LED tv

As compared to? In general, the only advantage LCDs have is that they work relatively well in bright rooms. For any other important aspect of a display, they are beaten by some other kind of technology. --Andre edit: oops, I read "LED" as "LCD". Go with what Brian said.

From what I understand they have the main advantages of LCDs (work better in bright rooms, less power consumption) but have better black level performance, a major weakness of LCDs.

Most (all?) of the LED TVs on the market aren't 100% LED, its just the outer ring. It will be a fantastic technology once it becomes more economically viable.

The really thin sets are edge-lit, meaning the LEDs are on the side, instead of behind the screen. You get a thin profile, but non-uniform brightness across the screen. Backlit LED sets have more uniform lighting, and can do local dimming to get better black levels, but are thicker.

--Andre

Some people will pay lots of $$$ for thinner sets, picture quality be damned. I would judge for yourself, but it's usually apparent only on scenes with a black or white swath of color that goes from edge-to-edge.

--Andre

C.

C unless you really want the best in PQ and don't care so much about how thin the set is.

I believe Sony has discontinued their local dimming set the XBR8. It's a great set and if you really want the best LCD for PQ you may still be able to find a few around in stores (this is why you shouldn't wait if this is what you want). They discontinued them because they were a bit costly to produce for them. There is no official news of a model coming out to replace it, so it may be the last of a dying breed.

I have a 55" XBR8 and I am really happy with it.

If he really wanted the best in PQ he would get a plasma.

+1

--Andre