Help! first time HDTV buyer?

Question

I really need a new tv. my screen no longer has color and the speakers crackle. So i've decided to used my stimulus check to purchase one of the HDTVs.. I will have the $600 plus around $200 extra to spend on one and that will be my limit. I kind of want a 32" that supports up to 1080p or 1080i but 720 will work too. Will $800 be enough for a good quality brand? Like i said this is my first time to even think about buying one so i have no clue. if you have a 32" let me know the brand, price, and tell me how you like it. Thanks

Answer 1

You can definitely get a good 32" for around $800.  Try to maybe save up a little bit more for tax, but you should be able to swing it without much trouble nowadays.

Samsung and Sony are probably your best brands in LCD.  I wouldn't put too much stock in a 1080p TV because you're only going 32" and there won't be an largely apparent difference in detail at that size.  This is especially true if the TV has low contrast and doesn't do a nice dark black.  A good tv with dark blacks can be better and add more sharpness than the extra resolution in a brand that isn't as good.

Most of the sets you'll be looking at will be 720p.  1080i has actually pretty much been phased out at this point because even though 720 seems like the lower number, you actually get more lines of resolution at all times because of how the picture is drawn.

Sony's KDL32L4000 is pretty decent and can be had for around 700 on sale, and Samsung's LN32A450 will run you about 800 if you catch it on sale.  I have last year's version of that Samsung (the 3235h) and I love it.  Great set.

Answer 2

This is a combination of technical and finance decisions.

I'd advise you to look over the Consumer Reports magazine from a few months ago. Most libraries have these available ,and their ratings are unbiased. I used my copy to make my purchase choice, and am glad I did.