Televisions

While our American friends have had 'Roku TVs' for half a decade now, the Hisense R50B7120 marks the first time the renowned smart platform has shipped built into a UK set. I can't say for sure why it's taken so long for a Roku-powered flatscreen to rock up here. What I can say, though, is that many households should be very happy to see it.

The entry-level Smart 3DTV sector is shaping up to be the hottest battleground for mass-market TVs. This year we’re seeing a wave of well-tooled tellies that appear to give away nothing to their more expensive brethren. You, dear buyer, are getting more tech than ever for your money. Typical of this value charge is the 42LA690V from LG. £900 (or less) will get you a 42-incher with high-quality Smart functionality and 3D-vision.

You would be forgiven for being seduced by the 47LM670’s delightful floating ribbon stand and gorgeous slip of a bezel that virtually disappears when the screen is switched on. But at the same time you may be wondering if the 47LM670 is all fur coat and no knickers. After all, its picture processing is perfunctory and the screen uses Passive 3D technology. Sometimes, though, it pays to keep things simple, and whilst the 47LM670 is not an unqualified triumph it does succeed in delivering better than expected results.

Proof of just how seriously LG is still taking plasma is abundantly clear in the brand’s latest flagship TV, the 50PK990. Thanks to its slim frame, single-layer finish and novel colour scheme, which subtly infuses a touch of blue into the stand and bezel, it certainly cuts a dash.

LG is telling anyone who cares to listen that it’s ‘Sky’s brand of choice’ for 3D tellies, and it’s been uniquely prolific about offering 3D models in every type of TV technology. So far we’ve had direct and edge LED, CCFL LCD and even a Passive 3D LCD model to go with the more popular Active ones.