55" TVs: the best models of the year

Philips 55PFS8109 55 "

The global trend in the rank of smart TVs in 2015 is the transition to the platform Android TV. If you want to use Google services on your TV right now, then pay attention to the Philips 55PFS8109 TV, which was released in October 2014.

It runs on the Android 4.2.2 platform and is equipped with a 4-core processor and 1.6 GB of memory for installing applications. In the Google Play store, you can download apps, games and content. Google Play Films and Google Play Music services, Chrome browser, applications for YouTube, social networks and Skype are at your service (there is a built-in camera). Navigate through menus and services using a large two-way remote with a QWERTY keyboard and touchpad. It's a pity that it only has a Latin layout, and there is no Cyrillic one (although you can connect a regular keyboard to the TV). The remote has a built-in microphone for voice commands. In general, if network capabilities, voice control, etc. are your top priority, then you will like this model.

Also note an interesting design: an unusual stand on legs and a very thin frame around the screen. Full HD screen pleases with the richness of shades, clarity and detail of the image thanks to Perfect Pixel HD and Perfect Motion Rate 800 Hz technologies. From the point of view of economy, the TV is the best in our selection: thanks to the energy efficiency class A+, it consumes energy like a single light bulb. And this model is not suitable for players – because of the large input lag, the TV will respond to commands with a delay.

There is an Ambilight backlight that changes colours depending on the image on the screen. Moreover, all sides of the screen are highlighted in this model. When you turn on Ambilight, the image seems larger than it really is, and the impressions of movies and games are enhanced. However, not all users like this unique "feature" of Philips TVs, according to reviews on the network.

LG 55LB631V 55 "

A couple of years ago, TVs with a diagonal of 50" or more seemed like a luxury. Now among them there are relatively affordable offers, such as, for example, LG 55LB631V. However, the functionality of this model has been cut for the sake of cost reduction.

Under the knife were the ability to view 3D and a built-in camera (which, we note, other models have in the selection). An external camera can be connected to the 55LB631V, although it, like the Magic Remote touch panel, should be purchased additionally. But this model is rightfully considered "smart" – Smart TV functions are inferior to expensive models in only a few details. It works on the basis of the proprietary webOS software shell and can download applications and content from the LG Store online store. There is a video player, a DVB-T2 tuner and a built-in Wi-Fi module.

The manufacturer is trying to impress customers with a whole list of technologies and proprietary solutions to improve image quality (IPS matrix, Triple XD Engine processor, etc.). In fact, according to reviews on the web, there are complaints about the image. Firstly, the contrast is not high enough, as with other IPS TVs. Therefore, the image quality is inferior to other models in our selection, which will be noticeable when watching movies. Secondly, according to customer reviews, models of this series have problems with the uniformity of illumination, as well as inexpensive LED TVs from other manufacturers. Therefore, before buying, it is advisable to evaluate the quality of the purchased sample. Display fills of different colours on the screen and make sure that there are no noticeable light spots on the screen (especially around the edges).

LG 55LB631V is the most affordable model in our selection, so you should be lenient to its shortcomings. First of all, it is worth paying attention to those buyers who just want a large-screen TV, while they are not interested in modern functionality.

Sony KD-55X8505B 55 "

We agree with the opinion that it is too early to change Full HD TVs to models with 4K screens (you can read more about this in the article"4K Ultra HD: in the world of high resolution"), because there is very little Ultra HD content. The purchase of a 4K TV can be regarded as an investment in the future, because such equipment is bought for five years.

Sony released four series of 4K TVs in 2014. X850B series - mid-range models, Sony X900B and S9 - top-class models and flagship Sony KD-85X9505B 85 " . We have included in our selection KD-55X8505B with a diagonal of 55" (in the X850B series there are also models with a screen 49, 65 and 70 inches). It has a good price-quality ratio, because when you buy it, you will get a TV stuffed with advanced technologies and ready for the coming era of Ultra HD video.

We critically evaluated the functionality and equipment of this device... and found no significant flaws. 3D video, SmartTV and additional "chips" like connecting Android and iOS gadgets – all this is provided. The TV is also equipped with Wi-Fi and Ethernet modules, a Full HD camera for Skype and an MHL 3.0 input for connecting mobile gadgets. In the kit you will receive a second Flick Remote touch control and two pairs of 3D glasses. Unless the SmartTV of Sony models is not the most successful (Philips 55PFS8109 is better in this regard).

