Sony KDL-46HX853

It’s tricky to make a New TV look good when all anyone wants is less of anything that isn’t screen, but the Sony is a handsome looker. A single sheet of Gorilla Glass covers the entire front panel, and the screen sits on a plinth rather than a stand. It leans back a little, too, which helps avoid reflections. It’s finished to a high standard and seems built to withstand a medium-sized detonation.Its Korean rivals offer voice- and gesture-control, but in every other respect the HX853 is right on the money. It’s got way too many inputs (and will record via one of its USB sockets), an absolute stack of Smart TV functionality (the Sony Entertainment Network includes catch-up TV from the likes of iPlayer and 4OD, the obvious social networking apps and video-on-demand with Lovefilm, Netflix and Sony’s own Video Unlimited) and deals with games consoles better than most.

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Panasonic TX-P42GT60B

That’s a massive shame, because in a lot of ways plasma still has the edge on LCD and LED and some of our favourite tellies of the last few years have boasted plasma tech. But instead of mourning the loss, let’s celebrate its life with one last review of a brilliant plasma - the Panasonic TX-P42GT60B 
We’ll start with a minor quibble: the Panasonic TX-P42GT60B doesn’t look all that special. There’s minimalist, and then there’s plain. It’s certainly slim and thin-bezelled (for a plasma) and the brushed metal stand looks presentable, but it’s a matter of perceived value: look around the market and you’ll see more striking designs. It’s pleasant enough, but it won’t catch your eye from across a crowded showroom.

Samsung PS51F5500

There’s a Freeview HD tuner built in, two pairs of active-shutter 3D glasses thrown in for free, and even a voice-recognising smart remote. If you’re working to a tight budget but still want the most exciting tech 2013 has to offer, the Sammy looks good.Although plain English seemed too much of a language barrier for the smart remote, the rest of this TV’s performance is top notch. There’s stacks of detail on offer, with the TV really coming into its own with high-def TV channels and Blu-ray discs. Natural colours and impressive blacks are also the order of the day. On-demand content from the likes of BBC iPlayer and 4oD doesn’t look too shabby, and even sound quality is weighty and textured – a nice surprise, given the usual sonic constraints of wafer-thin TVs.