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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jimmy @ Jun 8th 2008 3:30PM
Godskitchen,
I am not sure about your complaint with CNet and black levels. CNet explains quite clearly that the black level test is "a subjective test, measured by eye against a reference display". For this test the television can receive one of three values: GOOD, AVERAGE, POOR. This Sony is clearly better than the average LCD on the market and thus got a rating of good.
Since there are only three possible values for a score CNet often puts extra information in the review body to clarify the rating. Reading the review on the Panasonic Viera, CNets top rated HDTV right now, you will see that the black level here is nearly as good as it gets. It is compared directly to the Pioneer Kuro which according to CNet is still the best possible blacks.
If you look at the best TVs page: http://reviews.cnet.com/best-hdtvs-overall/
You will see that it is quite clear how the TVs stack up to each other in not only black levels but also overall performance. In fact in the short descriptions you will see the Viera referred to as having "great black-level performance" while the Kuro has "deepest shade of black".
CNet actually agrees with you 100% that the plasmas are better televisions. In fact they think the rear projection 55A3000 is a better television.
One last thing. CNet recognizes and admits to the black-level test being subjective. They are currently in the process of setting up a quantitative black-level test that will be put in place hopefully this year.
I actually would like to see your review site. Please let us all know when you have that up and running with a dozen or so reviews. If your site is better than others I will promote it without bias. However, as of right now I think CNet is one of the best review sites on the web.