Samsung PN50A650 
$2,499 
Lost to the Kuro by a nose, but its accurate color and detailed 50-inch image make it a clean performer — and a hell of a deal.
Sharp Aquos LC-65SE94U $8,500 
Huge 65er with great color, a bright picture, and effective motion smoothing.
Toshiba 52XF550U $3,300 
The 52-inch panel pulsed visibly between dark and light movie scenes, and its noise-reduction seemed patchy.
You don't need a physics degree to coax incredible contrast and theater-perfect color out of this 50-inch beauty: The set measures your room with color and light sensors, then tweaks the TV's zillions of settings to make whatever you're watching look its best. Even the audio impresses, delivering surprisingly effective bass (for tiny detachable speakers) and clear dialog.