Group test: 46in LCD TVs

Overview Price: £2,000 More info: Sony Size (on stand): 334(d) x 805(h) x 1120(w)mm Weight (inc stand): 34kg Native aspect ratio: 16:9 Claimed max contrast ratio: 5000:1 Claimed max brightness: N/A Connections: Two HDMI inputs; component video input; two Scarts (both RGB); composite video input; VGA PC input; stereo audio input; analogue tuner input; PC audio input; CAM slot; S-Video input, headphone jack Sony KDL-46S2530 Sony's debut Bravia range took the brand from LCD zeroes to flat TV heroes in one fell swoop - and sold like hotcakes into the bargain. But for all their undoubted qualities, they still weren't perfect - something this new 'upgrade' to the original entry-level 'S' Bravia series tries to put right. Three key improvements distinguish the S2530 from the old S2000 range. The most crucial of these is the addition of a second HDMI - a near-necessity in these HD times. Also potentially hugely significant, though, is a new automatic contrast system that will dim the LCD backlight during dark scenes to deliver better black level response. Finally, Sony has brought its Live Colour Creation processing for producing more natural colour tones down from its higher-end models and into the S series for the first time. These improvements come on top, furthermore, of what was already a pretty healthily populated set of onscreen menus by entry-level TV standards. The 46S2530 benefits immediately from the automatic contrast system, delivering black levels much richer, deeper and more believable than those of the original S models. What's more, this new black level talent joins the strengths the S series has always enjoyed, namely amazingly detailed, clean and sharp high definition pictures; some of the most natural colour tones around; and almost complete freedom from most types of video noise. All these strengths combine to make the 46S2530's pictures occasionally nothing short of breathtaking. And it's a very decent audio performer too. But sadly a couple of glitches sometimes take the gloss of all the general picture finery, namely colours that can look a touch pallid next to the best of today's LCD contenders, and definite resolution loss over moving objects.

Verdict Plus points Excellent HD detailing, neat design, good black levels Minus points Slight motion smearing, colours aren't the most vivid by today's standards

Final verdict Three general facts come to light from this group test. First, prices for big-screen LCD technology really is plummeting; being able to find three LCD TVs of this sort of size for under £2K would simply have been unthinkable even two to three months back. And let's not forget: one of these three screens actually gives you a full HD resolution for its money. Second, the general quality level on offer from large LCD TVs has come along astronomically fast, to the point where any of our three contenders would make a perfectly able and hugely enjoyable centrepiece for a home theatre set-up. Finally, 46in really is an excellent size of screen for the ambitious home theatre fan to aim for, as it manages to deliver even more of the impact of high definition than a 42in screen for very little extra practical hardship. As for an overall winner, despite the general quality on offer, there's definitely one screen that stands out: the Sharp 46XD1E. It capitalises on its full HD resolution superbly to deliver some of the finest HD pictures we've seen - all wrapped up in a prettily designed, feature-laden and aggressively priced package that seems tailor-made to whet the appetite of even the most cynical of home cinema enthusiasts.

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