The Westinghouse TX-47F450S is a 2008 refresh model, featuring a few small but significant technology updates from the 2007 model it’s replacing, the TX-47F430S. Due for a spring release, it’s a 47-inch 1080p HDTV LCD that will most likely end up as Westinghouse’s bestseller for 2008.

The biggest update to the television is its 120-hz display, the first Westinghouse TV to have the technology. A 120-hz display prevents motion blur in scenes with fast motion. The television also gets an upgrade to a 6.5 ms response time, an upgrade from 8.0 ms of last year’s model, the TX-47F430S. A faster response time is good for gamers and action movie buffs, as a faster render improves the image quality of fast moving scenes. The response time combined with the 120-hz display will allow this television to handle almost any kind of action or sports content you throw at it.

The appearance of the HDTV did not receive a noticeable update from last year’s model. The TX-47F430S is not available for review yet; however, to get an idea how well this television will perform, check out CNET’s HDTV guru David Katzmaier’s review of 2007′s Westinghouse TX-47F430S. The 2008 version’s basic display technology remains the same. Most notably, the dynamic contrast ratio stays at 5,000:1. Expect average black levels but good color production.

The Westinghouse and Vizio line of bargain LCDs are generally thought of as solid bargain buys. I own last year’s Vizio 47-inch 1080p LCD and am very happy with the quality. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the TX-47F450S is $1,599. Because this year’s set is so similar to the 2007 model, it may be worth looking at the 2007 if you can get a substantial enough discount.

Other specifications of the 2008 Westinghouse TX-47F450S:

4 HDMI inputs. Built-in HDTV tuner. 5,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.