Advice on buying 32" flat-screen TV? (either LCD or plasma)?

Question

Our TV is dying and must be replaced. I'd like to upgrade to a flat-screen, HD model. I need a 32" model.

I want to spend as little as possible (hopefully $500 range) because we already have a nicer and larger TV in another part of the house.

I don't need anything fancy. To be honest, I can't tell much difference in the quality of the high-end vs lower-end models at the store. So, if it looks OK to me, it will be fine.

However, I do want something reliable. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a TV just to have it die 2 years later.

I'm open to buying no-name brands, but only if they are reliable.

Any suggestions? Do I need to buy a big-name brand to ensure reliability? Thanks!

Answer 1

I would go to a big box store like Best Buy and talk to a sales person.  As a second TV I'd recommend a 720p set (not quite as sharp a picture but not that much of a downgrade on a 32" set but somewhat cheaper than the 1080 sets.  At that size I believe you are going to be limited to an LCD.  Good luck

Answer 2

LCD (Liquid Cristal Display) is the new technology, it has a 20 years life expectancy, HD ready, also it looks better, but it is more expensive.

Plasma is an old technology based on using a light reflecting gas, has a lower life expectancy, it has a lower display quality but it is cheaper than LCD.

My personal choice was SONY bravia 46”.

Answer 3

You should be able to get a decent 32" model for a little over $500.  For $500 you're probably stuck with the 3rd tier brands.  The problem is that the picture won't be very good and the TV's won't last as long.

It's better to spend a little more now on a brand like Samsung, Sony, even Toshiba, then spend less on a no-name brand.  They're no names for a reason!

Once you have chosen a TV, check out this site to see if you are getting the best deal.  They will do the work for you and find the best prices, including coupon codes, from reputable retailers.

http://www.shoppingdudes.com

Good luck!

Answer 4

i have found  that  rca is  a low  priced  decent  quality  with  great  longevity.  some  of  the  tvs  in  my  parents  home  are  20+ years  old  and  dial tune and  just  fine. picture  and  sound  like new.

Answer 5

Hi,

I've made a little research about your question and found 5 brands - Vizio, Loewe concept, Sylvania, Niko and Protron. The price of 32" LCD TVs is almost the same - around $500.

They all have almost the same characteristics, but I would buy Vizio, cause my sister bought this LCD TV 2,5 years ago and it is still working pretty good. She highly recommends it.

Go to this link, there are several TVs that fit your budget: http://caseyequip.com/o~c-Flat_Panel_Tel...

Like I said I would go with Vizio, but it is your call.

By the way, it is cheaper to buy online. All my stuff I buy online only :)

Good luck!