Ten monster tellies to suit all budgets

Panasonic Viera TX-P65VT50

If high-end performance is your goal, then this 65-incher is a sure bet. For such a huge TV, it’s deceptively svelte. An easy two man lift, with edge-to-edge glass and a wispy metallic trim, it wouldn’t look out of place in a bijou pad. Images enjoy crisp detail, aided by deep, nuanced blacks and Monaco-rich colours; high def content literally pops from the screen.

While ideal for movies, this set doesn’t lose focus when faced with fast motion, making it a sports screen to reckon with. Only the downwards firing sound system underwhelms. The TX-P65VT50 sports both Freeview HD and Freesat HD tuners, has integrated Wi-Fi and boasts a dual core processor which makes using apps and services from Panasonic’s online portal a super-slick experience; favourites are ready to roll without having to detour directly to net portal.

Philips 55PFL6007 Ambilight

Philips TVs have a (well-deserved) reputation for brain-boiling complexity, but thanks to Ambilight they’re also a lifestyle boon. This 55incher, arguably the prettiest yet from the brand, features wall-colour adaptive two-channel Ambilight LED lighting, and comes with a handy Lounge Light mode to set the Olympic mood.

Of course, it’s also tanked up on tech. There’s a dual-core CPU for seamless internet-streamed catch-up TV, integrated Wi-Fi, plus a powerful 400Hz picture processor designed to deliver squeaky clean fast motion. This set also marks a big change to the user interface of Philips screens. The result looks far nicer to navigate than before.