Help with HDTV purchase

[DaveWadding]

I have decided to finally replace the 19" tube TV that I've had in the computer room for years and have decided to get something nice.

IT needs to be at least 32"...I might be able to go 37" but no bigger than that (not exactly a huge room). My viewing distance is 6-8 ft away from the TV. I've come to the the understanding that I probably wont need a 1080p set.

This TV will mostly be used for HD cable (I have Cox, if that's important) and video games right now, but likely will be for Blu-Ray and possibly as a computer monitor down the line, so I'd prefer that it have a bunch of HDMI ports (I'd say 3 minimum).

If at all possible, I'd like to stay in the $500ish range.


Thanks in advance for your help!

[Sdallnct]

Well if you plan to use as a computer monitor than you may want 1080p.

If not than I'd look at the 42" Panny Plasma 720p. Great value. But again if your planning to use as a computer monitor you might want 1080p.

Samsung and Sony are generally the LCD's of choice. There are some Visio fans that feel they lose very little by the savings in money.

[mzupeman2]

Well, I'll say buy the largest screen you can fit in the space provided. General rule of thumb is that whatever you buy, it's going to appear to 'shrink' to your eyes over time. But, if the 19" TV was good enough for you, then the 37" is going to be a nice step up for you.

[Sdallnct]

Well I took it that he wanted that size due to room size, not due to cabinet size. But I could be wrong. But sitting 6-8 feet away is enough distance for a nice 42" set. Heck, I'd look at 46" or even 50". But those might get out of the posted budget....

[DaveWadding]

The wall the TV is going on is only 50" across. and the way the TV has to be centered, there's just no way I can do anything bigger than 37".

[DaveWadding]

I've had my heart set on the SAmsung LN32B360 (http://www.walmart.com/Samsung-32-720p-LCD-HDTV/ip/10980684) for a while. Seems like a great TV for $440

But, I saw this Insignia set in the BB ad this week (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9144366&type=product&id=1218035841426)...I'm crazy to consider it, right?

[DRG]

I've had my heart set on the SAmsung LN32B360 (http://www.walmart.com/Samsung-32-720p-LCD-HDTV/ip/10980684) for a while. Seems like a great TV for $440

Be careful with that.... you said you wanted a bunch of HDMI ports but there seems to be inconsistency with how many that unit has. The WalMart description says three, but Samsungs' official specs for that model number (http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-video/televisions/lcd-tv/LN32B360C5DXZX/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail) and Amazon's page for it only list it as having two HDMI hookups.

[dick_grayson]

I'd consider this one:

Panasonic VIERA 32" TCL32X1 720p LCD TV w/iPod dock
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&sku=A2594936

$380 + Free Shipping + Tax.

or a bit less with bing cashback.

[DaveWadding]

Be careful with that.... you said you wanted a bunch of HDMI ports but there seems to be inconsistency with how many that unit has. The WalMart description says three, but Samsungs' official specs for that model number (http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-video/televisions/lcd-tv/LN32B360C5DXZX/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail) and Amazon's page for it only list it as having two HDMI hookups.

yeah, to me that was the problem with that one. Not enough ports for my liking.

[Brian Shannon]

I've had my heart set on the Samsung LN32B360 . . . Seems like a great TV for $440



This is a great set, I just got one for my bedroom and I am very happy with it, running Direct TV hd through it.

yeah, to me that was the problem with that one. Not enough ports for my liking.

You can always get an HDMI switch or a receiver that will switch for you if you like the tv.

[DaveWadding]

I'm just kind of watching deals at this point. I might end up with a 42" instead of 32 or 37 because that's where the deals seem to be this year.

[DaveWadding]

Real question: if you guys had the choice: which one these would you choose:

42" Panny plasma (X1 series) (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A2482933&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063) - $529 + $40 tax + no shipping from Dell

42" LG plasma (42PQ30) + Blu-Ray player (Panny DMP-BD60K) + cables (http://www.buydig.com/Shop/product.aspx?sku=E5LG42PQ30) - $619 + no tax or shipping from buydig.com


?

[Spiky]

Probably the Panasonic. And pick up the BDp for $130, as well. Sometimes paying a bit more is worthwhile.