I based my comments on my observations of a Viewsonic LED backlit we have at work. It's a small screen but the separate zones are clearly visible when looking at photos. Maybe the newer large screen TVs have smaller zones, but I'd definitely try to see one in a dark room before forking over the cash.

Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011
Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8
Sony PS4, surround backs
-Chris