Group test: 26in LCD TVs pt2

Overview Price: £600 More info: Panasonic Size (on stand): 658(w) x 525(h) x 216(d)mm Weight (inc stand): 12kg Native aspect ratio: 16:9 Claimed max contrast ratio: 7000:1 Claimed max brightness: N/A Connections: Two HDMI inputs, two Scarts (both RGB), component video input, composite video input, S-Video input, D-Sub PC input, Stereo audio output, headphone jack, stereo audio inputs, CAM slot, RF input Panasonic TX-26LMD70 Panasonic's latest LCD range has set impressive standards so far. But the 26LMD70 is the brand's cheapest 26in model, so we've got to be wondering how many corners have been cut to hit £600. It doesn't look particularly cheap, that's for sure, with its matt black finish looking quietly stylish and pleasingly robust. Plus it carries all the connections we'd expect, such as two HDMIs, component video input, PC port, Scarts and so on. It also, to our surprise, carries Panasonic's impressive V-Real 2 picture processing engine. Also found on Panny's higher-end models, this introduces such tricks as: receiving 1080p source images and converting non-1080p sources into the high-end HD format before showing them; n 'Intelligent Scene Controller' which automatically adjusts the backlight intensity during dark scenes to deliver deeper black levels; colour management to produce more natural reds and blues; and various noise reduction routines. The set does lack one crucial feature found on the LXD70 models one step up Panasonic's range, though: 100Hz processing for improving the clarity of moving objects worked well on the LXD70s. And not surprisingly we do feel its loss on the 26LMD70, as its motion does blur a little. But happily that's where any bad news about the 26LMD70 ends. Take, for instance, its sharpness. HD sources look fantastically crisp and clean, with no video noise at all to interfere with the gloriously sharp show. Plus the V-Real 2 engine helps standard definition images appear much more detailed and noise-free than usual. Colours are also scintillating, bursting off the screen with rare intensity while also holding on to arguably the most consistently natural tones in this group test. The tones even stay natural during dark scenes, thanks to the 26LMD70 having an impressive black level response for such an affordable 26in TV. With some perfectly satisfactory sound to accompany the 26LMD70's impressive pictures, the only thing that might make us pause for thought before giving the TV a totally uninhibited recommendation is the fact that Panasonic's mid-range 26LXD70, with its 100Hz system, can now be had for only £100 more. But if £600 really is as much as you're comfortable spending, the 26LMD70 is a mighty good return on your investment.

Verdict Plus points Great pictures overall, easy to use, good feature count Minus points Nothing significant in itself, though you can add 100Hz to its spec if you spend £100 or so more on Panasonic's 26LXD70

Overview Price: £550 More info: Samsung Size (on stand): 666(w) x 505.5(h) x 216(d)mm Weight (inc stand): 9.7kg Native aspect ratio: 16:9 Claimed max contrast ratio: 5000:1 Claimed max brightness: 450cd/m2 Connections: Two HDMI inputs, component video input, two Scarts (one RGB), composite video input, PC input, stereo audio inputs, tuner input, CAM slot, Optical digital audio output, stereo audio output, S-Video input, headphone jack Samsung LE26R87BD Samsung's apparent quest for world domination continues with this exceptionally cute-looking 26in LCD TV. For starters, it's ridiculously cute to look at, with its glossy black bezel and funky minimal lines. Plus it's got all the connections that matter, with its two HDMIs, component video input, Scarts and the like. Picture processing comes courtesy of Samsung's Digital Natural Image engine, with its focus on boosting colours, black levels, motion clarity and sharpness, plus a Movie Plus option that interpolates extra frames of image data to make motion look sharper and smoother. Provided you do your eyesight a favour and immediately switch away from the ludicrously OTT Dynamic image preset the 26R87 ships with, it will reward you with some very nice pictures indeed. Black levels, for instance, thrash those of the JVC we've just looked at, and actually are among the best we've seen anywhere at this sort of screen size level. This strength also helps its colours, which look vibrant, rich and for the most part very natural. The 26R87 also laps up HD sources, portraying them with genuine sharpness and a greater sense of fine detail than you usually see on a 26in TV. With standard definition pictures also looking enjoyable, the only fly in the 26R87's ointment is its motion handling. Moving objects blur a little as they cross the screen - yet if you try and counter this with the Movie Plus mode, things improve but only at the expense of shimmering interference around moving objects' edges that's arguably more annoying than the motion blur you see without Movie Plus in play. In other words, you can't quite get motion looking great. Still, let's be realistic here. At £550 the 26R87 is very aggressively priced, and within that context its little motion foible really isn't bad at all.

Verdict Plus points Great pictures in most ways, cute design, good features, aggressive price Minus points Some motion handling issues

Final verdict The good news about this group test is that every one of our four models has something in particular to recommend it; price in the Goodmans' case, simple picture quality for the Panasonic, design and value for the Samsung, and stand-out image processing marks the JVC. But while this might make us happy with the state of 26in LCD play in general, we know all too well that you like to have some kind of order put on things. So here goes… In last place, probably inevitably, we've put the Goodmans LD2661HDFVT, simply on account of its pictures and sound, which are clearly inferior to those of its rivals today. Yet we should add to this the rider that actually, it has to rate as better than expected for its price. Third spot belongs to JVC's 26DA8. When this TV is good, it's very good indeed. But dark scenes invariably cause it some pretty major black level headaches, undermining just a little too much of its good work elsewhere. Grabbing the silver medal is Samsung's LE26R87BDX. With its pretty-boy looks and really great price we'd half expected this TV to come out on top when we started this group test, but in the end its troubles handling motion as well as we'd like worried just that little bit too much to earn it victory. Which means, of course, that our TV champ today is Panasonic's 26LMD70, a superb all-rounder that punches well above its weight and price point.

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