I have been looking at flat panels for some time now. Here is the situation. I really can't bring myself to spend much more then $1000 on a set. I believe I want 1080 and a 42" screen. This week I found a 42" Westinghouse (TX-42F430S) for about $1000. When it comes to electronics I do not always need the absolute best but will settle for something adequate. I realize I can get a set with a better contrast ratio and other specs but that will undoubtedly cost me at least $600 more and I am not sure I would even notice. When I went to BB the other day just to take a look the salesman promptly told me the Westinghouse was a basic set and I should look more closely at the Samsungs. The one problem I have with Best Buy is that the demo video is 720 and is being broadcast on every TV. I would prefer to see the TV at its peak performance. I am not big into gaming and will probably just use the set for cable TV and a few movies. My decision to switch to flat panel has just as much to do with me wanting to free up space in the living room (very small) as it does with a desire for better picture quality. With all that being said does anyone have any recommendations or criticism for me??

Rod M.

If you're dead set on LCD then the Westy would be a very good choice for a grand. If you want to spend more that's your choice but for $1K I'd go Westy.

To be honest I am not very dead set on LCD. From what I have read the LCDs operate at a cooler temp and are skinnier. The only type I wont consider is DLP due to space limitations. Probably my biggest question is... will a normal person notice a contrast ratio of 1000:1 versus 8000:1? It seems that all the reviews I have read on most displays are very good even when the specs are fairly different.

Rod m.