Mitsubishi LT-3050

Mitsubishi's LT-3050 captured first place in our April 2005 wide-screen LCD TV roundup on the strength of superior image-quality scores and a solid set of features: If price is no object, this set--the most expensive one we looked at--is the way to go.

A few of the LCD TVs in our roundup did a good job of rendering programs shot in broad daylight but struggled with shaded or dimly lit scenes; the Mitsubishi, however, excelled in displaying all types of lighting.

Though it lacks preset picture modes (such as movie, sports, and video game) the LT-3050 provides individual settings for both primary (red, green, and blue) and secondary (yellow, magenta, and cyan) colors, permitting precise calibration. Like most of the other models we saw, the LT-3050 remembers color and other image settings for each input type--digital, component video, and so on. You also get six picture format sizes: standard, expand, zoom, stretch, narrow, and wide.

This 30-inch set is the only model here with a height-adjustable stand (you can raise or lower it by up to 2 inches) and the only one with a small subwoofer integrated with a stereo sound system that has 13 watts total--fine for a small space, but in a larger area we'd prefer more power. On-screen menus and universal remote functions are relatively simple to use, and the comprehensive manual includes an index and a troubleshooting section.

Upshot: Excellent adjustability and top-notch picture quality put the LT-3050 at the top of its class.

Richard Jantz