I need help choosing a television...

[Sh4d0wD3v1L]

FFR, I need your help on this one...

I've been in the market for an HDTV for about 4 months, and haven't been able to pinpoint exactly one I like. After a lot of searching, I've found 3 that fit my budget and "requirements". Problem is, I don't know which one would be the best choice.

I'm looking for basically any HDTV 32"-42" for my dorm room/apartment living room/basement living room. Sound is not an issue. As long as the TV has a stereo out, I have speakers. Price range is no higher than $800.

Here are the 3 that I found, side by side, in a cnet comparison chart...

http://reviews.cnet.com/4504-4_7-0.html?id=32815310&id=32815313&id=32815317&&tag=boxcoco

The 32a450 is last year's model. I haven't found anything wrong with it except for the fact that the 32a550 is 1080p. I only care about that because my computer runs in that resolution, and it'd be nice to have my computer run on my TV without my desktop getting messed up every time. Both are LCDs. I have no clue which would be a better buy.

The pn42a450 is a plasma TV that KMart is putting in their "black friday" sales list. It'll be cheaper than the 32a550 (my primary option right now), and 10" bigger. But it's a plasma, and only 720p, which (as far as I know) at 42" is underachieving.

So, should I get one of these 3? Or does someone have a better suggestion?

[Nightfirecat]

Re: I need help choosing a television...

I'd suggest go for the LCD smaller one if you don't mind doing some work to get the resolution set up... It depends if you want maximum resolution. IMO, it won't make much of a difference if you just want it for large screen, but if you really want the large resolution, go for the high-res one. I'd stay away from plasmas, just because they have a short life expectancy, and they're expensive. It's nice that it's 42", but at 720p, it's probably a better deal to get the LCD.

Hope this helps your decision.

[Sh4d0wD3v1L]

Re: I need help choosing a television...

I was kind of thinking the same thing. With the deal, the 42" will be $30 less than the high res 32".

[Afrombean]

Re: I need help choosing a television...

Actually, 720p at 42 inches isn't too bad. The quality is still great (think: 480i), and frankly, the visible difference between 720 and 1080 isn't so great to begin with.

I'd go for the 32 inches 1080p, but that's just me. Size isn't everything, especially if you want to use the screen with your computer too. And just think, 32 inches is pretty big too. Most people have a... what... like 20 inch SDTV in their bedroom, right?

[Sh4d0wD3v1L]

Re: I need help choosing a television...

I thought that 42" was a bit big for a dorm anyways. My grandpa has the 32a450 in his living room of his apartment, and it's more than enough for the room, and it's twice the size of my dorm.

Is $725 for the 32" 1080p one a good price? Or should I wait for a drop?