Ten... Freeview HD 42-47in TVs

Samsung UE46D5520

Samsung’s 5520 Series LED screens may lack the bells, whistles and 3D found further up the range, but if affordable performance tops your wants list, these models are well worth investigating. Not only is this 46-incher keenly priced, it also offers 100Hz picture processing and a decent on-line content portal, featuring BBC iPlayer, Lovefilm and Acetrax amongst others. There’s no integrated Wi-Fi though, you’ll need to use either the Ethernet option or an optional dongle.

In terms of design, the set looks far from budget; the slim grey bezel panel and ‘crystal’ pedestal contribute plenty to its wife acceptance factor. Audio performance is a little on the thin side, but image quality is terrific for the price. Pictures are sharp and contrasty with deep blacks and vibrant hues.

Sharp Aquos LC-46LE831E

Sharp’s third generation Quattron TVs appear to be taking their own sweet time to arrive on these shores, which means this second gen model is now widely discounted. The set combines upmarket build quality with an above average picture performance. While the many menu options seem certain to fox unwary technophobes, the Quad Pixel panel is a treat, making greens in particular look lush in the extreme.

Although no 3D glasses are supplied in the box, the Active Shutter stereoscopy is actually pretty rewarding too. Unfortunately, the brand’s on-line offerings are less impressive. There’s only a basic selection of streaming services to pick over (YouTube, Daily Motion, BoxOffice 365), with the lack of BBC iPlayer, a potential deal-breaker.