[Guy222]

A family member is considering purchasing a new 32" T.V. This family member was told by a friend that it was necessary to buy a 1080p-capable T.V., as anything else would not be able to display HD, or would not be compatible with the new channels, or something to that effect.


Making 1080p a requirement has made it more difficult to find an affordable 32" LCD T.V., whereas there are a number of affordably-priced 720P 32" LCD T.V.s. So I have a few questions, and they are the following:


1. Is it absolutely necessary to buy 1080p in order to be compatible with all the latest technology, including Blu-Ray, HDTV, and video game consoles?


2. Will a casual user notice the difference between 720P and 1080P on a 32" T.V.?


I also reviewed threads about 32" T.V.s, but they are mostly from mid-2008.


I saw that the Panasonic was rated highest (LX700 and 32LX70), followed by the Sharp Aquos series, then the Sony 32 XBR (including a lower-priced rebranding of the XBR6), and then the Samsung A450, and finally the Visio, if you tweak it.


I would just like to ask, in January-February 2009, in Canada, which appear to be the best offers in a decent HD 32" LCD?


Dealers appear to be still unloading lower-quality T.V.s, like the LG 32LG70. At what time of year do the price drops occur for higher-end T.V.s?


We are looking for a solid T.V. that performs as advertised, we don't need high-end, but just something with decent PQ and HD that works.

 

[mes444]

720p is fine for a 32" tv. Blu ray and game systems can send a 1080p signal (or can be set to 720p as well), and HD cable boxes can send a 1080i signal (or 720p), and a 720p tv will just downconvert the signal and display a perfect HD picture no matter what signal you send. So don't worry about that.


At this time Samsung is #1 in LCD, and Sony is #2. I'd stick with those two brands for best quality. The 2009 models will be released in a few months, around April. Usually, the older models are discounted when the new ones are released. But as makers are cutting back production these days, waiting too long may result in the more popular models not being available closer to April. If you find a good deal you should buy when you do, so you can get the model you like best.


Check out the Samsung 32A450, very good tv for a good price, 720P.

 

[Guy222]

That is a good recommendation, thanks. But I just found out something.


I have read about the Sony KDL32VL140 on this forum, it is the repackaged XBR6 selling for half price now in Canada.


The Sony KDL32VL140 fits my specifications.


Is there any reason not to buy the Sony KDL32VL140 (at half the price of an XBR 6 right now) over a Samsung 720P 32" T.V. that costs a few dollars less?


Also, I notice that the refresh rate of the KDL32VL140 is 60hz versus 120 hz for the XBR6. Could someone please tell me what that difference means?

 

[MechanicalMan]

1. No.

2. It really depends on viewing distance. Determine how far you will be sitting from the TV and how much money you want to spend, then you can decide what to buy. Based on what you've already said, I think you should probably be looking at 720p TVs.


You already missed the price drop on the 32LZ800, at least for now. It was down to $660 from a couple places, but now Amazon is sold out and the price is back up. New models will be coming out relatively soon, so some 2008 models are already discontinued and are becoming harder to find.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mes444 /forum/post/15541779


At this time Samsung is #1 in LCD, and Sony is #2. I'd stick with those two brands for best quality.

Panasonic makes great (small) LCDs. The 32LX85 was rated #2 by CNET, and the 26LX85 was rated #1 by Consumer Reports. The LZ800s are also very good and highly rated TVs.