Features

BD-Live for bonus content from internet, downloaded by Ethernet cable only. Precision Drive makes for stable playback of damaged discs. HDMI connector, USB input.

Comments

Good points: Great picture quality. Great value. Good build quality and neat styling. Highly usable menu system. Plays worn DVDs smoothly.

Drawbacks: No wireless option. No Eject button on the remote - you have to use the one on the machine itself. Still not the fastest loading time. No built-in memory.

Stockist: 08705 111999 www.sony.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Nov 09

Features

Wall-mountable, small footprint. Ethernet connection to stream content from PC. Touch-sensitive controls. BD-Live enabled to download bonus content from internet. HDMI connector.

Comments

Good points: Strong picture quality. Striking design. Fast loading time. Ethernet connection. Light and easily portable. Decent user interface. Eject button on remote.

Drawbacks: Design won't suit every TV or, because of the shape, stacking systems. Adaptor needed for wi-fi

Stockist: 0800 521652 www.samsung.com/uk

GHI Test Report - Nov 09

Features

Preset picture enhancements (Vivid, Cool, Action, Animation) to suit content. HDMI connector, USB input on rear, Ethernet connection.

Comments

Good points: Neat styling and good build quality. Strong picture quality. Great value. Simple user interface, easy set-up.

Drawbacks: No front USB connection or playback of movies etc from USB connector on back. No Eject button on the remote - you have to use the one on the machine itself. Limited built-in memory.

Stockist: 0906 1010016 www.philips.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Nov 09

Features

Internet connection delivers YouTube content to your TV. HDMI connector, USB input, Ethernet connection.

Comments

Good points: Outstanding picture quality both for Blu-ray and upscaling DVD to near high-definition quality. Eject button on remote.

Drawbacks: Menu operation makes annoying plinky-plonky noise. Loading times not outstanding.

Stockist: 0844 844 3852 www.panasonic.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Nov 09

Features

Internet connection delivers YouTube content to your TV. Also shows Picasa online images. HDMI connector, USB input, Ethernet connection.

Comments

Good points: Fast disc-loading times. Striking front-panel design. Eject button on remote. YouTube is easy to access, apart from searching. Good price.

Drawbacks: Remote control can be awkward to use. Virtual keyboard for YouTube search is slow. Picture quality is solid rather than exceptional.

Stockist: 0870 607 5544 www.lge.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Nov 09