Televisions

After exploding back on to the TV scene in 2012 with its stunning HX853 series, Sony is hoping to make just as much of a splash with that model’s successors, as represented here by the 55W905A.

Philips has long had a reputation in the TV world for going further than most when it comes to video processing. This trend continues with its new 55PFL8008.

I’ve heard a startling amount of rubbish spouted about 4K/Ultra HD TVs in recent months. ‘Nobody cares about more pixels’. ‘The human eye can’t perceive the difference between normal HD and 4K resolutions’. ‘Forget UHD – what we need is OLED.’ ‘4K is just another marketing tool for selling more TVs.’ ‘Native sources won’t be available for at least five years’. And so on.

The entry-level Smart 3DTV sector is shaping up to be the hottest battleground for mass-market TVs. This year we’re seeing a wave of well-tooled tellies that appear to give away nothing to their more expensive brethren. You, dear buyer, are getting more tech than ever for your money. Typical of this value charge is the 42LA690V from LG. £900 (or less) will get you a 42-incher with high-quality Smart functionality and 3D-vision.

For such a big-boned screen, Panasonic’s 65in TX-P65VT65 NeoPlasma wears its weight well. A narrow metal trim with edge-to-edge black-filtered glass lends it a clean, lean appearance. If you’ve always considered that any TV larger than 50in will be an inconceivable intrusion in your living space, then this model could well change your mind.

While Bang & Olufsen products are extremely expensive, they’re also generally world-class performers. And the brand’s new BeoVision 11-40 40in TV – starting price £5,250 – continues that high-quality trend.

Toshiba’s debut TL series back in 2011 hit an instant chord with both us and the buying public by combining a super-slim design with features galore, good pictures and an eye-catching price.