2007 Q1: Picking the right LCD TV - MSRP Pricing only please

[Beaverjfw]

I'm in the market for a 42-46" HD Tv and am just waiting of some reno work to be done before I buy it. I already have a Shaw 6416PVR and see that its top output is 1080i. Is ther anything to be gained by buying an HD TV set that can display 1080p. ?

[Nanuuk]

Blue-Ray or HD-DVD, Blue-Ray or X-Box games. It will be a while before networks offer 1080P, but there's a DVD revolution going on.

[Bell Rep]

I am stuck between the

Envision L32W461

AND

ViewSonic N3252W

Which one would you choose and why ? I am on a $700 budget or if there is another set in my price range then let me know and why

[fallak]

Hi am am seriously thinking about buying this monitor the Viewsonic VG2230WM 22" Widescreen LCD LINK to use in my bedroom as a cheap alternative to a smaller LCD HDTV. I can get this monitor for about $350 so the price is right if it works.

Does anyone have any experience using an LCD monitor as an HDTV?

This only has a DVI, VGA and Stereo Mini Jack for audio.

My HD box has DVI out and i will just take the composite audio and use an adapter to convert that to stereo mini.

Does anyone see any problems with this idea? I know i cant control the actual monitor by remote but i can just leave it on stand by and use the HD box remote for power.

YOUR HELP IS APPRECIATED!!!!!!

[99gecko]

Welcome fallak,

Without a tuner it cannot be called an HDTV. However, it will work. Are you planning to use this monitor connected to a computer as well?
If you are planning to use this to watch HD content, you might want to also read the How Large an HDTV to Buy (Revisited) thread to determine if you going to be seated to far from a 22" monitor to actually get the HD detail. If you are beyond 4' to 5' (max) the resolution (detail) will be lost.

Anyway, I have done this twice with a 22" monitor (which I returned for a 20" monitor, which I have not yet tried). My monitor is usually connected via VGA to my computer, but I have taken it outside to watch tv on the deck/porch. In my case my over-the-air digital STB also connects via DVI. I also use an RCA to mini adapter to connect the audio to the monitor. However, if I need volume, I have to bring a set of external computer speakers into the mix as the monitor speakers are only 3W.

Pros:

• Cheaper than a HDTV.
• Lightweight means it is very portable.
• Easily connects if additional speakers are not needed.
• You can utilize the VGA input to use as a secondary monitor for a laptop (if you have one), for viewing internet media/dvd/etc.
• VESA compatable so it can be easily mounted to the wall and therefore doesn't take up space on a dresser/table. However since you will require a "footprint" for the STB, this might not matter as much.

Cons

• Native resolution is 1680 x 1050, so you should verify if it supports 720p and 1080i inputs over DVI (it may not!!!). This info should be on the Viewsonics website or in the user manual. I found having my STB convert to 720p gave the best results vs. 1080i for my RPTV using the same STB.
• Typically monitor response times, brightness, and contrast ratios are not nearly as good as a true LCD TV. This means that it will be harder to view in sunlit areas etc...
• No remote - you may find that you want to turn off the monitor as a lot of monitors "glow" grey when no signal is detected, and mine actually shows the message; "No Input Detected". It will probably consume a lot less power if it is in [standby mode]/[OFF]. If you have a switched outlet that may help.
• Might need to be connected to a PC to be calibrated.
• Future expansion difficult due to the lack of additional inputs.
• Lack of a NTSC or ATSC tuner, means you are locked into using a stb for source TV programming.
• Speakers are typical PC monitor speakers. Not very powerful and not capable of delivering the robust sound that your STB will be sending to them.

My recommendation is to not go this route, unless you are planning to use it as a computer monitor as well, especially if it is going to be used in a bright area or at a fair distance.

good luck

[happyvdubber]

Afternoon, this is my first post.

My wife and I are currently shopping for a new 40-42" LCD TV. We have ruled out Plasma as our new family room will have definite ambient light issues. We are looking for what might be considered to be an entry level LCD Television, ie. 720p native.

3 days of research has lead me to the following models; please share you opinions and comments.

Samsung LNT4042H
Samsung LNT4053H
LG 42LC7D
Toshiba Regza 42HL67
Sharp LC37D43U (I know 37" but very attractive price)

Any help would be much appreciated.

[thefly]

I'm looking for a new 32" LCD. One of the main requirements is the look of the TV. The room it is going in is very light (ie close to white) and I want something that fits in so the piano blacks are hard to manage. Was looking at the Samsung in white but just realized that now that we are ready to buy they discontinued it. Any suggestions? What I currently have is a 26" Aquos which was silver.

[brar001]

hello i want 2 buy lcd tv and use lcd tv as a monitor ...so i go for which brand and screen size ....i like samsung 3242 lcd is it my choice right or .....
plz expert give their views thanx