Did you know CNET reviews TVs by comparing them directly in a side-by-side lineup, after each has been measured and evaluated with specialized equipment and software? Did you know the main instrument used to measure those televisions costs about $28,000? Did you know CNET TV reviews include gaming, 4K high dynamic range performance, gaming, off-angle and bright room evaluations, in addition to testing smart TV features, voice commands and more?
Yes, we're biased, but we consider CNET's TV reviews the best in the business. We've been doing it for more than two decades and we've honed the process to serve the ultimate goal: helping you figure out which TV to buy. We have a proven set of tools and procedures designed to arrive at unbiased results using video-quality evaluation tools, objective testing criteria and trained experts. Here's how we do it.
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Test environment and equipment
The most important piece of test equipment is an experienced eye. Test patterns and the latest gear are no substitute for a knowledgeable evaluator with a background in reviewing similar types of TVs. CNET's TV reviewers, David Katzmaier and Ty Pendlebury, have extensive experience reviewing and calibrating displays.
CNET's main TV lab is a large room where we set up comparison lineups. There are curtains over the windows to block out light -- or admit it for daytime viewing tests -- and a large curtain divides the space from the rest of the lab. Light control is a big deal for TV testing. We perform most measurements in complete darkness, as is the industry standard, to isolate the TV's output from ambient light. The walls are painted dark gray and the floor and ceiling are dark as well, to minimize contamination from light and maximize background contrast.
Curtains allow the lab to achieve perfect darkness and separate TV testing from the rest of CNET's NYC lab. David Katzmaier/CNET
The Konica Minolta CS-2000.
Our primary mechanical test device is a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer (which cost about $28,000 at retail), one of the most-accurate devices of its kind. It measures luminance and color from any type of display, including OLED, LCD and LED-based flat panels.
Here's a list of our other test equipment and hardware:
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