The quality of the screen is not so good. Experts criticize the relatively low contrast ratio of 2600:1 (according to AV Forums measurements) and image artifacts when viewing 3D videos. And colour reproduction, on the contrary, is praised (apparently the TRILUMINOS technology is not just a marketing ploy). So for moviegoers who are demanding of quality and are not ready to wait for their favorite movies to be released in Ultra HD format, the UE55H7000 and 55EA970V models are better suited. This TV is suitable for players, because the panel has a small input delay (input lag of about 40 ms), and for those who are ready to wait for 4K movies.

At the end of 2015, the first Ultra HD Blu-ray discs with 4K movies will appear. You can shoot 4K videos yourself, for example, using a camcorder Sony FDR-AX100E . And then 8 million pixels will give a clearer and more detailed image than Full HD TVs. And HDMI 2.0 inputs and HEVC codec support will allow you to fully enjoy watching Ultra HD videos.

Samsung UE-55H7000 55 "

Samsung has interesting models in every market segment. The Korean giant offers about three dozen 55 inch models and choosing one of them is not a trivial task. We included the Samsung UE55H7000 TV in the TOP 5 because it was awarded the EUROPEAN FULL HD TV 2014-2015 award from the Association of European Hi-Fi technology magazines EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) and received good reviews from specialized online publications. In particular, AV Forums gave it a rating of 8 out of 10 in its review, and DigitalVersus gave it four stars out of five.

Don't take the EISA award literally – it's not the best Full HD TV by all criteria, but it is a model with a balanced set of features, image quality and cost. In each of these aspects, she is not a leader. So, in terms of equipment, it is not as progressive as Sony KD-55X8505B, in terms of image quality it is inferior to LG 55EA970V and at the same time costs more than LG 55LB631V. At the same time, according to the totality of the qualities of the UE55H7000, it is one of the best 55-inch models of 2014. Suitable for viewers with any requests – from watching entertainment TV shows and running games on the big screen (input-lag – 40 ms) to watching 3D videos and experimenting with Smart TV.

We have not identified any significant drawbacks that can spoil the pleasure of buying. Of course, there are reasons to find fault, for example, contrast 3440:1 does not break records, and observers note not perfect viewing angles. However, in similar models, the contrast is usually lower, and the colour rendering is not as accurate and the display of dynamic scenes is not as clear. If the figure is 3440:1 you are not impressed and you are not ready to compromise on image quality, then... go to the LG 55EA970V model.

LG 55EA970V 55 "

For dessert, we have prepared for you an OLED TV with a curved screen. LG has become a pioneer with the introduction of this technology and is now actively promoting it. The first thing that surprises is the design. Against the background of competitors, it is distinguished by an unusually shaped stand made of transparent plastic. It seems that the TV is floating in the air. The second feature is the curved screen. If you haven't seen a TV with such a "chip" yet, you will most likely be impressed.

However, with a rational approach, such a concept reveals both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, the screen seems larger than it actually is. And on the other hand, optimal viewing angles are achieved if you sit right in front of the screen. There are also purely practical "disadvantages" of such a design: the TV can be mounted on a stand (there is no VESA wall mount), and it takes up more space (its thickness with a stand is 19.2 cm).

Experts have high hopes for OLED technology. The incredible contrast of the image and the deep black level resemble the best examples of plasma panels and even surpass them. Because the crystals that form the OLED matrix give out a black colour close to perfect. The black glow level is less than the sensitivity threshold of the measuring equipment. Therefore, for example, DigitalVersus editors intended infinite contrast at zero (0 cd/m2) black level. In a dark room, the eyes do not see the difference between the image of black on the screen and the environment ... Other quality criteria, for example, colour accuracy, this model is also excellent. In general, the TV has an outstanding image quality, which can make you re-watch your favorite movies on this panel. And at the same time go through several games – the input lag of 55 ms allows you to use the panel for such entertainment.

And here is another argument "for" buying this model. It went on sale almost a year ago and now the price has reached its minimum. If the starting price for an OLED TV was $4,500, now it can be purchased for $2,000. So now is a good time to get acquainted with the new generation of TVs.