1. I focused on the value consumer, so I was looking for high quality performance for the cost, but mostly entry level devices. There is still great value in high end tech, and later I may do a “What Tech To Get” High-end HDTV edition. Those customers tend to just buy the most expensive one in the store anyway.
2. In today’s short post, I address the question “What if I don’t need one quite that big?” There are a few things that change from the previous post, but most of the guidance stays the same. Measure your viewing distance, and stand back that far in the store. Stick with brands known for quality devices, even in the entry level arena. Don’t pay for features you won’t use.
Some things do change, however. In the big screen area, I mainly listed 1080p HDTVs, even though I mentioned that deals can be had with the occasional 720p. That’s because at those big sizes, the difference between 720p and 1080p on Blu Ray players can really be noticed, and the difference between 240Hz refresh and 60Hz refresh is obvious on fast moving sports. On HDTVs 37 inches and below, and especially 32 and below, almost all regular customers will not be able to know the difference, or take advantage of, 1080p vs 720p. Unless you are overly flush with cash, get the 720p in these sizes.
If you are buying for a kitchen or an office, when it comes to the smaller sizes, just make sure it will comfortably fit where you plan to put it when you bring it home. If you are going smaller in a bigger space, like a living or family room, before you buy, get the dimensions of the TV, height and width. Make a paper or cardboard version of the HDTV, and tape it to the wall where you plan on putting it. Now move around the room, or sit down in your seating. The same way you don’t want something too big for a space, per HGTV designers, you also don’t want too small for the space. No matter how small your space, don’t buy under 25” unless you enjoy paying for disappointment.
So, What Mid-size HDTV to Get? Here’s the rundown; remember, most of these come in 32 and 37 inch versions from the manufacturer, so just change the number, but the recommendation is the same. I’ve read all the reviews, so you don’t have to.
- Amazon, from seller Electronics Expo, has the Sony Bravia 32” 720p LCD on sale for $404.00
This is a great deal on a full featured HDTV, with lots of connections, including a PC input to view video from a laptop or netbook. Hulu in the living room, anyone?
- Dell Home Electronics online store has the Vizio 32” 720p LCD V0320E on sale for $349.00
If your budget is stretched to the limit, this could be your best fit. PCworld (they review TVs?) gave it a 7.8 out of 10, and said you can find higher quality, but only by paying more!
- Beach Camera has the JVC 32” 1080p LCD LT32J300 on sale for $399.00
For those who won’t compromise on 1080p at this size, this deal features a tv with a good review from televisioninfo.com, though other reviews weren’t as high.
- Among the land of the super small, Amazon has the Samsung 26” 720p LCD LN26B460 for $329!
Your kitchen or office will love this well reviewed beauty, and your bank account should love this deal.
- Finally, if you MUST have a 37”, not a 32” or a 40”, Best Buy has the LG 37” 720p LCD 37LH20 for $499.
User reviews mention their love for the Menu Navigation and built in features. WTTG cannot help but discourage you from this one by reminding you that $499 was the same price at Target for a Philips 42” 1080p LCD. Who can pass up the extra size and higher resolution for the same $$$? I wouldn’t.
Roy, you are AWESOME. This is such helpful information!
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