I would go for a Panasonic 100 times out of 100 vs an RCA product, regardless of LED or LCD.

 

As far as LCD, LED, 1080 vs 4k... balance your budget with what you see in the showroom and read from reviews (CNET, etc.)

 

One thing I would certainly go for is SmartTV.  All new TVs should have it.  I would avoid those that do not or spend the little extra for the comparable model that does have it, as even the cheapest TVs have that technology now.

 

I would stick to solid, leading current brand names like Samsung and Panasonic.  I have a Visio as well, but not my primary living room unit that's very good.  However, my mother has a cheap Visio that I'm not as nearly impressed with.

 

I would certainly avoid off brands and old brands that have gone downhill like RCA and Zenith.  They may do fine for a guest bed, etc... but not something I would rely on for my workhorse/living room TV etc.  I would stay away from any brand's cheapest entry model, though, good or bad brand.

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