Sharp HT-SB60 500 51 Yamaha YAS-101 250 50

&M & M & M &M &C & C & C & C & C

&M & M & M &C &M & C & M & C & C

&V & V & V &V &V & B & V & V & B

5.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1

1 1.1 1.1 1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1

NA Optional

NA

NA

NA

NA

Page 12 of 15
113-114 BG14 Sound Bars.indd 113 9/27/13 11:09:04 AM

114

CONSUmER REPORtS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Number of channels Number of speakers supplied Sound quality Ease of use Versatility

Features Active subwoofer Wireless subwoofer

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

SoUND bARs continued

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
Harman/Kardon SB 30 $ 800 50 Samsung HW-F750 800 50 ZVOX Z-Base V320 250 49 Harman/Kardon SB 16 600 49 JBL Cinema SB 400 550 47 LG NB3730A 400 47 Bose CineMate 1 SR 1,500 47 JBL SB 300 500 46 Klipsch HD Theater SB 3 800 45 Bose Solo TV 400 44 sound system Energy Power Bar 400 43 ZVOX Z-Base 555 400 43 Boston Acoustics TVee 300 43 Model 25 Polk Audio SurroundBar 400 43 5000 IHT Vizio VSB211 130 40 Polk Audio SurroundBar 6000 Instant Home 500 39 Theater Samsung HW-F550 360 39 SpeakerCraft CS3 600 39 Boston Acoustics 200 37 TVee 10 Coby CSMP95 100 31 Coby CSMP91 100 29 RCA RTS736W 100 29 Sharp HT-SL75 150 26

&M & C & C & C & C & C & C & C & C &C &C & C &C &C &C &C &V & M &V &V & V & V & V

&C & C & C & M & C & M & V & V & C &V &C & C &C &C &C &C &C & B &C &V & V & C & C

&B 11.1 2.1 & V 2 & B 2.1 & B 2.1 & V 2.1 & C 5.1 & B 2.1 & B 2.1 & B &B &B & B &B &B &B &B &V & B &B &B & V & V & B
2 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2 2 2.1 2.1 2 2.1

1.1 1.1 1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1 1.1 1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1 1 1.1 1 1 1.1

NA

NA

NA

NA NA

NA

NA NA

NA NA

NA

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on sound quality; ease of use and versatility are also factored in. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Sound quality represents tonal accuracy and ability to reproduce ne sonic detail. Ease of use refers to setup and use of controls. Versatility is based on useful features. Number of channels refers to audio signal channels supplied by the system. Number of speakers supplied are those that come with the system. Price is approximate retail.

Page 13 of 15
113-114 BG14 Sound Bars.indd 114 9/27/13 11:09:04 AM

S T R E A M I N G M E D I A P L AY E R s 

115

Quick Guide

STREAMING MEDIA PLAYERs

One of the easiest, least expensive ways to add Internet capability to a TV, a streaming media player connects to your TV via an HDMI input, and to your home network via built-in Wi-Fi.

Shopping tip
Social-media junkies can access Facebook and Twitter through some streaming media players. Some let you use your smart phone or tablet as a remote control.

What to look for

Scan this or see how, page 11

A player that has all the streaming services you want right out of the box. Additional services may be added later, but dont assume that the one you want will be among them A player that has analog video connections, such as composite or component video, if youll be using the player with an older TV that lacks HDMI inputs A player that supports the media formats of content music, videos, and photos you already own A Google TV-powered player if you want a full Web browser and access to Google
Price Overall score

Play for movies, books, games, apps, and more An Apple TV media player if you have a lot of content stored in iTunes, on a Mac computer, or on Apples iCloud
What to skip

A pricier model with tons of content if all you really want is Netflix
What youll pay

From $50 to $100 for a basic model, or from $75 to $170 for a player that uses the Google TV platform.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/ streamingmediaplayers

All tested models In performance order, within types.

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Test results Features Everyday use Connectivity First time setup Picture quality

Features App or channel store Streaming video services N, A, V, HBO, P, S N, V, HBO, P N, A, V, HBO, P USB ports 2 1 1

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

ADVaNCED
$170 67 75 67 100 67

n 1 Sony NSZ-GS7 d
Pulse w/ n 2 Hisense c Google TV (GX1200V) NeoTV Prime n 3 Netgear c w/ Google TV (GTV100)

&M &C &C &N &N &M &M &C &N &N &M &C &C &N &N

GP GP GP

Page 14 of 15
115-116 BG14 Streaming Media Players.indd 115 9/27/13 12:22:52 PM

116

CoNsUMER REPoRTs BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Features Everyday use Connectivity First time setup Picture quality

Features Streaming video services N, A, V, M-Go, P N, HBO, P N, V N, A, V, HP, B, HBO N, V N, V App or channel store USB ports 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

ADVaNCED continued
$100 65 140 62

4 Vizio Co-Star w/ Google TV (VAP430) 5 Asus CUBE w/ Google TV

&M &C &C &N &N &M &C &C &N &N

GP GP

B BasIC n 1 Western Digital WD TV c

Play Media Player

65 68 100
62

n 2 Roku 3 d n d
3 Panasonic DMP-MST60 4 Panasonic DMP-MS10 5 Boxee Cloud DVR (DSM-382) 6 Roku Streaming Stick 7 D-Link MovieNite Plus (DSM-312) 8 Apple TV (3rd gen) 9 Magnavox HD Streaming Video Player TB600MG2F 10 D-Link MovieNite (DSM-310) 11 Favi SmartStick (4 GB)

90 61 70 57 110 55 90 54 65 53 100 51 50 51 50 47 50 44

N, V, HP, C N, A, V, HP, &M &C &C &C &N Roku B, HBO &M &V &C &N &N Viera N, A, V, HP, C N, V, &C &V &C &N &N None HP, C

&M &M &M &M &N None

&C &C &M &V &N None &M &C &V &C &N Roku
Vudu, & C C & V & M & N & MN

N, HP, HBO, &C &C &C &C &N None iTunes Vudu & &C &V &C &N Apps N, V, HP, F C

&C &C &V &M &N None

&C &V &V &C &M GP, SS N, HBO, P

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on the number of features and how easy the player is to use, but also includes its picture quality performance. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Features reects the presence or absence of features, including the number of streaming video services, other Internet services, and the ability to play media les. Everyday use evaluates how easy it is to use on a normal basis. Connectivity is the amount and type of connections that will make the player more versatile. First time setup evaluates how easy it is to set up the product out of the box. Picture quality includes image clarity, color accuracy, and contrast of streaming video. In features, under streaming video services, A=Amazon Instant Video, B=Blockbuster, C=CinemaNow, F=Film Fresh, HBO=HBO Go, HP=Hulu Plus, iTunes=iTunes Store, M-Go=M-Go, N=Netix, P=Play Movies & TV, S=Sony Video Unlimited, and V=Vudu. Price is approximate retail.

Page 15 of 15
115-116 BG14 Streaming Media Players.indd 116 9/27/13 12:22:52 PM